Cyberknight: One Path

⁕ Sea of Broken Shards (part 5)

After Kadyn's self-exile, McCree blamed himself for his failure. From the first night, he wanted to leave the farm and go find her to tell her it was not her fault. Yet, he couldn't because he felt a duty toward his parents and the farm, which was their only source of income. Yet, reality had proven to him that he wasn't a farmer, but a fighter. Only through the path of battle could he hope to save his parents and Kadyn.

With all these thoughts in mind, McCree spun his gun's chamber and landed on the 3rd cylinder. As he looked up, the convoy he was a part of was already rolling past the edge of the city, carrying narcotics and goods. The morning sun shone slightly above the side of the vehicle where he sat. All was quiet until they reached the field of depots where the transaction was to take place. As McCree surveilled his surroundings, he noticed the lack of armed guards for the convoy, probably as a result of overconfidence in his presence.

Jumping out of his vehicle, McCree could feel his hand trembling nervously as it hovered above his holster. Yet, with a steady breath, he gripped his gun handle and stabilized his shaking fingers. As the men entered the depot, Ivanovich's spokesman shook hands with the client in question. However, even at first glance, McCree felt that something was wrong.

[Client] - "Ah, look who decided to finally come out of hiding to continue the deals we used to have. "

Said the client in a friendly tone.

[Spokesman] - "We had faced a bit of difficulty with our rivals, but I believe we should be able to resume operations soon. "

Said the man with a nervous chuckle.

[Client] - "That's some good news. See, without you guys, our supply has been running quite dry for the past few weeks. "

[Spokesman] - "Well, I hope the pause in supply didn't affect your side too much. "

[Client] - "Haha... how about I see the product first before we continue the talk? "

[Spokesman] - "Well, what's the rush? We were having a great conversation just now. "

Said the man as he grew suspicious.

[Client] - "I'm a businessman and I don't waste my time if the product is not up to standard. "

Said the client with an aggressive voice.

With a wave of his hand, Ivanovich's men backed one of the trucks into the building before yanking its back doors open. Before McCree and the rest of the delegation, a mountain of packed-up cocaine and other narcotics collapsed out of the truck.

[Spokesman] - "So? Satisfied? "

[Client] - "Very much! However, about the price of the deal, I'd suggest a few modifications. "

Said the client before lighting a cigarette.

[Spokesman] - "The prices are non-negotiable. "

[Client] - "How about free? "

Said the client as he suddenly pulled a gun on the spokesman.

As the spokesman recoiled in shock, the client smiled confidently even as a row of guns suddenly had their sights on his body.

[Client] - "Your lack of initiative in this city has forced us to seek a more competitive supplier such as Seratov. I thank you for this free shipment of goods. "

Said the client before coldly pulling the trigger on the spokesman, killing him instantly.

Suddenly, a figure stepped out of the darkness before the shine of the cyberknight symbols all over her armour under the light.

[Danica] - "Guilt Extension: Forgeworld's Hunger! "

Screamed the cyberknight at the exact moment every man fired upon the client.

However, recognizing her voice, McCree felt a moment of hesitation as fear shot through his spine. Yet, that hesitation was what ultimately saved his life. Having all pulled the trigger, the men around McCree suddenly screamed in agony as their flesh began to boil under an intense heat. Seeing this, McCree quickly refrained from shooting by dropping his pistol on the ground.

It was one thing seeing this horror show on camera, but to see it with your own eyes and to hear it with your own ears is a totally different experience. As a few seconds passed, the men around McCree collapsed onto the ground, seemingly afflicted by second to third-degree burns all over their bodies. However, another crucial detail was revealed with McCree's proximity to the scene. Earlier, the bullets somehow exited the barrels of the guns wielded by the men before suddenly coming to a stop mid-air and falling to the ground.

It was a hint, but it did not tell him the full story of what his opponent is capable of. However, he was trapped either way. He certainly doesn't want to test what will happen if he picks up his gun and fires. Yet, he is deep in enemy territory without a way to defend himself. This is where he will have to make a stand.

To be continued...