CHAPTER 53: The Washington Incident - Part III

CHAPTER 53: The Washington Incident - Part III

Fénix and Lucio were crouched behind some bushes in a dimly lit corner of the White House grounds. Lucio, with a flashlight in one hand and a crowbar in the other, worked to open an old manhole cover that connected to the underground tunnels.

"Did you know that beneath the White House there's a bunker complex designed to withstand nuclear explosions?" Lucio said, breaking the silence as he pried at the manhole cover.

Fénix, his gaze fixed on the perimeter, raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, sure. I read it in Bunkers for Dummies."

Lucio let out a nasal laugh.
"Seriously. It's an underground system that connects not only to the main bunker but to several nearby buildings. It was designed in the 50s, at the height of the Cold War. They thought of everything: communication, supply storage, emergency exits. Even a war room so leaders could keep functioning during an attack."

"And how do you know so much about this?" Fénix asked sarcastically.
"Ah, you know, I like to read... and hack classified files when I'm bored."

Finally, the cover gave way with a loud metallic screech, and Lucio gestured toward the opening.
"After you, gentleman."

Fénix snorted and went down first, followed by Lucio, who replaced the cover from the inside. The air in the tunnel was heavy, smelling of dampness and rusted metal. Their flashlights illuminated the concrete walls, covered in parts by cables and pipes.

Lucio stopped Fénix before they advanced further and looked at him seriously.
"Listen, there's something you need to be clear about before we go on."

Fénix raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his companion's unusually serious tone.
"Go on, enlighten me."

"First, we know Adam is using Marcus as his vessel. But that doesn't mean you can hesitate. If you get the chance, you kill him. No mercy." Lucio paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "Is that clear?"

Fénix looked down for a moment, his thoughts racing. Finally, he nodded, albeit reluctantly.
"Yes, it's clear."

Lucio continued, counting on his fingers:
"Rule number two: don't separate from me. These tunnels are a maze, and if you get lost, there won't be time to find you."

"Understood."

Without another word, the two advanced down the hallway in silence, their footsteps echoing in the empty tunnel. The air was charged with tension; each step brought them closer to the confrontation that would define not only their fate, but that of many others.

Meanwhile, at the main entrance...

The heavy door of the White House opened with a creak, letting in a cold breeze that carried the metallic smell of blood. Lucian and Vanessa crossed the threshold with their hands raised, their faces serious but betraying palpable nervousness. Adam was sitting on the floor, legs crossed and eyes closed, as if meditating amidst the carnage.

The sound of Lucian and Vanessa's footsteps echoed in the main hall, catching his attention. Without opening his eyes, Adam smiled.
"Interesting... I thought you'd take more time to make up your minds."

Vanessa swallowed before speaking.
"We haven't come to fight... yet."

Adam slowly opened his eyes, uncrossing the arms he had folded over his chest.
"Yet? Such an... optimistic word." He stood up with an unsettling calm, his eyes shining with a faint golden glint as they scanned the intruders from head to toe. His smile faded when he didn't see Fénix. He frowned, clearly intrigued. "And where is the vermin?"

Lucian exchanged a glance with Vanessa before answering.
"Fénix has his own matters to attend to."

Adam tilted his head slightly, as if processing the information. Then, he let out a low, almost mocking laugh.
" 'Matters to attend to'? How convenient. Did you send him to find a comfortable place to die?"

Adam's smile transformed into an expression of cruel amusement.
"So you are the lambs sent to the slaughter to measure the wolf? What a desperate strategy."

Without warning, Adam straightened up completely, his presence dominating the room. He took a step forward, causing both Lucian and Vanessa to instinctively step back.
"But well, I suppose I can have a little fun before the main course. There's no better victory than warming up with you while I wait for the brat."

Vanessa and Lucian were trembling, and though they tried to hide it, it was impossible to disguise in the face of Adam's figure. He began to roll up his shirt sleeves with an unsettling calm, as if he were about to do an everyday job.

"I will give you something, though," Adam said, his tone low and dangerous. "You have guts to come in here. That, or you're incredibly stupid."

Lucian tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come out. Vanessa could barely breathe, her eyes fixed on Adam as he prepared for the confrontation.

Adam smiled again, his teeth shining as if ready to bite.
"Well, who wants to be first?" he said, tilting his head slightly to one side, like a predator evaluating its prey.

The echo of their footsteps resonated in the narrow corridor of the bunker as Fénix and Lucio advanced cautiously. The lights flickered weakly, creating unsettling shadows on the metallic walls. Fénix kept his gaze fixed ahead, though his senses were on high alert, while Lucio checked the digital map of the place on his device.

Suddenly, a metallic sound behind them made them stop dead in their tracks. Turning, they both saw a figure emerge from the shadows. It was Irene, her face reflecting a mix of contempt and arrogance.

"It's too late," Irene said, crossing her arms as she took a step toward them. "Adam is going to win. You don't stand a chance."

Fénix clenched his fists, his eyes full of determination.
"Why am I not surprised to hear you say that?" he responded, his tone characteristic with sarcasm.