Old White, realizing Xiao Feng's intent, instinctively pulled Alice into his arms. Nestled against his towering figure, she looked up at him like a delicate bird seeking shelter, and asked softly, "Brother Xiao Feng… what are you going to do?"
They all sensed the armored vehicle accelerating, the engine howling like a beast loosed from its chains, as Xiao Feng charged headlong toward the breach in the wall.
Meanwhile, more Alliance military vehicles appeared on the street, attempting to cut off Xiao Feng's escape. But they could only watch helplessly as his armored vehicle tore through the haze of dust and, with a thunderous crash, smashed into the opening in the wall.
The massive vehicle, driven at full throttle, struck with devastating force. With an earth-shaking roar, it burst through the city wall—though not without cost. The impact severely damaged the vehicle, even dislodging one of its cannons.
"You're a bloody lunatic, Xiao Feng!" Lin cursed, clutching his seat. "I swear, I'll never ride in anything you're driving again—not even a tank!"
He wasn't alone. Old White, Rice, and the others in the back shared the same unspoken vow. Only Alice, unscathed in Old White's embrace, chirped with delight, "That was exhilarating! So thrilling!"
From the driver's seat, Xiao Feng chuckled at her excitement and asked, "Shall we do it again?"
"Yes! Yes, please!" she cried, gleaming with joy.
But the others shouted in unison, "No!"
"I was only teasing…" Xiao Feng laughed, then refocused on the road ahead.
Lin pointed toward a grove of trees in the distance. "That's where we stashed the car. Drive the armored vehicle in and let's switch—this beast is far too slow."
Xiao Feng nodded and turned toward the woods.
Yet an odd feeling crept over him. Glancing at the rear display in front of Lin, he frowned. "Why aren't they chasing us?"
Lighting a cigarette and taking a satisfied drag, Lin exhaled leisurely, "My guess? They're scared. Scared of you… you madman."
Xiao Feng shook his head. "No… that's not it."
He pulled the armored car into the grove, where their escape vehicle was hidden. Just as he was about to open the door, the display in front of Lin abruptly lit up.
Lin's brow furrowed. "What the hell?"
Xiao Feng leaned over—and immediately recognized the face on the screen. Familiar, though it took a second to recall—until the man smirked.
"Henry…" he muttered grimly.
Indeed, it was Henry, director of the Alliance Bureau of Paranormal Affairs, Second Division. He sneered on screen, "Xiao Feng, I promise you'll regret this. I'll give you thirty minutes to turn yourself in at the branch. If not…"
He raised a pistol, then suddenly yanked another figure into frame.
The moment Xiao Feng saw her, his eyes burned with murderous fury.
Henry pressed the gun to Kelly's temple. "Thirty minutes. If you're not here by then, I'll shoot her between the eyes."
With a roar of rage, Xiao Feng slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Son of a bitch…"
Throwing the door open, he leapt from the vehicle. Lin grabbed his arm.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?"
"Back, of course!"
"I don't get it—what's that envoy to you?"
"She means everything to me."
Old White spoke up from behind. "We just barely got out of there alive. Don't throw your life away. We nearly lost everything."
Xiao Feng shook his head, his gaze resolute. "I won't abandon Kelly."
Alice stared at him, wide-eyed and uncertain. "Brother Xiao Feng… what is she to you? Are you two…?"
Xiao Feng gently tousled her hair. "Alice, go back. Don't worry about me. They won't catch me. I'll return in a few days."
"No! I won't let you go find her…" she said, as if sensing some looming tragedy.
"Be good. Trust me."
Without another word, Xiao Feng leapt from the armored vehicle and sprinted toward the city once more.
From behind, Rice's voice called out, "If you're dead set on going… take this."
Xiao Feng turned just in time to catch a long, black bag tossed to him.
A familiar weight. A familiar shape. With a smile, he slung it over his back. "Captain Rice, didn't expect you to be sentimental. You even brought my Blood Ghost for me."
"Save your breath. Just stay alive. And remember—no shame in loving more than one woman, lad."
Xiao Feng gave a rueful laugh. Looking at Rice's perpetually bare torso, he said, "Thanks for the reminder, Captain."
Then he raised a hand to bid them farewell and vanished down the road, racing toward the city.
Behind him, Lin and Rice each drove off toward the X Mercenary Corps' rendezvous point. Alice pressed her face against the bumpy window, watching Xiao Feng's figure fade into the distance. A tear slipped down her cheek. A hollow ache filled her heart—as if she were watching the one thing she cherished most disappear forever.
Old White saw her expression and sighed. He knew exactly what she was feeling. "Don't worry, Alice… he'll be back."
She sniffled and curled up against his broad chest. "Papa… do you think I've fallen in love with Brother Xiao Feng?"
He looked down at the fragile, innocent girl in his arms and chuckled gently. "You're still a child. There are many kinds of love, and you've yet to understand them. I love Xiao Feng too… just like I love you."
"But Papa… what kind of love do I feel for him?"
"Whatever kind it is, I'll support you. Because you and Xiao Feng… you're the two most precious things I have in this world. And I won't let either of you suffer. Trust me."
Alice whimpered softly. "Mmm…"
Then in a whisper, she added, "Papa… I miss Mama."
He held her closer. "Soon… I'll take you to Zone 64. We'll visit her together."