The small gap in the wall felt even tighter than it had seemed at first. Nam's body pressed against the cold, unforgiving concrete, but he forced himself to keep moving, every inch a struggle, his muscles protesting with each twist. The adrenaline coursing through his veins gave him the strength to push forward, though the rawness of his skin scraping against the rough edges slowed him down.
He could hear the distant sounds of the guards, their footsteps growing nearer, echoing down the narrow hallways. Every passing moment increased the risk of being caught, but Nam didn't allow himself to think about that. He focused only on the next few seconds, on the next movement. He had come this far. He wouldn't let fear or pain stop him now.
He finally emerged into a small, hidden maintenance passage behind the wall. The tunnel was narrow and dimly lit, with exposed pipes and cables running along the ceiling. The air was stale, and the faint smell of mildew lingered, but to Nam, it felt like freedom. He took a deep breath, silently thanking whatever fate had led him here.
With swift, deliberate steps, he moved through the passage, staying as close to the walls as possible. The corridor stretched out before him, each turn offering new obstacles, new risks. He couldn't afford to be seen. If he was caught now, it would be the end of everything.
The passage eventually opened up into a larger area. Nam's eyes scanned the space ahead of him—storage containers, heavy crates, and a few doors that likely led to the facility's various rooms. He took a deep breath and moved forward cautiously, his every sense on high alert.
Suddenly, a low, mechanical hum reached his ears. The sound of guards communicating on their radios, the unmistakable voices of security personnel. They were close—closer than he had hoped.
His hand instinctively reached for the weapon still tucked into his waistband. It was a backup plan, just in case things went south, but he preferred to avoid using it if he could. The element of surprise was on his side, and he was determined to keep it that way.
Nam pressed his back against one of the large crates, taking a moment to assess his surroundings. From his position, he could see a guard walking towards him, his flashlight scanning the room methodically. The guard was unaware of Nam's presence, but if he took another step, he would be within range. Nam had to act fast.
A plan formed in his mind, quick and decisive. He grabbed a small metal object from the crate beside him—an old wrench—and hurled it across the room with all his might. It clattered loudly against the far wall, drawing the guard's attention. The man turned, walking away from Nam's hiding spot to investigate the noise.
This was Nam's moment. He darted across the room, keeping low, and slipped through a door that led deeper into the facility. He was breathing heavily, but his movements were precise, like a well-practiced dance.
He didn't know where the door led, but he didn't have time to think. The corridor ahead seemed darker, narrower, and as he continued, the sound of guards' footsteps grew distant. He'd managed to slip past them, but he knew it was only a matter of time before they realized he was gone.
As Nam turned another corner, he saw a flickering light up ahead—a small exit door. His pulse quickened as he moved toward it, praying that it wasn't locked. He reached the door, his fingers trembling with anticipation as he tested the handle.
It was unlocked.
He pushed the door open slowly, not making a sound. Beyond it was a small alley, bathed in the pale light of the moon. Freedom. It was right there, just beyond the threshold.
Nam stepped out into the night air, his senses overwhelmed by the cool breeze that swept across his face. It felt like a lifetime since he'd been outside, and the feeling of open space was both comforting and terrifying. He knew the moment he stepped out, he would be a target. But it didn't matter. He was free.
For now.
He took one last look at the building behind him, a fortified fortress of concrete and steel, before disappearing into the shadows. The escape was only the first step in what would undoubtedly be a long and difficult journey, but Nam was ready for whatever came next.
He wouldn't stop until he had answers. He wouldn't stop until he had justice.
As Nam made his way through the darkened streets, he couldn't help but think about the larger conspiracy at play. Who was behind all of this? What did they want from him? His mind raced with questions, each one more urgent than the last.
But for now, he needed to get out of the city. He needed allies. He needed to regroup.
And he would.
Because the game was far from over.