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

He quickly moved to the back door, intending to circle around the back of the cabin to approach the flames. Just before he left, Eileen called out to him, "Be careful, Inspector. I don't want to see a kind-hearted federal agent turned into roast meat."

“Your concern is truly touching,” Lynn Hall replied with a nervous smile, then disappeared through the back door.

Lynn Hall moved swiftly through the woods behind the cabin, using the trees and snow as cover. He needed to make a wide circle, approaching the flames from the flank without being detected. The snow made movement difficult, but it also masked his footsteps.

As he passed through the woods, he saw the vines' ability to work—a path of twisted branches and hardened roots was forming, providing a relatively safe route for the evacuation later.

As he approached the northern area, the sounds of battle became clearer. Wolverine was still fighting three mutants. Although he had successfully taken down the Electric Controller, the other two mutants were working together: one created an ice wall to hinder Wolverine's movement, while the other used flying rocks for ranged attacks.

Lynn Hall didn't intervene in the battle, continuing his movement towards Flame's location. He found a good vantage point—a fallen pine tree, covered in thick snow, providing excellent cover. From here, he could clearly see Flame standing on a high point, continuously firing fireballs at the hut. Three Black Crow members provided protection around her, all armed and on guard.

Lynn Hall pressed the communicator: "Red Eye, prepare to move. Do you see the location of the Flames?"

“Confirmed,” came the red-eyed voice. “She’s on the northern highlands, wearing red armor.”

"After my signal, fire an energy beam towards her location, as precisely as possible, but not necessarily a direct hit; the goal is to distract her."

"clear."

Lynn Hall took a deep breath, checked the flashbangs, and began his final approach. He stayed close to the ground, using every possible cover to slowly close the distance to his target. When he was about fifty meters away, he pulled out a flashbang and prepared to act.

“Now!” he commanded over the communicator.

Almost simultaneously, a bright red beam of energy shot out from the direction of the hut, striking the ground near the flames. The explosion and blinding light immediately drew everyone's attention. Taking advantage of the moment, Lynn Hall pulled the pin on a flashbang and precisely threw it at the location of the flames and her bodyguards.

The flashbang arced through the air, landing amidst them before exploding. The blinding light and deafening roar disoriented everyone temporarily. Lynn Hall acted immediately, rushing out of cover and closing in on the target at top speed.

Despite being affected by the flashbang, Flame reacted swiftly. She waved her hand, creating a wall of fire around herself, attempting to stop anyone from approaching. But Lynn Hall had anticipated this; instead of charging directly at the wall of fire, he circled around to the side, seeking out areas where the flames were thinner.

Finding an opening, he leaped through the flames, feeling the intense heat almost scorching his clothes. Upon landing, he immediately rolled to extinguish the flames, then rose to face the raging inferno.

Flame's eyes widened in surprise: "You! That FBI agent!"

“Long time no see, Flame,” Lynn Hall said, quickly closing the distance. “You escaped from the warehouse last time, but you won’t this time.”

Flame roared, rapidly gathering flames in her hands, preparing to attack. But Lynn Hall was faster—he threw a second flashbang, this time landing directly at Flame's feet. The intense light from the explosion directly disrupted her vision and balance, interrupting her flame-gathering process.

Seizing the moment, Lynn Hall rushed forward and, with the precision of special forces training, delivered a swift chop to Flame's neck plexus. The blow wasn't enough to cause permanent damage, but it was enough to temporarily knock her unconscious. Flame's vision blurred, then closed, and her body slumped forward. Lynn Hall caught her, preventing her from falling to the ground.

“Target subdued,” he reported over the communicator. “Redeye, cover my retreat.”

The red-eyed energy beam shot out again, this time striking the Black Raven members who were trying to approach Lynnhall. The explosion and chaos gave Lynnhall enough time to shoulder the flames and begin his retreat towards the hut.

Meanwhile, Wolverine finally subdued the remaining two mutants. He didn't inflict fatal damage, but ensured they couldn't continue fighting. Seeing Lynn Hall retreating with Flames, he immediately provided support, using his claws to sever the weapons of several Black Crow members trying to stop Lynn Hall.

“Well done, federal agent,” Wolverine commented as they reunited, “but our troubles aren’t over yet.”

He pointed to the other side of the woods, where more Black Crow members were approaching, including two new mutants—a man capable of short-range teleportation and a woman who appeared to be able to control sound waves.

“Back to the cabin,” Lynn Hall ordered. “We need to evacuate immediately. This place can’t be held.”

The two retreated quickly towards the cabin, Lynn Hall still struggling to stay afloat amidst the flames. As they approached, they found the cabin in dire straits—several sections were ablaze, and the wooden structure creaked dangerously, indicating its overall stability was crumbling.

"Everyone prepare to evacuate!" Lynn Hall announced loudly as he entered the cabin. "Vine, is the evacuation route ready?"

“It’s done,” the vines replied, looking tired but satisfied. “Go through the back door and follow the vegetation path south for about a kilometer; you’ll reach a small valley with natural cover.”

Lynn Hall placed the flame on the ground and looked at Jennifer: "How are the wounded?"

“They can all walk, although some need assistance,” Jennifer reported. “We are prepared to evacuate at any time.”

Eileen raised an eyebrow when she saw the captured Flame: "What do you plan to do with her?"

“Take her with you,” Lynn Hall said curtly. “She’s an important source of intelligence and a bargaining chip, if needed.”

Eileen seemed about to object, but Wolverine interrupted her: "This is not the time for discussion. Black Crow reinforcements are approaching; we need to evacuate immediately."

Rogge looked up from his communication device: "X-Schools support is expected to arrive in an hour and will meet us in the valley."

“Let’s go then,” Wolverine commanded. “Coleman, you and Jennifer lead the rescued mutants first. Eileen and your men follow, protecting the flanks. Lynn and I will cover the rear.”

Everyone sprang into action, beginning the planned evacuation. Lynn Hall called out to the woman with the metal scales, "I need your help." He pointed to the unconscious Flame, "I need your help to transport her. Your strength is sufficient, and the scales can withstand any fire attacks she might launch once she awakens."

Metal Girl looked at Eileen, who nodded briefly. Reluctantly, Metal Girl agreed, stepped forward, hoisted Flame onto her shoulder, and followed the retreating group.

Lynn Hall, Wolverine, and Erin stayed behind to cover the retreat. "We need to delay them," Wolverine said, "giving the ones in front enough time to escape."

Lynn Hall looked around and noticed that the hut's structure was quite unstable, with most of the supporting pillars damaged by the flames. "I have an idea."

He quickly explained his plan—to use the burning hut as a barrier and distraction. Erin and Wolverine agreed it was an effective strategy.

The three began their operation. Erin used her super speed to place the remaining smoke grenades and flashbangs around the cabin; Wolverine strategically weakened some key support structures, but made sure they wouldn't collapse immediately; and Lynn Hall prepared a makeshift tripwire device, connecting it to several pressure points.

“Ready,” Eileen reported, returning to Lynnhall. “All equipment in place.”

Wolverine finished his part: "The structure has been weakened; once triggered, the entire cabin will collapse within thirty seconds."

Lynn Hall nodded: "Perfect. Now we need—"

His words were interrupted by sudden gunfire. The first wave of Black Crow's attackers had approached the hut and begun firing. The three men immediately sought cover.

“We have to go,” Eileen urged. “They’re here faster than expected!”

Lynn Hall gave the tripwire device a final check to make sure everything was ready: "You guys go first, I'll activate the device."

“No,” Wolverine said firmly, “It’s too dangerous. I’ll do it. My healing factor will protect me.”

Lynn Hall was about to object, but Eileen grabbed his arm: "He's right. You're human, Lynn. One bullet can kill you."

Wolverine had moved to the activation position: "Go, protect those mutants. I'll follow."

Lynn Hall hesitated for a moment, then nodded in understanding. He and Eileen began to evacuate through the back door, moving quickly along the plant path created by the vines. Behind them, gunshots and shouts grew closer; members of the Black Crow were surrounding the cabin.

They had just reached a safe distance when they heard a series of explosions and the loud cracking of wood behind them. Looking back, they saw the entire hut collapsing, smoke and flames shooting into the sky. Smoke grenades and flashbangs exploded intermittently in the ruins, creating immense chaos.

“I hope Wolverine is alright,” Lynn Hall said softly, gazing at the devastation in the distance.

“Don’t worry,” Eileen reassured him. “I’ve seen him come out of much worse situations. He’s right, his healing factor makes it virtually impossible for him to be killed by an explosion and collapse of this magnitude.”

The two continued along the plant-covered path, catching up with the group ahead. The path created by the vines' abilities was truly impressive—twisted branches formed a natural arch, and roots and vines intertwined on the ground to create a smooth road, making it easy to walk even in the snow-covered forest.

About ten minutes later, they caught up with the main group. Jennifer and Coleman were guiding the rescued mutants along the path, while members of the Brotherhood stood guard around to prevent any possible pursuers.

“The cabin?” Jennifer asked, noticing that only Lynn Hall and Eileen were there.

“It’s collapsed,” Lynn Hall replied curtly. “Wolverine is detonating the device; he should be here soon.”

The group continued forward, everyone striving to remain quiet and alert. The rescued mutants, though weakened, displayed astonishing determination and endurance, driven by their hope for freedom.

They had just reached the entrance to the valley mentioned by the vines when they suddenly heard a commotion behind them. Everyone immediately tensed up and pointed their weapons in the direction of the sound.

A few seconds later, Wolverine appeared on the path, his clothes torn in several places, and his skin covered in burns and wounds, but all of them were healing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"The plan was a success," he reported, his voice slightly hoarse from the exertion. "The hut has collapsed completely, causing at least five or seven enemy casualties; the rest are blocked by smoke and fire. But they will soon organize a pursuit."

“We need to speed things up,” Lynn Hall decided. “Reach deep into the valley, establish a defensive position, and await reinforcements from the Xavier’s School.”

The group resumed its movement, this time at a faster pace. Although the vines were exhausted from continuously using their abilities, they persisted in guiding the way, constantly extending and strengthening the plant-based passageway.

About twenty minutes later, they reached the depths of the valley—an area surrounded by high rock walls with only a narrow entrance. This natural fortress provided an excellent defensive position.

“Perfect,” Lynn Hall appraised, beginning to set up the defenses. “Jennifer, Coleman, take the rescued mutants to the hollow under the rock wall; there's natural cover there. Redeye, your ranged abilities are crucial for defending the entrance. MetalGirl and the other Brotherhood members, form the second line of defense. Wolverine, Erin, and I will hold off any potential pursuers at the entrance.”

Everyone quickly took their positions as instructed. Lynn Hall noticed that despite coming from different factions, everyone displayed a high degree of cooperation and discipline when faced with a common threat. This temporary alliance, though fragile, proved remarkably efficient in a crisis.

"They're here," Wolverine suddenly warned, his nose twitching again. "About twelve to fifteen people, at least three of them mutants."

Lynn Hall picked up his rifle and checked the ammunition: "Prepare for battle. Remember, we just need to hold out until reinforcements arrive."

Eileen stood beside him, gripping her pistols tightly. "Who would have thought a federal agent, an X-Men member, and a Brotherhood member would fight side-by-side?"

“Life is full of surprises,” Lynn Hall replied, a slight smile playing on his lips.

They had no time to talk. The first wave of Black Crow members had appeared at the valley entrance and immediately began firing. Lynn Hall, Erin, and Wolverine quickly found cover and began to fight back.

The battle resumed, even more intense than before at the hut. Black Crow seemed determined to reclaim the rescued mutant at all costs, launching relentless attacks. But the defenders held a decisive advantage in their positioning—the narrow entrance forced the attackers to concentrate, making them perfect targets; the high ground provided excellent firing angles; and the natural rocks offered solid cover. (End of Chapter)