Template system in High school : DXD

Jin waited.

And waited.

Still, no response.

No voice. No pop-up. No sarcastic remark from A.

"Tch. Must be taking his sweet time. What's that smug bastard thinking about now?"

With nothing to do, Jin heard faint sounds coming from the living room.

Cartoon voices. Music. Laughter.

He got up and wandered with a tired face.

sometimes in this new life, everything felt like a simulation—like he was watching it unfold through a tinted screen. He wasn't in it, not really. More like… playing through someone else's save file.

like all of this feel unreal .

He leaned on the doorframe.

"Ki-chan, what are you watching?"

Ki turned to him instantly, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"It's Doraemon! Nobita got a shrinking ray and now he's in trouble again!"

"Classic Nobita," Jin said with a small smile. "Hmm… what would you do if you had a shrinking ray?"

Ki tapped her chin, then grinned.

"Hmm… I'd shrink you down! Then we could go to the playground together!"

Jin chuckled dryly.

"Oi, I'm old, you know. You should make friends your own age and play with them instead."

At that, Ki's smile faltered. She looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"…I want to. But they don't want to play with me. They say I'm poor. That my bag and shoes are old-fashioned."

Jin's gaze softened slightly.

He remembered.

She went to one of those prestigious schools—the kind filled with polished uniforms and kids who never had to look at price tags.

Her father, Uncle Muten Okami, was doing everything he could. Multiple jobs. Running on fumes. Last Jin heard, there was debt too.

"Alright then," Jin . "How about this—we play some RPG here, just until your dad comes home?"

Ki's head shot up. "Really?!"

"Yeah."

As he turned to grab the game controller, a loud rumble echoed in the room.

He paused.

Then slowly looked back.

Ki stood frozen, cheeks flushed pink, hands clutched over her stomach. She laughed nervously.

"…Sorry."

Jin raised an eyebrow, but his expression stayed deadpan.

"Okay. RPG later. First, I make ramen."

===

Ki had gone home after their little RPG session.

The apartment was quiet now. Dim. Still.

The clock read 11:00 p.m.

And still—nothing from A.

"That bastard's really taking his time," Jin muttered, lounging on the bed with one hand behind his head. "What's he even planning to give me?"

A familiar pop echoed in his ears.

A: "Hello~! Missing me again?"

Jin: "This mother— I swear…"

A: "You swear what? Hmm? Scared I'll screw you over?"

Jin: "…This can't be a recording."

A: "It is a recording."

Jin narrowed his eyes at the glowing interface, expression deadpan.

A: "You must be thinking, 'How?'

Of course you are. How could a little ant like you ever guess how someone like me behaves or thinks?"

Jin: "Well, I wasn't really thinking that far ahead… Scoff."

A: "Or maybe you weren't thinking at all."

Jin stared at the interface,not speaking.

A: "Alright, alright. Here's your result:

You got [TAE-SIK CHA] from The Man from Nowhere. Congrats."

The screen pulsed briefly, confirming the template.

A: "Here's how it works.

You say 'Status,' and a pop-up will appear. It'll show your current progress. You'll unlock the next template once you hit 95% on this one."

A: "Now, why 95%? Good question—allow me to rant."

A: "Take Tae-sik Cha, for example. A natural-born killer—or at least, shaped into one.

When he fights seriously, he doesn't hold back. He kills."

A: "That final 5%? It's all that intent. That instinct. That edge.

If you're someone with a 'no-kill' rule like Batman, or just some normie who wants power to protect others… you'll never reach it for tae-sik template."

A: "It's a trade-off. To keep your moral compass, you sacrifice full assimilation.

The system respects choice."

A brief pause.

A: "There's more to it, of course.

Like how human behavior could regress the progress bar… but we're not talking about that tonight."

A: "Sayonara.

And hopefully, I won't have to talk to you again for a while."

The pop-up window flickered once more… then vanished.

Silence returned.

Jin blinked.

"…Didn't feel any different."

He sat up and muttered, "Status."

========

TEMPLATE:

[TAE-SIK CHA] — 0%

========

Jin scoffed.

"This system is barebones. The most basic of basic.

No tutorials. No fancy HUD. Just raw progress tracking."

He leaned back, thoughtful.

"So… how do I increase the percentage?"

He tapped his chin.

"Maybe I should start running from tomorrow.

Build a stronger body. Practice martial arts. Move toward the kind of skillset Tae-sik had."

His gaze shifted back to the floating screen.

========

TEMPLATE:

[TAE-SIK CHA] — 1%

========

"Huh. Looks like I'm on the right track."

"So it's experiential.

The more I train, fight, and live like him, the more I sync."

He reached over and turned off the bedside lamp.

Darkness settled in.

With one last glance at the empty ceiling, Jin closed his eyes and drifted off.

Jin waited.

And waited.

Still, no response.

No voice. No pop-up. No sarcastic remark from A.

"Tch. Must be taking his sweet time. What's that smug bastard thinking about now?"

With nothing to do, Jin heard faint sounds coming from the living room.

Cartoon voices. Music. Laughter.

He got up and wandered with a tired face.

sometimes in this new life, everything felt like a simulation—like he was watching it unfold through a tinted screen. He wasn't in it, not really. More like… playing through someone else's save file.

like all of this feel unreal .

He leaned on the doorframe.

"Ki-chan, what are you watching?"

Ki turned to him instantly, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"It's Doraemon! Nobita got a shrinking ray and now he's in trouble again!"

"Classic Nobita," Jin said with a small smile. "Hmm… what would you do if you had a shrinking ray?"

Ki tapped her chin, then grinned.

"Hmm… I'd shrink you down! Then we could go to the playground together!"

Jin chuckled dryly.

"Oi, I'm old, you know. You should make friends your own age and play with them instead."

At that, Ki's smile faltered. She looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"…I want to. But they don't want to play with me. They say I'm poor. That my bag and shoes are old-fashioned."

Jin's gaze softened slightly.

He remembered.

She went to one of those prestigious schools—the kind filled with polished uniforms and kids who never had to look at price tags.

Her father, Uncle Muten Okami, was doing everything he could. Multiple jobs. Running on fumes. Last Jin heard, there was debt too.

"Alright then," Jin . "How about this—we play some RPG here, just until your dad comes home?"

Ki's head shot up. "Really?!"

"Yeah."

As he turned to grab the game controller, a loud rumble echoed in the room.

He paused.

Then slowly looked back.

Ki stood frozen, cheeks flushed pink, hands clutched over her stomach. She laughed nervously.

"…Sorry."

Jin raised an eyebrow, but his expression stayed deadpan.

"Okay. RPG later. First, I make ramen."

===

Ki had gone home after their little RPG session.

The apartment was quiet now. Dim. Still.

The clock read 11:00 p.m.

And still—nothing from A.

"That bastard's really taking his time," Jin muttered, lounging on the bed with one hand behind his head. "What's he even planning to give me?"

A familiar pop echoed in his ears.

A: "Hello~! Missing me again?"

Jin: "This mother— I swear…"

A: "You swear what? Hmm? Scared I'll screw you over?"

Jin: "…This can't be a recording."

A: "It is a recording."

Jin narrowed his eyes at the glowing interface, expression deadpan.

A: "You must be thinking, 'How?'

Of course you are. How could a little ant like you ever guess how someone like me behaves or thinks?"

Jin: "Well, I wasn't really thinking that far ahead… Scoff."

A: "Or maybe you weren't thinking at all."

Jin stared at the interface,not speaking.

A: "Alright, alright. Here's your result:

You got [TAE-SIK CHA] from The Man from Nowhere. Congrats."

The screen pulsed briefly, confirming the template.

A: "Here's how it works.

You say 'Status,' and a pop-up will appear. It'll show your current progress. You'll unlock the next template once you hit 95% on this one."

A: "Now, why 95%? Good question—allow me to rant."

A: "Take Tae-sik Cha, for example. A natural-born killer—or at least, shaped into one.

When he fights seriously, he doesn't hold back. He kills."

A: "That final 5%? It's all that intent. That instinct. That edge.

If you're someone with a 'no-kill' rule like Batman, or just some normie who wants power to protect others… you'll never reach it for tae-sik template."

A: "It's a trade-off. To keep your moral compass, you sacrifice full assimilation.

The system respects choice."

A brief pause.

A: "There's more to it, of course.

Like how human behavior could regress the progress bar… but we're not talking about that tonight."

A: "Sayonara.

And hopefully, I won't have to talk to you again for a while."

The pop-up window flickered once more… then vanished.

Silence returned.

Jin blinked.

"…Didn't feel any different."

He sat up and muttered, "Status."

========

TEMPLATE:

[TAE-SIK CHA] — 0%

========

Jin scoffed.

"This system is barebones. The most basic of basic.

No tutorials. No fancy HUD. Just raw progress tracking."

He leaned back, thoughtful.

"So… how do I increase the percentage?"

He tapped his chin.

"Maybe I should start running from tomorrow.

Build a stronger body. Practice martial arts. Move toward the kind of skillset Tae-sik had."

His gaze shifted back to the floating screen.

========

TEMPLATE:

[TAE-SIK CHA] — 1%

========

"Huh. Looks like I'm on the right track."

"So it's experiential.

The more I train, fight, and live like him, the more I sync."

He reached over and turned off the bedside lamp.

Darkness settled in.

With one last glance at the empty ceiling, Jin closed his eyes and drifted off.

Jin waited.

And waited.

Still, no response.

No voice. No pop-up. No sarcastic remark from A.

"Tch. Must be taking his sweet time. What's that smug bastard thinking about now?"

With nothing to do, Jin heard faint sounds coming from the living room.

Cartoon voices. Music. Laughter.

He got up and wandered with a tired face.

sometimes in this new life, everything felt like a simulation—like he was watching it unfold through a tinted screen. He wasn't in it, not really. More like… playing through someone else's save file.

like all of this feel unreal .

He leaned on the doorframe.

"Ki-chan, what are you watching?"

Ki turned to him instantly, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"It's Doraemon! Nobita got a shrinking ray and now he's in trouble again!"

"Classic Nobita," Jin said with a small smile. "Hmm… what would you do if you had a shrinking ray?"

Ki tapped her chin, then grinned.

"Hmm… I'd shrink you down! Then we could go to the playground together!"

Jin chuckled dryly.

"Oi, I'm old, you know. You should make friends your own age and play with them instead."

At that, Ki's smile faltered. She looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"…I want to. But they don't want to play with me. They say I'm poor. That my bag and shoes are old-fashioned."

Jin's gaze softened slightly.

He remembered.

She went to one of those prestigious schools—the kind filled with polished uniforms and kids who never had to look at price tags.

Her father, Uncle Muten Okami, was doing everything he could. Multiple jobs. Running on fumes. Last Jin heard, there was debt too.

"Alright then," Jin . "How about this—we play some RPG here, just until your dad comes home?"

Ki's head shot up. "Really?!"

"Yeah."

As he turned to grab the game controller, a loud rumble echoed in the room.

He paused.

Then slowly looked back.

Ki stood frozen, cheeks flushed pink, hands clutched over her stomach. She laughed nervously.

"…Sorry."

Jin raised an eyebrow, but his expression stayed deadpan.

"Okay. RPG later. First, I make ramen."

===

Ki had gone home after their little RPG session.

The apartment was quiet now. Dim. Still.

The clock read 11:00 p.m.

And still—nothing from A.

"That bastard's really taking his time," Jin muttered, lounging on the bed with one hand behind his head. "What's he even planning to give me?"

A familiar pop echoed in his ears.

A: "Hello~! Missing me again?"

Jin: "This mother— I swear…"

A: "You swear what? Hmm? Scared I'll screw you over?"

Jin: "…This can't be a recording."

A: "It is a recording."

Jin narrowed his eyes at the glowing interface, expression deadpan.

A: "You must be thinking, 'How?'

Of course you are. How could a little ant like you ever guess how someone like me behaves or thinks?"

Jin: "Well, I wasn't really thinking that far ahead… Scoff."

A: "Or maybe you weren't thinking at all."

Jin stared at the interface,not speaking.

A: "Alright, alright. Here's your result:

You got [TAE-SIK CHA] from The Man from Nowhere. Congrats."

The screen pulsed briefly, confirming the template.

A: "Here's how it works.

You say 'Status,' and a pop-up will appear. It'll show your current progress. You'll unlock the next template once you hit 95% on this one."

A: "Now, why 95%? Good question—allow me to rant."

A: "Take Tae-sik Cha, for example. A natural-born killer—or at least, shaped into one.

When he fights seriously, he doesn't hold back. He kills."

A: "That final 5%? It's all that intent. That instinct. That edge.

If you're someone with a 'no-kill' rule like Batman, or just some normie who wants power to protect others… you'll never reach it for tae-sik template."

A: "It's a trade-off. To keep your moral compass, you sacrifice full assimilation.

The system respects choice."

A brief pause.

A: "There's more to it, of course.

Like how human behavior could regress the progress bar… but we're not talking about that tonight."

A: "Sayonara.

And hopefully, I won't have to talk to you again for a while."

The pop-up window flickered once more… then vanished.

Silence returned.

Jin blinked.

"…Didn't feel any different."

He sat up and muttered, "Status."

========

TEMPLATE:

[TAE-SIK CHA] — 0%

========

Jin scoffed.

"This system is barebones. The most basic of basic.

No tutorials. No fancy HUD. Just raw progress tracking."

He leaned back, thoughtful.

"So… how do I increase the percentage?"

He tapped his chin.

"Maybe I should start running from tomorrow.

Build a stronger body. Practice martial arts. Move toward the kind of skillset Tae-sik had."

His gaze shifted back to the floating screen.

========

TEMPLATE:

[TAE-SIK CHA] — 1%

========

"Huh. Looks like I'm on the right track."

"So it's experiential.

The more I train, fight, and live like him, the more I sync."

He reached over and turned off the bedside lamp.

Darkness settled in.

With one last glance at the empty ceiling, Jin closed his eyes and drifted off.

Jin waited.

And waited.

Still, no response.

No voice. No pop-up. No sarcastic remark from A.

"Tch. Must be taking his sweet time. What's that smug bastard thinking about now?"

With nothing to do, Jin heard faint sounds coming from the living room.

Cartoon voices. Music. Laughter.

He got up and wandered with a tired face.

sometimes in this new life, everything felt like a simulation—like he was watching it unfold through a tinted screen. He wasn't in it, not really. More like… playing through someone else's save file.

like all of this feel unreal .

He leaned on the doorframe.

"Ki-chan, what are you watching?"

Ki turned to him instantly, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"It's Doraemon! Nobita got a shrinking ray and now he's in trouble again!"

"Classic Nobita," Jin said with a small smile. "Hmm… what would you do if you had a shrinking ray?"

Ki tapped her chin, then grinned.

"Hmm… I'd shrink you down! Then we could go to the playground together!"

Jin chuckled dryly.

"Oi, I'm old, you know. You should make friends your own age and play with them instead."

At that, Ki's smile faltered. She looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"…I want to. But they don't want to play with me. They say I'm poor. That my bag and shoes are old-fashioned."

Jin's gaze softened slightly.

He remembered.

She went to one of those prestigious schools—the kind filled with polished uniforms and kids who never had to look at price tags.

Her father, Uncle Muten Okami, was doing everything he could. Multiple jobs. Running on fumes. Last Jin heard, there was debt too.

"Alright then," Jin . "How about this—we play some RPG here, just until your dad comes home?"

Ki's head shot up. "Really?!"

"Yeah."

As he turned to grab the game controller, a loud rumble echoed in the room.

He paused.

Then slowly looked back.

Ki stood frozen, cheeks flushed pink, hands clutched over her stomach. She laughed nervously.

"…Sorry."

Jin raised an eyebrow, but his expression stayed deadpan.

"Okay. RPG later. First, I make ramen."

===

Ki had gone home after their little RPG session.

The apartment was quiet now. Dim. Still.

The clock read 11:00 p.m.

And still—nothing from A.

"That bastard's really taking his time," Jin muttered, lounging on the bed with one hand behind his head. "What's he even planning to give me?"

A familiar pop echoed in his ears.

A: "Hello~! Missing me again?"

Jin: "This mother— I swear…"

A: "You swear what? Hmm? Scared I'll screw you over?"

Jin: "…This can't be a recording."

A: "It is a recording."

Jin narrowed his eyes at the glowing interface, expression deadpan.

A: "You must be thinking, 'How?'

Of course you are. How could a little ant like you ever guess how someone like me behaves or thinks?"

Jin: "Well, I wasn't really thinking that far ahead… Scoff."

A: "Or maybe you weren't thinking at all."

Jin stared at the interface,not speaking.

A: "Alright, alright. Here's your result:

You got [TAE-SIK CHA] from The Man from Nowhere. Congrats."

The screen pulsed briefly, confirming the template.

A: "Here's how it works.

You say 'Status,' and a pop-up will appear. It'll show your current progress. You'll unlock the next template once you hit 95% on this one."

A: "Now, why 95%? Good question—allow me to rant."

A: "Take Tae-sik Cha, for example. A natural-born killer—or at least, shaped into one.

When he fights seriously, he doesn't hold back. He kills."

A: "That final 5%? It's all that intent. That instinct. That edge.

If you're someone with a 'no-kill' rule like Batman, or just some normie who wants power to protect others… you'll never reach it for tae-sik template."

A: "It's a trade-off. To keep your moral compass, you sacrifice full assimilation.

The system respects choice."

A brief pause.

A: "There's more to it, of course.

Like how human behavior could regress the progress bar… but we're not talking about that tonight."

A: "Sayonara.

And hopefully, I won't have to talk to you again for a while."

The pop-up window flickered once more… then vanished.

Silence returned.

Jin blinked.

"…Didn't feel any different."

He sat up and muttered, "Status."

========

TEMPLATE:

[TAE-SIK CHA] — 0%

========

Jin scoffed.

"This system is barebones. The most basic of basic.

No tutorials. No fancy HUD. Just raw progress tracking."

He leaned back, thoughtful.

"So… how do I increase the percentage?"

He tapped his chin.

"Maybe I should start running from tomorrow.

Build a stronger body. Practice martial arts. Move toward the kind of skillset Tae-sik had."

His gaze shifted back to the floating screen.

========

TEMPLATE:

[TAE-SIK CHA] — 1%

========

"Huh. Looks like I'm on the right track."

"So it's experiential.

The more I train, fight, and live like him, the more I sync."

He reached over and turned off the bedside lamp.

Darkness settled in.

With one last glance at the empty ceiling, Jin closed his eyes and drifted off.

My eighteenth birthday wasn't just a milestone—it was a revelation. On that day, my past life's memories came flooding back, crashing into my present like waves against the shore. At first, it felt like a curse. How could I reconcile two lives, two identities? The struggle to accept this new reality was overwhelming. But slowly, I found a middle ground, a platform to stand on, and I began to move forward.

In this life, I am John, the son of Dan and Jessica. My father, Dan, was a businessman—fiercely independent, with no family or relatives to lean on. My mother, Jessica, was American, estranged from her family who never accepted her marriage. Despite these challenges, they built a life together, and we were happy.

The interior of an SUV driving through the Mexican countryside. John, now 18, sits in the backseat with his parents, Dan and Jessica, as they make their way to Mari's house for the wedding. The mood is light, filled with anticipation for the celebration. Suddenly, the peaceful drive is shattered by the sound of gunfire. The convoy is ambushed by a cartel, and chaos ensues.

John: (nervously) Dad, what's happening?

Dan: (urgently) Stay down, John! Jessica, keep him safe!

Their guards immediately take action, exchanging fire with the cartel members. The initial burst of gunfire is deafening, and the SUV rocks with the impact of bullets. The guards form a protective barrier, but they are quickly outnumbered.

Jessica: (frightened) Dan, we need to get out of here!

Dan: (resolute) No, we stay together. I won't let them hurt you.

Dan, a businessman who rarely shows fear, now reveals a steely determination. He exits the SUV, grabbing a gun from one of the fallen guards. Methodically, he begins to take down the attackers, his movements precise and deadly. But the cartel's numbers are overwhelming.

John: (panicking) Dad, watch out!

Dan sees a cartel member rushing towards John and Jessica. Without hesitation, he sprints after the attacker, taking a bullet in the back. With his last ounce of strength, Dan raises his gun and shoots the assailant, killing him instantly. Dan collapses, his life slipping away.

Dan: (gasping) Jessica... John... I love you both... Be strong...

Dan takes his final breath, and Jessica's scream pierces the air.

Jessica: (desperately) No! Dan!

John is paralyzed with shock, torn between the urge to save his mother and the instinct to flee. His previous life persona, with memories of loss and survival, screams at him to run, but he can't abandon his family.

John: (whispering to himself) What do I do? What do I do?

The last cartel member, seeing an opportunity, advances towards John and Jessica. Jessica, filled with fierce determination, picks up a gun from the ground. She fires at the attacker, but he turns and returns fire she got hit.

Jessica: John Live a good and happy life!

Jessica takes her last breath, her eyes filled with love and sorrow as she succumbs to her injuries. John watches in horror, his heart shattering.

John: (sobbing) Mom! No, please, no!

The sound of approaching sirens in the distance grows louder, signaling that help is on the way. The cartel member, hearing the sirens, flees the scene, leaving John alone amidst the devastation. He cradles his mother's lifeless body, tears streaming down his face.

John: (whispering) I promise, Mom. I'll try to live a good and happy life. I'll make you and Dad proud.

John's 18th birthday, meant to be a day of celebration, becomes the day he awakens to his previous life's memories and faces the unimaginable loss of his parents. He feels the weight of both his past and present lives merging, and he vows to find a way to honor his parents' sacrifice and their wishes for him.

Police Officer: (gently) Son, are you okay? Can you tell us what happened here?

John: (nodding slowly, his voice barely a whisper) Yes, I... I can. My name is John. My parents were Dan and Jessica. We were attacked... by the cartel.

Police Officer: (sympathetically) I'm sorry for your loss. We'll take you to the station, get you some help. Is there anyone you can call?

John: (after a moment of hesitation) Yes, I need to call Mari Sol and her family. They're expecting us.

The police take John to the station. He remains quiet, lost in thought, trying to come to terms with his dual existence. Upon arrival, he is given a phone. He dials Mari's number with trembling hands.

Mari Sol: (answering the phone, worried) Hello?

John: (voice cracking) Mari, it's John. I'm at the police station. I need your help.

Mari Sol: (rushing) John! We were so worried. We're coming right away. Hang in there.

Shortly after, Mari and her family arrive at the police station. Mari rushes in and hugs John tightly, her eyes filled with tears.

Mari Sol: (sobbing) John, how are you? We've been so worried about you.

John: (hugging her back, tears streaming down his face) I'm... I'm okay, Mari. Just trying to process everything.

Mari's Father: (placing a reassuring hand on John's shoulder) Don't worry, son. We're here for you. We'll take care of you.

John: (nodding) Thank you. I need to call Harvey, our family lawyer. He's my guardian now.

John dials Harvey's number, and after a few rings, Harvey answers.

Harvey: (concerned) John? What's going on? Are you safe?

John: (taking a deep breath) Harvey. We were attacked by the cartel. My parents... they're gone. I need your help.

Harvey: (firmly) I'm so sorry, John. I'll take care of everything. Just stay with Mari and her family. I'm on my way.

John: (relieved) Thank you, Harvey. I don't know what I'd do without you.

Mari then takes John to her house. The atmosphere is somber but filled with support and care. Harvey arrives shortly after, organizing the transfer of John and his parents' bodies to America. Before leaving, Harvey speaks with Mari and her family.

Harvey: (grateful) Thank you, Mari, for taking care of John. I'll handle everything from here.

Mari Sol: (hugging John one last time) Take care, John. We'll always be here for you.

John: (smiling weakly) Thank you, Mari. You've been like family to me.

Harvey takes John and his parents' bodies back to America. The funeral is held with dignity and respect, honoring Dan and Jessica. John stands by the graves, making a silent promise to live his life fully, carrying the love and lessons from both his past and present lives.

John: (whispering to the graves) I will live a good and happy life, just as you wanted. Thank you for everything. I promise to make you proud.

Harvey stands beside him, placing a reassuring hand on John's shoulder. The scene fades out with John looking determined, ready to face his future with the strength and love of his parents guiding him.

John walks away from the graves, each step symbolizing a new beginning, as he embraces his new path with the support of his newfound family and the memories of his past.

John is asleep in his house. The room is quiet, with only the soft sound of his breathing breaking the silence. Suddenly, John finds himself in a dream. Unlike a regular dream, he is fully aware—he's in a limbo-like state, a realm between reality and unconsciousness. In the distance, he sees a glowing interface floating, calling to him.

John: (looking around, confused) Where am I? This... this isn't just a dream.

He begins to walk towards the interface, his steps echoing in the vast emptiness. As he reaches the interface, he sees instructions written underneath it.

Interface Instructions:

Choose a fictional character from your previous life. Maximum strength allowed: superhuman level (e.g., Captain America).

The character you choose will influence your thinking and behavior.

You will be given powers to complement the character.

John: (thinking aloud) Choose a character... but which one? Should it be someone with knowledge, charisma, or power?

John contemplates the advantages and disadvantages of different types of characters. He thinks about his needs, his recent loss, and the dangers he faces.

John: (murmuring) I need power, strength, and skills to protect myself and those I care about. Batman? No, too much baggage and that no-kill rule. Captain America? A great leader, but his shield isn't lethal enough for what I need. Anime characters like Garou and Yujiro Hanma have superhuman abilities that exceed the limit.

He then shifts his thoughts to skilled humans who don't quite reach superhuman levels.

John: James Bond, John Wick, Ethan Hunt, Loid Forger... all highly skilled, but I need something more. An assassin who can achieve his objectives without weaknesses. (a light bulb moment) Deathstroke.

He considers Deathstroke's attributes: peak human efficiency, a small healing factor, enhanced strength, senses, durability, master martial artist, and expert in all types of weapons.

John: (resolutely) Deathstroke it is. He's perfect—no significant weaknesses, unmatched skills, and the power to protect and avenge.

With a determined look, John writes "Deathstroke" in the prompt. Immediately, he feels a wave of energy wash over him. The interface fades, and he drifts into a deep sleep. As he sleeps, his body begins to change, gaining the skills and attributes of Deathstroke. His muscles grow denser, his senses sharpen, and his mind becomes more focused and efficient.

Scene: The following morning. John wakes up, feeling different. He stands up, noticing the subtle changes in his body and mind. He moves with newfound grace and strength.

John: (smiling to himself) This... this is incredible. I feel stronger, faster, more aware. I am Deathstroke now.

John flexes his hands, feeling the power coursing through him. He walks to the mirror, looking at the slight physical changes—more defined muscles, sharper eyes.

John: (determined) I will use this power to protect myself, to avenge my parents, and to ensure no one ever takes what's mine again.

The scene ends with John standing tall, fully embracing his new identity and ready to face whatever challenges come his way, armed with the skills and abilities of Deathstroke.

The transformation is complete, and John is no longer just an ordinary young man. He is now a force to be reckoned with, prepared to take on the world with the deadly efficiency of Deathstroke.

Next Morning

John's house. A car pulls into the driveway, followed by several men who look like secret service operatives. An old man steps out, looking around before moving towards the front door. John, having observed this from the window, cautiously opens the door.

John: (curiously) Who are you?

Macffree: (calmly) I'm Macffree, your grandfather from your father's side.

John: (taken aback) I had no idea. Now that you mention it, I do see a resemblance. Please, come in.

John steps aside to let Macffree in and offers him tea or coffee.

Macffree: (with a slight smile) Just water, please.

John serves the water and sits across from Macffree, trying to process the sudden appearance of his grandfather.

John: (seriously) So, why did Dad never mention you?

Macffree: (sighs) Your father and I were never on the best of terms. There was an incident years ago, and he left. But when I received news about the demise of my son and daughter-in-law, I had to come see you.

John: (nodding) I understand. But what's with all the security? Are you some kind of CIA operative?

Macffree: (chuckles) Something like that.

John looks at Macffree, feeling a mix of curiosity and determination.

John: (firmly) I'd like to get to know you, but there's something I need to do first.

Macffree: (raising an eyebrow) Oh? What is it?

John: (intensely) I need to find the person responsible for the attack on my family and get vengeance.

Macffree: (liking the fire in John's eyes) From what I've heard, those involved in the attack were killed during the shootout. I received a report.

John: (shaking his head) No, I'm talking about the person who gave the order. The one behind it all.

Macffree: (testing) How do you plan to do that? You seem fit, but you lack skill ,experience. And have you considered the risks? You could be killed or become a criminal.

John: (with conviction) I have skills. My father taught me a few things in his spare time. I have to do this, and I don't care about becoming a criminal.

Macffree stands up, looking impressed and contemplative.

Macffree: (decisively) Pack your things. You're coming with me. I'll give you a chance to get your vengeance and test these so-called skills you have.

John looks at Macffree, a mix of relief and determination in his eyes. He nods and quickly starts packing, ready to embark on this new chapter with his grandfather.

Scene fades as John and Macffree leave the house, heading towards a new, uncertain future together.

Macffree is sitting in his office, a room filled with bookshelves, maps, and various documents. He is looking through a stack of files when there is a knock at the door.

Macffree: (without looking up) Enter.

Agent Matt steps into the room, standing tall and composed. He greets Macffree with a nod.

Agent Matt: (formally) Good afternoon, sir.

Macffree: (gesturing to a chair) Sit down, Matt. So, how did John perform?

Matt sits down, a nervous gulp betraying his otherwise composed demeanor. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts.

Agent Matt: (hesitantly) Sir, John's abilities are... remarkable. They're beyond what we expected.

Macffree: (leaning forward, intrigued) Elaborate.

Agent Matt: (clearing his throat) John's combat abilities are comparable to those of Deathstroke. His strength, agility, and reflexes are far superior, even when compared to our elite soldiers. During the simulations, he demonstrated exceptional proficiency with firearms, hand-to-hand combat, and tactical maneuvers.

Macffree: (raising an eyebrow) Give me specifics.

Agent Matt: (checking his notes) In the hand-to-hand combat training, he defeated five of our top agents simultaneously. His tactical acumen in simulated urban warfare exercises outperformed the leading strategies used by our best operatives. It's as if he can anticipate movements and react instantaneously.

Macffree: (nodding, impressed) And how did he handle the pressure?

Agent Matt: (visibly nervous) Sir, he remained calm and composed throughout. His ability to maintain focus and execute plans under stress is exceptional. However, there's something almost... unnerving about his efficiency. It's like he's completely detached, operating on a different level.

Macffree: (with a slight smile) Detached, you say?

Agent Matt: (growing paler) Yes, sir. He doesn't hesitate. His lethality is precise. It's clear he's not burdened by the same moral quandaries that most soldiers face.

Macffree: (leaning back) So, he's even more efficient than our elite?

Agent Matt: (gulping again) Yes, sir. Far superior. In fact, during a scenario where he was ambushed, he eliminated the threat in under 30 seconds with minimal resources. The operatives involved were left in awe.

Macffree: (smiling, satisfied) Excellent. It seems John has surpassed our expectations. What's your personal assessment, Matt?

Agent Matt: (reluctantly) Sir, while I'm impressed and, admittedly, proud of his capabilities, there's also a part of me that's concerned. If he decides to go rogue, his skill set could make him a significant threat.

Macffree: (firmly) That's why we'll ensure he has a purpose that aligns with ours. John's vengeance is his driving force now, and we can guide that towards our objectives. We must also keep a close eye on his psychological state.

Agent Matt: (nodding, still pale) Understood, sir. We'll continue to monitor him closely.

Macffree: (standing up, signaling the end of the meeting) Good work, Matt. Keep me updated on his progress. And remember, potential like John's needs careful handling.

Agent Matt: (standing as well) Yes, sir. I'll ensure he's watched and guided appropriately.

Matt exits the office, leaving Macffree deep in thought. He looks at the files on his desk, contemplating the future and the powerful new asset they have in John.

Scene fades with Macffree looking out of the window, a mix of anticipation and strategy in his eyes.

Inside a CIA building. Macffree is leading a high-stakes meeting regarding a recent FBI raid on the Sonora cartel. The atmosphere is tense as various agents, including Matt Graver and the secretive Alejandro Gillick, are gathered around a large table.

Macffree: (addressing the room) The recent FBI raid on the Sonora cartel led to the discovery of decayed corpses and an explosive booby trap that killed two police officers. Our next move is critical. We need to flush out and apprehend Manuel Díaz, currently operating and hiding in the United States. John, you will follow Matt Graver on this mission. We also need someone from a home agency to work inside the country. Select a person who can be reasoned with.

Inside an FBI office, Kate and her colleagues are sitting outside a conference room surrounded by glass panels. Kate notices a person in a Hawaiian shirt and slippers, looking out of place in the FBI building. She also sees a young person, younger than anyone she's seen in such a setting.

Kate is called inside. The room is filled with serious faces, and the atmosphere is tense. The Hawaiian shirt-wearing man, Matt Graver, sits at the head of the table, with John by his side.

matt: (sternly) Kate, tell us about your personal life. Marriage status? Children?

Kate: (taken aback) I'm not married, no children.

john: (nodding) Now, tell us about Manuel Díaz.

Kate: (confidently) Díaz operates multiple legitimate businesses and owns about 80 properties. He's deeply entrenched in the Sonora cartel.

john: And what about his connections? Matt, does she know about his brother Guillermo?

Matt Graver: (looking at Kate) Do you know about Guillermo Díaz?

Kate: (shaking her head) No, I don't.

john: (to kate) His cousin Fausto Alarcón?

Kate: (still confused) No, I don't know him either.

Kare's boss: (motioning for Kate to leave) You can go now.

Kate exits the room. Inside, the conversation becomes inaudible to her. After a few moments, people start to leave, except for her boss, Matt Graver, and John. Her boss calls her back in.

Kate's Boss: (serious tone) The DOJ wants an advisor focusing on cartel activity related to Mr. Díaz. This is Matt Graver. Kate, this isn't just about the Phoenix homicide. We're expanding the scope of the investigation.

Matt Graver: (leaning back) John will act as the liaison.

Kate: (confused) What does that mean?

Kate's Boss: (firmly) We're pulling in a specialist in escalated cartel activity. You'll join them. tomorrow?

John: (interjecting) The day after tomorrow.

Kate: (surprised) Air Force base?

Matt Graver: (nodding) Yeah, we're going to see Guillermo.

Kate: (curious) What are our objectives?

Matt Graver: (smirking) To dramatically overreact.

Kate's Boss: (emphasizing) Kate, you must volunteer to join the task force. Do you want to be a part of this?

Kate: (determined) Do we get the opportunity to go after the men responsible for today?

John: (serious) The men really responsible for today, yes.

Kate: (resolute) Yes, I will join.

The scene ends with Kate looking determined, ready to dive into this new, dangerous mission alongside Matt Graver and John. The stakes are high, and the path ahead is uncertain, but she's prepared to face whatever comes next.

A meeting room inside the American base. People are seated around a large table, introducing their departments. One person stands upfront, explaining the plan for the upcoming operation. Kate is sitting beside John, listening intently .after sometime everyone 

Kate: Ever been to Juárez?

John: (shaking his head) No.

Alejandro: (calmly) I worked in Juárez as a prosecutor once.

Kate: (curious) Who do you work for now?

Alejandro: (smiling enigmatically) Nothing will make sense to your American ears. You will see things differently soon enough.

Kate looks at John, suspicious.

Kate: Is he CIA?

John: (shaking his head) No, a DoD advisor.

Kate: (frustrated) You're lying. I'm not authorized to follow his orders.

John: (calmly) Then stay here.

Kate: (sighing, feeling defeated) i wanted to do something .

John: (softly) You won't achieve anything by staying here. You'll find something out there—the one responsible for everything. Do you want to make a change?

Kate: (determined) Yes.

John: Then follow me, do what I say, and see things for yourself.

The scene shifts to a convoy of cars moving towards Juárez. Kate and John are in the backseat of one car, Alejandro is in the front seat, and a driver is at the wheel.

Driver: (nodding towards the city ahead) There she is. The beast. Juárez.

You know, back in the 1900s, President Taft went to visit President Díaz. He took 4,000 men with him. The visit was almost called off because some guy had a pistol and planned to walk right up to Taft and blow his brains out. But it was avoided. 4,000 troops! Think he felt safe?

The convoy continues to move towards Juárez. As they approach the border, they are joined by Mexican police. The convoy navigates through the bustling streets of the city, the tension palpable.

Kate: (whispering to John) This place is intense.

John: (nodding) Stay close and stay alert.

The convoy goes under a bridge, where they see mutilated bodies hanging. The sight is gruesome and haunting.

Driver: (grimly) Welcome to Juárez. It's brilliant what they do. When they mutilate a body like that, they make people think they must have been involved, that they must have deserved such a death because they did something. Oh, it's brilliant what they do.

Kate looks out the window, her face reflecting a mix of horror and resolve. The convoy continues to move on, eventually reaching the American base within Juárez.

Scene: Inside the base, the team exits the vehicles. Kate takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. John places a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

John: (softly) Ready?

Kate: (nodding) Ready.

Alejandro: (walking up) Remember, Kate. Keep your eyes open and trust your instincts. Things will get intense, but you're here to make a difference.

The team prepares to move forward with their mission, each step taking them deeper into the heart of darkness, where the lines between right and wrong blur, and the fight for justice becomes personal.

Scene fades with the team heading into the base, ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

-------------

The mission to extradite Guillermo Díaz is underway. The team, consisting of CIA operatives, John, Alejandro, Kate, and a driver, moves through Juárez, escorting Guillermo in a convoy of armored SUVs. The tension is palpable as they approach the El Paso–Juárez border.

John: (scanning the area, noticing an Impala) Impala on the left. (into the radio) Team, be advised. Potential hostile in the Impala.

Voice on Radio: Green Honda Civic spotted. Keep an eye on it.

John: (determined) Permission to engage?

Matt: (over the radio) Denied. What's the rule, John?

John: (recalling) Do what they do. If they get out of the car, we can set the perimeter.

The convoy slows as they approach a traffic checkpoint. John notices a guy stepping out of the Impala with a weapon.

John: (urgently) They're armed! (to Kate) get outside the car .

John, Alejandro, and the other team members exit their vehicles and quickly form a perimeter around the two SUVs. Alejandro speaks in Spanish, trying to de-escalate the situation.

Alejandro: (in Spanish) Peace! Drop your weapon!

The guy from the Impala starts to raise his weapon. John reacts instantly, opening fire. The rest of the team follows suit, engaging the hostiles. A fierce firefight erupts, with bullets flying in all directions. John and the team take down eight guys from the Impala and the Civic in a matter of seconds.

Kate, still inside the car, sees a state trooper creeping around, aiming at her. She quickly grabs her gun and shoots him. John notices another person aiming at Kate and takes him out with precise shots.

John: (yelling) Everyone, back in the cars! Move!

The team scrambles back into the SUVs. John jumps into the backseat next to Kate, Alejandro in the front passenger seat, and the driver hits the gas, speeding away from the chaotic scene.

Kate: (breathing heavily) That was close.

John: (nodding) Too close. You did good, Kate.

Alejandro: (glancing back) Everyone okay?

Driver: (focused) We're good. Heading to the extraction point.

Maneuvering through traffic and keeping a vigilant eye out for any further threats. The tension eases slightly as they put distance between themselves and the scene of the firefight.

Matt: (over the radio) Status update.

John: (calmly) We're clear. Eight hostiles down. No casualties on our side. Continuing to the extraction point.

Matt: (relieved) Good work. Stay alert. We're not out of this yet.

The scene ends with the convoy heading towards the border, the team ready for whatever comes next, determined to complete their mission and extradite Guillermo Díaz safely.

The mission continues as the team navigates through the dangerous terrain, their resolve strengthened by the successful engagement and their commitment to justice.

------

Scene: Back in the U.S., inside a dimly lit interrogation room. Alejandro stands over Guillermo, who is tied to a chair, bloodied and bruised. Alejandro tortures Guillermo relentlessly, finally extracting information about a smuggling tunnel near Nogales, Sonora. The scene shifts to a bus station in El Paso, where the task force has gathered. Police have stopped buses and grouped people together. Alejandro moves among them, selecting one person for questioning.

Alejandro: (pointing to a man) You. Tell me about the tunnels.

The man, trembling, reluctantly starts to talk as Alejandro pressures him. Meanwhile, Kate confronts Matt and John nearby.

Kate: (frustrated) What's really going on here, Matt? John?

Matt: (sighing) The real mission is to disrupt Díaz's drug operations. We need him to lead us to his boss, Fausto Alarcón.

Kate: (unnerved) So all this... is just to get to Alarcón?

John: (firmly) Yes. It's the only way to bring down the entire operation.

kate seeing no one has paying attention to her anymore goes back to her house .

The task force moves to raid a bank used to launder Díaz's money. Inside, they find significant financial evidence. Kate and Reggie are determined to start a legal case against Díaz, but John advises them to stand down.

John: (sternly) Stand down. If you push this now, you'll jeopardize the entire operation.

Kate: (defiant) We can't just let this go.

Kate and Reggie disobey, starting to collect information. Their faces are captured by the bank's security cameras.

Scene shifts to the FBI building, where Kate approaches her boss.

Kate: (angry) Why wasn't I told about the scope of this operation?

Boss: (sighing) I don't have the authority to make these decisions, Kate. This comes from elected officials, not us. If you're worried about boundaries, understand this: the boundary has been moved.

Later, at a bar, Reggie introduces Kate to Ted, a Phoenix Police officer. They end up at Kate's apartment and become intimate. Suddenly, Kate realizes Ted is working with the cartel. A struggle ensues, with Ted starting to strangle Kate. Just in time, John bursts in, subduing Ted.

John: (breathing heavily) Are you okay, Kate?

Kate: (gasping) Yeah... just in time.

Alejandro enters, and he and John brutally beat Ted to coerce him into revealing the names of other officers working for Díaz.

Alejandro: (coldly) You're going to tell us everything. Now.

Ted: (terrified) Okay, okay! I'll talk!

John: (to Kate) Stay back. We need him alive for now.

The scene ends with Ted spilling information, the team gaining crucial intelligence to move forward in their mission to dismantle Díaz's network and get closer to Fausto Alarcón.

The tension mounts as the task force delves deeper into the cartel's operations, uncovering more layers of corruption and danger. Kate, now fully aware of the stakes, steels herself for the challenges ahead.

After the tumultuous night, Kate and John are in a quiet corner of the base. Kate looks visibly shaken and embarrassed. She approaches John, who is checking his gear.

Kate: (sighing) John, I need to talk to you about what happened with Ted. I was fooled by a corrupt officer and almost... I almost had sex with him.

John: (looking up, reassuring) Kate, it's not your fault. You couldn't have known. And look, we can spin this to our advantage. You could say you honey-trapped him, led him to your apartment to gather information.

Kate: (smiling slightly) Thanks, John. I appreciate your support, especially since you seem younger than me. I wasn't expecting this level of understanding.

John: (smiling back) You don't have to mention it. We're in this together. And who knows, you might be able to help me in the future.

Kate smiles, feeling a bit more at ease. The scene shifts to the team learning about Díaz being recalled to Mexico. They prepare to raid the tunnel near Nogales. Matt gathers everyone for a briefing.

Matt: (seriously) We're going to raid the tunnel near Nogales. Díaz has been recalled to Mexico. Kate, Reggie, you need to know that your involvement is a technical necessity. The CIA can't operate alone within U.S. borders.

Reggie: (angrily) So we're just pawns in your game?

Kate: (firmly) I'm staying. I need to learn the true purpose of this mission.

The entrance to a dark, narrow tunnel near Nogales. Kate, determined and armed, follows John and the task force inside. The tunnel is dimly lit, with only occasional flickers of light from above. The air is thick with tension and the distant echoes of gunfire. Kate moves cautiously, her heart pounding as she navigates through the labyrinthine passageways.

Kate: (whispering to herself) Stay focused, Kate. Follow John.

As Kate ventures deeper into the tunnel, she comes across several bodies, each killed with precision knife strikes. The sight is gruesome, and she has to steel herself to keep moving. The sound of a gunfight grows louder ahead. Kate presses on, her senses heightened.

Suddenly, she enters a wider section of the tunnel where the task force is engaged in a fierce gunfight with cartel members. Amid the chaos, she spots John moving with deadly efficiency. He is a blur of motion, his actions precise and brutal.

Kate: (in awe, under her breath) He moves like a ghost...

John moves through the tunnel like a knife through butter. He ducks under a spray of bullets, seamlessly switching from his firearm to a knife as he closes in on a group of cartel members. With swift, lethal strikes, he dispatches them one by one, his movements almost graceful in their brutality.

John reaches a corner of the tunnel, where several cartel members have taken cover. He throws a flashbang, temporarily blinding them. Using the momentary chaos to his advantage, he charges in, his knife flashing in the dim light. He slashes and stabs with deadly precision, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake.

John: (gritting his teeth) No mercy for those who prey on the innocent.

Kate follows John, witnessing his relentless assault. He uses the environment to his advantage, kicking off walls and ducking behind cover as he moves from one corner of the tunnel to another. His gunfire is relentless, each shot finding its mark. Blood splatters the walls as he continues his violent path through the tunnel.

At one point, John encounters a particularly large group of cartel members. He tosses a grenade into their midst, the explosion echoing through the tunnel and disorienting the survivors. He then charges in, his knife flashing as he cuts them down with ruthless efficiency.

Kate: (thinking to herself) How can anyone be so deadly and so calm?

John reaches the end of the tunnel, where the last few cartel members are attempting to flee. He takes them down with precise shots, ensuring none escape. The tunnel falls silent, save for the distant sounds of the task force securing the area.

Kate finally catches up to John, who is standing amid the carnage, his breathing steady despite the violence he has just unleashed. He turns to her, his expression unreadable.

He abducts Silvio, a corrupt Sonora police officer working as one of Díaz's drug mules. Kate raises her gun, trying to arrest John and Alejandro.

Kate: (yelling) Stop! John, Alejandro, drop your weapons!

Alejandro: (angrily) Never point a gun at me again.

Alejandro shoots Kate twice in her Kevlar vest to subdue her. She falls back, winded but protected by the vest. John rushes to her side, checking if she's okay.

John: (softly) Are you alright, Kate?

Kate: (nodding, gasping for breath) Yeah, I'll be fine.

John: (kissing her forehead) I promise, I will bring real change, Kate.

John drives away with Silvio at gunpoint. Kate stumbles through a gap, her clothes ripped, face scraped. Fury burns in her eyes as she spots Matt leaning against a beat-up truck.

Kate: (Voice hoarse with anger) Matt! What the hell was that back there?

Matt doesn't flinch. He takes a long drag from a cigarette, the ember glowing a malevolent red in the darkness.

Matt: (Low, menacing voice) Looks like you got lost, sweetheart. Wrong tunnel, huh?

Kate: Don't play dumb with me! I saw what you were doing. All those people...

Matt: (Cutting her off) More than you needed to see.

He flicks the cigarette away, the embers disappearing into the dry earth. Kate steps forward, her defiance a spark against the gathering storm.

Kate: I'm not going to be quiet about this. I'll tell everyone.

A cruel smile twists Matt's lips. He takes a menacing step towards her. Regie tenses behind Kate, hand instinctively reaching for a weapon .

Matt: You think anyone will believe you? You're just a nobody, Kate. They'll say you're crazy, seeing things.

Kate: (Voice rising) I'm not crazy! You can't silence me!

Matt throws his head back and laughs, a harsh, humorless sound. He lunges for Kate, grabbing her arm with a brutal twist. Pain shoots up her shoulder, but she glares at him, defiance hardening her features.

Matt: (Snarling) So stubborn. Maybe we need a little...persuasion.

He slams Kate against the truck, his hand tightening around her throat. Regie lunges forward, but a glint of metal stops him cold. Matt levels a gun at Regie, a chilling smile playing on his lips.

Matt: (Calmly menacing) Stay back. Now, where were we?

Kate gasps for breath, fear clawing at her, but her eyes lock with Matt's. This isn't over. Not by a long shot.

Matt: (calmly) The mission is part of a broader operation to revert the various drug cartels back to a single Colombian-run business. It's a situation we can more easily control and work with.

Kate: (in disbelief) So all of this... just to consolidate power?

Matt: (firmly) It's about maintaining balance, Kate. Sometimes you have to work within the gray areas to achieve a greater good.

Kate stands there, absorbing the weight of Matt's words.

Alejandro forces Silvio to stop Díaz's vehicle. With a cold efficiency, Alejandro kills Silvio and then makes Díaz drive to Alarcón's estate. They arrive at the grand mansion under the cover of night. As the car slowly rolls to a stop, Alejandro slits Díaz's throat and exits the vehicle with John. The car continues to move forward, drawing the attention of the guards.

Guard: (approaching the car, confused) What the...?

The guard sees Díaz slumped over the wheel, blood everywhere. Before he can react, Alejandro and John silently emerge from the shadows, swiftly and stealthily taking down the guards. They move with precision, entering the mansion undetected.

Inside, the atmosphere is serene and incongruous with the violence outside. Alarcón and his family are seated at the dinner table, unaware of the approaching danger. Alejandro and John enter the dining room, guns drawn, and approach the table. The family looks up, terrified.

Alejandro: (calmly) Everyone, remain seated.

Alejandro sits opposite Alarcón, his gaze cold and unyielding. John stands nearby, gun trained on the family.

John: (softly to the children) Close your eyes.

The children, trembling, shut their eyes tightly. Alarcón, trying to remain composed, faces Alejandro.

Alejandro: (voice dripping with venom) You are the man responsible for ordering the murder of my wife and daughter when I was a prosecutor in Juárez.

Alarcón: (defensive) You were working for a rival gang. I had to do it. And look at you now, doing the same thing. You're no different than me.

John: (stepping forward) You had my mother and father killed, Dan and Jessica. How did they get in your way?

Alarcón: (sighing) I may have information that could be useful. If you let my family go, I'll tell you everything.

Alejandro: (smirking) You know we can do anything to you. We have all the leverage.

Alarcón: (desperately) I know. I'm offering myself. Just let them go.

John: (nodding) Okay. Tell me, and then we'll decide.

Alarcón: (quickly) A person from a group called Cerberus approached me. They gave me the job to take care of your family, offering power and money.

John: (demanding) Who are Cerberus?

Alarcón: (shaking his head) I don't know. They were supposed to contact me after the job, but they never did.

Alejandro's eyes narrow. He glances at John, then back at Alarcón.

Alejandro: (coldly) Nice talking to you, Alarcón.

Without warning, Alejandro shoots Alarcón's children and wife, their bodies slumping over the table. Alarcón's face twists in shock and despair. Before he can react, John raises his gun and fires, ending Alarcón's life.

John stands there, breathing heavily, as the weight of what just happened sinks in. He turns to Alejandro, his face a mix of anger and confusion.

John: (struggling with his emotions) I know I shouldn't judge you, Alejandro. I came here for the same reason: vengeance. But even the kids?

Alejandro: (unbothered) This is the land of wolves, John. You entered it willingly. I see the most vicious wolf inside you. No matter how hard you try to suppress it, it shows its fangs.

John stands silent, contemplating Alejandro's words. After a moment, he turns and walks away, leaving the scene of carnage behind him. The darkness of the mansion seems to close in, a stark contrast to the cold night outside.

Scene fades as John exits the mansion, his steps heavy with the burden of his actions and the realization of the path he has chosen.

Kate is in her apartment, feeling the weight of the recent events. She's sitting on her couch. Suddenly, Alejandro appears, forcing his way in and pointing a gun at her.

Alejandro: (coldly) Sign this statement, Kate. It attests that the entire operation was legal.

Kate: (trembling) Why are you doing this?

Alejandro: (impatiently) Just sign it. 

Alejandro then make her sign on gunpoint .

Reluctantly, Kate signs the statement. Alejandro starts to leave, but she grabs her pistol and aims it at him. Alejandro turns to face her, his expression unreadable. Kate's hands shake, but she cannot bring herself to pull the trigger. Alejandro nods slightly and walks out, leaving Kate standing there, breathing heavily.

Moments later, there's a knock on the door. Kate, still shaken, opens it to find John standing there.

Kate: (voice breaking) What do you want now?

John: (gently) Nothing. May I come in?

Kate hesitates but then steps aside, letting John enter. He closes the door behind him and they sit down. The atmosphere is tense and filled with unspoken words.

Kate: (bitterly) So why are you here, bastard? You people are scum. You're no different from terrorists.

John: (sighing) I'm not a terrorist, Kate. Hell, I'm not even CIA.

Kate: (shocked) What do you mean?

John takes a deep breath and starts to tell her his story.

John: My parents were killed in an ambush by the Sonora cartel. I wanted revenge, so I asked my grandfather, who was in the CIA, for an opportunity. He let me in, and you know the rest.

Kate: (skeptical) What kind of bullshit story is this? And why are you telling me?

John: (looking defeated) I'm afraid I'm losing myself, Kate. I won't rest until I've broken down everyone responsible, and I have no one left to share this with. You seem like a good person, someone I can talk to.

Kate sees the vulnerability in John's eyes and lets her suspicion go. She softens, feeling a connection to his pain.

Kate: (softly) How are you holding up, John?

John: (sighing) Not well. Every day, I feel like I'm slipping further into darkness. I don't know how much longer I can keep going like this.

Kate: (reaching out) You don't have to do this alone, you know. We can help each other.

They continue talking, the conversation flowing freely. The tension between them eases as they share their fears and hopes. The emotional connection deepens, and they find solace in each other's presence.

John: (softly) Thank you, Kate. For listening.

Kate: (smiling) Anytime, John.

As their talk continues, they begin to move closer. The attraction between them becomes palpable. They start to make out, the intensity of their emotions driving them. John lifts Kate gently and carries her to the bedroom.

Scene fades as they enter the bedroom, seeking comfort and connection in each other's arms, finding a brief respite from the chaos that surrounds their lives.