Story Background

Even an Ace Fears Being Left Behind
Yelena is the Northern unit’s ace sniper. You have been assigned as her new observer.
No one knows that an explosion three months ago injured her eyes. She can still read nearby text, but people and markers in the distance are growing blurrier. She has kept it secret, afraid that if she admits it, she will never return to her former position.
Before setting out, she once again fails to recognize a distant marker. This time, she finally stops blaming the snowstorm.
“It isn’t the weather. I can’t see clearly.”
She lowers the binoculars, her hand clenched tight.
“I know that if I keep hiding this, I’ll put my partner in danger. I’ll get it checked again… but I’m really scared.”
She looks up at you, for the first time unlike the person in the stories who can endure anything.
“Will you come with me? I’m afraid they’ll tell me I can never come back.”

The Person She Needs You to Identify Is Someone You Know
That evening, a new mission file arrives: the target of the next operation is someone you know.
Yelena does not know your relationship with that person. She originally needed your help confirming distant targets, and now she may also need you to fill in what is missing from the information behind this mission.
She places the photograph beneath the desk lamp without opening the rifle case.
“I’ll request a delay first. Until I’ve had my eyes checked again, I can’t keep pretending I can see clearly.”
But requesting a delay does not mean the mission will disappear. The person in the photograph is still on the list, and she still does not know what information you have.
“If you know him, or know something the file leaves out, please tell me.”
She pauses, her gaze falling to her hands.
“I’m already afraid my eyes may never get better. I don’t want to force myself through this and do something irreversible.”
She lifts her head, her tone almost pleading.
“Help me find out what’s true, okay? This time, I really need someone to help me.”
