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

“You’re welcome,” Lynn said. “It’s what we should do.”

Wolverine walked over and inspected the attackers. "Professional equipment, coordinated attack, and they're all mutants. This isn't an ordinary poaching gang."

What do you think it is?

“It’s probably some organization,” Wolverine said, rummaging through their equipment, “that specializes in capturing rare creatures or mutants and then selling them to the highest bidder. There’s that demand on the black market.”

Lynn found a communication device and a business card in one of the men's pockets. The business card had only one symbol on it—a serpentine DNA helix.

“It looks very scientific,” Lynn said. “It’s probably from some research institution.”

“Or it could be an illegal organization masquerading as research,” Wolverine said. “I’ve seen similar things before. They capture mutants or other special creatures to experiment on, or breed their offspring for sale.”

“Then we need to investigate further,” Lynn said, “and quickly. If these three fail, their organization might send more.”

“First, we have to deal with these three,” Wolverine said, “and make sure the mother and cubs are safe.”

Lynn nodded, took out his satellite phone, and dialed Supervisor Jensen's number. Although he was on vacation, this situation needed to be reported.

“Boss, I need to report an emergency,” Lynn said. “The restricted area on St. Lawrence Island has been breached. Three mutant attackers are attempting to capture a protected creature. Wolverine and I have subdued them, but this appears to be an organized operation.”

“Mutant attackers?” Jason’s voice turned serious. “Do you have their identification information?”

“They haven’t been examined in detail yet, but they are well-equipped and carry capture equipment and sedatives,” Lynn reported. “There’s also a suspicious sign—a serpentine DNA helix.”

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone. "Lynn, this might involve an organization we've been tracking—the Gene Hunters. They're an international illegal organization that specializes in capturing and trafficking organisms and mutants with unique genetic characteristics."

“Gene hunters,” Lynn repeated the name, “are they dangerous?”

“Very dangerous,” Jason said, “and heavily funded. They usually send advanced mutants or enhanced humans on these missions. If they've got their sights on that creature, they won't give up easily.”

“Then we need reinforcements,” Lynn said.

“I will contact the Alaska branch immediately and send a team to receive the three suspects,” Jason said. “But the weather forecast says there will be a blizzard in the next 48 hours, and flights may be unable to take off. You may need to manage on your own for a while.”

“Understood,” Lynn said. “We will protect this area.”

After hanging up the phone, Lynn briefly explained the situation to Wolverine.

“Gene hunters,” Wolverine’s expression darkened. “I’ve heard of them. A few years ago, they tried to capture some young mutants from the Xavier’s Academy. Professor X warned everyone to be careful of this organization.”

Do you think they'll come back?

“Definitely,” Wolverine said. “Rare creatures like these are priceless to them. They’ll send a stronger team with more equipment.”

“Then we need to prepare,” Lynn said. “First, we need to ensure the safety of the mother and cubs. Perhaps we should move them to a more secluded place temporarily.”

Lynn approached the mother beast. "Listen," he said, "those people might come back, bringing more. You and the children are not safe now."

The mother seemed to understand; she let out a low call, and the three cubs immediately ran to her side.

"Do you know a safer place?" Lynn asked. "A deeper, more secluded cave?"

The mother beast nodded, then pointed west—that direction had more mountains and canyons, and more complex terrain.

“Okay, then you take the children there,” Lynn said. “Logan and I will stay here and stop anyone trying to track you down.”

The mother animal hesitated for a moment, then approached Lynn. She gently touched Lynn's head with her enormous hand—a gesture filled with trust and gratitude.

“Go, and protect your child,” Lynn said.

The mother beast glanced at Lynn and Wolverine one last time, then led her three cubs and disappeared into the western mountains. Their white fur quickly blended into the snowy landscape, making them difficult to track.

"What do we do now?" Lynn asked Wolverine.

“Set a trap,” Wolverine said. “If the gene hunters come, we’ll show them this island isn’t to be trifled with.”

Over the next few hours, Lynn and Wolverine were busy preparing. They tied up the three subdued attackers and placed them in a safe location. Then they began setting up various traps around the restricted area.

Wolverine's survival skills are on full display here. He knows how to use the terrain to set up ambush points, how to make simple but effective traps, and how to conceal his whereabouts.

“Here,” Wolverine pointed to a narrow passage, “this is the most likely route for anyone trying to get into the core area. We’ve set up tripwires and alarms here.”

Lynn worked as instructed, using ropes and bells to create a simple alarm system.

“This looks very primitive,” Lynn commented.

“The most basic things are often the most reliable,” Wolverine said. “High-tech equipment can be jammed or destroyed, but a simple rope and a few bells will make a sound whenever something touches it.”

“I’ve learned something,” Lynn said.

By evening, they had completed their defensive preparations. The entire restricted area was surrounded by traps and alarms; anyone attempting to enter would trigger a warning.

“Now we wait,” Wolverine said. “If they come tonight, we’ll know.”

The two returned to a favorable observation point—a high vantage point overlooking most of the entrance to the restricted area. They built a small fire, prepared hot drinks, and then took turns keeping watch.

“You know what,” Lynn said in the firelight, “I never imagined my vacation would turn out like this.”

Wolverine chuckled. "Welcome to my world, Hall. Trouble always finds its way in."

“But you won’t run away,” Lynn said. “You came here to live in seclusion, but you’ll still step forward when someone needs help.”

“Maybe I’m not as reclusive as I think,” Wolverine admitted. “Or maybe there are things more important than being alone.”

As night falls, the temperature drops sharply. The polar nights are silent and long, with only the sound of the wind and the occasional animal call.

Lynn was on duty for the first shift. He sat by the fire, vigilantly observing his surroundings. The training over the past few days had sharpened his senses; he could hear sounds from afar and see more clearly in the dark. At midnight, Lynn heard a faint bell ringing—from the traps to the east.

“Logan,” he whispered to Wolverine, who was resting, “someone’s coming.”

Wolverine instantly sobered up, his nose twitching. "More than one person. I smelled at least five or six different scents. And there was the smell of weapons, metal, and gunpowder."

“They brought guns,” Lynn said.

“And there might be something else,” Wolverine said. “Gene Hunters never underestimate their targets. Since the first team failed, they’ll bring even more firepower this time.”

"So what should we do?"

“We’ll hold out,” Wolverine said, his claws gleaming in the firelight as he extended them from his fists. “They’ll have to get past us first if they want the mother and cubs.”

“Understood,” Lynn checked his weapons. “Then let them see that protecting this island is no joke.”

Just as Lynn and Wolverine were preparing to deal with the intruders, the satellite phone rang again. Lynn glanced at the caller ID—it was Director Jensen.

“Manager,” Lynn answered the phone.

“Lynn, the situation has changed,” Jason’s voice was tinged with obvious anxiety. “The weather service has just updated the forecast. The blizzard is much worse than expected, and it arrived earlier than anticipated. All flights to St. Lawrence Island have been canceled, including our support teams.”

"How long will it be delayed?" Lynn asked, his heart sinking.

“At least 48 hours, possibly longer,” Jason said. “After the blizzard, it will take time to clear the runway. The most optimistic estimate is that it will be three days before planes can arrive.”

Lynn was silent for a few seconds, processing the news. Three days—during which they would have to rely on themselves.

“Lynn, listen,” Jason continued, his tone turning serious, “considering you’re facing a gene hunter organization, and there may be more well-equipped mutants approaching, I suggest you retreat for now.”

“Retreat?” Lynn repeated.

“Yes,” Jason said. “Take the three prisoners and retreat to Campbell Village. There are more people there, and it’s easier to defend. Gene Hunters don’t usually operate in areas with many witnesses. Once the blizzard has passed and reinforcements arrive, we’ll organize another large-scale operation.”

“But—” Lynn began.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Jason interrupted him. “You want to protect that creature and its cubs. But Lynn, there are only two of you, and they might have six or more mutants, and they’re well-equipped. This isn’t a matter of bravery or cowardice; it’s a matter of tactics. You’re outnumbered, without support, and without sufficient equipment. Retreat is the wise choice.”

Lynn looked at Wolverine. Logan had clearly heard the conversation—his hearing was far superior to that of ordinary people—and was quietly waiting for Lynn's decision.

Their eyes met in the night.

Wolverine didn't speak, but simply raised his eyebrows slightly, an expression that clearly conveyed his meaning: Your decision?

Lynn recalled the mother beast's trusting, deep blue eyes, the three curious yet vulnerable cubs, and the despair and courage the mother beast displayed while protecting her children.

If they retreat, the gene hunters can track the mother animal without hindrance. The family will be captured, the cubs will be caged, and the mother animal will be used as an experimental subject or breeding tool.

This is not just about protecting a single living being. It's about commitment, about justice, about not bowing to evil.

“Supervisor,” Lynn began slowly, her voice calm yet firm, “I cannot obey this suggestion.”

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone. "Lynn, are you sure?"

“I’m sure,” Lynn said. “We can’t retreat. If we leave, the mother beast and her cubs will be completely unprotected. The gene hunters will catch them, and we’ll never get them back.”

“That’s not your fault,” Jason said. “You’ve done your best. No one will blame you for choosing to retreat.”

“I know,” Lynn said, “but I will blame myself.”

Upon hearing this, Wolverine smiled approvingly.

“And,” Lynn continued, “I’m not alone. I have Logan—Wolverine. He’s a small army on his own. We have the terrain advantage, we’re prepared, we’re determined. We can hold out.”

Jason sighed deeply. "You're as stubborn as your father. Fine, since you insist, I won't force you to retreat. But you must promise me that if the situation gets out of control, you'll leave immediately. Don't throw your life away for an animal."

“I promise I will assess the situation,” Lynn said, this was the biggest concession he could offer, “but I will not give up easily.”

“So, stay in touch,” Jason said. “Report every six hours. If I lose your signal for more than twelve hours, I will assume the worst and send in heavy support—weather or shine.”

“Understood,” Lynn said.

“And Lynn,” Jason’s voice softened slightly, “be careful. You’re one of my best agents, and I don’t want to lose you.”

“I will, sir,” Lynn said. “Thank you for your concern.”

After hanging up the phone, Lynn turned to Wolverine. "You heard that. Reinforcements won't arrive for at least three days. We'll have to face the Gene Hunters alone."

“I never expected any support from the start,” Wolverine said calmly. “And frankly, support might actually be a hindrance. Those FBI agents, while highly trained, are still too vulnerable against mutants.”

"Then you wouldn't mind going crazy with me just once?" Lynn asked.

"Crazy?" Wolverine laughed. "Hall, this is just a normal Tuesday for me. I've been in a hundred times more dangerous situations."

“But you don’t owe that mother beast anything,” Lynn pointed out. “You can simply leave and let me handle it myself.”

Wolverine's expression turned serious. "Do you know why I agreed to train you? The real reason?"

"Why?"

“Because you remind me that there are still things in this world worth fighting for,” Wolverine said. “I’ve lived for over a hundred years and seen too much ugliness. Sometimes I ask myself, what’s the point of all this? But people like you, lives like that mother beast, remind me—some things must be protected, must be defended.”

He patted Lynn on the shoulder. "So no, I'm not leaving. We'll stay here together, just like you said—we can't back down."

Lynn felt a warm current surge through his heart. He wasn't alone on this cold, dark, and dangerous polar night. (End of Chapter)