Snow crunched under Nam's boots as he pivoted, dodging the first attacker. A blade skimmed his jacket sleeve, slicing the fabric but missing flesh. He gritted his teeth and spun low, sweeping the masked enemy off their feet before finishing them with a quick strike to the neck.
Another came from behind. Nam ducked instinctively, driving an elbow into the assailant's ribs and seizing their weapon—a short dagger. Now armed, he stood his ground.
They came at him in waves.
Three.
Five.
Seven.
Each one faster and more coordinated than the last.
These aren't mercenaries. They're trained. Just like me.
He fought with ruthless efficiency, blood painting the snow beneath him. For every opponent downed, two more stepped in. The circle closed tighter, forcing Nam toward the frozen stream.
His breath came in ragged bursts. His arm bled. His vision blurred at the edges.
I'm not going to make it.
Then—crack.
A gunshot rang out. One of the attackers dropped instantly.
Nam's eyes flicked to the treeline—where a tall figure in tactical gear emerged.
"Thought you'd die without me, huh?" Linh's voice carried through the wind like thunder.
Behind her, the rest of the Shadow Unit appeared. Jin with his sniper rifle. Ayaka wielding twin pistols. Malik, a human shield with fists like sledgehammers.
Hope returned like oxygen to lungs.
Nam smirked. "Took you long enough."
The forest became a battlefield.
Explosions. Gunfire. Silent blades and war cries.
But for Nam, there was only one goal now: Find Kai.
And end this.