“We're changing our strategy. It looks like a trap,” Vincent concluded. After he saw Milea being held hostage by Kazuto.
“In that case, we return to the headquarters at my residence. Don't act rashly since Milea is in Kazuto's hands right now.” Nakamura agreed. He quickly turned right and returned to the base.
Inside the room was dimly lit, illuminated only by the bluish glow of a large computer screen transmitting a digital map of the harbour. The subtle hum of the electronics combined with the sound of Lorenzo's fingers tapping on the keyboard. The smell of stale coffee and metal filled the air around them, adding to the sense of tension that hung between them.
Vincent stood with both hands resting on the desk, his jaw hardened as he stared at the screen. His eyes were sharp, full of anxiety that he tried to hide.
“How's it going, Vin?” asked Ryuga.
“We don't have much time,” Vincent said finally, his voice that of someone under stress. “Kazuto knows we're after him, and now he has a hostage.”
Valeria, who had been leaning against the wall with her arms folded, stepped closer. Her face was cold, her expression calculating.
“We should still execute the plan,” Valeria said firmly. “But right now, the top priority is Milea. We can't let Kazuto keep control of her for too long.”
Nakamura, who was sitting in the corner of the room with his laptop open on his lap, raised his head. He took a slow breath before finally speaking.
“Son, can you infiltrate their security system?” Nakamura said as he tapped his finger on the edge of the laptop. “It'll take time, but once you're in, you can disrupt their communications network. At least it will blind them for a while.”
“I think... I can do it,” Ryuga said confidently.
Lorenzo only smiled a little in response to their conversation. He seemed more relaxed than the others, but his eyes held something, a secret. With a casual gesture, he took out a small device from his pocket, then tossed it into the air before catching it again.
“We have a small advantage,” Lorenzo said, his eyes twinkling slyly.
Vincent turned his head, eyeing the device in Lorenzo's hand warily. “What is it?”
Lorenzo grinned before placing the object on the table. “The main controller,” he said, pressing down lightly on the surface until a small light came on.
“I managed to hide it from Kazuto before things fell apart. If I can connect it to their central server, can't we turn things around?” Lorenzo was so optimistic.
The room was suddenly silent. Valeria stared at the device with furrowed brows, while Nakamura seemed to be deep in thought. Vincent remained silent, weighing the risks and possibilities that had just opened up.
“We need to get this done quickly,” Vincent finally said. “Kazuto is not a patient man, and I don't want to wait until he loses his temper with Milea.”
Without speaking, Valeria grabbed the gun from the table and checked the magazine with deft movements. The sound of metal clashing could be heard clearly in the quiet room.
“Ryuga will enter the system,” Valeria said as she locked the gun. “Lorenzo will find an opening for the device. And I'll make sure we get out alive.”
Vincent looked at them one by one. No one backed down. They knew full well that once the first step was taken, there would be no turning back.
“We move in one hour. How about that?” Vincent directed. “This isn't just about overthrowing Kazuto. It's about saving someone who matters to me.”
No one spoke after that. Only sighs and gazes met each other's eyes. Everyone was prepared. There was no room for hesitation.
***
Everything was ready according to the plan. Now, they had arrived at the harbour, where Milea was held hostage by Kazuto.
The sea breeze coming from the harbour was quite strong, carrying the smell of salt mixed with the smell of iron and oil. The lights of the harbour flickered faintly there, reflecting light on the black water that was gently surging. 
“Go!” 
Vincent moved faster among the containers that lined the harbour, his gun gripped tightly. Behind him, Valeria and Nakamura followed in silent motion, while Lorenzo closed ranks, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
They arrived at the designated point. An old warehouse with a rusted and worn metal door. Nakamura attached a small scanner to the door panel, and within seconds, the electronic lock opened with a soft click. Vincent signalled with his hand, then he pushed the door open with great care.
Inside the old warehouse, dim lights flickered, illuminating the empty space that should have been full of Kazuto's men. But all they found was silence.
Vincent sensed something wasn't right. “Impossible. This is too easy,” he muttered.
Valeria stepped into the centre of the room, her eyes sweeping every corner. “Milea should be here, shouldn't she?” she said in a suspicious tone.
Suddenly, a soft beeping sound came from Lorenzo's watch. He looked down, seeing the main control device in his hand vibrate. His eyes narrowed, then he lifted his face with a tense expression.
“Vin,” Lorenzo said softly, almost in a whisper. “We're in their trap.”
Just then, the large screen at the far end of the room lit up, revealing the figure of Kazuto sitting casually in his chair, as if he'd been waiting for them from the start. A sardonic smile graced his face.
“You've come. Welcome then,” greeted Kazuto, his voice sounding clear through the speakers. “It's a coincidence that you're already here. Unfortunately, I have to tell you one small thing...”
Kazuto turned his head slightly to the side, and the camera shifted. Another room was visible on the screen, looking darker, with very minimal lighting. In the centre, an empty chair was clearly visible. The rope that had previously bound someone there was now untied, dangling to the floor like a dead snake.
Milea was gone.
Vincent felt his blood rushing. He took a step forward, his jaw clenched tightly. “Where's Milea?” he asked sharply.
Kazuto chuckled, then shrugged. “That's what I wanted to ask you,” he said lightly. “Because when my men returned to this room a few minutes ago... she was gone.”
Vincent's heart skipped a beat. This made no sense. Kazuto couldn't have just let Milea run away. Then where was she?
Valeria bit her lip, her eyes sweeping the screen with a sharp gaze. “She could have escaped on her own,” she said, though her tone betrayed her doubt.
“No,” Nakamura whispered, his hands busy accessing the security system through the tablet in his hand. “Ryuga told me that he just hacked into their servers. There's no footage showing Milea leaving this building.”
Kazuto laughed again, but this time it sounded colder. “Looks like we have a new player in this game,” he said. “And she moves faster than all of us. That's great!” he praised.