The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains of the safe house, casting long slants of light across the room. Karina sat at the desk, her laptop open and a secure connection established.

The faint hum of the system was the only sound as Colonel Park's face appeared on the screen, his expression as sharp and focused as ever.

"Morning, Sergeant Yu," Park began, his tone clipped. "I trust your team has recovered from last night's... event?"

Karina nodded. "Yes, sir. No casualties or injuries. We remained undetected."

"Good. Then let's move forward. Your first mission starts today. There's been unusual movement in the central marketplace. Reports indicate insurgents are using it as a cover to exchange intel. Your task is to infiltrate, identify the key players, and gather any information you can. Stay covert-avoid confrontation if possible."

Karina's jaw tightened, already running through the logistics. "Understood, sir. What's our extraction plan?"

"You'll have a secondary rendezvous point if things go south. I'll send the details to your device. Good luck."

The call ended with a click, leaving Karina to stare at the now-blank screen. Taking a deep breath, she closed the laptop and stood, heading to the common area where the team was slowly gathering.

Yuna sat on the armrest of the couch, munching on an energy bar. Ningning leaned against the wall, scrolling through her phone, while Winter perched on the counter, sipping coffee.

"We've got a mission," Karina announced, drawing everyone's attention.

"Already?" Ningning groaned, stuffing her phone in her pocket. "Can't we get, like, one day to sleep in?"

Karina ignored her, turning to Winter. "Colonel Park confirmed unusual activity in the central marketplace. Insurgents are exchanging intel, and it's our job to gather information without blowing our cover. This means stealth, precision, and no freelancing."

Winter raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like a piece of cake."

Karina shot her a sharp look, not rising to the bait. "Yuna and Ningning, you'll cover the eastern section. Blend in, observe, and identify any unusual behavior. Winter and I will take the northern side. We need to find their contact points and figure out where the exchange is happening."

"And the west?" Yuna asked.

"Yeji team will handle that. Our priority is intel, not combat. Unless initiated. Understood?"

A collective nod sealed the briefing.

The marketplace was a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and smells. Vendors shouted over one another, peddling everything from spices to fabrics, while throngs of people moved through the narrow lanes. The team had split up, each pair blending seamlessly into the crowd.

Winter adjusted her hoodie, her sharp eyes scanning the bustling scene. Beside her, Karina walked with an air of calm authority, her gaze flicking over potential threats and exit points.

"I don't like this," Karina muttered, her voice low.

"What, markets?" Winter teased lightly.

Karina shot her a look. "Crowds. Too many variables."

Winter smirked. "Relax, Sergeant. I've got your back."

Before Karina could retort, movement caught Winter's eye. A man in a dark jacket slipped through the crowd, his movements deliberate.

"Ten o'clock," Winter murmured, her tone shifting. "See him?"

Karina followed her line of sight, nodding slightly. "Let's tail him. Keep your distance."

Meanwhile, Yuna and Ningning were positioned near a fruit stand, their casual banter disguising their sharp observation.

"See them?" Yuna whispered, nodding subtly toward a woman handing him a package.

"Got it. I'll snap a photo," Ningning said, casually pulling out her phone and pretending to scroll while discreetly capturing the exchange.

"Nice," Yuna praised. "Let's keep an eye on them."

_

The man they were tailing in the dark jacket, his purposeful strides carving a path through the chaos.

"Stay close," Karina murmured, her eyes never leaving their target.

Winter smirked. "I'm not the one falling behind."

Their banter was cut short when the man abruptly turned down a narrower street. Karina quickened her pace, Winter keeping up beside her.

"We're getting too close," Winter warned, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We can't lose him," Karina replied.

As they rounded the corner, the man glanced over his shoulder. His eyes locked with theirs for a split second before he bolted, shoving past a vendor's cart and spilling its contents onto the ground.

"Go!" Karina barked, breaking into a sprint.

Winter followed, weaving through the crowd as shouts and curses erupted around them. The man was fast, but Karina's sharp reflexes kept her close on his heels.

"He's heading for the alley!" Winter called, her breath coming in quick bursts.

The man reached the alley first, grabbing a metal trash can and shoving it into their path. Karina leaped over it effortlessly, but Winter, a step behind, stumbled. She hit the ground hard, scraping her knee.

"Winter!" Karina shouted, pausing briefly to check on her.

"I'm fine!" Winter gritted out, forcing herself up. "Go!"

Karina hesitated for a heartbeat before resuming the chase. Winter limped after her, adrenaline dulling the sting of her injury.

The man darted through a series of tight turns, knocking over anything in his way to slow them down. Karina caught up just as he tried to climb over a chain-link fence. She grabbed the back of his jacket, yanking him down with a grunt.

"Stop!" Karina ordered, pinning him against the fence.

The man snarled, twisting out of her grip and shoving her back. Karina staggered but didn't fall, lunging forward again. This time, he swung his elbow, catching her in the shoulder and knocking her to the side.

Before he could get away, Winter appeared, blood trickling from the scrape on her leg. She grabbed a discarded crate and swung it at the man, forcing him to stumble back.

"Nice shot," Karina muttered, regaining her footing.

The man, realizing he was cornered, pulled a knife from his pocket. His movements were wild and desperate, slashing the air between them.

"Seriously?" Winter muttered, eyeing the blade.

"Don't engage," Karina ordered, her voice steady.

Instead of fighting, Karina kicked a nearby barrel, sending it rolling toward the man. He dodged, losing his balance momentarily, and that was all they needed. Winter shoved him hard, sending him crashing into the fence.

But before they could restrain him, the sound of shouts echoed from the main street. The man's associates were close.

"We need to go," Karina said sharply, grabbing the IDs and few others from his pocket.

Winter nodded, grabbing Karina's arm as they turned and sprinted back the way they came. Behind them, the man yelled something unintelligible, but they didn't look back.