Prologue (Part 1)

I guess I was always set up for failure in life. Maybe it was because I was so successful, that people liked to see how far I could fall. I've always been able to avoid the negative effects, but karma really is a bitch.

I work for an international intelligence agency of sorts, the International Agency of Intelligence; I've always believed it sounded similar to a name a child would give it. I work in gathering intelligence firsthand; I have no family left to stick around for. Maybe if someone were to tell my story from their perspective, they would say I lived in an ivory tower or that I was the best agent they had seen. Since this is my side, I'll tell you now that I'm not a genius, I'm not invincible, and I don't sit on a golden throne. I'll tell you about my biggest failure, my fall from grace.

I technically come from the Korean branch, but in this agency it means nothing other than looks. I find my brown hair and black eyes lacking and average, but seem to draw attention followed by compliments most of the time. It seems like part of this had to do with the tragedy of my new trip.

I came to headquarters to receive my new mission after a nice vacation. My boss, Seo-jun, was waiting with his familiar nonchalant attitude. He had saved my life once on a mission, so we became close friends even if he annoys me.

"Dae-hyun, take a look at this for me?" He spoke informally, as he required I do. Seo-jun hopped up from his office chair and ushered me in front of a blackboard to ask about a tactical problem. The real problem was asking me; Seo-jun was highly coveted for his intellect and brilliance.

I quickly explained an oversimplified plan to get to the post of me going quickly.

He rubbed his chin, "Yes, I see that..but that's not what you're here for! I have your mission, wanna hear?" He plopped into his seat, leaving little to no time for my answer before continuing, "Listen up. Your job is just to find out what the clueless, waddling penguins in Europe are doing. They're covering something big that they're planning without us knowing."

I squinted at him before replying, "How does this relate to me? And you don't know what I'm looking for?"

Seo-jun sighed tiredly, "We..didn't choose this. A very powerful figure in Europe insisted that you, Gwak Dae-hyun, accompany them in this mission. They have a lead, information, and influence, so we didn't turn them down."

"This is a suicide mission, Seo-jun! Surely you can see you're all sending me to death's doorstep?"

"You speak fluently in enough languages for you to be qualified, and you're skillful enough," He stood up from his chair, suddenly seeming more imposing.

"I expect there to be a lot of rewards to reap from this," I practically stomped off in a barely suppressed rage. I would be messaged all other relevant information later, so I was free to leave.

I was to act as a hotshot tourist, to explain my more free association with whoever the man I was to work with. I was supposed to travel to France, and identify my partner at the hotel. The only explanation as to how being 'they will find you,' which Seo-jun explained was instructions from the mysterious person themself.

I laid down to sleep exhausted from all the new information, and checked my notifications to find one from a restricted number. It simply stated: "You'll be pulled in all directions. Don't let it rip your limbs off."

I frowned and turned my phone off, expecting it to be a prank, and flipped over to drift off into a peaceful slumber.