**Arc 5: Chapter 17 - Planning the Rescue**
The morning air was heavy with tension. The group gathered in the strategy room again, the dim light casting long shadows on their tired faces. Jae-min stood at the head of the table, a map of the region spread out before him, pinned down by makeshift weights.
"We're going after Min-jun's sister," Jae-min began, his voice steady but firm. "Nexus has taken enough from us. It's time we hit back."
Luna raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed. "Do we even know where they're holding her? Nexus isn't exactly careless when it comes to their prisoners."
"I have a lead," Min-jun said, stepping forward. He pointed to a location marked on the map—a remote compound nestled in the mountains. "They mentioned it during one of their transmissions. It's a Nexus outpost, not heavily fortified but still guarded."
"An outpost?" Elise echoed, leaning closer to the map. "Why would they keep her there? Seems too low-profile for a high-value prisoner."
Min-jun hesitated, guilt flickering across his face. "Because she's not a high-value prisoner. She's leverage. They knew I'd crack if they threatened her life."
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on them.
Jae-min broke the silence. "It doesn't matter why she's there. What matters is getting her out. This is an opportunity to strike at Nexus and save an innocent life. We can't let it pass."
Hana nodded, her voice soft but resolute. "He's right. We've already lost too many people. If we can save even one, it's worth the risk."
Jae-min began outlining the plan. "The outpost is in a remote location, which works to our advantage. It limits their reinforcements. We'll approach under the cover of darkness, using the terrain to stay undetected. Min-jun, you'll guide us—you know the layout better than anyone."
Min-jun looked up, surprise and gratitude mingling in his expression. "I won't let you down."
"Luna and Elise," Jae-min continued, "you'll take out their perimeter defenses. Silent and clean. Hana and I will handle the infiltration. Once inside, we'll locate Min-jun's sister and extract her. The goal is to be in and out before Nexus even knows what hit them."
"What about backup plans?" Elise asked, her sharp eyes fixed on Jae-min. "What if things go sideways?"
"They won't," Jae-min said confidently. "But if they do, we regroup at this point—" he marked a spot on the map just outside the outpost's perimeter. "And we fight our way out. No one gets left behind."
Luna smirked, her confidence returning. "Sounds like a party. Let's make sure they remember this one."
As the group dispersed to prepare, Jae-min pulled Min-jun aside.
"Are you ready for this?" Jae-min asked, his tone serious.
Min-jun nodded, though there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "I am. I owe all of you that much."
"This isn't just about paying a debt," Jae-min said. "It's about redemption. You made a mistake, but now you have the chance to make it right. Don't waste it."
Min-jun swallowed hard, the weight of Jae-min's words sinking in. "I won't."
As night fell, the group assembled at the edge of the forest that bordered the outpost. Dressed in dark, tactical gear, they blended seamlessly with the shadows. The faint hum of Nexus machinery could be heard in the distance, mingling with the rustle of leaves in the cold mountain breeze.
Jae-min adjusted his gear, his mind laser-focused on the mission ahead. "This is it," he said quietly, looking at each of his companions. "We move as one. No mistakes."
With silent nods of agreement, the team began their approach. The forest swallowed them whole, leaving nothing but the faint whisper of footsteps behind.
The mission to rescue Min-jun's sister—and strike a blow against Nexus—had begun.
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*End of Chapter 17*