Between Shadow and Light
Journalist Samuel Hart was no stranger to challenges. At only 28 years old, he had already made a name for himself by uncovering high-profile corruption cases and political scandals. Yet securing an interview with the Director-General of the National Police had proven to be one of his toughest challenges. For weeks, he had sent formal requests, made calls, and pulled every string he could in the security sector, only to be met with the same response: "Not available at the moment."
Persistence, however, was one of Samuel's strongest traits. After publishing a series of bold articles dissecting the rising tensions between the Kingdom of Macro and Geria, he finally caught the Director's attention. The response came with a set of strict conditions: no cameras, no personal questions, and a one-hour time limit. For Samuel, these terms were a small price to pay for the opportunity to get a firsthand account of the operation that dismantled Geria's spy network—an event that had sent ripples across the international community.
---
The day of the interview arrived. Samuel arrived at police headquarters earlier than scheduled, dressed sharply in a dark suit that reflected his professionalism. At the entrance, security officers meticulously checked his credentials and confiscated his phone and all electronic devices.
"Standard protocol," one of the guards muttered as he gestured for Samuel to proceed.
He was led through a series of sterile hallways, the walls adorned with insignias of the police force and motivational slogans. Finally, he was brought to a modest office where the Director-General awaited him.
The Director was a man in his mid-fifties with sharp eyes and a calm yet commanding demeanor. He stood as Samuel entered, offering a firm handshake.
"Mr. Hart, thank you for coming. I hope this conversation will be productive."
"The pleasure is mine, Director. I'm honored that you granted me this opportunity," Samuel replied, his tone professional yet sincere.
The Director motioned for Samuel to sit across from him, and the interview began. Samuel started with general questions about the challenges of national security and the recent increase in cyber threats. The Director answered each question with precision, maintaining an air of professionalism. However, just as Samuel was about to shift the conversation to the high-profile arrest of Gerian spies, something unexpected happened.
---
Meanwhile, in his villa, Lassen lounged comfortably on a plush sofa, a novel resting on his chest as he lazily flipped through the pages. The serene atmosphere was broken by the familiar, sardonic voice of the system.
[Hôte, I have detected an intriguing development. An investigative journalist, Samuel Hart, has secured an interview with your good friend, the Police Director.]
Lassen smirked, setting his book aside.
"Ah, the persistent journalist. And why, dear system, should I care?"
[He seems determined to uncover how your dear Director managed to acquire such precise intelligence on the Gerian spies. Wouldn't it be... amusing to place him directly in your little game?]
Lassen chuckled, his eyes lighting up with mischief. "You know, you're absolutely right. Let's spice things up a bit."
[And by "spice things up," I assume you mean hack something. Classic.]
"You know me too well. Let's send the Director a little message. Something simple, direct, and very... me."
[Ah, minimal effort as always. What shall I type for you, O Genius of Laziness?]
Lassen stretched, settling into a more comfortable position. "Write this: I've found a way to have some fun. Come with the journalist. Adrian is waiting for you outside. No context. Let's see how they react."
[Message sent. Shall I prepare popcorn for your amusement, or do you prefer something more refined?]
Lassen laughed. "No need. Watching this unfold will be entertainment enough."
---
Back at the police headquarters, the Director's computer screen suddenly flickered before going completely dark. A rudimentary interface appeared, displaying a simple, ominous message:
> I've found a way to have some fun. Come with the journalist. Adrian is waiting for you outside.
The Director sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. Across the desk, Samuel noticed the change in his demeanor and tilted his head in curiosity.
"Is something wrong?" Samuel asked, his voice tinged with concern.
The Director leaned back in his chair, his face a mask of calm. "It seems our conversation is about to take an unexpected turn. Follow me."
Samuel blinked, clearly perplexed but intrigued. He stood and followed the Director through the hallways. His curiosity only deepened when they exited the building to find a sleek black car waiting at the curb. Next to it stood Adrian, a tall and imposing figure in a perfectly tailored suit, his expression unreadable.
Samuel hesitated, his investigative instincts kicking in. "Is that your driver?" he asked, gesturing toward Adrian.
The Director shook his head. "No. He works for someone... higher up. You'll understand soon enough."
Adrian stepped forward, opening the car door without a word. The Director entered first, followed by Samuel, who couldn't shake the feeling that he was stepping into something far bigger than he had anticipated.
---
The car glided through the city streets, leaving behind the bustling center and heading toward a quieter, more affluent neighborhood. Samuel noted the luxury of the vehicle—the leather seats, the soundproof cabin—but his focus remained on the mystery unfolding around him.
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?" he finally asked.
The Director glanced at him but didn't answer directly. "You'll find out soon enough."
The car eventually pulled up to a gated villa surrounded by immaculate gardens. Adrian exited first, opening the door for the Director and Samuel to step out. Samuel gazed at the grand estate, his curiosity now mixed with awe.
"Is this where I'll find my answers?" Samuel muttered to himself.
The Director, already walking toward the entrance, replied over his shoulder. "You're closer than you think."
Adrian led them through the villa's opulent halls to a large office with a heavy wooden door. Pushing it open, he gestured for them to enter.
Inside, Lassen sat comfortably in a leather armchair, a novel in hand. He looked up briefly, offering a faint smile before returning to his book.
"Take a seat," Lassen said casually, his tone calm but authoritative. "I'm sure you have some fascinating questions."
Samuel glanced at the Director, whose expression remained stoic, before cautiously sitting down. He realized that whatever lay ahead would be far more than he had bargained for.