The Oenrust Island

David led them down to a secluded beach. The sun was dipping low, casting a soft golden light over the horizon. The rhythmic sound of the waves lapping at the shore gave the moment a deceptive sense of peace.

Chen Lu walked a few steps behind, still struggling with the weight of everything they had uncovered. Project Phoenix, Bintang’s disappearance, the Nine Dragons… his mind swirled with questions and fears. But something else was bothering him, something deeper that he couldn’t quite place. Clarissa, too, seemed pensive, sensing the tension between the two men but knowing there were larger battles to fight.

As they reached the shore, David, without a second thought, began stripping off his shirt—comfortable on the island. He was used to this life, far removed from the chaos of Jakarta.

It wasn’t until David turned his back to face the water that Chen froze.