The mont the team reached their entry point, those designated to remain behind imdiately scattered to scout the surrounding area. Billionaire’s dangerous stunt had successfully pulled guards away from their posts — including the ones stationed here.
Even so, precautions had to be taken to ensure no further problems arose. Thus, three of their n, along with several Bellemonte operatives, split off to deal with any remaining threats before they beca an issue.
Those left behind began setting up a small camp.
After all, they had been traveling for nearly a full day. While so had managed brief naps along the way, they couldn’t move out again imdiately without rest.
"We’re currently here..." Lola trailed off, holding a stick as she gestured at a map laid out on the ground. In her other hand, a flashlight illuminated the routes. "Actually, we can stick to the original plan since this area leads directly onto this route."
Everyone stood around the map, listening closely. They nodded in unison, morizing each path to mory.
"The Bellemonte team will take their original entry point," she continued. "They’ll stay above ground. Once they set up the signal, we’ll make contact."
Lola lifted her gaze, her eyes inevitably landing on her husband.
Atlas’s team wouldn’t simply stay behind and wait. He had to ensure they maintained reception to keep communication lines open, and he also served as their fallback.
Just in case the worst happened.
"Take a rest," Lola added. "We move again in an hour. Rember everything we discussed. Stay undetected as much as possible — and let’s find those people so we can get out of this damn place."
Determination shone in every pair of eyes as they dispersed to rest, change clothes, or check their weapons.
anwhile, Lola and Atlas sat on a nearby log, assisting others as they finalized the rendezvous setup.
As preparations continued, Izu approached Haji, who was walking away from the group.
"Haji," Izu called.
Haji slowed but didn’t stop imdiately. He blinked and turned his head. "What?"
"Are those guys going to be alright?" Izu asked.
Haji didn’t answer at once.
He continued walking until he reached the edge of the slope, gazing toward the direction where Billionaire and his crew had stirred chaos. From here, the boats were no longer visible.
"Bill’s a wise guy," Haji said at last. "He might look reckless, but he’s smart. He never acts on impulse."
He nodded to himself, though a trace of concern lingered in his voice. He knew Ravah. He knew how unforgiving its people were, and that only one law existed there.
Power.
"He wouldn’t start trouble unless he knew he could survive it," Haji added, finally eting Izu’s gaze. "He’ll be fine. I’m sure of it."
Izu studied him for a mont, then nodded.
"He wouldn’t have survived Ravah otherwise," Izu agreed. "He’s... an interesting man."
"Man," Haji muttered. "He’s the most interesting guy I’ve ever t."
As their conversation eased into sothing lighter, Scarlet watched them from a distance, arms crossed. She wasn’t doing anything outwardly like the rest, just ntally preparing for what lay ahead.
Still, she overheard parts of their exchange. Not out of concern for Billionaire or his crew, but curiosity.
"Scarlet."
Baby’s voice pulled her attention away. She turned as he subtly motioned with one muscular arm. No words were needed for her to understand him. So, she nodded and followed him.
*****
The mission group would be divided into four teams.
The first was the Bellemonte unit, remaining above ground. Their main objective was to locate the trapped operatives and set up signal devices around the town, ensuring stable communication for both the field and camp teams.
This way, signals wouldn’t be an issue — especially underground.
The second was the Camp Team, consisting of Atlas, Slater, Baby, and several others. Their task was to keep communication lines open, monitor the surroundings, and gather intel through drones. This ensured everyone on the field stayed inford.
Lastly ca the rescue team, split into two subgroups and led by Lola and Haji.
Each rescue unit consisted of five mbers.
Haji would move with Scarlet, Chuck, and two others from the Order. Lola’s team consisted of Izu, Pika, and two mbers from the Order’s Mid Circle.
***
Ti passed, and then — in a blink — everyone began to move again.
Haji and his team went first, heading toward the territory’s entry point.
"We’re heading out," Lola said softly, turning to Atlas with a brief smile and nod.
Atlas stared at his wife, about to walk into one of the most dangerous places on Earth. As they parted, a quiet voice whispered at the back of his mind, urging him to stop her. To take her back. To keep her safe in the Order.
Before the thought could take form, Lola leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips.
"I’ll be back," she said with a reassuring smile. "All of us will. We’re going to set a record, darling."
Her smile widened, her eyes gleaming with sothing he refused to mistake for recklessness.
"The mont I hear there’s a problem..." Atlas said slowly, locking eyes with her, "...I’m going in."
Lola nodded. "Of course."
She then reached out, hooked an arm around Pika’s neck, and pulled him closer. "I’m taking this one. He’ll make sure our signals don’t die."
"Huh?" Pika blinked, looking between Lola and Atlas with clear shock. When Atlas’s cold gaze landed on him, he gulped.
"He better," Atlas said flatly before returning his attention to his wife. "Go now — before I change my mind."
A light chuckle escaped her as she stepped away. With that, Lola and her team disappeared into the darkness.
Atlas remained where he stood, eyes fixed on the path she had taken.
"First Brother," Slater said quietly, stepping up beside him and making a small phone gesture.
Atlas nodded and headed back to the mini camp. Using their special communication device — one immune to Ravah’s tracking — he lifted it to his ear.
"Stand by," he ordered. "I’m going in."
*****
anwhile, far from the territory, n dressed in full black gear had already landed and set up their own camps. Explosives, ammunition, and weapons were ready — awaiting Atlas’s signal.
Because Atlas never intended to stay behind.
Not when his wife was walking into the heart of the deadliest territory on Earth.
And with that, the mission finally began.
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