A Sudden Attack
Rillow Point was a serene, picturesque village nestled between rolling hills and dense woodlands. The place was named after the towering willow trees that lined the edge of a pristine lake, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. It seemed like the last place one would expect criminal activity.
The streets were cobblestoned, and small cottages with flower-filled gardens dotted the area. Vendors sold fresh produce from stalls, children played in the streets, and an air of peace permeated the village. Yet, beneath this tranquil surface lay the threat of an imminent heist.
---
Back at the base, Avik had explained the pattern that had led them to Rillow Point. The team had analyzed the names of previous theft locations:
Greenfield Mill
Ivory Ridge
Newport Square
Ginger Town
Elder Hollow
Avik had noticed that the first letters of each location spelled "Ginger." He theorized that the thieves were using a similar method to select their next target. Using the same logic with new locations, they deduced that Rillow Point was next on the list.
"This kind of pattern is bold," Sasha had said during the briefing. "They're playing with fire, and we're going to make sure they get burned."
---
As dusk fell over Rillow Point, the operation began. Samson and Sasha walked through the village square, blending in with the locals. Sasha had traded her usual tactical gear for a simple dress, her hair tied back in a neat ponytail. Samson wore a loose shirt and trousers, his Magic watch (a name that he gave itself) hidden beneath his sleeve.
"Stay close," Sasha murmured, her voice low. "We need to look natural but remain alert."
Samson nodded, scanning the area. The square was bustling with activity—vendors were packing up their stalls, and villagers were heading home or gathering at the local inn.
Meanwhile, Avik, Bjorn, and Rahul had taken their positions. Avik monitored the scene through his drones, his laptop displaying live feeds. Bjorn and Rahul stationed themselves near potential escape routes, ready to intercept any fleeing culprits.
---
For a moment, Samson allowed himself to take in the peaceful surroundings. He watched as an elderly couple strolled hand in hand, a group of children laughed and played near the lake, and a young woman jogged along the cobblestone path.
"This place feels untouched by the chaos of the outside world," Samson said quietly.
"Don't let the peace fool you," Sasha replied, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Sometimes, the quietest places hide the darkest secrets."
Samson nodded, but he couldn't shake the sense of calm that washed over him. For a brief moment, he felt like a regular teenager, not someone caught in the midst of a dangerous operation.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the square began to empty. The once-bustling streets grew quieter, the warm glow of lanterns casting long shadows.
It was then that Samson noticed something strange. A man in a dark cloak lingered near the edge of the square, his movements deliberate and cautious. He seemed to be watching someone—a young woman jogging along the path.
"Something's not right," Samson whispered to Sasha, nodding toward the man.
Sasha followed his gaze, her expression hardening. "Stay close. We're going to follow him."
---
The man moved quickly, weaving through the shadows as he followed the young woman. Sasha and Samson trailed him at a safe distance, their senses on high alert.
As the woman turned down a quieter path, the man struck. He lunged toward her, a dagger glinting in his hand.
"No!" Samson shouted.
Without thinking, Samson raised his hand and summoned his ice magic. A shimmering barrier of ice erupted between the attacker and the woman, blocking the blade just in time.
The man recoiled, startled by the sudden appearance of the barrier. Samson stepped forward, his hands glowing faintly with mana.
"Run!" he yelled to the woman, who stumbled back in shock.
---
The attacker recovered quickly, turning his attention to Samson. But before he could make another move, Sasha intervened, striking him with a powerful kick that sent him sprawling.
As the man scrambled to his feet and fled into the shadows, Samson turned to the woman, his breath catching in his throat.
"Eva?" he whispered, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Eva stood before him, her usual confident demeanor replaced by a mix of shock and confusion. Her silver hair glinted in the lantern light, and her piercing blue eyes locked onto his.
"Samson?" she said, her voice barely audible.
The moment hung in the air, heavy with unspoken questions.
"What are you doing here?" Samson finally managed to ask.
Eva crossed her arms, her expression hardening. "I could ask you the same thing."
Before Samson could respond, Sasha stepped forward. "We need to get out of here. It's not safe to talk here."
Eva hesitated but nodded. Together, the three of them made their way back toward the village square, the weight of the encounter settling heavily on their shoulders.
---
Back at their temporary base, Samson couldn't shake the image of Eva standing before him. Why was she in Rillow Point? And why had someone tried to attack her?
As the team regrouped, the old man listened intently to their report.
"This changes things," he said, his tone grave. "If someone is targeting civilians, this operation just became even more dangerous."
Samson glanced at Eva, who sat silently in the corner, her expression unreadable. Whatever secrets she was hiding, Samson knew one thing for certain: their paths had crossed for a reason.
And he was determined to find out why.