Zachary crouched behind a rock, his cold eyes gleaming with calm determination as he watched the chaos unfold outside.
Amid the confusion, the few survivors tried to identify each other, pausing their gunfire. But by then, only a few dozen people were left.
As they gathered in the center, forming a defensive circle and still unsure of the enemy's location, a sudden burst of gunfire shattered the brief silence.
The man trying to rally everyone was shot down, sparking another round of chaotic gunfire.
After the skirmish, only five or six people were left standing.
From one direction, a series of precise gunshots rang out, even in the darkness. One person was shooting with deadly accuracy, taking down each target with a single shot.
Finally, only one man remained. Seeing the situation, he immediately surrendered, kneeling in the blood of his comrades, his face full of terror as he looked at the shadowy figure emerging from the darkness.
At that moment, a noise came from the left. The man didn't even have time to turn his head before Zachary's gun ended the life of the would-be attacker.
Zachary then crouched down, staring at the lone surviving mercenary.
When questioned, the mercenary, trembling, answered, "In the base behind us."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zachary swiftly ended his life.
Zachary, like a grim reaper returned from hell, strode out of the cave.
Outside, the thick clouds had dispersed, and the faint moonlight illuminated his stern, handsome face. The interplay of light and shadow made his expression even colder than the snow on the cliffs, his eyes filled with a bloodthirsty intensity.
This place was merely a stronghold for Brian Scott's mercenaries. The real target, Brian, was hiding in the base behind them.
Zachary picked up a gun from the ground, expertly loaded it, and then disappeared over the edge of the cliff.
Half an hour later, Theo, worried about the lack of news from Zachary, led a team to the base of the cliff.
When they found the bodies of two dead mercenaries in the snow, they understood everything and ordered the team to climb up quietly.
Entering the cave, the overwhelming smell of blood hit them, and the gruesome scene inside left everyone wide-eyed in shock and disbelief.
They couldn't believe Zachary had managed to eliminate hundreds of mercenaries in such a short time, like a god of war.
Someone found a message left by Zachary, indicating that Brian was in the base behind them, and they guessed the doctor was likely held there too.
Theo made a decisive call, ordering the team to quickly move to the base to support Zachary.
Zachary had already found a vantage point to observe the base.
The base was a makeshift structure built from large shipping containers, brightly lit inside.
Soon, Zachary received orders from Theo not to act alone and to wait for the main team to arrive and plan the attack together.
Crouched in the grass, the cold wind ruffled Zachary's clothes, but he remained motionless.
His eyes were fixed on the brightly lit base, calculating his next move.
He knew Brian was cunning and heavily guarded, so he couldn't act rashly.
Inside the base, Brian sat on a large leather sofa, swirling a glass of red wine. Several of his trusted men stood before him, discussing their next move, unaware of the impending danger.
Outside, Zachary's mind flashed to Seraphina's face, her gentle smile and hopeful eyes giving him endless strength.
He vowed to survive, see her again, and rescue the doctor.
Time ticked by, and Theo's team was still on their way.
Zachary gripped his gun tightly, ready for any sudden developments.
In the icy battlefield, the situation grew more critical.
With the forward team gone, the base's defenses were significantly weakened, and the enemy hadn't realized their reinforcements were wiped out.
Finally, Theo's team reached Zachary's side. Theo clapped him on the shoulder, his voice hoarse but full of concern, "Zachary, you've done great. Without you holding the front, our plan would be in shambles."
Zachary shook his head slightly, his eyes resolute, "Theo, we need to hurry. We can't let them kill the doctor."
Their eyes met, full of mutual trust. Thanks to Zachary's actions, the rescue mission had made significant progress, increasing their chances of success.
They deployed tiny drones to scout under the cover of night, quickly learning that about thirty mercenaries guarded the base.
Realizing Brian might soon discover the loss of his forward team and harm the doctor, they knew they had to act fast.
Zachary volunteered to lead the charge, but Theo held him back, his gaze intense, "Zachary, you've done enough. This time, stay with me. We need you for what's next."
Zachary wanted to argue, but Theo continued, "That's an order!"
Theo then sent his men ahead, keeping Zachary by his side.
The forward team moved swiftly, using the snow for cover as they approached the base. But ten minutes later, intense gunfire erupted from the front.
Seeing this, Theo decided the best plan was a direct assault. He raised his voice, "Charge! Head for the base and rescue the doctor!"
Zachary watched the team advance but didn't follow. Always one to take the unconventional path, he quietly moved in another direction.
With most of the enemy forces drawn to the front, the rear became the weakest point.
Reaching a section of the containers, he saw several people in white lab coats emerge, clearly researchers. They raised their hands in fear at Zachary's sudden appearance.
Zachary's eyes were fierce as he demanded, "Where's Dr. Hill?"
Two researchers, trembling, pointed to a container. Zachary barked, "Get out of here!"
The researchers, relieved, ran to the nearest vehicle and drove away, having been forced to stay there.
Zachary approached the container they indicated. Through an open window, he saw a makeshift lab inside, brightly lit. Aaron was being forced at gunpoint to pack documents, his expression anxious.
Standing nearby was a man in his fifties with white hair and a menacing aura—Brian, Zachary's primary target.
Zachary could have shot Brian then and there, but to ensure Aaron's safety, he restrained his hatred.
Finally, the group finished packing and headed for a nearby helicopter.
Unable to wait any longer, Zachary swiftly took out the soldier guarding Aaron at a corner. Aaron turned in shock, and Zachary, in a low voice, said, "Dr. Hill, I'm from Rosewood City, here to rescue you. Follow me!"
Aaron nodded, hiding behind Zachary without hesitation.