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

“Not bad,” Wolverine commented, his voice carrying a newfound respect, “but you need more to truly impress me.”

He suddenly accelerated, charging directly at Lynn Hall with astonishing agility. This attack was even more ferocious; Lynn Hall barely avoided the main impact, but still felt the terrifying force of Wolverine's arm as it scraped past.

The battle lasted for several minutes, with the two moving back and forth in the open space, switching between offense and defense. Lynn Hall displayed combat skills and physical abilities far beyond those of ordinary people; his movements were precise and efficient, each attack calculated, and each defense using minimal force to achieve maximum effect.

Wolverine's fighting style is completely different—primitive, instinctive, yet deadly and effective. His movements embody the essence of decades of combat experience; every strike is explosive, and every defense is impeccable.

Nevertheless, Lynn Hall managed to find several opportunities to inflict minor discomfort on Wolverine using skill and unexpected angles. These weren't attacks that could truly harm him, but they were enough to demonstrate Lynn Hall's abilities.

As the battle reached its climax, Wolverine seemed determined to end the test. He suddenly accelerated, closing in at a speed Lynn Hall could barely react, a series of rapid attacks sending Lynn Hall staggering backward. After a particularly powerful impact, Lynn Hall lost his balance, and Wolverine seized the opportunity, pinning him to the ground and pressing an arm against his throat.

“It’s over,” Wolverine announced, but there was no sarcasm in his tone; instead, there was a hint of respect.

He released his grip, stood up, and extended his hand to Lynn Hall. Lynn Hall accepted the help, stood up, and brushed the dust off his clothes.

“Your performance has surprised me,” Wolverine said frankly. “For someone without mutant abilities, your fighting skills and physical attributes are quite remarkable. Where did you learn that?”

“Special forces,” Lynn Hall answered briefly, his breathing slightly rapid but quickly returning to normal, “and then there’s the FBI’s advanced combat training. Plus some personal research.”

Wolverine nodded, a knowing glint in his eyes: "I can see that. You haven't just learned the moves; you understand the essence of combat. That's rare, especially among office-based agents like you."

Jennifer and Coleman stepped forward, and Coleman handed Lynn Hall a bottle of water, which Lynn Hall gratefully accepted.

"So, have I passed your test now?" Lynn Hall asked, a hint of teasing in his voice.

Wolverine smiled slightly, this time with a more genuine smile: "I suppose so. At least you've proven you're not just the kind of person who sits in an office giving orders. You understand risk and know what actual combat means."

His expression turned serious: "But more importantly, you demonstrated determination. Even when faced with a clear disadvantage, you persisted in fighting and looking for opportunities. This is precisely the quality needed to fight the Black Crow."

Rogge looked relieved, clearly glad that the "test" hadn't turned into a real conflict.

“So, we’re cooperating?” Lynn Hall asked.

Wolverine thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, but with conditions. First, this isn’t official cooperation—I don’t work for the FBI or any government agency. I’m here to protect mutants and prevent the misuse of Weapon X’s legacy. Second, if I discover you have anything to hide or any other agenda, I will terminate the cooperation immediately, and it probably won’t be pleasant.”

“Conditions accepted,” Lynn Hall agreed. “Our primary objective is to stop Black Crow, rescue the kidnapped mutants, and ensure their experiments can never continue. As for the specific methods, I believe we can find a balance.”

The two shook hands, and a silent agreement was reached on this cold night in Adirondack.

“Now,” Wolverine said, walking back to the forest ranger station, “let’s share information and begin to formulate a plan. According to our intelligence, Black Crow operates in the main area of ​​this underground facility, but the entrance is well-hidden and heavily guarded.”

Back inside the forestry station, the five men gathered around the operational map. Wolverine pointed to an area on the map: "This is the main entrance, disguised as an abandoned mine. But it has electronic surveillance and armed guards. We've done some reconnaissance, but we don't have enough manpower for a full-scale attack."

“How many of you are there?” Jennifer asked.

“Just the two of us,” Rogue replied. “The other X-Men are dealing with another emergency. We were the advance team, originally here to gather intelligence and prepare for follow-up operations.”

“So now we have five people,” Lynn Hall pondered. “Not an ideal number, but if planned properly, it might be enough for an initial infiltration.”

“The key is to find the exact location where they imprisoned mutants,” Wolverine said. “Based on the old blueprints of the facility and my memory, the most likely area is here—” He pointed to an area marked on the map, “the former ‘Special Assets Zone,’ specifically designed to imprison and experiment on mutants.”

Lynn Hall studied the map: "Is it possible to get in from another entrance? Perhaps some old emergency exits or ventilation shafts have been forgotten?"

A flicker of approval crossed Wolverine's eyes. "That's certainly possible. In fact, we're investigating one such option." He flipped to another section of the map, revealing a more detailed area: "There's an old drainage system here, connected to a nearby lake. According to records, it should have been shut down after the facility was abandoned, but my sources indicate it might still be partially functional."

“This might be our best option,” Lynn Hall agreed. “If we can avoid the surveillance and guards at the main entrance, we can remain hidden, at least until we get close to the restricted area.”

Coleman looked at the map and asked a practical question: "How far is this drainage system from here? What's the terrain like?"

“About four kilometers,” Wolverine replied. “The terrain is rugged, but there’s a hunter’s trail that leads to it. The problem is, the entrance might be buried or blocked, and it will take time to open—meaning that once we start moving, we’re likely to attract attention.”

Lynn Hall pondered, "We need a distraction strategy. Perhaps we could create some commotion at the main entrance to draw away some of the guards, and then sneak in through the drainage system."

“It’s risky, but feasible,” Wolverine nodded in agreement.

The five continued discussing the details and developed a preliminary action plan. Roger provided the facility surveillance information she had obtained through computer hacking, showing the Black Crows' personnel distribution and shift schedules. Coleman shared FBI intelligence regarding the Black Crows' organizational structure and known members.

“The key is to find and erase their research data,” Lynn Hall emphasized. “Even if we rescue all the kidnapped mutants, they will start again as long as the research continues.”

“Agreed,” Wolverine said, “but the primary objective remains rescuing them. We need to assign tasks—who will find and rescue the kidnapped mutants, who will locate and destroy the research data, and who will provide cover and evacuation support.”

After a long discussion, a detailed action plan gradually took shape.

“We’ll conduct final reconnaissance and preparations tomorrow during the day,” Wolverine concluded. “The operation will take place tomorrow night. Black Crow’s shift schedule indicates there will be fewer guards then, maximizing our chances of success.”

Lynn Hall nodded in agreement. “We should rest now. Tomorrow will be a long day, and we need to be well-rested.” Wolverine agreed, pointing to the side hut of the forest ranger's station. “There are a few makeshift beds there; you can take turns resting. I'll be on the first shift to make sure there are no unexpected visitors.”

With the discussion over, everyone took their places for the rest and preparations. Lynn Hall stepped aside, took out his satellite phone from his backpack, and prepared to report to West.

“I need to report to my superiors,” he explained to Wolverine, “only the basics, no specific locations or plan details.”

Wolverine nodded in understanding, but a hint of wariness remained in his eyes: "Ensure the line is secure. Black Crow might have the ability to eavesdrop on regular communications."

"The satellite communication line is encrypted," Lynn Hall assured, "with the highest level of security protocols."

Wolverine nodded briefly, then stepped outside, seemingly to conduct a patrol of the surrounding area. Roger smiled at Lynn Hall, then continued working on his computer, analyzing the facility's security systems.

Jennifer walked over to Lynn Hall and lowered her voice: "Are you alright? That 'sparring' looked pretty intense."

Lynn Hall gently rubbed his shoulder, where he had sustained a minor injury during his fight with Wolverine. "It's nothing serious. In fact, I think it was necessary. Wolverine needs to know who he can trust, especially after what happened with Weapon X."

“He does seem to have a certain respect for you,” Jennifer observed, “though I never imagined I’d see my boss fighting with Wolverine from the X-Men.”

Lynn Hall smiled slightly: "Life is always full of surprises, isn't it?"

He dialed West's encrypted line, briefly reporting that they had located Wolverine and secured his cooperation. He didn't mention specific locations or details of the operation, only saying that they had discovered a possible Black Crow underground facility and were preparing reconnaissance and possible intervention.

After the call ended, Lynn Hall walked to the window and looked out at the night sky. Moonlight shone on the snow-covered forest, creating a serene and beautiful scene that contrasted sharply with the danger they were about to face.

The door opened, and Wolverine returned, seemingly having completed his patrol. His eyes gleamed in the darkness, alert like a wild beast.

“Everything is normal,” he reported briefly, “but I smell snow. There might be a blizzard tomorrow.”

Lynn Hall nodded. "Will this affect our plans?"

“It’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Wolverine pondered. “The blizzard will reduce visibility, which might help us conceal ourselves. But it will also make retreating more difficult. We need to adapt and adjust.”

“That’s what we need to do,” Lynn Hall agreed.

Wolverine seemed to read Lynn Hall's mind: "You know, Hall, you remind me of an old friend. He was also a government agent, but he knew when to break the rules to do the right thing."

"Is that a compliment?" Lynn Hall asked, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Wolverine gave a rare, genuine smile: "I suppose so. Now go and rest, FBI agent. We have a secret facility to raid tomorrow."

Lynn Hall nodded and walked toward the rest area.

The next day.

The first rays of dawn pierced the clouds of the Adirondack Mountains, gilding the windows of the forest ranger's station. Lynn Hall was already awake, standing by the window sipping a cup of freshly brewed black coffee. The blizzard that had struck overnight, just as Wolverine had predicted, was now gradually subsiding, leaving behind a brand new white world.

"Did you sleep well, Federal Agent?" Wolverine's voice came from behind.

Lynn Hall turned and saw Wolverine standing in the doorway, also holding a cup of coffee. He didn't look tired at all, even though, as far as Lynn Hall knew, he had been on guard and occasionally patrolling all night.

“Better than expected,” Lynn Hall replied. “Is the blizzard over?”

Wolverine walked to the window and took a deep breath. "For now, yes. But the smell in the air tells me this is just a temporary calm. A bigger blizzard might be coming tonight."

Will this affect our plans?

Wolverine thought for a moment: "Not necessarily. If we can act when the next blizzard starts, it might be to our advantage. The Black Crow's surveillance system is less effective in extreme weather, and their guards will be more lax."

Lynn Hall nodded, appreciating this tactical thinking: "Therefore, our reconnaissance today is even more important; we need to gather as much intelligence as possible before the blizzard arrives."

“Exactly,” Wolverine confirmed, then turned to Jennifer and Coleman, who were emerging from the rest area. “Good morning, federal agents. Hope you all had a good rest; it’s going to be a busy day.”

Roger was already preparing a simple breakfast in the rancher's kitchen area—energy bars, dried fruit, and plenty of coffee. The five of them gathered around the central map table and began to plan their day's activities in detail.

“Based on our current intelligence,” Wolverine pointed to several marked points on the map, “the Black Crow’s underground facilities have three possible entrances: the main entrance is disguised as an abandoned mine shaft, under high alert; the emergency exit on the east side is hidden in a cave, also monitored; and then there’s the old drainage system we discussed last night.”

“We need to identify which entrance is best for infiltration and obtain more details about the internal layout,” Lynn Hall added, “especially the location of the mutant cells and research facilities.”

After a detailed discussion, they decided to split into two groups for reconnaissance: Wolverine and Lynn Hall would investigate the drainage system entrance and the surrounding area; while Roger, Jennifer, and Coleman would stay at the forest ranger station to use Roger's hacking skills to try to hack into the Black Crow's communication system and prepare the equipment needed for the night's operation.

“We’ll be back before sunset,” Lynn Hall told Jennifer, checking his gear—a Glock pistol, a tactical knife, a small reconnaissance bag, and communications equipment—“if we’re not back by then.”

“We will come to you,” Jennifer said firmly. “We won’t abandon anyone.” (End of Chapter)