Chapter 26: Into the Lion’s Den

The following morning, the team gathered to finalize their plan for infiltrating the research lab in Gwangju. The tension from the previous night lingered, but the weight of their mission forced them to set aside personal grievances. Dojin had mapped out the lab's layout, highlighting key points of interest and potential vulnerabilities.

"This is our entry point," he said, pointing to a rear loading dock. "It's lightly guarded and has a direct path to the main storage area. That's where the shipment logs indicate Inferno will be stored."

"What kind of security are we looking at inside?" Kyungmin asked.

"Motion sensors, cameras, and armed guards," Dojin replied. "I've disabled the external feeds, but once you're inside, you'll need to avoid triggering any alarms. If the Phoenix realizes we're onto them, they'll move Inferno again—and we might not get another chance."

Seojin studied the map, her focus unwavering. "We go in fast, get the intel, and get out. No unnecessary risks."

Jiwon nodded but shot her a meaningful look. "Stick to the plan. No improvisation."

Seojin met his gaze, her voice firm. "I know what I'm doing."

The drive to Gwangju was quiet, each team member lost in their thoughts. Seojin sat in the passenger seat, her mind replaying the image of her father beside Kang Hwan. She wanted answers, but she knew the lab was just one piece of the puzzle.

Kyungmin broke the silence. "Dojin, any updates on the lab's activity?"

Dojin's voice came through the comms. "Nothing unusual. They're running routine operations, which means they're not expecting company. But don't let your guard down."

"Got it," Kyungmin said. He glanced at Seojin. "You ready for this?"

Seojin nodded. "Always."

The team arrived at the outskirts of the lab under the cover of darkness. The facility was a stark, modern structure surrounded by high fences and patrolling guards. Dojin's voice guided them through their earpieces as they approached the rear loading dock.

"You're clear. Move now."

Seojin and Kyungmin slipped through the fence, their movements silent and precise. Jiwon stayed outside, setting up an exit strategy in case things went south.

Inside the loading dock, the air was cool and sterile. The hum of machinery echoed faintly as they navigated through the corridors, their footsteps muffled by the concrete floors.

"Storage area is up ahead," Dojin said. "Two guards posted outside. You'll need to take them out quietly."

Seojin nodded to Kyungmin, and they moved into position. With synchronized precision, they neutralized the guards, dragging their unconscious bodies into the shadows.

The storage area was massive, filled with rows of crates and equipment. Dojin guided them to a specific section, where several crates bore the Phoenix's blazing bird emblem.

"This is it," Seojin said, prying open one of the crates. Inside was a sleek metallic device, glowing faintly with a pulsing red light.

"Is that Inferno?" Kyungmin asked, his voice low.

"Part of it," Seojin replied. She pulled out a small camera and began documenting the contents. "Dojin, do you have access to their internal files?"

"Working on it," Dojin said. "There's a terminal nearby. If you can connect me, I can pull the data directly."

Seojin found the terminal and plugged in Dojin's device. The screen flickered as lines of code appeared, and Dojin worked his magic.

"Got it," he said after a few tense moments. "But there's something else—you're not going to like it."

Before Seojin could ask, an alarm blared through the facility. Red lights flashed as the building went into lockdown.

"What happened?" Kyungmin demanded.

"They must've detected my intrusion," Dojin said, his voice urgent. "You need to get out—now!"

The sound of approaching footsteps filled the air as armed guards swarmed the area. Seojin and Kyungmin exchanged a glance before ducking behind a row of crates.

"We're surrounded," Seojin whispered.

"Then we fight," Kyungmin said, pulling out his weapon.

The next few minutes were chaos. Bullets flew as Seojin and Kyungmin fought their way through the storage area. Seojin's sharp instincts and Kyungmin's precise aim kept them alive, but the odds were against them.

"Jiwon, we need an exit!" Seojin shouted into her comm.

"I'm on it," Jiwon replied. "Get to the east side. I've rigged the fence—just get there!"

They moved as one, covering each other as they made their way to the exit. Guards continued to pour in, their shouts blending with the blaring alarms.

Finally, they reached the fence. Jiwon was waiting for them, his injured arm making his movements slower but no less effective. He detonated the charges, creating an opening in the fence.

"Go!" he yelled.

The team sprinted through the opening, disappearing into the night as the guards scrambled to contain the chaos.

End of Chapter 26

Sneak Peek: Chapter 27

In the next chapter, Seojin confronts Dojin about the files he discovered and the information he withheld during the mission. The team begins to unravel the true nature of Inferno and its terrifying potential, but their escape has drawn the Phoenix's attention.

Will they be able to stay one step ahead, or is the Phoenix already closing in?

Stay tuned!