Chapter 3: Die Hard Initiated

At the West Hollywood Substation, Carlos and Owen had a bit of fame.

Carlos gained notoriety due to his hobbies, especially street racing, which often led to complaints and a file in the chief's office.

Owen, on the other hand, became famous for his unique shooting technique—the Mozambique Drill.

The Mozambique Drill evolved from rapid double-taps, inspired by a movie Owen watched in his previous life, called "Speedy Pursuit."

The basic method involved quickly firing two shots towards the opponent's torso, followed by a shot aimed at the target's head.

The first two shots were intended to hit the target faster and more accurately, focusing on the chest for an easier target. The third shot aimed to disrupt the brain, causing the opponent's death.

Days passed in a mundane routine, and Owen believed this would be his life. However, a news report over a month ago created uncertainty.

He heard a name from the news—CTU. Owen's eyes widened at the mention of CTU, the abbreviation for the Counter Terrorist Unit, the mysterious organization from the American TV series "24." It specialized in counter-terrorism within the United States. Owen wondered how it could appear in real life.

This TV series had accompanied Owen during his youth, and he was deeply fascinated by it. Initially thinking it might be a coincidence, the appearance of another name confirmed it—Jack Bauer.

Jack Bauer, the protagonist of "24," was now the head of CTU in Los Angeles, Owen's city.

Amused, Owen wondered if this was a world from a TV series or a movie. Could there be Marvel superheroes, SWAT teams, or even extraterrestrials? However, Owen quickly dismissed such thoughts. Living seventeen years in this world as a policeman, he had encountered many things the average person wouldn't. If supernatural powers existed, there would be traces.

Shaking off these random thoughts, the memories from his past life, long buried after the car accident, started resurfacing. Names like "Pearl Building" and snippets of gunfights and combat scenes appeared in his mind.

Curiosity led Owen to investigate, and Carlos had left the car for him. Owen retrieved his gun and badge from the vehicle, ignited the engine, and headed towards the Pearl Building.

Arriving at the building, Owen noticed security personnel checking invitations at the entrance, indicating a party inside.

After a moment's hesitation, Owen decided to enter. Displaying his police badge, the guard was surprised but allowed him in.

Inside, the building seemed ordinary, with only a company named "Miguel" on the plaque. Most floors showed signs of renovation, explaining the dark appearance from outside.

The lobby on the first floor was crowded as people waited for elevators. Owen, blending in, waited with them.

As the elevator arrived and everyone entered, Owen observed that the occupants were heading to the party.

Reaching the 19th floor, Owen joined the crowd entering the party hall.

In the CEO's office, Miguel Corporation's president, Seiichi Aoki, celebrated with his most trusted executive, Miss Holly.

Miguel Corporation had achieved outstanding performance this year, and Seiichi, soon transferring to Tokyo headquarters, saw Holly as the perfect successor.

"Congratulations in advance."

"Congratulations to you too."

They clinked glasses.

Outside the office, the secretary appeared, announcing the imminent start of the party and the arrival of Holly's husband, Mr. McClane.

"Let's go," Seiichi gestured, and they walked towards the hall together.

In the underground garage, the sound of tires echoed as a security guard, puzzled by the arrival of a box truck with "Happy Times Party Services" written on it, approached.

The guard wondered why there were two service companies for the same party today.

The truck approached, and suddenly, the guard felt a sharp pain in his chest. Before he could comprehend, he knew nothing.

Hans calmly reinserted the silenced pistol under his armpit. Behind him, two squads of operatives in camouflage uniforms emerged from the truck, with one team removing the body while others began unloading.

Upstairs, Seiichi, accompanied by Holly, had just acquainted himself with various Los Angeles socialites.

In the restroom, Owen enjoyed a moment of relief, flushing away stress.

Having completed a futile search, Owen was about to leave when sudden commotion at the hall's entrance caught everyone's attention. Two squads in camouflage stormed in, armed with real guns.

Panic ensued as people realized the guns were not props. Screams filled the air, but the chaos was quickly suppressed by gunfire.

Soldiers started herding the crowd, consolidating them at the center. When everything settled, a man in a suit calmly walked up to the stage, holding a gun but emanating an unexpected grace.

Clearing his throat, the man smiled gentlemanly at the bewildered audience and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to inform you that you have been... kidnapped."