People call this world Earth, where life exists. This world is abundant with everything, that’s  why people doesn’t need to worry on how they can live. They can have everything that they see. Food, silk and golds. It should be a peaceful world now where everyone can be happy and satisfied. But no, because this is not the Earth anymore that all people knew. This world became a lounge for demons. People’s greed grew bigger and they can’t just be satisfied with what they have. Some would like to reign this world and some are ready to kill just to have everything. This world now is the extension of hell, where life is at stake. Killers, gamblers and drug lords became the devils of this hell. Everyone is horrified because death loiters around. But we can’t just let death take away our lives. That’s why I am here.  A soldier for peace. A soldier for change. People in our headquarters call me Agent Snow. Not because I’m Snow white waiting for a prince to save me, but I am an agent who wishes a snow storm in a hot and dirty lounge of demons. I am certainly not afraid of death, not even in the darkness of this world. I helped those innocents and killed those who are threat in everyone’s lives. Hence, I can say that I am neither good nor bad in everyone’s eyes.

    “Good job Agent Snow” I turned my back when I heard someone called me from behind and I immediately saw our boss smiling widely at me “I’m really impressed that you easily put the assassin who killed the President’s daughter behind the bars” he said.

    It’s not really easy for me to forced and locked him on the prison since he did his best to fight me back. He almost had my cheeks scratch and he almost break my arms. Luckily, I am more skilled in physical combat than him which is an advantage on my side. But still, I won’t deny that he’s a good fighter too. Oh well, he wouldn’t be an assassin for nothing.

    “I only did what you told me to do, Sir” I said monotonously as I stared at him “But thank you anyway.”

    “As expected, you won’t boast a lot about your accomplished mission. That’s why the President was very thankful for what you did. And he told me that you can just call him whenever you need something. I guess he will reward you something big after this day” he said whispering the last sentence and handed me the President’s business card.

    “I’m not expecting anything in return for what I did Sir” I replied but took the card anyway and hid it on my pocket. I stretch my arms and tilted my head a little. This week is very tiring for me. I never stop looking for the assassin who killed the President’s daughter for almost two weeks. He was so good in hiding. But luckily I also have a good connection everywhere. He’s a criminal so he deserved to be punished and live the rest of his life in prison.

    “Okay then, you can take a day-o—” he didn’t finished what he was about to say when his phone rang. He excused himself and as I sign my hands for approval, he automatically answered the call. 

    Meanwhile, I just stood there and watch him cussed while talking to somebody. Seems like it’s a bad news since he keeps on creasing his forehead.

    We are at the headquarters today where everyone is busy with their own businesses. There are people running in the stairs, some had their eyes locked on the most high-tech cell phone today and some are reading their own folders where their mission for a month was written. I also saw some of my friends here waving at me and smiling. But I ignored them and look at the man who’s near at me. He’s our boss and also one of the founder of World Black Organization. I guess he is only around his fifties. He doesn’t look too old but there’s only few strands of hair on his head and sooner or later he will definitely become bald, maybe it’s because of too much stress in work. He’s currently wearing a navy blue tuxedo paired with his black necktie and a black shoes. Not bad for a very excellent agent like him.

    If you’re going to look how everyone here dressed up and act, somehow we looked normal and ordinary just like everybody else. Well of course, minus the talent and skill for reading people’s body language and killing people who deserve to rot in hell.

    “Oh sorry about that Snow” my boss said while tossing his phone on the inside pocket of his coat. Now he looks so old with his creasing forehead and eyebrows in one line. I wonder what was the call all about. I knew him for years and he seldom shows emotions like that. He’s always calm and he often smiles.

    I waved my hand to say it’s nothing. Although, I’m really tired and I just want to sleep on my house now.

    “It’s a bad news and I really need you on this mission again” he said almost pleading.

    I raised my eyebrow at him and crosses my arms. What the heck? I thought I could take my day-off after that tiring mission. Now he’s saying that he need me for another mission? Is he crazy?

    “Did you forget about the three day-off rule?” I asked pertaining to the rule he, himself created. It was stated there that after a minimum of one week mission, anyone can take a day-off for one to three days. He created it since he said that everybody deserves to take a rest and have time for their own personal matters.

    “I know. But this one is really important.” he replied like he didn’t say that all the time.

    Oh well, I really never expect that one day he will soon change his statement. For an old man like him, his tactics for pursuing an agent to do a mission for him is a very old style.

    “A rule is a rule Sir. And besides, I’m really tired for my nonstop missions.” I said and almost rolled my eyes “You didn’t let me take my break for four months now”

    “That’s only because I trusted you for those very big missions that I’m giving you. And that’s only mean one thing Agent Snow, you’re doing a very great job on your field missions”

    I mentally rolled my eyes. I don’t need anyone’s praise. I just need a single day break to refresh my mind and to gain more energy. I also need to do my exercises because I don’t think I’m still physically fit as before. I was only busy running around this city for weeks to catch that damn criminal and left me with no choice but to set aside my morning exercises and trainings.

    “I am done with it Sir. You’re a law maker and I’m a law abiding agent. So, if you’ll excuse me, I have to do some errand” I replied nonchalantly.

    I turn my back at him and was about to walk away when he suddenly spoke the word I’m waiting for years.

    “Promotion” he said.

    I smiled mischievously and turn around to see him.

    “I beg your pardon?”

    He wrinkled his nose and look at me suspiciously “I know you heard me”

    And it’s time for me to smile widely at him. This is it! I’ve been waiting for another promotion in the last two years and I know he won’t allow it, not until now that he needed my help.

    “So what’s the mission all about Sir?” I asked while trying to hide my smirk.

    “Follow me in my office, Snow” he ordered and walk passed me. I followed him quietly but deep inside, I’m really happy because one more promotion means I will get a full access to accomplished, failed and new missions, not only in this country but to the whole world. Aside from that, I can also be part of those mission outside the country.

    We have several headquarters in each continent but the main headquarters can be found in Europe and only higher officials and founders are allowed to get in there. As the rumors say, it was such a big building wherein most of the high-tech gadgets and guns we’re using are made by their own Advance Technologies team partnered by the Sinful Hands team also known as the Experiment and Research team which are the maker of the deadly weapons we are using. The building are surrounded with armed and well-trained agents. If ever you are lucky to enter the perimeter of WBO-Main Office, they will make sure not to allow you to be luckier on exiting the office alive.

    I also dreamed to enter the main headquarters. Maybe not now, but someday. I will definitely enter the perimeter and become the luckiest to survive on exiting the gate. I’ll make sure of that.

    “Sit down, Snow” he said and motioned me to sit down, so I did. I even crosses my arms in front of him.

    “What do you think about the other agents, Snow?” he asked.

    I look at him in disbelief. What is this? Am I here sitting down in front of him to answer that unimportant matter? I thought he will orient me regarding the new mission.

    I arched my brows and scratch my nose in irritation. Here I am again, feeling so impatient.

    “Will you just get straight to the point Sir Nicholas Patterson aka Agent Thorn?” I asked out of curiosity with the mission he’s telling me. And honestly, I am not fun of talking in circles.

    “I’m asking you Snow. I know you don’t socialize a lot that’s why I’m asking you about how you think of your co-agent. I need a fair judgment from a person who don’t take sides and I can’t think of anyone else aside from you. You’re silent yet very observant” he said in narrowed eyes but I remained silent so he continue “This is related to the mission I will give you. This mission is very important that you cannot tell anyone about it. You can take action whenever you want. But there’s only one thing I want you to do and I want you to make sure.”

    “What is it?” I asked.

    He leaned on his swivel chair while his hands are intertwined over his table. I roam my eyes on his office. It’s very neat. The files over his table are organized according to the color of the folder. There were also huge drawers on the side, probably for sorting of documents and on top of it is a picture frame of the bosses including Sir Nicholas. There are couches near the door in a ninety degree angle. The throw pillows are arranged in twelve inches apart. There’s also a table on the center with a vase full of fresh flowers and some of the new release magazines and new published newspapers.

    “Would you mind to answer me first?” he asked using his authoritative voice so I have no choice but to answer.

    “Of course not Sir.” I cleared my throat and straighten my back. “Well, I think my co-agents are gifted with extraordinary skills plus a brain that’s beyond normal, in short genius. However, we already knew about that. In the first place, you wouldn’t passed a life-taking trainings and activities if you’re only good for yourself. Agents are filtered to be the best they could be, therefore what you see and what you know are not enough to trust them. We don’t know what’s really running on their mind. They could be the most loyal agents to the agency but they can also turn their selves as traitors.”

    “Hmm, interesting” he commented while nodding his head.

    “And I think, even if you thought that they are already perfect, it’d impossible. I know some of them are hiding their weakest point or any weaknesses that can be use against them, for them to be safe in this field. So, why would I bother to make friends with all of them when they can’t even trust me with their flaws? Besides, as what you have said, I am no friendly at all” I answered and lean on my chair.

    “How about a positive side of your co-agents?”

    “Hmm” I hummed as I hold my chin and think for a positive traits of the other agents “Their weaknesses are the one that makes them stronger. They want to overcome it” I said and opened my cell phone. I clicked some of the operator keys making my phone to almost break apart and a green thin screen appeared in the middle. I clicked something again and a hologram appeared in front of us. I just continue to touch and scroll in the air while looking at the scenario in the hologram.

    I stopped when I can already see the training room for junior agents.

    “As you can see Sir, Agent Red who are most likely afraid of blood undergoes in medical training. She tried all things inside the medical surgery and laboratories to overcome her fears. And here” I said and pointed out a new scenario again “Agent Pearl, having a difficulty of breathing. She undergo an underwater training wherein she must beat her record to stay in an aquarium type of pool every week until she can hold her breathe longer like other agents can do in underwater.”

    “In other words Agent Snow. Their weaknesses are their strengths also”

    “Exactly Sir. And those different abilities that they have will make the agency better and stronger” I answered. I think I need a glass of water for this long explanation. I never talk too much unless it’s necessary. I do believe that talking too much can lessen your energy.

    “Did I answer your question correctly Sir?” I asked and turned off my phone. I put it back on my jeans’ pocket.

    “It was a good point although I’m a little confused about something you’ve said” he replied.

    I creased my forehead “What is it Sir?”

    He smiled at me before answering “How can you make a team mission successful if you don’t trust your co-agents? I know it’s very hard to trust people nowadays, but they are your co-agents. We are one family here. And if ever someone is a traitor, who do you think it is?”

    There’s a hint of emotion in his eyes that I can’t figure out but I just shrugged my shoulders.

    “If you say so. But I don’t know Sir. Anyone can be disloyal to this agency. It can be the other agents, me or even you Sir” I answered giving emphasis to one word. I saw how his eyes blink twice and look sideways before looking straight at me again.

    I mentally smirked. Someone is anxious for a brief moment.

    “You’re right” he agreed and smiled at me again “Let’s talk about the new mission. Your mission is one of the most difficult among other missions. Whatever you’ll find out, it requires you the trust you have for this agency. And most especially, it requires you to kill the target, immediately!”

    My eyes widen and my jaw dropped upon hearing about what he said. Killing is no problem but we often follow the judgment of judiciary or the judgment of the client.

    “Who and why?” I asked seriously while rubbing my silver ring.

    A playful smile crept on his face before writing something on a piece of paper. He handed it to me so I read what’s written on it.

    “Eliza Via Lim?” I muttered.

    “Yes. She’s your new mission. You need to find her at all cost and kill her, do you understand?”

    “What? Why?” I asked in confusion “Where’s her folder? Her address, picture, contact number or anything to trace her easily, where is it?”

    Sir Nicholas laughed at me and shook his head afterwards. I feel strange about this new mission. And I smell danger. Once again, I look at the paper I’m holding. Who are you Eliza?

    “No traces nor pictures Snow. You must find her no matter what. You’ll start from scratch until you find a clue. Complete the puzzle and you’ll find her. Once you found her, kill her without second thought.” he said like it’s easy to do “I’m expecting a lot from you so don’t disappointment me.”

    I honestly don’t like to accept this mission. First, no folder. It would be hard for me to find her. I think she will consume a lot of my time for checking her backgrounds. Second, I don’t kill people without an acceptable reason. Third, I don’t like what I’m feeling right now. For the first time in years, I feel frightened again. I really don’t know why my mind and my body are telling me that I would be in danger once I accepted this mission. Maybe because it’s too unusual for me to accept only a name and nothing more.

    But on the other hand, my raging curiosity is starting to consume my whole system. I have a lot of questions but I know Sir Nicholas won’t answer any of it. Second, it’s the promotion I’m waiting for years. It would be my pleasure to be assigned in outside the country missions and it would be a privilege to access anything I want.

    I tap my forefinger on my legs while thinking hard. As an agent, I always remind myself not to make a choice without thinking. I don’t like regrets in life so if I have the chance to think it over, I will.

    “So will you take this mission Agent Snow?” he asked while waiting for me to answer.

    I sigh heavily and stood up from my seat. I even fix my coat when I look at him “Of course Sir.”

    I saw his eyes glimmered in playfulness. I step back a little and rub my silver ring again.

    “Nice! You never disappoint me Snow. You’re very courageous. But I think I need to say this to you” he said while standing up from his seat also. He walk closer to me and whispered to my ear “Be careful”

    I just stood there watching him laugh while turning his back at me.

    “Go to the Advance Technologies team and give it to them. They know what to do” he said and gave me a new phone. A bigger than my old phone.

    “Thank you, Sir” I said and bid my goodbye.

    I heaved a sigh as I close his door behind me. What the fuck that words are for? Is he trying to scare me? He must be kidding himself. I am not a kitten to be easily swayed and be scared just by his mere words. I faced death many times and I’m not afraid if I’ll face it again one more time.

    I look at the phone I’m holding and walk straight going to the fourth floor. I didn’t bother to use the elevator since I’m already in the fifth floor where Sir Nicholas Office is located.

    I knocked twice before opening the door and enter the busiest room ever. Some of the agents had look at me for a minute while the others are still busy with what they are doing.

    “Hey Snow. It’s nice to see you here!”

    I look at the one who greeted me and I saw Edward smiling at my direction. He’s one of my few friends here in agency. A very playful twenty-six year old man with a lot of girls. We became friends after he tried hitting on me but I just punched him back then, warning him to back off. Since then, he never stop talking to me, asking me to befriend him. And I found out he wasn’t that bad after all. We’re both junior agents that time. He’s on Sinful Hands team but after a year he was sent to Advance Technologies while I’m already on field missions that time.

    “Yow” I greeted back “It isn’t nice to see you again Agent Cool” I said. Even his codename was a bit off and very arrogant. It doesn’t suit him. It should be Agent Casanova or better yet Agent Pest.

    “Ouch, you are hurting my feelings again. Anyway, what are you doing here? Did you break your cell phone again after you throw it to your target’s head or after you throw it on the wall because you still haven’t receive another promotion after a big mission?” he said sounding so playful.

    I smack his head and raised my brow.

    “I came here because of this” I said and show him my new cellphone.

    His eyes grew bigger and snatched the cellphone from my hand. “What the fuck? Where did you get this?”

    I smirk and put my hands on my waist “Are you stupid? Of course, I got promoted Edward”

    “Wow! I didn’t expect that. But congratulations! You must not forget to treat me some other time okay? If I wasn’t busy today, I’d forced you to go clubbing” he said while tapping my shoulders. I slap his hands and crosses my arms.

    “I’m also busy Edward” I replied and rolled my eyes.

    He just laugh at me and pull me going to his desk.

    “Alright, let’s see first the recommendation of your boss. Who promoted you?” he asked while his eyes are locked on his computer.

    “Sir Nicholas Patterson”

    He typed it on his keyboard until he saw the recommendation of Sir Nicholas. He clicked it and started typing a lot of things. I think he’s signing me up an account to access everything. He also connected the phone on the computer until it turned on. Now, I can already see my face on the screen.

    “What’s your agent number?” Edward asked.

    “RS13-0715” I answered.

    After he typed everything he needed. He asked me to enter my password, and so I did. The cell phone finally break apart and I can see files being downloaded.

    “Done” he said and handed me my new phone. I mentally smirk. At last, I’m holding everything I want to know.

    “Thanks Edward. See you next time” I waved my hand and turn my back at him.

    I tossed the phone inside my pocket and walk out from the building.

    I’m smiling from ear to ear as I hailed a taxi. I guess my choice isn’t that bad. I stretch my arms and remove my ponytail. I also removed my red leather jacket and fix my t-shirt. I will be a normal woman again on this day. No work related.

    “To the Supermarket please” I said to the driver and watch him maneuver the car. I decided to buy some groceries and cook for myself. For sure, all of my stocks at home had expired since I wasn’t home for four months now. I usually sleep in a hotel, street or wherever I can find something to sleep at during my missions.

    I look at my wristwatch “I still have two hours before taking a rest” I said to myself and yawn. I really need a good night sleep.