Story 497: Inferno's Wake

The team sprinted through the burning ruins of the city, the heat gnawing at their bodies and smoke stinging their eyes. Columns collapsed behind them, sending showers of sparks cascading like deadly fireworks. The once-pristine streets were now rivers of fire, and every step felt like walking through hell.

"Keep moving!" Rook barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. The metallic briefcase, clutched tightly in his left hand, seemed to grow heavier with every step.

Shadow lagged slightly behind, her sniper rifle slung over her shoulder as she kept her focus on their six. “We’ve got incoming,” she warned, catching a glimpse of armored figures emerging from the smoke. Their movements were methodical, their weapons gleaming in the flickering light of the flames.

“Not more of these guys,” Viper groaned, drawing her blades. “I’m starting to hate fire almost as much as bullets.”