Chapter 29: The Calm Before the Storm

The next morning, the team prepared for the mission to Busan. Seojin stood at the table, the map of the city spread out before her. She was methodical as she examined the layout of the underground facility, the known entrances, and the possible escape routes. But her mind kept drifting back to Donghae's warning. Was the Phoenix truly anticipating their move, or was it all a game to throw them off course?

"Seojin," Kyungmin's voice broke through her thoughts, his tone steady. "We're ready. Dojin's completed the preliminary hacking, and we have access to the facility's surveillance systems. We'll know exactly when the tests begin."

Seojin nodded, but the knot in her stomach remained. "Good. We move out in an hour. Keep everything tight. No mistakes."

Dojin, who had been busy with his laptop, glanced up. "I've also set up a backdoor to the facility's security system. If we're compromised, we can still pull the plug on the whole operation."

"Thanks," Seojin said, though her eyes didn't leave the map.

The rest of the team moved quickly, preparing their gear and checking the weapons they would need for the mission. But there was a sense of unease in the air, a feeling that something was about to go horribly wrong. Seojin couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking straight into a trap.

The journey to Busan was tense. The team traveled by car, taking the scenic route to avoid the attention of any Phoenix operatives who might be watching for them. The windows were tinted, and the car's engine hummed low as they passed through small towns and along the coast. Seojin sat in the front seat, her mind running through the plan one more time.

"Do you think Donghae was trying to warn us or manipulate us?" Kyungmin asked, his voice quiet but heavy with concern.

"I'm not sure," Seojin replied, her eyes focused on the road ahead. "I don't trust him, but I can't ignore what he said. The Phoenix might be expecting us, and if they are, we need to be ready for anything."

"We've been ready from the start," Jiwon chimed in from the back seat, his voice firm. "But I have to admit, I don't like the idea of walking straight into a trap."

"None of us do," Seojin said. "But we don't have a choice. We have to stop Inferno before it goes global."

As they approached Busan, the tension in the car grew thicker. They were just a few kilometers away from the city when Dojin's phone buzzed with an incoming message. He checked it quickly, his face paling as he read the screen.

"What is it?" Seojin asked, her heart rate quickening.

"Security breach," Dojin said, his voice low. "Someone's trying to access the backdoor I set up."

Seojin's eyes narrowed. "The Phoenix?"

"I don't know yet," Dojin replied. "But we've got company."

Just as he said that, the car's engine sputtered for a moment before going completely silent. The lights flickered, and the air seemed to grow colder. Seojin's breath hitched.

"They've found us," Kyungmin said, his tone grim.

Jiwon reached for his weapon. "What's the plan?"

Seojin's mind raced, the weight of their situation settling on her shoulders. They had to act fast.

"Dojin, can you get us back on track?" she asked, her voice steady despite the rising panic.

Dojin's fingers flew over the keyboard of his laptop, but his expression was grim. "I can try, but it'll take a minute. The car's electronic systems are compromised. We're stuck here until I can fix it."

Seojin nodded, her thoughts racing. The team was in the middle of nowhere, and the Phoenix was closing in. They couldn't afford to stay in one place too long.

"We need to get out and move on foot," Seojin said. "Dojin, you're with me. Jiwon, Kyungmin, cover us."

They scrambled out of the car, staying low and moving quickly. The sound of footsteps echoed in the distance, getting closer by the second. Seojin's heart pounded in her chest, every instinct telling her that the trap was closing in on them.

They had barely taken ten steps when the first shot rang out. A bullet grazed the side of Seojin's arm, the pain sharp and immediate. She gritted her teeth, pushing through the pain.

"Seojin!" Kyungmin shouted, his voice full of concern.

"I'm fine," she snapped, her eyes scanning the surroundings. They were in a wooded area, with minimal cover. If they stayed in one place too long, they'd be sitting ducks.

Dojin dropped to one knee, pulling out a small device from his bag. "I'm almost there," he muttered, his hands shaking.

"Move faster!" Jiwon ordered, his eyes sharp. "We've got company coming from both sides!"

The team split into two groups. Jiwon and Kyungmin moved to the left, using the trees for cover as they fired back at their attackers. Seojin and Dojin moved to the right, the tension so thick it was suffocating.

Seojin's mind raced, trying to find an escape route. But every direction seemed blocked. The Phoenix had anticipated their every move, and it was clear now that they were more prepared than ever.

"We can't keep running," Seojin said, her voice tight. "Dojin, how much longer?"

"Almost there!" he yelled back, sweat pouring down his face.

Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps broke through the crackle of gunfire. More Phoenix operatives.

"Seojin, we're out of time," Kyungmin's voice crackled through the comms. "We need to get out now!"

But Seojin knew they couldn't leave without accomplishing their mission. Inferno was their priority.

The seconds felt like hours as Seojin made a split-second decision.

"Dojin, I need you to upload the data to the server," Seojin said, her voice firm. "We're not leaving until we stop them."

Dojin hesitated, then nodded. "I'll get it done."

He was a hacker, yes, but he was also part of the team. The decision to stay behind, however, was theirs to make.

"Cover us," Seojin said to Jiwon and Kyungmin. "We're not leaving without the information."

The battle was intensifying, but Seojin felt something shift inside her. There was no turning back now.

End of Chapter 29