chapter one

The moon hung high in the sky as Ethan drove the sleek, high-tech sports car, codenamed Max. The car's metallic blue paint shimmered under the moonlight, its two-seater design streamlined and aerodynamic. The interior was equipped with advanced AI technology, glowing softly with ambient lighting.

Ethan's communication device buzzed with an update from General Caldwell and the technical team back at base. The screens in the car displayed live feeds and security camera footage. The general's stern voice crackled through the speakers.

"Ethan, we've traced the viral cyber-attack to a Russian national named Viktor Petrov and his organization, Novatek Industries. Your mission is to infiltrate the charity fundraiser Viktor has organized for sick children. However, he's using the event to secretly fund terrorism attacks. Retrieve the data on the flash drive to expose his operations. We're counting on you and your field operator, agent Cole."

Agent Cole, seated beside Ethan, nodded. "Got it, General. We're approaching the facility now."

The car pulled up to a luxurious but heavily guarded building. Armed security personnel patrolled the grounds, and the high-tech sports car's headlights scanned the area as they parked.

As Ethan and Jake approached the entrance, they noticed the facility was bustling with high-profile individuals. Ethan glanced at the opulent décor and then at Cole. "Let's retrieve the data and get out of here." Agent Cole said. "Come on man, let's have a good time shall we, you don't get free drinks everyday," Ethan responded with a smug on his face.

Inside, the atmosphere was starkly contrasting to the outside chaos. Ethan discreetly made his way to a secure room where the flash drive was kept. Just as he was about to retrieve it, alarms blared, and a squad of guards came rushing in, he grabbed the flash drive getting himself ready to vacate the premises.

"Ethan, we've got trouble!" Jake shouted as the guards opened fire. Bullets ricocheted off the walls, and Ethan took cover behind a desk.

The advanced AI system in Max initiated emergency protocols, guiding Ethan and Jake towards the exit. Ethan was hit by a stray bullet. Jake helped him into the car, and Max's AI activated its medical system.

"GSW detected. Administering first aid," Max announced as a needle emerged from the seat, taking Ethan's blood sample and analyzing his vitals. The car's systems attempted to stabilize him while Jake navigated through the chaos.

The night was thick with tension as Max sped through the deserted alleyways, its sleek silhouette cutting through the darkness. It's advanced sensors hummed quietly, scanning for the best evaluation routes possible. Ethan, sat in the passenger seat, his face a mask of pain with sweas all over, with agent Cole on the wheel their, faces illuminated by the dim glow of the car's control panels.As they sped away, rockets and gunfire followed them.

Max jolted as bullets pounded against its armored sides. Agent Cole gripped the wheel tighter, his knuckles white. "Max, engage countermeasures!" Ethan commanded.

Max's voice, calm and mechanical, responded instantly. "Countermeasures activated. Engaging evasive maneuvers."The car swerved sharply, its advanced AI coordinating every move with precision. Rockets whistled through the air, crashing into nearby walls and sending debris flying. The attackers were relentless, their goal clear: capture and destroy.

The Max's advanced evasive maneuvers helped them dodge most attacks, but the situation remained dire. Despite Max's best efforts, Ethan's condition worsened.

Max guided them to a hidden location where they could briefly regroup. The car's AI continued its efforts to stabilize Ethan, but the relentless attacks and Ethan's injuries proved too severe. In the end, Ethan succumbed to his wounds, and the car was forced to flee with the vital technology.

---

Three Years Later:

The morning sun streamed through the blinds of Alex's apartment, casting a warm light on the disarray of his room. Alex woke up feeling the weight of his past, his head pounding from the stress of another long night. He shuffled to the bathroom, his reflection showing a man with sharp features and a fit, though tired, physique.

After a quick wash and change, he made his way downstairs and grabbed a quick breakfast. The taxi ride to the office was uneventful, the city's usual hustle fading into the background as he mulled over the past few years. Ethan had been missing for three years, and despite his efforts to find any trace of him, the trail had gone cold.

At the Office:

Arriving at the office, Alex was greeted by his colleagues, Emily and Steven. Emily, a tech-savvy expert with a no-nonsense attitude, and Steven, an easygoing but sharp-minded analyst, were busy chatting.

"Morning, Alex!" Emily said, looking up from her computer screen. "How was last night? You look like you've been through a war zone."

Alex gave a wry smile. "It was a marathon. Lots of work, not enough sleep."

Steven, who was poring over a report, looked up. "Yeah, we heard you had a rough night. Glad you made it through."

The conversation shifted to their school days, with Alex and his colleagues reminiscing about their athletic achievements and academic challenges. The mood was light, but Alex couldn't shake the lingering anxiety from recent events.

Suddenly, Alex felt a chill. The office air conditioning seemed colder than usual, and he recalled the recent cyber-attack on a high-profile organization that had left him unsettled.

His phone buzzed with a new message. It was from his boss, Mr. Thompson.

"Alex, we've received a request from a company, Quantum Tech, specializing in advanced software chips. They're looking to recruit us for a cybersecurity evaluation. I need you, Emily, and Steven to visit them today."

Alex was surprised. "Why us? What's this about?"

"It's a high-priority task. They've requested a detailed assessment," Thompson replied. "Be prepared for anything."

At Quantum Tech:

Alex, Emily, and Steven arrived at Quantum Tech, a company known for its cutting-edge software chips. The building was sleek and modern, but something felt off from the start. The lobby was pristine, but the staff's behavior seemed unusually focused on Alex's personal background rather than the cybersecurity evaluation.

Emily and Steven exchanged uneasy glances as the questions continued to stray from their intended purpose. The interviewer, a stern man in a dark suit, seemed more interested in Alex's personal life than his expertise in cybersecurity.

Alex's frustration boiled over. "If you're not going to discuss cybersecurity matters, we are leaving."

The room's atmosphere shifted instantly. The bodyguards positioned around them pulled out their weapons, blocking their exit. Alex's pulse quickened as tension filled the room.

"Gentlemen, it seems you've overstepped your bounds," the man said coldly, his hand making a subtle gesture. Without warning, the bodyguards aimed their weapons at Emily and Steven. A sudden shot rang out, and Emily and Steven crumpled to the ground, their eyes wide in shock.

Alex's heart raced as he turned to the man, who now focused his attention on him. "What's going on? Why did you do that?" Alex demanded, panic evident in his voice.

Before the man could respond, the windows of the room exploded inward with a deafening crash. A figure darted into the room—an anonymous man, tall and well-built, moving with a confident stride. He was dressed in tactical gear and exuded an aura of authority.

The man's sharp gaze took in the scene with urgency. "Alex, we need to get out of here," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos.

Alex's eyes widened in disbelief. "Who are you? What's happening?"

The man, ignoring Alex's questions for the moment, turned his attention to the bodyguards. With swift, precise movements, he engaged them in combat. The fight was intense and skilled, a display of formidable expertise as he took down the guards one by one.

While the skirmish continued, the mysterious figure grabbed Alex and guided him towards the exit. "We need to move now. Max is waiting for us downstairs," he said, urgency in his voice.

The bodyguards, despite their training, were overwhelmed by the man's proficiency. As the last of them fell, the mysterious figure pulled Alex into the corridor. "Max, we need an extraction route, now!" he called into his comms device.

A synthesized voice crackled through the device. "Understood. The car is prepped and ready for immediate departure. Head to the parking area."

The figure led Alex through the winding corridors, their footsteps echoing against the walls. "Who are you?" Alex asked again, his confusion and fear palpable. "What's happening?"