With a final burst of effort, Franklin managed to pry the stubborn door open. He was immidatly reliefed, so he prepared to inform Carlton of his success. However, before he could utter a word, a sudden force slammed into his abdomen, sending him flying away from the door.
"Franklin, look out!" Carlton shouted, his voice filled with urgency and concern.
The air whooshed past Franklin as he hurtled through the air, his body twisting and turning uncontrollably. A sharp pain shot through him as he collided with the ground, the impact knocking the breath out of him. Stunned, he struggled to regain his bearings, blinking rapidly as he tried to make sense of what had just happened.
As Franklin struggled to rise, Zephyr approached with an imposing presence, his gaze fixed firmly on the fallen man. With a stern expression, Zephyr then crouched down and flicked Franklin's forehead with his right middle finger.
