The Rogue System [BL]
Chapter 289

Chapter 289: Chapter 289

Kai’s heart raced as he weighed his options. He couldn’t simply hand Eric over to these agents, knowing full well the torment and dehumanization that awaited him. And yet, the alternative—to defy the organization—seemed equally impossible. The woman standing before him, his superior, exuded an air of authority that reminded him of the immense power and resources they wielded.

His mind churned with conflicting thoughts, the memory of Eric’s smile juxtaposed against the harsh reality of their situation. Every fiber of his being screamed to protect Eric, to shield him from further harm. But he couldn’t ignore the overwhelming odds stacked against them.

"I can’t let you take him," Kai repeated, his voice trembling but resolute. "Eric is more than just a system. He’s... he’s a person. He deserves better than this."

The woman sighed, a trace of sadness flickering in her eyes. "I understand your feelings, Kai," she said softly. "But you must realize that the organization sees him as a threat. They won’t stop until he’s under their control."

Kai’s grip tightened around the soul gun once more. "Then they’ll have to go through me."

The room fell silent, the weight of Kai’s words hanging in the air. The agents exchanged uneasy glances, clearly hesitant to engage in a confrontation with one of their own. The woman, however, remained composed, her gaze never leaving Kai’s.

"You leave me no choice," she said, her voice tinged with regret. She raised her hand, signaling the agents to advance.

In an instant, chaos erupted. The agents moved swiftly, their movements synchronized and precise. Kai fired his soul gun, the bright beam of energy slicing through the air. One agent fell, clutching his side, but the others pressed forward, determined to subdue Kai.

Kai’s training kicked in, his reflexes sharp as he dodged their attacks and returned fire. But he was outnumbered, and the agents’ relentless assault began to wear him down. Pain surged through his body as he took a hit to the shoulder, the searing agony nearly causing him to drop his weapon.

Through the haze of pain, Kai’s thoughts remained focused on Eric. He couldn’t let them take him. He couldn’t fail him again.

But as the agents closed in, it became clear that he couldn’t hold them off forever. The woman watched the struggle with a pained expression, her eyes filled with a mixture of regret and determination.

"Kai," she called out, her voice cutting through the chaos. "This isn’t the way."

Kai, panting and bleeding, looked up at her. "Then tell me what is," he spat, his voice laced with desperation.

She hesitated, the conflict evident in her eyes. "There might be another way," she said slowly. "A way to keep Eric safe, but it will require you to trust me."

Kai’s heart skipped a beat. Could he trust her? The woman who had been his mentor, who had stood by him in the past? Desperation clouded his judgment, but a sliver of hope pierced through the darkness.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his voice strained.

She took a step forward, her gaze unwavering. "We need to make it look like you complied. If we stage Eric’s capture, we might be able to buy enough time to find a permanent solution. But you’ll have to come with us, and you’ll have to trust me."

Kai’s mind raced, weighing the risks and the potential benefits. It was a gamble, but it seemed like their only chance. He couldn’t see any other way to keep Eric safe.

"Alright," he said finally, lowering his weapon. "I’ll do it. But if you betray us, I swear I’ll make you pay."

The woman nodded, her expression solemn. "Understood."

She turned to the agents, signaling them to stand down. They hesitated, glancing between Kai and their leader, but eventually lowered their weapons. The tension in the room eased slightly, though the atmosphere remained charged with uncertainty.

"Follow my lead," the woman instructed, her tone firm. "We need to make this look convincing."

Kai nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He followed her out of the room, the agents flanking them as they made their way through the dimly lit corridors. Every step felt like a march towards an uncertain fate, but he clung to the hope that this plan would work.

They reached a secure area, the heavy metal door sliding open to reveal a sterile, high-tech chamber. Eric’s containment unit stood at the center, a cold and clinical reminder of the organization’s power. Kai’s heart ached at the sight, but he forced himself to stay focused.

The woman approached the unit, her fingers dancing over the control panel. The glass door hissed open, revealing Eric’s form inside, his eyes closed as if in a deep slumber.

"Eric," Kai whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I’m here."

Eric’s eyes fluttered open, a spark of recognition and relief crossing his features. "Kai," he murmured, his voice weak but filled with warmth.

The woman stepped aside, allowing Kai to approach the containment unit. "We don’t have much time," she said urgently. "We need to make this look real."

Kai nodded, his gaze never leaving Eric’s face. He reached out, his fingers brushing against Eric’s cheek. "I’m sorry," he whispered. "But I promise I’ll get you out of this."

Eric smiled faintly, his eyes filled with trust. "I know you will."

With a deep breath, Kai stepped back, allowing the woman to close the containment unit once more. She turned to the agents, her expression resolute.

"Prepare for transport," she ordered. "We need to move quickly."

The agents nodded, moving with practiced efficiency to secure the unit. Kai watched, his heart heavy with a mix of hope and fear. This plan had to work. It was their only chance.

As they prepared to leave, the woman turned to Kai, her eyes meeting his. "Trust me," she said quietly. "We’ll find a way."

Kai nodded, the weight of their situation pressing down on him. "I hope you’re right," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

They left the facility, the night air cool against Kai’s skin as they loaded Eric’s containment unit into a transport vehicle. Kai climbed in after them, his gaze never leaving Eric’s face.

The journey was tense, the silence heavy with unspoken fears. But Kai held onto the hope that this plan would work, that they would find a way to keep Eric safe.

As they drove through the darkened streets, the woman turned to Kai, her expression unreadable. "We’re almost there," she said softly. "Stay strong."

Kai nodded, his resolve hardening. For Eric, he would do whatever it took. He would fight, he would sacrifice, he would endure.

And as the transport vehicle sped towards their uncertain future, Kai knew that this was just the beginning. The road ahead would be fraught with danger and challenges, but he was ready. He had to be. For Eric, and for the bond they shared.