"—That concludes the briefing. Any questions?"

"No questions."

"We'll cover more details during our first mock battle in the U.S., so focus on adjusting to the time difference for now."

Two hours left until arrival.

It was that tricky time when even movies and TV shows had lost their appeal. Given how long we’d been virtually running wild, everyone seemed eager to discuss tactics, almost as if we were all itching for action. I liked the energy.

After the briefing, Dice shot me a private message with a grin.

"You know, Eugene, everyone was so full, but because of how much you enjoyed your snack, they all ended up eating ramen too."

"That's unfortunate. I'm about to order another one."

"Wow…."

"Nothing new there."

I placed the order, and after a few minutes, the food arrived. The broth was refreshing, and the noodles had a pleasant chew to them. The sunlight streaming over the vast American land added to the warmth of the steam rising from the noodles. It was, in its own way, the fastest ramen in the world.

Fortunately, I'd given a heads-up about my appetite, so the airline had slightly reduced the number of first-class passengers and loaded supplies of equal weight. Thanks to that, there were no issues with food running out.

New York was approaching. Though it had only been four years, those years were long and hard-fought. New York had become a second home for me, no matter how strange that might sound to a native New Yorker. Yet, I didn't remember much about it, not enough places to make real memories.

As I finished my meal, I sipped on a blueberry drink, enjoying the view outside. I had crossed American skies numerous times, but always in a pressurized suit at altitudes higher than commercial flights. It had been a grueling experience, but at least DARPA had finally developed a custom suit for me. This was the first time I could relax in comfort while waiting to land.

But, of course, someone had to ruin the moment.

"We won’t be greeted by a military band at the airport, right?"

"Of course not."

What’s he even talking about?

This wasn’t some alternate Earth where zombie Hitler, backed by necromanced Stalin, invaded the U.S., and I had to raise Atlantis with Lorentina to fend off 20 million Nazi zombies. I shook my head at my own random thoughts. Now that New York was within reach, I needed to prepare for landing.

Retrieving my coat and the toiletries given to first-class passengers, I watched through the window as Kennedy Airport’s landscape came into view.

Braking. Reverse thrust. And stop.

"I can't believe I’m back here."

With Dice muttering behind me, it was finally time to leave the plane. As the jet docked with the gate, I stood up and prepared to disembark. Unlike the clear skies over the Midwest, the Northeast was pelted with heavy snow. The weather brought back memories of winter missions in New York.

Still, it was a relief that JFK wasn’t overrun by nature like it had been during the worst of the chaos. As I walked past the duty-free shop and headed to customs, I patted Dice and Harmony on the shoulder.

"Take care."

"Eugene? Where are you going?"

"U.S. citizens go to the citizen gate."

They were momentarily speechless.

After our English practice and study sessions, they should do fine. I told them I’d see them at baggage claim, then joined the already packed line at the customs gate. My turn came quickly enough.

A bald customs officer gave me a once-over before his stern look softened, and he spoke kindly.

"Oh, quite rare to see someone like you. Here’s your passport... EM certification confirmed. Been a while since you were in the States?"

"Yes, I'm here as part of Korea’s VRFPS national team for Dark Zone. I’ll be here for three weeks and will head back on January 1st. Gotta see the New Year in Times Square."

"Christmas and New Year’s in New York—what a way to celebrate. Where are you staying?"

I showed him the invoices I’d received beforehand, and he nodded with a smile.

"Enjoy your stay."

"Thank you. Have a good day."

After a brief exchange, I was through customs. I found myself at baggage claim soon enough, where Dice and Harmony joined me, both looking smug as if they'd aced an exam. I let them bask in their confidence.

Once we retrieved our luggage, an Icarus International staff member greeted us, explaining our next steps. Our transport was ready and waiting, and since we’d stuffed ourselves on the plane, breakfast wasn’t on our minds. We stepped out, suitcases in hand.

Then—

"...Do you know those people?"

"...Yes."

I knew them better than anyone.

A man who resembled a polar bear, a woman with shark-like features, and a rugged blond man. These were the people I trusted most, and they were here with a "WELCOME EUGENE" banner, smiling as if welcoming me home.

"Plans have slightly changed. Apologies for not informing you sooner. It’s due to the unique aspects of your past experience, Eugene."

"I’ll need to assess things and will give you my answer if they seem reasonable."

We boarded a limousine bus and headed from Brooklyn to Manhattan. The bus cut through the heavy snow falling over New York, as the liaison managing our schedules took a call from the U.S. representative.

It was clear he was being asked about me, so I eavesdropped through my gear. From his tone, he seemed to be politely declining at first.

However, his expression changed as he read the data being sent over.

"...Hold on. This will require further review. A dinner with a potential presidential candidate?"

"I realize this might seem hasty, but politics moves like a living thing. The first week is set aside for adjusting to the time zone, so you’ll have time. Let us know after reviewing it."

"...Understood. We’ll contact you after consulting with the team. For now, we’ll get settled."

Busy times ahead.

The hotel wasn’t far, but there was much to do. Preparing the team for my absence was essential, as were scrimmages starting tomorrow. Though it wasn’t mandatory, we’d have enough practice to shake off the rust.

The manager’s phone kept ringing, even with the calls from President Henry Jin, among others. After the fifth call, I received a text:

Eugene, you’re free until week two when training intensifies. Just check in periodically. Unwind and handle any pending matters for now.

I replied:

Thank you. I have some people to catch up with. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Glancing around, I sensed the others had similar concerns about my brief absence. Their expressions said it all. I felt a bit guilty, but I wasn’t going to waste this chance.

Crossing the East River, the view of Manhattan took shape. It was a far cry from the hidden helipads, underground HQs, cloaking tech, and data centers. Now, it was a mere park—a reminder of how life had returned to normal.

As we pulled up to the hotel, I received my room key at the lounge. I planned to leave shortly for lunch at a nearby restaurant, then spend the next few days in Baltimore and D.C. before returning.

Leaving behind Mikael, Gambit, and Ink, I made my way to the elevator. As we reached the lobby, an SUV waited outside, matte-black and sleek.

I took a deep breath, stepping through the revolving door, knowing exactly who awaited me.

As the door opened, familiar faces greeted me, and I felt my throat tighten with emotion.

The first to speak was Lorentina, seated in the back. She took my hand, squeezing it gently.

"Our little one, it’s been so hard to see you again."

"…Yeah."

"You’ve been doing well?"

"…Yes."

She glanced around, searching for words as Logan silently drove, and our leader looked ahead. Though the vehicle’s destination wasn’t far, the drive felt long with memories flooding back.

Finally, Lorentina spoke again with a smile.

"Let’s have a meal. We have all the time in the world to catch up now."

"Right, as if you’re buying."

"Who do you think paid to fix this car inside and out? Thanks to that, it’s brand new."

"Yeah, yeah. Of course."

Memories resurfaced, one by one. In the past, winter had only brought death. But now, amid the falling snow, I saw people, cars, and lights—the pulse of a living New York enduring the chill of winter.

A moment of laughter passed, and Owens, the only other man present, spoke up.

"There are many waiting for you, including us. But before that, there's something you need to say."

"…I'm not sure what to say."

"Your report of return."

Ah.

Laughing, I nodded and replied.

"Sergeant Eugene Yi of Task Force Dagger. Reporting back as of December 10th, Senior Officer Owens."

"...Master Sergeant Anthony Owens of Task Force Dagger. Welcome back."

The sentence ended, marking the start of a new chapter.

Through the thick snow, with a period on the page of the past, our car rolled forward on New York's roads.

It was cold, but for some reason, I didn’t feel it.