Briefing

Studio lights glow across a sleek news desk.

‘Three… two… one… go.’

“Welcome back to JNN News. I’m Gil Fujisawa.”

“And I’m Masato Kiriya. Our top story today is, another incident involving international idol Aria Kingsley. Authorities confirm that last night’s rehearsal was interrupted by what they are now calling a ‘targeted attack.’”

“That’s right, Masato. Security reports indicate that an unidentified individual breached the backstage area during a closed-door session. No injuries were reported, but this marks the third attempt on Kingsley’s life this month. Police have increased patrols around her apartment, though spokespersons declined to comment on whether they believe the attacker is the same individual from previous incidents.”

“There’s also growing speculation online, Gil. Fans are concerned, and a few anonymous sources claim the attacks may be connected to the recent idols’ disappearance cases. However, investigators have not linked the cases at this time. It's been a month since the disappearance of the rising idol, Ai Kamazaki. Her case marks the tenth disappearance in less than six months.”

“For now, Kingsley’s agency has temporarily postponed several public appearances and stated they are ‘taking all necessary precautions.’ More updates will follow as the investigation develops.”

*****

The phone on the receptionist’s desk buzzed sharply. She straightened her posture, lifted the receiver, and slipped into her practiced tone.

“This is A.E.G.I.S.: where safety isn’t a promise, it’s protocol. How may I assist you today?”

A brief pause. Her expression shifted slightly.

“Yes, sir… I see. A bodyguard request for a—”

Another pause.

“—for an idol. Understood.”

She clicked her pen, noting something on the form in front of her.

“Multiple assassination attempts? That categorizes her as a high-risk client. No need to worry, sir. We have several agents with extensive experience in personal protection and security detail.”

Her brows lifted.

“…An investigation as well?”

She leaned back in her chair, voice lowering with a hint of confidence.

“Then I believe I have someone particularly suited for double duty.”

She typed something quickly. “Of course. I’ll forward his file to you immediately. Thank you for choosing A.E.G.I.S.”

click

*****

Gunfire cracked through the air—sharp, relentless, deafening.

John pressed his back against a crumbling wall, dirt and smoke filling his lungs. Bullets tore past their cover, shredding the ground inches from his boots. “Dylan! Reloading!” he shouted over the chaos.

His brother slid beside him, breath ragged, clutching his rifle. “They’re pinning us down from both sides!”

The gunfire intensified—then suddenly, abruptly, it stopped.

Silence. A heavy, unnatural silence.

John frowned, leaning forward from cover, eyes fixed on the empty ridge ahead. “They stopped…” he whispered. “Why did they stop?”

A hand settled on his shoulder. John froze. Slowly turning.

Dylan’s posture sagged. His uniform was torn open, soaked through with deep crimson. Blood dripped from the corners of his mouth, trailing down his chin. His eyes struggled to focus.

“Dylan…?” John’s voice cracked. “No… when did…?”

Dylan gave him a faint, painful smile. “It’s over, John…” The world around them collapsed into darkness.

John jolted awake. He gasped, drenched in sweat, heart beating out of his chest, desperate breaths. The echo of gunfire still rang in his mind.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Only this time, it wasn't gunsfire. It was the door. Someone was knocking. John sat on the edge of his bed, his face buried in his palms as he tried to steady his breathing. The knocking came again—firm, patient. He pushed himself up and walked to the door, still shaken. When he opened it, his posture snapped to attention.

“Commander Price.”

The older man sighed. “At ease, John. And for the millionth time, I’m not a commander anymore.” Price’s eyes scanned him—sweat, tension, the distant look still fading. “You alright, son?”

“Yes, Director,” John replied. “Please… come in.”

Price stepped inside, a folder tucked under his arm. “Still having nightmares, huh?”

John didn’t answer right away. Price continued, his tone softer:

“They’re not affecting your performance, but if they’re eating at you… I’m here. You know that.” John nodded. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

Price moved into the dark living room and sat on the couch. “Turn on the light and sit down, John. We’ve picked you for a special case.”

John flicked the switch, filling the room with a dull warm glow, then took a seat directly across from him. “Another bodyguard duty, sir?” John asked. “Who is it this time? A billionaire? An actor? A singer would be a nice change of pace.”

Price gave a short laugh. “Oh, John… believe it or not, it’s all of them at once.” He handed over the folder.

John opened it—his eyes narrowing as he read the name at the top. “This is who I’m going to protect—Aria Kingsley.”

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

Subject 01 – Aria Kingsley

Status: Primary Protection Target

Age: 24

Height: 162 cm (5’4”)

Eyes: Hazel

Hair: Black (dyed blonde)

Occupation: International Idol

Risk Level: High – Three targeted attacks within one month

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“Yes, John. She’s young, gorgeous, talented… and someone really wants her gone. Three attempts in one month.”

John turned the page.

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Subject 02 – Rina Kingsley

Status: Secondary Contact

Age: 29

Height: 165 cm (5’5”)

Eyes: Hazel

Hair: Black

Occupation: Head of Kingsley Talent Division

Risk Level: Medium

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

“And this is Rina Kingsley… her older sister. She runs their family talent agency—the one Aria’s part of.” Price shook his head lightly. “She runs one of their sub-companies. Camelot Enterprise is enormous. That talent agency is just a drop in a very big ocean.”

John gave a low whistle. “Interesting.” His eyes drifted to the next page. “Oh… she has a fiancé.”

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

Subject 03 – Ryo Sera

Status: Fiancé of Aria Kingsley / Person of Interest

Age: 28

Height: 175 cm (5’8”)

Eyes: Brown (wears cosmetic lenses in lighter tones)

Hair: Brown (dyed blond)

Occupation: CEO of Sera Production

Risk Level: Variable – Not a classified threat, but potentially involved

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

He skimmed the file. “Wait… how is he running a production company? He’s way too young for that.”

“Sera Production was passed down to him when his mother died,” Price explained. “Ayumi Sera. One of the most famous Asian actresses of all time. Highest-paid for five consecutive years. She starred in everything until she passed away last year.”

John nodded slowly. “Alright, I get the picture… but why give me profiles on three people?”

Price leaned forward. “Because this isn’t just protection work, John. It’s an investigation too.”

“Investigation of what?” John asked with a puzzled face.

“You’ve heard of the missing idol cases on the news, right?”

John’s expression hardened. “Yeah. Ten missing idols. Last one was about a month ago.”

Price tapped the folder. “Three of those girls were from the same talent agency as Aria. They were even in the same idol group—Red Rising.

Their father, Samuel Kingsley—founder and CEO of Camelot—requested the investigation personally. He believes the cases are connected. “

John leaned back, thinking. “Hmmm… could be the same person who took the first three is coming after Aria next. Or maybe someone close to them thinks she’s responsible and wants revenge.” He glanced at the fiancé’s profile again. “How’s the fiancé tied up in this?”

Price exhaled. “The last missing idol, Ai Kamazaki, was seen with Ryo Sera the week before she disappeared. A paparazzi snapped photos of them leaving a restaurant. Two days later, that photographer was found dead. Cause of death: heart failure.”

John’s brows furrowed. “Convenient.”

“When authorities questioned Ryo, he claimed it was just a business meeting—normal between an idol and a production company. Investigators didn’t find anything else on him. No proof, no leads.”

John flipped to the photo. An image of Ryo and Ai together. “Is this the only picture?”

“The only one that ever made it online. Nothing else was found on the paparazzi’s hard drive.”

John closed the folder slowly. “Too clean. Three people with lots of money and power and ten missing idols. This is very interesting.”

Price grinned. “Exactly why we’re sending you.” A vibration buzzed through the room, Price’s phone lighting up. He checked the message. “Looks like she’s here.”

John blinked. “Who’s here?”