Chapter 11: The Web of Infiltration

The city was still tinged with a lingering coolness, the breeze brushing over the wet streets, carrying the scent of last night's rain. Olivia and Ethan's footsteps echoed softly, urgent yet restrained, as they hurried through the towering buildings. Their heartbeats matched the hidden rhythm of the city, growing heavier with every breath.

"We need to move faster," Ethan murmured, anxiety flashing in his eyes. He could sense that danger, like an invisible net, was quietly closing in on them.

Olivia nodded, the oppressive feeling that had not dissipated making it hard for her to stay calm. After last night's encounter, she knew that the influence of the "Obsidian Society" was deeper than they had imagined, and even those they trusted might already be compromised.

They passed through a narrow alleyway, arriving at a dilapidated old apartment. This was the next stop pointed out by "Zero." Olivia reached out and gently knocked on the door, already on alert.

The door opened, revealing an ordinary-looking middle-aged man with sharp, cold eyes. Olivia recognized him immediately—"Jin," an undercover agent who had infiltrated the "Obsidian Society."

"You've finally arrived. Come in quickly," Jin said in a low voice, ushering them inside.

The room was sparsely furnished, with old equipment and documents piled in the corner. The air was thick with a mix of tobacco and metal. Jin closed the curtains, walked over to the desk, and handed Olivia a flash drive.

"This contains the latest operation plans of the core members of the 'Obsidian Society,' but decrypting it requires a more complex algorithm—only 'Zero' can do it," he said, frowning, unease flickering in his eyes.

"But..." Ethan began to ask, when a faint sound of footsteps from downstairs reached their ears, causing his heart to tighten.

"We're being followed!" Olivia whispered, quickly slipping the flash drive into her jacket.

Jin's expression changed drastically. "Use the back door!"

No sooner had they passed through the narrow hallway than the old door was suddenly kicked open, and several figures in black uniforms rushed in, at the front of whom was Phantom.

"You always run faster than I expect," Phantom said, smiling, but her eyes glinted with coldness.

Olivia wasn't about to take any chances. She yanked Ethan's arm and hurriedly slid down the stairs, with Jin covering them from behind. Bullets whizzed past their bodies, hitting the walls and railings, sparking in their wake.

After bursting out of the apartment, they ran at full speed until they reached a hidden underground passage, finally catching their breath.

"We need to find a place to decrypt this file," Olivia panted.

Jin nodded. "I know a place where we might temporarily avoid their tracking."

The three of them made their way through the city and eventually arrived at an abandoned bookstore. Jin opened a back door, revealing a hidden basement inside.

"This is a safehouse I've prepared over the years. It should be secure," Jin said, opening a computer and preparing to contact "Zero."

However, the network connection was cut off, and a red warning flashed on the screen.

"Shit, we've been located!" Jin exclaimed.

Just then, Phantom's voice echoed from above. "You've hidden well, but you won't escape."

Olivia's eyes sharpened. She quickly shoved open a hidden door behind them and dragged Ethan and Jin into a secret passage.

Phantom pursued relentlessly, but there was a hint of hesitation in her steps. She recalled the events from years ago—Olivia's father had saved her life, and now, she stood on the opposite side.

Olivia seemed to sense Phantom's hesitation and whispered to Ethan, "Do you think Phantom is really our enemy?"

Ethan was silent for a moment. "Some people are forced to make choices."

The escape led them to a bustling street, where they blended into the crowd and momentarily shook off their pursuers.

Night once again cloaked the city, but this time, Olivia's eyes held not just fear, but an unwavering determination.

"No matter what, we must uncover the truth," she murmured.

Ethan clenched his fists. "This is just the beginning."

Jin looked at the two of them, a glimmer of hope rising in his heart. Despite the uncertain road ahead, they were ready to face whatever came their way.