Fortunately, they had Sasha with them, who would provide critical support.


    The team waited in silence as Sasha began hacking into the enemy’s mainframe to take control of the CCTV system within the building.


    His goal was to manipte the camera feeds and pinpoint Minerva’s exact location, giving them a strategic advantage for the rescue.


    Fortunately, their gamble on Sasha paid off.


    The stronghold was indeed connected to the inte, as it served as the hub for much of their illicit activities.


    This base facilitated transactions on the dark web, where they sold contraband, coordinated with foreign contacts, and scheduled the smuggling of goods.


    Sasha’s ess gave the team a strategic advantage, uncovering not just Minerva’s location but also insights into the operations fueling this dangerouswork.


    Once Sasha gave the go-ahead, confirming he’d hacked into the system, Rafael and his team began executing their n.


    Using their knowledge of the guards’ rotations, they moved quickly.


    Some of the bodyguards returned to the foot of the mountain to secure an exit strategy, hiding their vehicles in discreet spots.


    Since they had arrived with multiple cars, keeping them out of sight was essential to avoid drawing unwanted attention.


    They also stationed lookouts outside, equipping them with earpieces and ensuring their phones were on silent mode to avoid any careless mistakes that could lead to being exposed by a stray ringtone.


    Fortunately for Rafael’s team, the stronghold hadn’t installed any signal jammers, likely due to overconfidence in their hidden location and a need formunication.


    Without the advanced technology Sasha utilized, like satellite ess, the stronghold relied heavily on phone signals to coordinate their operations and monitor any potential authority movements.


    This oversight worked in Rafael’s favor, allowing Sasha’s team to maintain uninterrupted contact and proceed with their infiltration ns.


    Rafael decided to take only two bodyguards with him for the infiltration, knowing that a smaller group would make it easier to slip past security.


    The remaining team members stayed positioned as lookouts, ready to provide cover or support if needed.


    This streamlined approach minimized their risk of detection and maximized their chances of sess.


    After thorough nning and preparation, Rafael and his men returned to the cars to retrieve ropes, extra backup gear, bulletproof vests, and additional ammunition.


    Fortunately, they always came equipped for emergencies.


    As soon as they discovered Minerva’s abduction, Rafael’s bodyguards had already begun preparing before he even arrived, anticipating the worst.


    Now, their foresight was proving invaluable.


    Even if some of the equipment went unused, they felt reassured knowing they were ready for anything that might unfold.


    After finalizing their preparations, the other bodyguards drove the vehicles down the mountain, while several others strategically positioned themselves at key locations along the anticipated return route to provide support.


    One of Rafael’s team members also prepared an extra vest for Minerva.


    Once everything was in ce, Rafael and his two selected teammates circled back to the southeastern side of the stronghold, where security was slightly more rxed and guard rotations were slower.


    This area, being farthest from the gates and exits, required the guards to make nearly a full loop around the perimeter, creating a valuable window of opportunity for Rafael’s team.


    Why did Rafael choose this area, despite it being far from the exits?


    Because they didn’t n to use the doors at all; their goal was to scale the walls.


    Prior to finalizing this n, one of Rafael’s bodyguards had stealthily climbed a tree to get a clearer view of the interioryout, making it easier for them to navigate once inside.


    Sasha, meanwhile, had also managed to obtain an aerial view of the stronghold’s perimeter and, with some luck, uncovered a partial blueprint.


    This intel proved invaluable, allowing Rafael’s team to refine their approach and coordinate their next moves.


    With just three of them, Rafael’s team moved swiftly and quietly.


    Using a rope with a grappling hook, they scaled the wall, aiming for a second-floor window near the dormitory area.


    ording to Sasha’s observations, most upants should be headed to the dining room at this hour, leaving only a minimal guard presence on standby until the next rotation.


    Rafael knew this timing was crucial; it was their best chance to climb undetected and gain entry before the guards returned to their posts.


    Rafael and his team expertly tossed their grappling hooks to secure three different windows, allowing them to climb in simultaneously.


    Once they had sessfully infiltrated, they quickly retrieved the ropes, coiling them over their shoulders to avoid leaving any trace.


    Carefully, they peered through the doors to ensure the hallway was clear.


    With no one in sight, they moved stealthily, blending into the shadows and treading lightly to keep any sounds to a minimum.


    They made their way toward the holding cells in the lower levels, where they believed the captives—likely trafficked girls—were being kept.


    Rafael and his team silently slipped past the dining area, their practiced movements and coordination keeping them undetected.


    As they reached the entrance to the underground level, however, they spotted two guards stationed at the doorway.


    The hallway was brightly lit, meaning any step beyond the shadows would likely alert the guards—and with the dining hall nearby, the risk of causing amotion was high.


    Just as Rafael was about to signal his team to hold their positions, he assessed the situation carefully, weighing their options.


    <i>Argh!</i>


    <i>Kack-</i>


    A glinting, cold, sharp object whizzed past Rafael, striking both guards at the doorway.


    Rafael shot an incredulous look back at his bodyguard, as if silently asking, <i>’Why did you do that?’</i>


    His bodyguard, expression unwavering and serious, simply shrugged in response, as if to say, <i>’Problem solved.’</i>


    Rafael held back anyment, understanding that they couldn’t afford a noisy confrontation.


    The other bodyguard quickly moved in, catching the two guards as they slumped to the ground, daggers lodged in their throats.