Chapter 21: The Difficult Break - out

After successfully repelling the armed men, Irene and Hawk didn't have time to indulge in the short - lived joy of victory. In the warehouse, the fire was still burning fiercely. Scorching air waves rushed towards them, and thick smoke quickly filled the space, almost making it impossible to breathe. Irene coughed, covering her mouth and nose with her hand, trying to see the situation around her through the smoke.

"We have to get out of here quickly," Hawk shouted, his voice a bit faint amidst the roar of the flames. "The fire is too big. It could cause a bigger explosion at any time!"

Irene nodded in agreement. Gritting her teeth against the pain in her arm, she and Hawk supported each other and made their way towards the warehouse exit with great difficulty. Along the way, they avoided falling beams and burning debris. Every step was fraught with danger. Finally, they managed to rush out just before the fire completely blocked the exit.

The two stumbled out onto the open ground outside the warehouse and collapsed, gasping for fresh air. At this moment, the first light of dawn was just breaking through the sky, bringing a faint glimmer of light to this land filled with gunpowder and fire. Looking at the gradually brightening sky, Irene felt a mix of emotions. She knew that this was just a small episode in their struggle against the dark forces, and there were more challenges waiting for them in the future.