The night sky still rumbled.
Lightning struck, reflecting light across the large glass in Alaska's office.
He stood in front of the tall mirror, staring at his own reflection, which now seemed alien.
"Do you think you're still a good person, Al?" his inner voice echoed.
"You're just a monster shaped by vengeance."
Alaska's hands clenched.
He punched the mirror until it cracked his reflection shattered into countless fragments.
In the Mansion's Living Room
Alana sat on the sofa, hugging her knees.
Manda, Vina, and Eca, who had just arrived, observed the tense atmosphere.
"Why does it feel like a mourning house?" whispered Vina.
"Because it really is like that," Alana replied weakly.
"One lie has changed everything."
"Still about Kenan?" Manda asked softly.
"Al, if he were truly guilty, Alaska wouldn't be this broken."
"Exactly because of that," Alana murmured.
"He's not just angry… he's disappointed."
Kenan at the Weapons Warehouse
Meanwhile, Kenan sat on a metal chair, staring at an old photo in his hands a picture of him, Alaska, and Aksa when they were young.
He gazed deeply, his eyes wet.
"I just wanted to save you guys back then…" he whispered.
"But I failed."
Footsteps approached, making him turn.
Alana appeared at the doorway.
"You know he won't listen to anyone's explanation right now."
"I don't need him to forgive me," Kenan said flatly.
"I just want to make sure no one touches him again."
"With revenge?" Alana stepped closer.
"Or by dying alone like before?"
Kenan stared sharply.
"Sometimes the only way to atone for sins… is with blood."
"That's not atonement, that's running away."
"Do you think Alaska would let him lose another person he considers family?"
Kenan fell silent, bowing his head.
He knew Alana was right but a guilty heart isn't so easily healed.
Meeting in the Secret Room
A few hours later, Alaska summoned everyone to the basement.
The room was lit by blue light from a holographic display.
In the center of the table appeared a large map the location of Rave's new base.
"They're not only attacking from outside," Alaska said flatly.
"There's someone inside helping them."
"Kira?" Vina asked.
"She's just a pawn." Alaska's eyes pierced the map.
"The real mastermind is behind Project Echo and he once worked in our organization."
"Who?" Alana asked quietly.
Alaska glanced at Kenan briefly, then focused on the screen.
A photo of a middle-aged man appeared Rico Armanda, former head of Direndra's arms division.
"He orchestrated the attack eight years ago," Alaska said heavily.
"And now he's risen again."
Burning Anger
"Let's strike now!" Kenan shouted.
"I'll go myself!"
"You're not going anywhere," Alaska said coldly.
"You're still under my watch."
"Do you think I'm a traitor?" Kenan stepped forward.
"I'd die for you, Al!"
"But you made me lose my brother."
Alaska's voice trembled, but his eyes were sharp as blades.
"I don't know what I'm supposed to feel right now."
"Then just shoot me now!" Kenan stared straight at him.
"At least I'll die in front of the person I respect the most."
Gunfire rang out BANG!
But it wasn't from Alaska's gun the bullet nearly hit Alana's head.
"Sniper!" Manda yelled.
"Everyone, take cover!"
Kenan pulled Alana down, while Alaska drew his pistol from his waist.
"They found us first," he hissed.
"Rave has already started moving."
Chapter End
Smoke filled the room.
Small explosions sounded from the courtyard.
Alaska ran outside, bullets slicing through the night air.
Amid the chaos, one thought ran through his mind. Rico wasn't just an old enemy. He was a mirror of his own past.