The group noticed the broken door and muddy footprints. Their movements were incredibly fast; judging by the sound of their footsteps, there were many people.
Jennifer and the others’ expressions changed instantly. They looked at Felicia and exclaimed, “It’s them! They’ve come! The man who kidnapped us said he’d move us today, so these must be his men.”
“What should we do?”
The other women huddled, eyes filled with fear and anxiety, looking at Felicia. Two pleaded, “Please, don’t leave us.”
Felicia only knew Jennifer; it was likely she’d come to rescue her, the others being secondary. Now that danger had arrived, they would be a burden in any confrontation—burdens are abandoned first.
Felicia glanced at Scarlet, whispering, “Take them inside. There must be another exit. Get them down the mountain.”
Scarlet grabbed Felicia. “No! I should go! You take them!”
“You’re unfamiliar with the terrain. I’ve memorized the map. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
With footsteps approaching, Felicia pushed Scarlet aside. “No time! Go!”
Scarlet, gritting her teeth, led Jennifer and the other mobile women in the opposite direction. The remaining mercenaries, Big Guy and another carrying two unconscious women, followed Felicia toward the exit.
Jennifer turned her head repeatedly, worry etched on her face, but swallowed her words as time ran out.
Scarlet, leading the way with Felicia’s map, guided them down the mountain. Even with a woman on his back, Big Guy moved surprisingly fast, leaping several feet with each stride. Scarlet and the breathless women sprinted down the mountain path.
Meanwhile, outside the bomb shelter, a group of trained men arrived. One cleared away the vines blocking the entrance, calling to the leader, “Boss, this is the place.”
He had a deep, husky voice. Felicia, seeing them clear the vines, signaled the three mercenaries to split up, drawing the men away and taking them down one by one. They understood and nodded.
Felicia gave the signal; instantly, the mercenaries and Felicia scattered. Footsteps echoed in the dark forest, despite their attempts at concealment, rustling sounds betraying their presence.
The leader turned sharply, eyes narrowed. “Chase them!”
The men split into four directions, relentlessly tracking their targets. As Felicia drew them away, she saw the leader pursuing her. His reaction speed and agility were exceptional. Felicia, running last, was still cut off by him.