American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

“My God, this is the final piece of the puzzle,” Ethan murmured. “They not only know Banner’s identity, but they also understand the mechanism of his transformation. That’s why they were able to develop Project Emerald Fist—they’re researching how to control this transformation.”

Lynn frowned as he read the document. "According to this report, Black Hawk has tracked Banner's movements and anticipates he's somewhere in the city." He glanced out the window; the overcast sky grew even darker, a downpour imminent. "They're likely searching for him throughout the city."

Gwen suddenly stood up. “We need to warn him. If Black Hawk captures Banner, they will have everything they need to complete the Emerald Fist.”

“But we don’t know where he is,” Ethan said dejectedly.

Lynn thought for a moment, then said, "Perhaps we can use the media. Not all the coverage, but a targeted warning, enough to make Banner understand the danger, but not enough to reveal too much information to Black Hawk."

Ethan's eyes lit up. "A coded message hidden within a seemingly ordinary report! Banner is a scientist; he'll understand."

Just as they were discussing the details of the plan, a piercing alarm sounded from Gwen's computer. "Someone is trying to hack into my security system," she said nervously, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "They're trying to track our location."

Lynn immediately went on high alert. "Black Hawk has found us. We need to get out of here right now." He drew his pistol and checked the magazine.

Ethan quickly copied his key investigative materials to several encrypted USB drives, then deleted the original files from the computer. "Gwen, how long can you stall them?"

Gwen stared intently at the screen. "Maybe a few minutes. I'm initiating anti-tracking procedures, but their technology is advanced."

Lynn walked to the window and carefully lifted the blinds slightly to look outside. A black van was parked across the street, and he could see several figures inside. "They're already outside," he said seriously.

Ethan quickly distributed USB drives to everyone. "Plan B. We'll split up and each take a copy of the documents. Even if someone gets caught, the others can still reveal the truth."

Lynn didn't like the plan, but he had to admit it was the most logical choice. "Gwen, you're coming with me. Ethan, do you know this building? Is there a back door or other exit?"

“There’s a fire escape leading to the back alley,” Ethan replied quickly, stuffing the remaining important documents into his backpack. “The fire escape is directly accessible from the kitchen window.”

Lynn nodded, quickly making a decision. "Okay, let's go. Gwen, turn off your devices and only take the essentials."

Gwen quickly tapped a few keys, launching a program. "I've set up a data bomb that will completely erase all traces and give their system a little 'surprise' when they try to hack further." She closed her laptop and stuffed it into her backpack.

Ethan glanced hurriedly one last time at the studio, the culmination of months of investigation and countless sleepless nights. Now, everything could be destroyed. He took a deep breath, grabbed his backpack, and followed Lynn and Gwen to the kitchen area.

The kitchen was the least noticeable part of the studio, small and rudimentary, containing only a microwave and a coffee machine. Ethan walked to the window and pushed it open, a window almost completely obscured by clutter. The fire escape outside looked old and rusty, but sturdy enough to allow them to escape.

“I’ll go out first,” Lynn said, still holding the gun, “make sure it’s safe outside, then you guys follow.” He nimbly climbed out the window and landed lightly on the fire ladder, the metal creaking slightly.

Lynn carefully looked around to make sure there were no enemies in the alley for the time being. "Safe, quick!" He gestured towards the window.

Gwen followed closely behind, moving more nimbly than expected; clearly, she was more than just a computer genius. Ethan was the last; he had just climbed out the window when they heard the studio's front door being kicked open, followed by heavy footsteps.

“They’re coming in!” Ethan whispered, quickening his descent.

The three men quickly descended the fire escape, striving to be both fast and quiet. When they reached the second floor, Lynn suddenly stopped, signaling them to remain silent. From the windows above, they could see several heavily armed men in black searching Ethan's studio; their movements were highly trained, clearly those of professionals.

“Black Hawk agents,” Lynn whispered. “They’re even better equipped than yesterday.”

Gwen bit her lip nervously. "Will they chase after us?"

Lynn shook her head. "Not sure yet. Keep moving, but keep quiet."

The three continued their descent, eventually reaching the ground level of the back alley. The alley was narrow and filthy, flanked by towering brick walls, with trash and puddles scattered on the ground. The distant sounds of the city's hustle and bustle drifted in, but this corner was eerily quiet.

"What do we do now?" Ethan asked, his voice trembling slightly with tension.

Lynn thought for a moment and made a decision. “We need to distract them.” He took his car keys out of his pocket and handed them to Ethan. “My car is across the street, a black Ford. You and Gwen go first, head north, find a crowded public place, then abandon the car and take public transportation.”

Gwen frowned. "And what about you?"

“I’ll create some chaos to distract them and buy you time,” Lynn said firmly, his expression leaving no room for argument. “Then we’ll meet at the FBI’s safe house. Gwen, you know the one near the Hudson River?”

Gwen nodded, a glint of understanding in her eyes. It was a safe place Lynn had told her about years ago during a family emergency—a secret location known only to a handful of FBI agents.

“But,” Ethan hesitated, “it’s too dangerous for you to fight them alone.”

Lynn smiled slightly, exuding a confidence that only someone who has weathered countless dangerous situations possesses. "This is my area of ​​expertise, Ethan. Don't worry, I'll shake them off." He checked his phone. "No calls, no texts, all electronic communications are likely being monitored. Meet only at the safe house. If I'm not there by sunset, proceed according to your plan."

Gwen hugged her brother tightly. "Be careful," she whispered in his ear.

Lynn hugged her back, then nodded to Ethan, "Protect her."

Ethan nodded solemnly, "With my life."

Lynn turned and quickly disappeared at the other end of the alley, heading in the opposite direction from the parking space. Ethan and Gwen exchanged a glance, took a deep breath, and then moved towards the street.

As they cautiously peeked out of the alley, they saw the black van still parked in the same spot, but it seemed to be empty. Ethan gripped the car keys in his hand. "Ready?"

Gwen nodded, her expression resolute. "Let's go." They pretended to be ordinary passersby, slowly walking towards the black Ford across the street. Just as they approached the vehicle, a huge explosion came from several blocks away, followed by sirens and screams from the crowd.

“Lynn,” Gwen said softly, a complex mix of worry and admiration flashing in her eyes.

Taking advantage of the chaos, they quickly got into the car. Ethan started the engine and smoothly drove into the busy streets of New York. Through the rearview mirror, they saw several men in black rush out of a building and run towards the direction of the explosion.

“Your brother is a real expert,” Ethan said as he drove, trying to ease the tension.

Gwen smiled slightly, but her eyes still held worry. "He's always been like this, ever since we were children. Always protecting others, never considering his own safety."

Ethan drove along the planned route at a normal speed to avoid attracting attention. The streets of New York were as congested as ever, which ironically provided cover. They navigated several traffic lights, making sure no suspicious vehicles were following them, before heading north.

“How safe is that safe house?” Ethan asked after a moment of silence.

Gwen considered her words carefully. “It’s secure enough. It’s a secret outpost Lynn used during field missions, known only to a few trusted colleagues. It’s not on official records, and its funding comes from a special, clandestine budget.”

“It sounds like something out of a movie,” Ethan said with a wry smile.

Gwen shrugged. "The FBI is sometimes like in the movies, just not usually so glamorous."

They continued driving north and eventually stopped near a busy shopping mall. Following Lynn's instructions, they parked the car in an inconspicuous corner of the parking lot, grabbed all their belongings, and blended into the crowd at the mall.

"Where to now?" Ethan asked, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

Gwen pointed to a subway entrance. “We’ll take the subway, then transfer a few times, to make sure no one’s following us. The safe house is in Chelsea, in a very ordinary-looking apartment building.”

For the next two hours, they constantly switched between public transportation, sometimes taking the subway, sometimes a bus, and even briefly using a shared bicycle. Throughout the entire process, they remained vigilant, observing their surroundings for any followers.

By the time they finally arrived in Chelsea, it was already getting dark. The overcast sky foreshadowed an impending downpour, and pedestrians quickened their pace, trying to get indoors before the rain arrived.

“This is it,” Gwen said, standing in front of an old-fashioned apartment building that looked quite ordinary. The building’s exterior was made of faded red bricks, with ivy climbing in some places, and it looked at least fifty or sixty years old.

They entered the lobby, and Gwen skillfully retrieved a spare key from a hidden corner before leading Ethan upstairs to a unit door on the fourth floor.

"You've been here before?" Ethan asked in surprise.

Gwen nodded. “A few years ago, there was a family emergency. Lynn brought me here to hide for a few days.” She didn’t elaborate, but a shadow crossed her face, suggesting it might not have been a pleasant memory.

Gwen unlocked the door with her key, carefully pushed it open, and cautiously entered. The apartment was simple and practical, without much decoration, but fully equipped: a small living room, an open kitchen, two bedrooms, and a room that looked like an office.

“Looks like nobody’s here,” Gwen said, relaxing a bit. “Lynn shouldn’t be here yet.”

Ethan looked around and noticed some details: there were no photos or personal belongings on the walls, the furniture was basic but of good quality, the windows showed signs of reinforcement, and the door lock was much more complex than in a typical apartment. The whole space gave a feeling of temporary but secure.

"Is there a surveillance system here?" he asked.

Gwen walked towards the office-like room. “Yes, and it’s very advanced.” She turned on the lights, revealing the equipment inside: several computers, monitors, and various communication devices. “This is Lynn’s command center. From here, he can securely contact FBI headquarters, access databases, and even monitor the surrounding blocks.”

Ethan looked at the equipment in amazement. "Your brother was really well-prepared."

Gwen sat down at one of the computers and began booting up the system. "Throughout his career, Lynn had witnessed far too many tragedies of inadequate preparation. He always said, 'It's better to be prepared a hundred times and never need it than to need it once and be unprepared.'"

After the system booted up, Gwen quickly entered a complex password and then began checking the status of the safe house and its surroundings. "Good news, the security system shows no unusual activity. Bad news, we still don't know Lynn's situation."

Ethan put down his backpack and began checking the documents he had brought. "Should we wait for him? Or should we start preparing to release the information?"

Gwen bit her lip, thinking for a moment. "Let's organize the information and prepare the content for the release. Lynn said that if he doesn't arrive before sunset, we'll proceed according to our plan. But I believe he will come."

Ethan nodded and began to spread out his notes and documents on the living room table. Gwen continued working on her computer, setting up encrypted communication channels and preparing a platform for publishing information.

The sky outside grew darker, and rain began to fall in a light drizzle, tapping against the window. The indoor light illuminated their focused faces. Time ticked by, but Lynn still hadn't appeared.

“It’s almost sunset,” Ethan said softly, glancing out the window.

Gwen stopped what she was doing, walked to the window, and gazed worriedly at the rain-soaked street outside. "He'll come. He always keeps his promises."

Just then, there was a slight rattling sound from the apartment door lock. The two immediately became alert. Gwen quickly took a handgun from a drawer, while Ethan grabbed a kitchen knife. The two of them took cover on either side of the door, ready to deal with any potential threat.

The door slowly opened, and a figure soaking wet walked in.

“Lynn!” Gwen recognized her brother, immediately put down her weapon, and rushed forward.

Lynn looked exhausted, his clothes were soaked, and he had several scrapes on his face, but he smiled at his sister. "I told you I'd come."

Ethan breathed a sigh of relief and put down the kitchen knife. "You look like you've been through a tough fight." (End of Chapter)