Basement Situation Room in the West Wing of the White House, Washington, DC, USA.
Robert, who is in charge of the operation, looked at the CNN news video that floated on one side of the screen.
It was because a very familiar face floated in a small square in the corner.
That’s Giandro Basicanal.
As one of Pikal’s men who was captured in an operation organized by Robert, he knew he would be in the news today.
It was because it was prepared from the beginning.
In order to give Pikal a psychological blow and at the same time quietly finish the Chinese invasion as a shield.
However, Robert was looking at the picture on the screen with a puzzled look.
‘It was obviously sick… … .’
I wasn’t referring to a physical handicap without limbs.
That’s because Kangtae blew it up a long time ago.
It was the judgment of Giandro’s face, which appeared in the picture, with a slightly sullen face.
It looks like there is no problem.
However, the Giandro that Robert knew had nothing left after suffering for a long time in various facilities overseas and prisons in Syria.
It wasn’t just the mind either.
So was the body.
His wrists and ankles, which had been amputated and sutured earlier, became inflamed and had to be re-surgery several times.
Of course, he shouldn’t die easily, so I literally made sure he could just breathe and live.
At this, Robert, who was looking at the picture, shook his head.
‘… Well done.’
The US government broke him, so maybe they can make it look good.
Robert, who judged lightly, confirmed the news that followed.
A press release was coming out.
The various illegal acts and terrorism committed by Giandro, and even the damage caused by it.
In addition, the announcement of the Deputy Minister of Justice came out.
Robert, who knew only the outline of the situation, listened closely to the detailed briefing that followed.
“This… … .”
His mouth was swollen.
It was because the words of the Assistant Secretary of Justice sounded like a warning to Pikal.
– … We are currently investigating by obtaining clues about the accomplice and the person behind it, and as long as they are alive, we will chase them anywhere, visit them anytime, and catch them.
He didn’t mention who he was referring to, but it was clear that Pikal was the only person the assistant secretary could point out strongly.
Subsequently, the word used to refer to it changed, and the assistant secretary’s voice became more powerful.
– You can never escape our pursuit. Don’t think you can get away with it. The day you will be released from us is when you are sentenced by a judge and put in prison or stand before the judgment seat of the Lord as a corrupt soul.
A small smile crept across Robert’s lips before he knew it.
I really liked the strong warning towards Pikal, and it was because it was a psychological blow.
‘Die or be captured… Very nice.’
If you were watching it in Russia, you would probably be quite resentful.
Even if it wasn’t for that, the subordinates under his command, various brokers, terrorists, and related people related to Giandro would not be all right.
There will be a reaction in Russia too.
Even if that wasn’t the case, I couldn’t see this briefing as a failure.
As much as I warned, there is a possibility that those frightened will give out information or cooperate.
After all, the main purpose was there.
Get information right away.
It was because he hadn’t gained much from torturing Giandr.
In the middle, Giandro demanded that Kang-tae be brought back, because nothing was obtained.
Of course, Giandro’s condition worsened and he couldn’t go, but even if Kang-tae went in front of him, it didn’t seem like he would get anything.
Because I was a human who was tightly blocked by twisted beliefs in the first place.
So the information obtained was insignificant. Among them, there was no information about Pikal, who was considered behind it.
There were some meaningful things, such as the place of residence used and the route, but not much was gained compared to the time and effort invested.
Robert’s expression darkened.
‘… You’re like a crazy bastard, you don’t even know who the boss is and follow him?’
Giandro did not know anything about Pikal’s real name or origin, but he followed his convictions and longed for his ability to carry them out.
Just like being a soldier loyal to a real king.
It seemed like a scam.
After approaching with a trustworthy appearance and voice, it was a typical scammer to show off his wealth and ability, create a bond with the victim, and manipulate him.
However, the results of such an analysis were not published in the report.
There has never been a scammer who has committed a lot of terrorism, plotted war against China and Russia, and put a billion dollar bounty on US special agents.
He was a monster like a human who is not in history.
To Robert, Pikal was an incomprehensible being.
By the time I finish that short thought.
“About 80 of Pikal’s presumed enlisted men boarded the vehicle.”
“How is it going?”
“As a result of putting together the current information… Expected towards the border.”
“Is it near the exit route?”
“Can’t confirm because nothing is mentioned.”
“… … .”
Robert’s brow wrinkled.
Another variable arose.
To put it bluntly, the Russians were all within the expected radius, but Pikal’s men were not.
From the siege we built at the beginning to the movement of the vehicles we now show.
“What about the Russian army?”
“There is a signal that reinforcements are being sent, but there is no specific movement.”
“Check signal additions, forward to analysis team.”
“All right.”
Robert, who confirmed the situation and gave instructions, let out a shallow breath.
It was a situation where an exit route and an assembly point were different from the already prepared plan, so it was to pay special attention.
If you make a mistake, the operation may be disrupted.
It wasn’t all bad though.
Several plans were prepared, several of which were in progress.
It was highly probable that the delay in Russian military aid was not simply because it was erratic.
Various factors, both internal and external, must have been at work.
Now, only Kangtae needs to move.
As soon as he reached the rendezvous point, a helicopter would be sent in to pick him up.
In addition, as they crossed the border without authorization, they had prepared excuses for the Russian military and the media in advance.
Route error due to mechanical failure.
And the helicopters would return long enough before fighter jets arrived to respond to the airspace breach.
So, only Kang Tae had to come.
Since the United States is supporting him through various channels, it was enough for him to arrive safely.
Around the time when I was so nervous and watching the situation.
Kang Tae’s radio has arrived.
– This is Alpha, and the night vision goggles are removed to secure sight.
Robert reflexively looked at his watch.
Soon it would be sunrise time, and when the sun rose, it would be bright at all.
This made it easier for searchers on the ground to witness movements or find traces.
To put it simply, it means that it is dangerous to Kang-tae.
But there wasn’t much concern on Robert’s face.
“Check how much more you can move forward.”
There was even anticipation in his words.
It was because Kangtae continued to move without a moment’s rest.
approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.
In the meantime, the distance that Kang Tae has moved has far exceeded 100 km.
It was even the result of traveling over rough dirt roads with a small tactical backpack and guns and ammunition.
It fell short of the test results, but it seemed impossible.
No one else could have produced this result.
Even if you go on a regular march for 5 hours and 30 minutes without a break, your legs will be weak.
However, Kang Tae ran the entire time.
Not even slow jogging, but at a fairly fast speed of 18 km per hour.
After a while, Kang Tae answered.
– This is Alpha, I will rest after sunrise.
Robert recalled some numbers.
The remaining 2 hours and 30 minutes until sunrise and the distance that Kang-tae can run during that time is about 45 km.
‘I’m going to move almost 150 km with everything. If you take a rest and sleep… … .’
Then Robert’s gaze reflexively turned to the large map and various symbols displayed on the screen.
To be precise, the front lines of the Russian forces being searched for.
The manpower was increased without realizing it, and the number of nearly 10,000 people was put in, but fortunately, it was not playing its proper role.
He was wandering in an area that Kang-tae had already passed, dozens of kilometers earlier.
But it wasn’t strange.
It was natural to cry out.
A person cannot cover a distance of 100 km in 5 hours and 30 minutes.
It was natural to look back on the old road.
Had he been a Russian officer who did not know Kang Tae, he would have made the same choice.
So it was time to calculate the distance Kangtae would move throughout the day.
Tak tok tok.
The control room door opened and someone ran in, giving the file to a senior CIA officer.
It was when Robert’s gaze naturally turned toward it.
A senior executive who saw the contents opened his mouth.
“Words of Alpha’s bounty spread to all countries bordering Russia.”
* * *
“Whoop, whoop… … .”
He exhaled the exhaled breath through his nose and mouth, followed by a short, large inhalation.
I pulled the plate carrier a bit to make it easier for my chest to go up and down, and I took a deep breath.
It was because my limited physical strength was at its limit.
I was breathing so hard that I thought my lungs were about to explode.
In the first place, although the special physical strength is a great ability, it was not invincible or omnipotent, so it was inevitable.
Above all, my body, such as my feet, legs, and waist, could not keep up with my stamina.
After all, my body is nothing special.
When I ran too much, my feet burned hot, my calves swollen, and I lacked enough strength to lift my thighs.
That’s why I ran every day even with the characteristic of super stamina.
I did exercise like gym for the same reason.
The reason was clear.
To overcome the same moment right now.
‘Let’s go, f*ck… … !’
As I swallowed the curse, I put a hot and heavy foot on my feet.
gradually increased the speed.
The soles of the feet, ankles, calves, knees, and thighs were all in extreme conditions, but they could not rest.
I had to move.
It was because it was advantageous to widen the distance in the early stages of the enemy’s pursuit.
You wouldn’t even think I’d come this far.
By any chance, if Pikal predicted my stamina, I was going to go farther than expected.
That’s why I ran for 5 hours and 30 minutes.
to escape the pursuit.
After taking a deep breath, I picked up my breath and increased my speed.
It ran like long-distance runners and marathon runners.
He breathed and drank like them.
“Whoop, whoop… … !”
It wasn’t just imitation.
It was because I tested it by sprinting or trotting every time I ran, and I liked it best.
If it was faster, it was difficult to run for a long time because of the strain on the legs, and if it was slow, it was impossible to go far.
I want to keep running at full speed, but if I do, my knees will be crushed first and I will collapse.
Because it was difficult to run all the time.
It was time to run, squeezing out all remaining stamina and strength.
“… … !”
Snowflakes landed on my face.
Snow started to fall from the sky I looked up at, and I burst out laughing.
Tracks are a problem, but running will be difficult.
It wasn’t unexpected.
Russia in winter, to be exact, even the amount of snow falling in Moscow had been foreseen.
However, I just didn’t know that it would snow at this timing.
‘Sir, the heat will cool down a bit… … .’
I lowered my gaze again and looked straight ahead.
There was still a long way to go.