Chapter 38: Into the Lion’s Den

The clock struck midnight, and the team stood outside the industrial district where the Phoenix's main lab was hidden. The air was thick with tension, every member hyper-aware of the risks ahead.

Dressed in black tactical gear, Seojin motioned for the group to follow her. "Stick to the plan. No improvisation unless absolutely necessary. Minji, you're up first."

Minji nodded, her expression grim as she pulled out a small device. "I'll disable their perimeter cameras and unlock the side gate. You'll have a three-minute window to get inside without being spotted."

"Make it quick," Jiwon muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement.

Minji's fingers flew over her tablet as she hacked into the lab's surveillance system. The rest of the team crouched in the shadows, waiting for her signal.

"Got it," she whispered after a few tense moments. "The cameras are looping. Gate's unlocked. Go now."

Seojin led the way, moving swiftly and silently toward the side gate. Jiwon was right behind her, his hand hovering over his weapon. Dojin and Minji stayed at the rear, monitoring their surroundings.

The group slipped through the gate and into the sprawling complex, their hearts pounding.

Inside, the lab was eerily quiet. The sterile white corridors were dimly lit, and the faint hum of machinery echoed in the distance.

Seojin pulled out the blueprint Minji had provided, her finger tracing their route. "The lab is three floors down. We'll take the maintenance stairs to avoid detection."

As they moved deeper into the building, the tension mounted. Every creak of the floor, every distant sound made their nerves jangle.

"This place gives me the creeps," Dojin muttered under his breath.

"Focus," Seojin hissed. "We're almost there."

The group froze as the sound of footsteps echoed down the hall. Seojin signaled for everyone to hide, and they ducked into an alcove just as two guards rounded the corner.

Jiwon's hand tightened on his weapon, but Seojin shook her head, indicating they should wait.

The guards passed by without noticing them, their conversation fading into the distance. The group let out a collective breath of relief and continued on their way.

When they reached the third basement level, Minji used another device to bypass the electronic lock on the lab's main door. The door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a high-tech laboratory filled with vials, computers, and strange equipment.

"There," Seojin said, pointing to a set of canisters stored in a glass enclosure. "That's it. The bioweapons."

"How do we destroy them?" Jiwon asked, his gaze locked on the deadly containers.

Dojin pulled out a small bag of explosives. "We plant these and get out. The explosion will incinerate everything."

As they began placing the explosives, the sound of a door opening made them freeze. A tall, imposing man stepped into the lab, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto the intruders.

"Well, well," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. "What do we have here?"

Seojin's blood ran cold. She recognized him from the files—Kang Hyunwoo, one of the Phoenix's top enforcers.

"You're not leaving this lab alive," Hyunwoo said, pulling out a gun.

Seojin didn't hesitate. "Scatter!" she shouted, firing her weapon as the team dove for cover.

The lab erupted into chaos as bullets flew. Seojin and Jiwon worked together, their movements fluid and precise as they exchanged fire with Hyunwoo.

Meanwhile, Minji and Dojin continued setting the explosives, their hands shaking but steady.

"Hurry!" Seojin yelled over the gunfire.

"We're almost done!" Minji called back, her voice tight with fear.

Hyunwoo moved with deadly efficiency, his shots forcing Seojin and Jiwon to stay on the defensive.

"Cover me," Jiwon said, reloading his weapon.

Seojin nodded, popping up to fire a series of shots that forced Hyunwoo to duck. Jiwon used the opening to flank him, his movements swift and silent.

With a sharp kick, Jiwon disarmed Hyunwoo and pinned him against the wall. "It's over," he growled.

Hyunwoo smirked. "Not yet."

The explosives were set, and Dojin called out, "We're good to go!"

"Fall back!" Seojin ordered, firing one last shot before grabbing Jiwon and dragging him toward the exit.

Hyunwoo, still smirking, pressed a button on his wristband. Alarms blared throughout the lab as red lights flashed.

"They know we're here!" Minji shouted.

"Run!" Seojin yelled, the team sprinting down the corridor as the sound of reinforcements grew louder.

End of Chapter 38