Neurolink System in the Modern World - C.111: Under Wraps

KANON POV

"Let me in!" I yelled, frustrated as I attempted to gain access inside. However, the Korean Special Force personnel were adamant in preventing me from entering.

The entire area was closed off by them, and even someone with police authority like me couldn't enter without permission. I attempted to call the chief to secure access, but that old geezer didn't even answer my call .

"I'm a detective of the National Police Agency," I insisted, showing them my badge and ID, but it seemed utterly useless in the face of their rules to keep me out.

I came here because something massive was unfolding, and it seemed the government was trying to keep it under wraps. Whatever it was, my curiosity burned even stronger. This was no ordinary isolation; there was a hidden story here, and I was determined to uncover it.

"Ms. Kanon, what are you doing here?"

I was startled by a male voice calling out to me.

When I turned around, I saw a tall man, standing at around 6'2". He had dark skin and a buzz cut. It was clear that he was of mixed Korean and African American heritage, as his small eyes hinted at his Korean ancestry despite his darker complexion.

"Michael!" I exclaimed, immediately recognizing him as an officer from the NIS (National Intelligence Service) I had collaborated with before.

"You're working here?" I asked quickly, hoping that this might be my ticket to gain entry.

I didn't mind having to act friendly and feminine if it meant gaining access inside.

"Yeah," he replied, his expression slightly awkward. I remembered that he had tried to court me in the past, but I had turned him down. Thankfully, he had been a good sport about it and hadn't taken it to heart.

"Yeah , but why do you want to enter ?" he asked.

I paused for a moment, contemplating whether it was okay to divulge my pursuit of the Whisperer to him. However, after some consideration, I decided it might be better to share, as he could have access to information known only to NIS agents.

"I'm following a case," I confided, leaning in closer to him. "It's about a person called the 'Whisperer.' "

His expression soured upon hearing the word "Whisper," and he began to look increasingly worried

"This isn't the right place to discuss this. Come with me," he urged, gesturing for me to follow him inside.

My mind raced with curiosity as I followed him. I couldn't shake the feeling that he possessed important files about my suspect information that could potentially unravel the mystery I had been chasing.

As we walked deeper into the barricade, my mind buzzed with questions. What did Michael know about the Whisperer? How had he come across this information? And why was he warning me to stop pursuing this case?

However, amidst my curiosity, someone caught my attention. A tall, handsome man wearing a simple white T-shirt passed by us . He looked ordinary at first glance, but as he drew nearer, something inexplicable happened.

I halted in my tracks and couldn't tear my eyes away from him. It was as though time itself had slowed down. My heart began to beat uncontrollably, and a sense of longing washed over me like a tidal wave. I didn't understand why, but in that moment, I felt a deep and inexplicable connection to this stranger.

"Kanon, are you okay?" Michael's concerned voice pulled me back to reality, but my gaze remained locked onto the man who had just passed us.

"Kanon?" he called out to me again, concern etched on his face.

"I'm sorry," I replied, finally tearing my gaze away from the mysterious man. "It's nothing. I thought I saw someone I know, but it must have been a mistake."

—

"Achoo! Did someone remember me?"

I cleaned my nose with my hand. I don't have a handkerchief right now, so I don't have the luxury of hygiene. Well, it's not like I'm a hygienic person to begin with.

After walking for a couple of minutes, I took a moment to catch my breath. I realized I had distanced myself quite a bit from the barricade, and when I checked my phone, it was already 7:00 pm.

The entire experience of waiting in line had taken up a significant chunk of my evening, but I was glad that I had managed to get away without any violent confrontations.

My heart was still pounding, and I felt uneasy after those tense moments. It was clear I needed to go home and rest. Sometimes, being alone and having time to think helps after strange encounters like this.

As I made my way through the city streets, the night had already begun to cast its enchanting spell. The city, usually bustling with life and illuminated by a vibrant colors of lights, had transformed into a nocturnal wonderland.

The streetlights painted the sidewalks with a soft, amber glow, creating pools of warm radiance that stretched out in all directions. Neon signs of businesses and restaurants blinked in colorful rhythms, competing for attention against the darkness.

But, despite the alluring beauty of the night, I didn't have the luxury to stop and savor it. My hurried pace and racing thoughts kept me focused on my destination: Home.

I decided to call a taxi to make my trip home more comfortable and less hurried. I stood by the road, and when I saw a familiar cab approaching, I waved it down.

I got into the backseat of the taxi and settled in. The seat felt soft and comfy beneath me. The car had a pleasant smell from its air freshener mixed with a hint of leather, which helped me relax after the tense situation I had just been in.

"Take me to this address,"

I let out a sigh of relief and closed my eyes after telling the driver my home address. The car's engine had a gentle hum, and the muted sounds of the city outside wrapped around me. Inside the taxi, there were soft lights that made me feel safe and cozy. I leaned back and allowed my tired body to sink into the comfortable seat.

"We meet again,"

I opened my eyes, surprised to hear the driver speaking to me.