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

“We need volunteers,” Deputy Director Stone stated directly, “but I must emphasize that this mission is extremely risky, and no one will be forced to participate.”

Lynn carefully studied the ventilation system diagram on the screen. He noticed several key details: there were three main routes from the outer buildings to the core area, one of which was relatively short but required passing through a vertical shaft; another route was longer but relatively gentle; and the third route was the shortest but had to pass over the enemy's main area of ​​activity.

"How many people are needed to carry out this mission?" Lynn asked.

"Given the limited space in the conduit, a maximum of two people," Detective Parker replied, "and they must be small in stature and agile."

“What about the equipment?” Marcus asked. “Normal tactical equipment is difficult to use in confined spaces.”

“That’s a problem,” Colonel Reynolds acknowledged. “Personnel on missions can only carry the most basic equipment: pistols, tranquilizer guns, communication equipment, and necessary tools.”

"Will there be any communication problems?" Carmen asked with concern.

“Metal pipes can interfere with signals,” the technical expert replied. “We can only maintain communication in specific locations.”

The more Lynn listened, the more convinced he became that while the mission was dangerous, it was indeed feasible. Moreover, if successful, it could quickly change the course of the battle and prevent further casualties.

“I’m willing to do this mission,” Lynn raised his hand without hesitation.

“Lynn,” Deputy Director Stone looked at him seriously, “are you sure? I’ve already made the risks of this mission very clear.”

“Precisely because the risks are so high, the most experienced people are needed to carry it out,” Lynn replied firmly. “I have experience operating in confined spaces and I already have a good understanding of the base’s structure.”

“I want to go too,” Sarah suddenly spoke up. “My sensory abilities are very useful in these kinds of missions; I can spot enemies and traps in advance.”

“But your size,” Marcus said worriedly.

“Although I am a woman, I am not tall and I am very agile,” Sarah explained. “Most importantly, my sensory abilities are more effective in dark and confined environments.”

Lynn considered Sarah's suggestion. Indeed, her superpowered perception would be extremely valuable in a complex environment like a ventilation duct, allowing her to detect threats in advance and avoid falling into a trap.

“I agree to Sarah’s involvement,” Lynn decided. “The two of us working together should be able to handle most situations.”

“If you insist, I won’t stop you,” Deputy Director Stone nodded, “but you must understand that once you’re inside the ventilation system, the support we can provide is very limited.”

“We understand,” Lynn confirmed.

“Now let’s begin the detailed planning,” Colonel Reynolds said. “We need to determine all the details, including the optimal route, timing, and equipment configuration.”

For the next two hours, Lynn and Sarah worked closely with the technical team, studying the ventilation system blueprints in detail. They needed to determine key information such as the entry point, target location, and alternative routes.

“This is the best entry point,” the technical expert pointed to a location on the blueprints, “located on the roof of an outer building, with relatively large ventilation openings, making entry easy.”

“How far is it from here to the core area?” Sarah asked.

"The straight-line distance is about 800 meters, but it requires crawling at least 1,200 meters through the pipeline system," the technical expert calculated. "It's estimated to take two to three hours."

"What are the key points along the way?" Lynn asked, focusing on the important locations.

"There are three main branching points, two vertical shafts, and a large ventilation center," the technical expert explained. "The ventilation center is the most dangerous place; it's a large space where the enemy is likely to set up defenses."

Lynn carefully studied the structure and features of each key point. The ventilation center was indeed a problem—it was an open space where they would have almost no cover if the enemy was defending it.

"Is there a route that bypasses the ventilation center?" Lynn asked.

“Yes, but it requires an extra 400 meters and two additional vertical shafts,” the technical expert replied, “which will extend the journey by an hour.”

“We’ll take the fast route,” Lynn decided. “Time is of the essence; we must reach the core area before the enemy completes their withdrawal.”

“What about the ventilation center?” Sarah asked.

“My senses should be able to detect enemies in advance,” Sarah analyzed. “If there are, we’ll find a way to bypass them or deal with them silently.”

"Regarding equipment," the equipment expert began, "considering space constraints, you can only carry the most basic weapons and tools."

He displayed the equipment specifically prepared for this mission: a compact pistol, a silenced tranquilizer gun, a multi-tool, a miniature communicator, a small flashlight, ropes, and more.

“And this,” the equipment expert said, pulling out a device that looked like a knee brace, “is a specially designed crawling brace that reduces noise and protects your joints.”

Lynn tried on the gear and found it to be compact yet fully functional. Most importantly, the gear wouldn't obstruct movement in confined spaces.

“What about the communications plan?” Sarah asked.

“There will be signal repeaters at three key locations,” the communications expert explained. “You can contact command from those locations. But most of the time, you'll have to rely on yourselves.”

"When is the operation scheduled?" Lynn asked.

“11 p.m. tonight,” Deputy Director Stone replied, “that time, the main attack will still be underway, providing cover for your infiltration operation.”

Four hours remained before the operation began. Lynn and Sarah used this time for final preparations and rehearsals.

In a simulated ventilation duct training facility, they practiced crawling, silent passage, and combat skills in confined spaces.

“When moving through the pipes, use your knees and elbows for support and avoid letting the equipment hit the pipe walls,” Lynn instructed Sarah. “And control your breathing to avoid creating echoes.”

“My senses are more acute in confined spaces,” Sarah said, “but it also requires more concentration.”

Marcus and Carmen also came to the training ground to cheer on their teammates.

“I really wish I could go with you,” Marcus said, “but my size is definitely not suitable for ventilation ducts.”

“Your attacks outside are more important,” Lynn replied, “to draw the enemy's attention to us.”

“Be careful of those mutants,” Carmen warned. “If they discover the intrusion into the ventilation system, they might send people after us.”

“We will be careful,” Sarah promised.

At dinner time, Lynn and Sarah did not eat much, because being too full would affect their flexibility when moving around in a confined space.

"Are you nervous?" Sarah asked Lynn.

“Yes,” Lynn answered honestly, “this is indeed one of the most dangerous missions I’ve ever carried out. But I believe we can succeed.”

“I believe it too,” Sarah nodded, “our cooperation has been proven in previous operations.” At nine o’clock that evening, the other superpowered allies also came to see them off.

“I wish I could do more for you,” Dr. Emily said, “but my treatment skills are useless in the ventilation ducts.”

“You’ve done more than enough,” Lynn said gratefully. “You saved Thomas’s life.”

“If you encounter electronic security systems, remember this,” Michael handed Lynn a small device. “It’s a portable electronic jammer that can temporarily disable cameras and sensors.”

“Thank you, this is very useful,” Lynn said, taking the equipment.

Carlos also came over to shake hands, saying, "Although my barrier ability can't help, I admire your courage."

Chen Kai offered some tips for moving in confined spaces: "If you encounter an emergency, remember to stay calm and don't panic. In a small space, panic is the biggest enemy."

At 10:30 p.m., Lynn and Sarah began the final equipment check. Every piece of equipment was carefully inspected to ensure it was functioning properly and securely fastened.

“Communication test,” Lynn said into the miniature communicator.

"The signal is clear," the command center responded.

“My perception is normal,” Sarah closed her eyes and tested her abilities. “I can sense the location of everyone around me.”

"Weapon inspection complete," Lynn confirmed, adding that all weapons were in optimal condition.

“I’ve memorized the map and the route,” Sarah confirmed that she was completely familiar with the structure of the ventilation system.

At 10:50 p.m., Lynn and Sarah arrived at the entry point—the rooftop of an outer building. From here, they could see the lights of the main base in the distance and hear the occasional explosions; the main assault was in full swing.

“The target vent is right there,” Lynn said, pointing to a metal grille on the roof.

They carefully opened the grille, revealing a circular pipe about one meter in diameter that extended downwards into the darkness.

"I'll go down first," Lin Shi said, holding a flashlight, and began to enter the pipe.

The inside of the pipe was cleaner than expected, but the space was indeed very narrow. Lynn had to crawl forward, and every movement had to be very careful to avoid making a sound.

“Sarah, keep up,” Lynn whispered.

Sarah also entered the pipe, her movements were so light that she made almost no sound.

“No abnormalities within the detection range,” Sarah reported softly. “No signs of life within fifty meters ahead.”

“Very good, let’s move on,” Lynn replied.

They began their dangerous infiltration mission. In the dark, narrow ventilation ducts, the two slowly advanced towards the core area of ​​the Shadow Alliance.

Every meter forward required caution and courage. Lynn led the way, carefully observing the situation ahead; Sarah followed behind, using her senses to monitor for threats.

Twenty minutes later, they reached the first critical point—a large fork in the road. Here, three different pipes led in different directions.

“According to the map, we need to go through the pipe on the right,” Lynn confirmed the direction.

“Wait,” Sarah suddenly became alert, “there are faint signs of life deep inside the right-hand pipe; someone might be on guard.”

This was the first real threat they encountered. If the pipeline was defended by the enemy, they would have to choose another route, but that would take much longer.

"How strong are the life signs?" Lynn asked. "Are they human or mutant?"

Sarah focused her senses and deduced, "It should be an ordinary human, and there's only one, located about a hundred meters ahead."

Lynn considered for a few seconds. "We'll continue to the right, but be extremely careful. If we can get through silently, that would be best; if not, we'll finish quickly."

“I understand,” Sarah nodded.

They continued moving toward the pipe on the right, becoming more cautious with every movement.

Lynn and Sarah moved slowly through the duct, taking each breath with extreme care. The air inside the ventilation duct was somewhat stuffy, and a faint vibration came from the metal walls—the sound of explosions and gunfire from the main attacking force in the distance.

"How far are we from the target?" Sarah asked in the softest of voices.

Lynn checked his portable GPS device. "About eighty meters left, we're almost there."

Sarah closed her eyes, focusing her attention once more on the situation ahead. Her expression gradually became serious.

“The guard is still in the same spot,” she reported softly, “and I sense he’s very alert; he may have already noticed something amiss.”

Lynn paused to think. In such a confined space, if the guards discovered them, the fight would be extremely difficult. But they had no way out—going around would take too much time and might lead to encountering even more defenses.

"Where is his exact location?" Lynn asked for more details.

“Based on the ductwork structure, it should be at the entrance of a ventilation center,” Sarah sensed carefully. “There’s a relatively large space there; it’s a crucial point where the ductwork leads into the building.”

Lynn understood. That position was indeed a necessary route, and the guard's choice to defend there was very smart—he had a greater advantage in relatively open space.

“I have a plan,” Lynn whispered. “You stay here; I’ll go deal with the guard. Once I’ve subdued him, you follow me.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Sarah said worriedly. “If you get into trouble, I won’t be able to help you here.”

“That’s why I need you here on standby,” Lynn explained. “If things go wrong, you can retreat immediately and notify command to adjust the plan. Also, your sensory abilities can support me here—tell me the exact location and status of the guards.”

Sarah considered it for a moment. Although reluctant, she understood that Lynn's plan was reasonable. "Okay, but you need to be extra careful."

“I will,” Lynn checked the equipment, making sure the tranquilizer gun and other tools were in optimal condition.

He began to crawl forward, moving more cautiously than before. Every ten meters, he would stop and wait for Sarah's sensory report.

“The guard is still in place,” Sarah’s voice came through the micro-communicator. “He seems to be pacing back and forth, very alert.”

“Understood, continue monitoring,” Lynn replied.

After advancing another thirty meters, Lynn began to hear sounds coming from ahead—footsteps and the occasional clanging of metal. He switched off his flashlight and continued forward, relying on the faint light filtering through. (End of Chapter)