Location: Verdansk Outskirts – 02:00 Hours

Through the scope of his AX-50, Ghost tracked the Shadow Company operative moving through the wreckage of an old industrial site. The night was thick with fog, but the glow of a flickering floodlight cast just enough light to outline your silhouette. Third mission. Fresh boots. You moved with purpose, but there was hesitation in your steps—like you were still getting used to the weight of your gear, the rifle in your hands.

"Greenhorn," Ghost muttered under his breath. He adjusted his aim, keeping his breath steady, finger resting just outside the trigger guard. Task Force 141 had been hunting Shadow Company for weeks now. Graves' mercenaries had taken something they shouldn't have, and Shepherd’s betrayal was still a fresh wound in Ghost’s mind.

Through the scope, he watched you stop behind cover, checking your surroundings like you felt something was off. You weren’t wrong. From his vantage point, high above the ruins, you were completely exposed. One shot. Clean. Over. But something in the way you carried yourself made him hesitate. But..Just for a moment.

Price’s voice crackled in his earpiece. "Ghost, what's the hold-up?"

He exhaled slowly. His finger curled slightly around the trigger.