Chapter 2: "The Terrorism Threat"

When Akihiko departed the meeting spot, his brain was flitting around with the fresh knowledge he had just received. The terrorists, known as the Black Vipers, have been organising a massive attack, and it was up to him to stop them.

He kept his eyes alert as he went through the packed streets, attempting to see any unusual behaviour. Yet it was impossible to differentiate the innocent bystanders from the prospective dangers.

Suddenly, his phone beeped with a fresh message. That was from his contact on the inside.

"I have some fresh information for you," the message stated. "The Black Vipers have received a new weapon. We don't know what it is yet, but it's said to be incredibly deadly."

Akihiko's heart fell. He had fought lethal weaponry before, but he had never encountered anything like this.

He hurriedly made his way back to his safe place, his head humming with options. How could he stop the Black Vipers from deploying this weapon? And what may it be?

When he sat down at his computer, he realised that he needed additional information. He wanted to know what the Black Vipers were preparing and when they were planned to start their assault.

He phoned his contact again and planned to meet him in a discreet spot.

"Give me all you know," Akihiko ordered as soon as they met.

"They're getting ready to conduct the assault later this evening," his contact said. "And from what I've heard, the weapon they have is beyond anything anybody has ever seen."

Akihiko's thoughts raced. He understood that he had to act immediately if he wanted to stop the Black Vipers from releasing this weapon.

Yet as he made his way back to his safe home, he couldn't escape the sensation that something wasn't right. There was a niggling sensation of dread that he couldn't quite put his finger on.

That's when he got a call from such an unexpected source. It was a woman's voice, and she sounds frantic.

"Please, you have to assist me," she cried. "I'm imprisoned here, and I can't get out. They're going to use me for their plan, and I don't know what to do."

Akihiko's heart fell. He didn't know who this lady was, but he knew that he couldn't abandon her to the mercy of the Black Vipers.

"Stay where you are," he commanded. "I'm coming to grab you."

But as he finished answering the phone, he realised he had no clue where the lady was or how he wouldhe had no clue where the lady was or how he was going to locate her. Nevertheless, with the Black Vipers' terrible scheme looming over him, the clock was getting short.