7

Beyond the Veil: Kiran's Supernatural Hunt

Chapter 7: A Serum

"I'm really trying to keep up with this conversation, but you're not helping much, Director Gabriel." Kiran was exhausted, wounded, and had a pounding headache as he tried to delve into his memories.

It's clear that when you meet someone, you feel some kind of emotion, even if you've lost your memory. In most cases, this leaves people without memories. But Kiran was different; he knew his situation and was cold and calculating when it came to his work. The man in front of him was familiar, but it didn't evoke any emotion, positive or negative.

Everything was blank, as if it didn't leave a significant impression on his blurry memories, which made Kiran temporarily give up and yield to wherever Gabriel wanted to go in the conversation.

"This is a serum classified as HDM-37... It's been in development for a long time because a certain level of human evolution is required to be compatible. Its main factor is tissue regeneration in the body and its devastating increase in strength and agility."

Gabriel was explaining what the HDW-37 serum could offer to its users—something incredibly beneficial if taken seriously.

"That means..." Kiran murmured, tempted by these words that, by the way, would get him out of his terrible situation.

Gabriel nodded, and seeing that the conversation reached an interesting point, he said, "You must have guessed it; our main purpose was to create super soldiers with a strength superior to any human to adapt to wars in the darkness. It's a pity that no one can survive the complete treatment. The only achievement obtained is the HR-1 injections, which, by the way, are a double-edged sword."

"What kind of injection is HR-1?" Kiran was intrigued because his entire body went numb when he heard that name.

"An injection that gives the body explosive strength is twice as powerful when injected into the bloodstream, but shortly after, the carrier's body dies."

Kiran nodded.

"As a token of our gratitude for your successful mission, I can approve the treatment as long as I get your personal approval."

"So, tell me, Mr. Kiran, what is your decision?" Gabriel's expression became serious.

He really didn't know what Kiran was thinking on certain occasions; all of this was due to his high military training, but it was still quite rare.

Kiran closed his eyes for a moment; his thoughts worked quickly to assimilate his next decision.

It was such a dangerous decision, but he really wanted to try it. He wouldn't have the possibility of doing anything else if he chose denial, since he would end up crippled anyway. This time, he wouldn't be consumed by a new injury to his body; he would prefer to try it or die trying than see his past repeat itself.

"I agree; proceed with whatever comes next."

Gabriel nodded and continued, "The treatment will be done tonight. Do you need to contact anyone?"

Kiran instantly remembered his best friend, Emma, the only woman he has been in love with.

"Well..." At this moment, Kiran paused, as if the words couldn't come out of his mouth.

Kiran was numb, and a harsh reality hit his body: "I could really die!"

After remaining silent for a few seconds, Kiran looked at Gabriel and nodded. "I need my phone; I'll contact someone later."

"I understand. You'll be transferred to a more protected place so that unexpected problems don't arise. The process will begin tonight, so solve your personal issues as soon as possible."

After saying that, Gabriel walked slowly toward the exit.

Just as he was about to leave, Kiran expressed a doubt that had been bothering him since that NIS director arrived: "What happened to my team?"

Gabriel paused, turned to Kiran, and said with a voice devoid of any feelings, "They're all dead, Captain Kiran."

After answering the question, he left the room without looking back. The companion waiting for him outside quickly approached and bowed while saying, "How did it go, Director?"

"Normal, that old man was right. What an idiot to accept such treatment; he was lucky to survive after using the HR-1 variant on his body, which prevented him from losing consciousness until reaching a place with civilians." Gabriel responded while shaking his head, knowing that a new treatment was about to take place.

"If it succeeds, the shield plan will be set in motion."

The agent standing next to the director thought and said, "Besides, he is still one of the best soldiers our country has. His record in eliminating dark entities is terrifying; his determination is what makes Kiran a great leader. If it weren't for him, all the higher-ups would have handed over all their resources to the Light Association. At least now we have some control by having an external organization, but that won't last with these failures."

"In that, you're right. With so few trained soldiers, he managed to eliminate three first-level anomalies... We were about to cause a damn catastrophe, but now I have to deal with the consequences."

Gabriel paused, turned back to the agents outside Kiran's room, and said, "Watch the entrance; don't allow unknown people to enter the room."

"Yes, sir," they all responded with a military salute.

On the way, Gabriel entered an elevator and thought silently, "Chaos is increasing anyway; if everything keeps intensifying, the existence of dark entities won't be able to remain in the shadows."

...

Back in Kiran's room, he was staring at the ceiling with a stoic expression.

"All dead?"

How is that possible? A team of elite soldiers murdered would shock an entire country's army, but they only asked him a question and didn't press for more answers. They never insisted on anything; the wounds on his body were too brutal to be caused in armed combat. The only answer is that they already knew exactly what had happened in the last raid he did with his squad.

While immersed in his thoughts, the door of his room was once again opened by another person. Kiran was startled and looked at the figure.

But then Kiran relaxed when he saw the nurse. Shaking his head, he decided to survive what was about to happen first rather than drowning in useless thoughts.

"This is your phone; here's also a charger if you need it," said the nurse as she handed Kiran the phone and silently left.

Kiran looked at the perfectly conditioned cell phone, so he probably didn't have it with him during the incident that night.

Upon turning it on, he searched through the numerous contacts; finding Yoon Sae-bom's, he pressed it without hesitation.

The cell phone vibrated for a few seconds before the other party answered.

"Kiran, what's happening? Have you finished the case you mentioned?" Emma asked with curiosity.

Kiran heard Emma's voice and smiled as he replied. "Yes, I came back last night. Due to the immense paperwork, I'll have to work a few more days."

"Okay, as an apology, you can invite me to dinner when you take your vacation." Emma said it with a slightly different voice than Kiran is familiar with.

Kiran paused and asked, "Are you eating?"

"Yes, training ended half an hour ago; this time the food looks delicious."

"Alright, I won't bother you anymore. When I finish my work, I'll take a vacation." Kiran said, trying to end the call.

"Good luck with that, goodbye." Emma said, knowing that Kiran was more alive than missing.

"Take care, and eat slowly."

After Kiran ended the call, he took a deep breath nervously. His intention wasn't to make a farewell call or anything like that; his only purpose was to hear Emma's voice.

The reason he didn't say anything about his situation was straightforward.

He didn't want to worry Emma, who already had a complicated life.

Knowing Emma as he does, he was sure that she would come immediately to visit him.

One could say that their friendship and communication transcended the boundaries of a common friendship.

"You should tell her about your situation; she would hate it if she found out you're injured." A voice came from the door.

Kiran was surprised again; what's with the unexpected visits? Due to his deep thoughts, he didn't look at the figure standing at the door.

After seeing who it was, Kiran smiled calmly. Clearly, it was the other person who had taken care of him since he was a kid, Colin, the captain of the department to which he belongs, and the violent crimes detective who assisted him when he was injured—an old man who could be the closest familiar figure to him since his uncle died.