The blaring alarm was deafening, echoing through the compound's steel corridors. Renjiro's instincts kicked in as he pressed himself against the wall, signaling the team to halt. He scanned the dimly lit hallway, looking for signs of approaching guards.
"We're out of time," Hana muttered, her voice steady despite the growing tension. "Kaede knows we're here."
Renjiro nodded grimly. "Stick to the plan. Yukari, can you still locate the control room?"
Yukari crouched by a nearby terminal, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "Give me a second… Got it! The control room is two levels down, but she's locked most of the doors. We'll need to manually override them as we go."
"Great," Hana said dryly. "Because this wasn't hard enough already."
The team moved cautiously, the shadows their only allies. Aiko stayed close to Renjiro, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't used to this kind of danger, but her resolve kept her steady.
As they approached the first security door, Saito's voice crackled through their earpieces. "Distraction team reporting. We've got heavy resistance up front. Kaede's definitely pulling out all the stops. How's it looking on your end?"
"Messy," Renjiro replied, glancing at Aiko. "But we're pushing through. Keep them busy for as long as you can."
Yukari hacked the security panel, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Almost there… And done!" The door slid open with a hiss, revealing a stairwell that spiraled downward.
But as the team descended, the faint sound of footsteps echoed below. Renjiro motioned for everyone to stop, his eyes narrowing. "Ambush," he whispered.
The group split into defensive positions as a squad of heavily armed guards emerged from the lower level. Gunfire erupted, the narrow space amplifying the sound. Renjiro and Hana returned fire with precision, while Yukari covered their flank.
Aiko clutched the small stun gun Renjiro had given her, her palms slick with sweat. She wanted to help but knew her inexperience could put them at risk.
"Stay back," Renjiro barked, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The firefight was intense, but the team's coordination proved superior. As the last guard fell, Renjiro signaled for them to move.
"That was too easy," Hana muttered, reloading her weapon. "Kaede's toying with us."
Renjiro's expression hardened. "Then we'll show her we're not to be underestimated."