Chapter 423

Rain pelted against the rocks with a relentless staccato rhythm.

Andrew Smith wiped the water from his face, his submachine gun pressed close to his chest. He stood at the entrance of the limestone cave, scanning the rain-drenched forest with sharp vigilance. Hank Miller crouched nearby, maintaining a defensive distance between them.

"Captain, this storm isn’t letting up anytime soon," Hank murmured.

Andrew gave a curt nod. "Stay alert."

Luna White tossed restlessly before sitting up, tightening her raincoat around her. The damp air carried the earthy scent of wet soil. Around her, the team lay sprawled in exhaustion, some already snoring softly.

She crawled toward the entrance, moving as quietly as she could. Just as she peeked outside, a bolt of lightning split the sky.

"Can’t sleep?" Andrew turned to look at her.

Before he could finish, a deafening explosion shattered the night.

Andrew’s pupils contracted—instinct overtaking thought. He lunged at Luna, dragging her back into the tunnel as debris and dirt rained down on them like a deadly hail.

Luna gasped for breath beneath his weight. A second shell struck, shaking the entire mountain.

"Ambush!" Hank’s shout was swallowed by the explosions.

Andrew shielded Luna’s head as jagged rocks scored deep gashes across his back. When the third shell hit, the terrifying sound of splitting stone echoed above them.

"The others—" Luna’s voice trembled.

Andrew pushed himself up with effort. Muddy water cascaded from above, forming a thick slurry that threatened to flood the cave. He wiped his face and realized the entrance was completely sealed by rubble.

"Hank!"

"Captain... I'm here..." Hank’s voice came weakly but clearly from behind a pile of shattered rock.

Andrew’s stomach dropped. He clawed at the debris, fingers digging into the gaps. Muddy water streamed down his arms, but the rocks refused to budge.

"The people inside—" Luna’s face paled.

Andrew slammed his fist against the barricade, but only the rush of water answered him. The rising sludge was already seeping into the cave. He looked up at the collapsed mountainside, but the downpour blurred his vision.

"We have to dig them out—now!" He seized a rock and smashed it against the pile.

Hank staggered over to help. Together, they frantically tore at the rubble until their nails split and bled.

Luna suddenly grabbed Andrew’s wrist. "Listen!"

Faint tapping echoed from deep within the debris.

Andrew pressed his ear to the stone, his pulse roaring. It was Morse code—they were still alive!

"Hold on!" he roared, digging faster.

The rain intensified, the muddy water now lapping at their ankles. Every second was a race against death.