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

“Biological genetic modification,” Red Eyes replied, “specifically researching how to enhance and fuse mutant genes.”

Wolverine remained silent for a moment, seemingly processing the information, then slowly released MetalGirl, took a few steps back, but remained vigilant.

“If this is true, the situation is worse than we thought,” he finally said. “Raven doesn’t just want to enhance mutant abilities; he may want to create entirely new forms of mutants or find a way to control them.”

Lynn Hall emerged fully from cover, his pistol holstered, but his posture remained alert: "This explains why he needs different types of mutants and Dragon's Blood Tears. They're not just experimental subjects, but components for building some new 'weapon.'"

The two fraternity members exchanged a glance, seemingly communicating silently.

"Where is the Dragon's Blood Tear?" Red Eyes finally asked, his tone filled with obvious urgency.

“A safe place,” Lynn Hall replied briefly, without revealing any further details.

Wolverine looked at the two Brotherhood members and made his decision: "You can go. Go back and tell Erin that we have a common enemy, but that doesn't mean we're allies. If the Brotherhood wants to stop Raven, don't get in our way."

Red-eyed nodded and helped the metal woman to her feet. The two slowly retreated, remaining vigilant, until they reached a safe distance, then quickly disappeared into the depths of the forest.

Wolverine turned to Lynn Hall: "You know Erin Sharp?"

Lynn Hall briefly explained his experience in Manhattan, as well as the information West provided about Erin being a fraternity member.

“The situation has become more complicated,” Wolverine commented, retracting his claws. “Now we not only have to contend with Black Crow, but also worry about the Brotherhood’s involvement.”

“Our objectives remain unchanged,” Lynn Hall stated firmly. “Stop the Black Raven, rescue the kidnapped mutants, and ensure that Dragon's Blood and related research are not misused. As for the Brotherhood, we will remain on the sidelines for now.”

Wolverine nodded, then glanced warily in the direction of the facility: "That firefight may have attracted attention. We need to retreat and reassess the situation."

The two left the area quickly but cautiously, choosing a different route back to avoid being followed.

On the way back, Lynn Hall couldn't help but ask about the battle he had just witnessed: "Was your fight with those two mutants a typical mutant conflict?"

Wolverine gave a soft hum, seemingly surprised by the question: "There is no 'typical' mutant fight, just as there is no typical human fight. Every mutant's abilities and fighting style are unique."

“But are there some common principles?” Lynn Hall pressed, his analytical thinking kicking in. “I’ve noticed you place a great deal of emphasis on assessing your opponent’s range and limitations, more so than in traditional combat.”

Wolverine pondered for a moment, seemingly deciding how much to share: "Fights between mutants are essentially a clash of abilities, like a game of chess. You need to understand how your opponent's 'pieces' move, and how to use the environment and tactics to counter their advantages."

He stopped and turned to Lynn Hall: “Take that energy shooter, for example—you FBI might classify him as a ‘ranged attack’ mutant. His main advantages are range and destructive power, but his weaknesses are poor close-quarters combat ability and energy consumption. So my strategy is to quickly close the distance and cut off his firing angle.”

"And what about the woman with metallic skin?"

"A 'defense-enhanced type,' possessing a degree of self-healing ability. Ordinary attacks are almost ineffective against this type of opponent; one needs to find a weakness in their defenses or use sufficient force to break through them. In her case, the scales on her throat and joints are relatively thin."

Lynn Hall nodded, taking the information to heart: "This is crucial for our operation tonight. Knowing in advance the types and abilities of the mutants we might face will allow us to develop more effective strategies."

“Exactly,” Wolverine agreed, continuing onward. “That’s why we need Rogue’s hacking skills. Hopefully, she can get information on the mutant guards within the facility.”

The two continued through the forest, Wolverine using his keen senses to ensure there were no pursuers. Lynn Hall noticed the sky had darkened again, with low-hanging clouds foreshadowing another approaching blizzard.

“Before we get back to the forestry station, there’s one more question,” Lynnhall said. “Why did you leave me behind and not participate in that battle? Was it because you didn’t trust my abilities, or was there some other reason?”

Wolverine stopped and looked Lynn Hall straight in the eye. "It's not that I don't trust you. Your fighting abilities have been proven. But it was a different kind of fighting, governed by different rules. An ordinary human, even a highly trained agent, could easily be injured or killed in a full-blown battle between mutants."

He paused, then added, "Furthermore, if you are injured or killed, I will lose a valuable ally, which is detrimental to the mission. This is a tactical decision, not a judgment of capability."

Lynn Hall accepted the explanation, understanding the logic: "I understand. However, in tonight's operation, we may not be able to avoid confronting mutants. I need to know how to provide support most effectively."

"Is your hand steady holding the gun?" Wolverine asked.

“Very stable,” Lynn Hall replied confidently.

“That’s your strength,” Wolverine said. “Long-range precision strikes, especially against control-type mutants. Many powerful mutants still need to concentrate or make specific movements to use their abilities. A bullet, if timed and positioned correctly, can interrupt that process.”

Lynn Hall understood Wolverine's suggestion: "So my role is support and ranged disruption, not direct confrontation."

“Unless absolutely necessary,” Wolverine confirmed, “you’ve proven you can confront mutants directly when necessary. But a wise warrior knows when to step back and let the professionals handle it.”

The two continued toward the forestry station, and the first snowflakes began to fall, marking the start of a new blizzard.

Back at the forestry station, they discovered that Jennifer, Coleman, and Roger had made significant progress. Roger had successfully hacked into part of the Black Crow's communications system, obtaining valuable intelligence.

“We’ve obtained part of the facility’s layout,” Roger said excitedly, pointing to the map on the computer screen. “And some information about the security arrangements. The main detention area is on the third underground level, heavily guarded.” “What about the guard situation?” Wolverine asked, checking the information on the screen.

“A mixed force,” Jennifer replied. “Regular security personnel equipped with advanced weaponry, plus at least four mutant guards, working in shifts. We’ve already confirmed the abilities of two of them—one a current controller and the other a gravity manipulator.”

Lynn Hall and Wolverine gave a brief report on their reconnaissance findings, including the takeover of the drainage system inlet and their encounter with Brotherhood members.

“So Raven was a scientist at Weapon X,” Coleman said thoughtfully, “which gave him access to the inner workings of the old facility and possible privileges.”

“More importantly,” Wolverine added, “this explains his obsession with manipulating mutant genes. If he was involved in the darkest part of the original Weapon X project—the gene fusion and ability transfer experiments…”

Silence fell over the room as everyone pondered what this meant.

“We need to adjust our plans,” Lynn Hall finally broke the silence. “Now that the drainage system inlet has been identified and reinforced, we need new infiltration routes.”

Rogge pointed to another area on the screen: “I found this—an old emergency escape tunnel connecting the underground level to the surface. It's barely marked in modern systems, probably because it's so old, it might even be considered sealed off. It's located in the northeast corner of the facility, about three kilometers from here.”

“This might be our best option,” Wolverine agreed, studying the location. “There are probably fewer guards if they think it’s abandoned.”

The five men sat around the table, beginning to devise a detailed infiltration plan. Outside, the blizzard intensified, the wind howled, and snowflakes pounded against the windows. The sky gradually darkened, signaling the approach of night.

“We’ll operate in the blizzard,” Wolverine confirmed the plan, “using the weather as cover to approach the escape route. Roger will provide technical support, remotely jamming the surveillance systems. Once inside, we’ll split into two groups—Hall and I will locate and rescue the imprisoned mutants; Morrison and Coleman will search for and destroy the research materials.”

“Time is of the essence,” Lynn Hall added. “We need to act quickly, ideally completing the main objectives before the Black Crow realizes the intrusion. If discovered, immediately switch to Plan B—create as much chaos as possible, release all prisoners, and sabotage key facilities.”

“Equipment check,” Coleman said, beginning the distribution of weapons and gear. “One primary weapon per person, spare ammunition, communications equipment, flashbangs, and smoke grenades. Also, I’ve prepared these—” he pulled out several small devices, “high-frequency sound generators, which may have a jamming effect on certain types of mutants.”

“Clever,” Wolverine commented, though he didn’t take the device. “It’s especially effective on mutants with heightened hearing.”

Lynn Hall checked his equipment, paying particular attention to the condition of his rifle—if Wolverine's advice was correct, accurate shooting might be his main contribution to fighting the mutant guards.

"Does everyone understand their role and the emergency evacuation plan?" he finally asked, looking around at everyone in the room.

All four nodded in agreement.

“Then, when the blizzard reaches its peak, we’ll set off,” Wolverine announced, walking to the window and gazing at the white storm outside. “Darkness and the blizzard will be our allies.”

Lynn Hall stood next to Wolverine, also looking out the window.

"Are you ready for whatever might happen, federal agent?" Wolverine didn't turn around, but his voice carried a hint of challenge.

Lynn Hall nodded firmly: "We're ready. Whether it's the Black Crow, the Brotherhood, or the ghosts of Weapon X, we'll face them."

Wolverine nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

The blizzard in the Adirondack Mountains roared like an enraged beast, sweeping everything in its path. Visibility was less than three meters, and the minus twenty-degree wind, carrying sharp ice crystals, cut like knives against exposed skin. Lynn Hall had never experienced such harsh conditions; even military training had not prepared him for such an extreme environment.

"Keep formation!" Wolverine's voice barely cut through the howling wind. "Follow my scent!"

The five-person team marched in a line through the white, hellish forest. Wolverine led the way, his perception of the environment seemingly unaffected by the blizzard; Lynn Hall followed closely behind, carrying an assault rifle and completely wrapped in a white winter suit; Jennifer and Coleman walked in the middle, each equipped with weapons and specialized gear; and Roger brought up the rear, carrying a specially made backpack containing hacking equipment.

They had been trekking through the blizzard for nearly an hour, approaching the Black Crow facility's emergency exits as planned. Every step was a test of will; the relentless blizzard lashed at them, trying to erode their resolve. But the team remained steadfast, knowing that such weather also provided excellent cover.

"How much further?" Lynn Hall asked from a spot where the wind had temporarily subsided, his voice slightly hoarse from the cold.

“About 500 meters,” Wolverine replied, his nose twitching as he sensed the surrounding atmosphere. “I can smell metal and engine oil, and the scents of humans and mutants.”

Lynn Hall nodded and adjusted the position of his weapons. He was fully dressed—a lightweight tactical vest under his winter coat, a pistol and tactical knife at his waist, and a modified M4 carbine on his back, equipped with a silencer and thermal imaging scope. In this operation, he represented not only the FBI but also his own commitment to justice for mutants.

Wolverine suddenly raised his hand to signal a halt, and the entire team immediately crouched down. Through the wind and snow, Lynn Hall could barely make out a metal structure protruding from the ground about a hundred meters ahead—presumably the external entrance to the emergency exit they were looking for.

“Two guards,” Wolverine whispered, “one human, one mutant. The mutant is speed-type; you can smell the adrenaline and special proteins on him.”

Rogge pulled out a small tablet, his gloved fingers swiping rapidly to display a thermal imaging map of the facility. "The entrance connects to an old maintenance tunnel, then leads to the edge of the main facility. Based on the thermal signal, personnel are primarily concentrated in the central area."

“The speed mutant is the biggest threat,” Lynn Hall analyzed. “We need to deal with him first and make sure he doesn’t raise the alarm.”

Wolverine nodded in agreement: "I'll handle it. You cover my approach, and once I launch my attack, follow up quickly. Remember, silent and deadly, leave no witnesses."

Lynn Hall exchanged a glance, tacitly agreeing to the plan. In this situation, a gentle approach was not an option. (End of Chapter)