Ethan slipped back into the hotel, moving through the dimly lit corridors like a shadow. He reached Jason’s room and knocked on a specific, rhythmic pattern. The door cracked open instantly. Inside, he found Jason and all four Falcon gathered in the cramped space, their tactical gear on and weapons held at the ready.
"I knew you’d all be together," Ethan said.
"This place is wrong, Boss. We couldn’t lower our guard even if we wanted to," Jason said.
Ethan signaled them to gather around. He spoke in a low, cold tone, detailing the rescue of Kira, the hidden underground cells, and the imminent arrival of the collection vessel and the Khriscar.
"She’s safe in the lead helicopter for now. The ships arrive this afternoon. Our reinforcents are pushing hard, but there’s a chance they won’t make it before the drop-off," Ethan said.
Falcon 1 checked the magazine of his rifle, his expression grim. "If they arrive heavily ard and we’re stuck here, we don’t have enough firepower to hold off a full convoy. They’ll sweep us," Falcon 1 said.
"When the ti cos, find any excuse to move toward the helicopters. If anyone tries to stop you, open fire. Kill anyone who stands in your way," Ethan said.
"The birds are ard and the systems are hot. We can provide air support the mont we’re in the cockpits," Jason said.
"Rest for now. If anything happens, we need to be at our peak," Ethan said.
"Shouldn’t we strike now, Boss? Take the town before they know what hit them?" Falcon 2 asked.
"No. That would only alert the Scavenger. The ship might not even dock if they see a fire. We need that vessel. We’re going to hijack it and use it to infiltrate their base. Greenland is a giant ice cube; trying to find a hidden facility there without a guide would be like looking for a needle in a haystack," Ethan said.
Jason agreed in agreent. "The boss is right. We need the transport to lead us to the source."
The n settled in, sitting back-to-back on the floor, drifting into a light, tactical sleep. Ethan sat in the center, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. He began his specialized breathing technique, circulating his energy to ensure his body was in its maximum state for the slaughter to co.
IN THE MAYOR’S OFFICE
While Ethan ditated, Mayor Torin was trembling in his office, holding a secure satellite phone to his ear with both hands.
"Sir... a woman from the Chika tribe has fled. She managed to escape the cages and entered the woods. We... we couldn’t find her," Torin said, his voice stuttering with terror.
The voice on the other end erupted in a scream of Russian curses. "You incompetent imbecile! I should have your head for this! If that charge is compromised, I will skin you alive myself!" the voice shouted.
"I-I’m sorry! really sorry" Torin asked.
"Where are the Aricans?" the voice demanded.
"They haven’t left their rooms since dinner. Only the young billionaire took a walk through the town, but I ensured no one spoke. I took the daughters of the villagers into custody as leverage; they won’t say a word," Torin said.
"Good. The vessel arrives in a few hours. Leager the Decapitator is on board. He will handle the ’guests.’ Do not let them leave, or Leager will handle you instead," the voice said.
Torin agreed frankly to the empty room. "I will do everything you ask! I won’t disappoint you!"
SCAVENGER HEADQUARTERS
On the other side of the street, a subordinate walked into a dimly lit, luxurious hall. "Patriarch..."
Mr. Scavenger was reclined in a deep leather chair. He opened his eyes—they were a faint, haunting purple, glowing with a slightly demonic light in the shadows.
"What is it? Is there news on Ethan and the Royals?" Mr. Scavenger asked.
"I sent Dylan personally to watch the Royal headquarters. He reports no unusual movents. Since Ethan entered the building, no one has left. All feeds show him still inside," the subordinate said.
The Scavenger narrowed his glowing eyes. "I feel sothing is wrong. It’s too much of a coincidence. I know Leager is going, but I cannot shake this unease."
"You are right. Tell Alistair and Spike to take one of the jets and head there imdiately. We cannot afford a single failure," Mr. Scavenger said.
The first rays of a weak began to bleed through the frost on the windows. Ethan opened his eyes, the deep ditation having sharpened his senses to a razor’s edge. He stood up, and the five n in the room followed suit instantly, their movents synchronized and silent.
"It’s morning. We’re going down for breakfast. Act normal, but start loading the gear back into the helicopters. I don’t think they’ll try anything yet, but stay alert to any change in their attitude," Ethan said.
"Understood, Boss. We’ll move the heavy crates first," Jason said.
The group descended to the dining hall, where Torin was already waiting. The Mayor looked as though he hadn’t slept a wink; his eyes were bloodshot and his hands were tucked nervously into his sleeves. A large spread of eggs, bread, and local ats was laid out on the long wooden table.
"Good morning! I hope you rested well. Please, sit. A warm al is essential before a long journey," Torin said, gesturing toward the steaming plates.
As Ethan stepped into the room, he subtly activated his Qi-scanning technique. The air around the table felt tainted—a heavy, dicinal bitterness that didn’t belong to the food. His internal map flared with a warning.
Ethan caught Jason’s eye and gave a nearly imperceptible shake of his head.
"We appreciate the hospitality, Mayor, but I think we’ll pass. The cold hasn’t been kind to our stomachs, and we’re still feeling quite full from last night," Jason said, stepping in as the voice of the group.
Torin’s face contracted, a flicker of panic crossing his features. "But... it’s a long flight to the coast. You really should eat sothing. The chef prepared this specifically for our honored guests," Torin said, his voice rising a pitch.
"I’m sure it’s delicious, but we’re on a tight schedule. We need to head down to the docks and get the helicopters prepped for departure this afternoon. We’ll eat once we’re airborne," Jason said firmly.
Torin opened his mouth to insist again, his eyes darting toward the kitchen door, but he saw the cold, unyielding expressions of the Falcon guards. He realized he couldn’t force them without being painfully obvious.
"I... I see. Very well. Safety first, of course. I will accompany you to the landing zone to ensure no one disturbs your work," Torin said, his smile looking more like a grimace.
As they walked out of the hotel toward the frozen docks, Ethan felt the eyes of the villagers watching them from behind boarded windows. The tension in the air was thick, like a string pulled until it was ready to snap.
[Master, I am detecting a large mariti signal approaching from the North. It is a heavy-duty icebreaker, moving at high speed. It will reach the dock in less than two hours,] Crul said.
"Is that the ’collection vessel’?" Ethan asked.
[Affirmative. And I have another update. Two high-altitude signatures have just entered the regional airspace. They are coming from the direction of the Scavenger’s main territory. They aren’t transport planes; they are combat-ready jets,] Crul said.
Ethan kept his expression neutral as he walked beside the sweating Mayor. "The party is getting crowded," Ethan said.
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