01. Execution is 24 hours
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I was on the verge of death. The flesh on my hands was raw, and my clothes, stained with red water, were useless, so I threw them away on the spot. Since it was a closed factory with no one there, someone must know why I was here. In fact, I had lived half my life as the leader of some organization, but now everyone was dead. There was no one on my side, no family. Just as I was getting tired of being alone, several years passed and I heard that another organization was coming to take me. Since it was the first time I'd heard of this place, I thought there must be a lot of children, so I told them I wouldn't work with a beginner, but I was wrong. It was so different from what I thought. I was embarrassed. There were many talented people who were better than me.
Ah, that's why I practiced until the moment of death was up to my neck. I didn't want to see my skills die and I didn't want to look pathetic, so I practiced and practiced.
"Youngest, you're working so hard - trying to impress the boss?"
"I don't do this to look good."
"Just a struggle to survive."
"I like that mindset, but don't do it to the point of bleeding, it's hard to treat."
"Thank you for always worrying about me."
This person is Kim Jeong-woo. His position within the organization is doctor. Although he is a bit abnormal, he is good at his role, which is why he has been here. Moreover, he is always by my side and we talk a lot, so it would be more accurate to say that we are closer than other members of the organization. However, there is something I do not know about him, so I always keep my distance. I think he knows this too. He is quick-witted, so he immediately notices what I am hiding and speaks first. Every time that happens, he is so surprised, it is scary.
"Oh, Doctor, do you know where Haechan is?"
"Probably on the Q-9 side? And you should put on some clothes when you go."
"Why don't you just die like this?"
"Ahhh... You've been here for years, so you know it's a place full of men..."
"Why would you sexually harass someone here? Everyone's busy doing their own thing."
"··What can I say to you? Do whatever you want."
Still, since he was a few years my senior, I decided to listen to him and took the jersey from the chair and left. Jeong-woo always looked touched by that, and as I left, he greeted me with the same words he always said. Since I couldn't hear what he was saying, I asked out of curiosity, but he never told me in an annoying way. Every time he did, I wanted to punch him, but I always held back. After all, he was the kindest of all the people who took care of me.
Q-1 through Q-9 are places where he can practice his skills alone, whether it's at the shooting range or training. Haechan, who likes to be alone, is always here, but on special days, he always practices with someone, and we don't know who that person is. There are many reasons for this, but since he doesn't talk much, the other members of the organization and I can't help but wonder. If you keep your ears open in a soundproof space, you can faintly hear the sound of a gunshot, and that person must be there.
"Mr. Haechan, you need to check the condition of the gun that came in this time."
"Give it to me. Is that the new gun you got?"
"yes"
"Yeah - there's nothing broken, did you try shooting it?"
"Not yet."
"I'll shoot later, you brought it well - if you see what I'm doing, go."
"Yes, thank you for your time."
Even now, that guy is someone I find difficult to talk to when I meet him. It's awkward just being around him, and his stiff speech and blank expression always make me nervous, so I don't meet him in person unless there's work involved. But since my position involves firearms, my superiors don't meet in person, instead they ask subordinates to do things for them, and I'm the one in charge. It's natural for me to do this kind of work as the youngest, but I don't want to meet him every day because I'm not close with him.
"Ha, when are you going to get this damn youngest rank?"
"I guess the youngest knows how to smoke too."
"Uh, uh... Boss, this isn't..."
"Okay, go ahead and smoke as much as you want. Are you tired, youngest?"
"No... It's not difficult at all."
The boss didn't know if he thought I was special or if he wanted to offer me some comfort, but he slowly approached me and sat down, staying by my side until my cigarette completely went out. It had been cold lately, so I wondered why he was still there. However, since it had been a long time since I saw the boss, I kept smoking without saying anything. The cold air stung my wounded hand and the blood was clotted. I didn't want him to know, so I carefully covered it with my jersey. Oh, but everyone here is quick-witted and sensitive to even the smallest actions.
"Youngest, where did you get that wound? How did you get it treated?"
"This is an injury I got while practicing today... and I didn't get treatment because I said I was fine."
"··It's good to practice a lot, but don't practice to the point where your body breaks. This is both an order and a concern."
"Ah... I understand."
"It's getting cold now, come in quickly."
"·····yes"
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