No More Lies

The tunnel was narrow and damp, barely wide enough for them to move in single file. X led the way, his mind racing.

Behind him, Kessler panted in pain, clutching his broken arm. Raven followed close, her breathing steady but strained.

The explosion from the lab had left them coated in dust and sweat. But they had no time to rest.

X's jaw clenched.

Agent Z…

Who the hell was he?

X had faced enhanced soldiers before, but Z was different. Stronger. Faster. Deadlier.

And worst of all—he had a feeling Kessler knew exactly why.

They finally emerged into an abandoned subway station, deep underground. The distant sound of running water echoed through the space.

X turned on Kessler, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him against a rusted pillar.

The scientist let out a pained gasp. "Damn it, X, my arm—"

X pressed harder. "Talk. Now."

Kessler groaned, his face pale from pain. "I—"

X's grip tightened. "Who is Agent Z?"

Kessler looked away. "You wouldn't believe me."

X slammed him against the pillar again. "Try me."

Raven stepped forward. "Kessler, just tell us."

The scientist swallowed hard. His eyes darted between them before he finally spoke.

"Agent Z… isn't just an enhanced assassin."

X narrowed his eyes. "Then what is he?"

Kessler hesitated, then muttered, "He's the final version of you."

Silence.

X felt his pulse slow. "Explain."

Kessler exhaled shakily. "You… you were never the final product, X. You were just a prototype."

X's grip loosened slightly.

Kessler continued, his voice hoarse. "After you escaped, Echelon went back to the drawing board. They perfected the process. Improved the formula. Removed all weaknesses."

X's blood went cold. "And Z is the result?"

Kessler nodded. "He's stronger. Faster. Smarter. And unlike you… he's completely loyal."

Raven crossed her arms. "So Graves built a better version of X? Great. Just what we needed."

X stepped back, his mind spinning.

A perfect assassin. No flaws. No doubts. No hesitation.

Z wasn't just another agent.

He was what X was meant to be.

X took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus.

The past didn't matter. He wasn't just a prototype.

He was something Echelon couldn't control.

And that made him dangerous.

Raven watched him carefully. "So what's the plan?"

X's eyes darkened. "We don't run. We hit back."

Kessler looked alarmed. "Are you insane? Z will find you again, and next time, he won't stop."

X tightened his fists.

Good. Let him come.

Because this time, X would be ready.