Midas Touch ➸ Taekook

- Fifty-second -

The refuge seemed calm—almost too calm—as night shrouded the city. The abandoned warehouse where Logan, Jungkook, and the children had sought shelter exuded a coldness that only heightened the palpable tension in the air. The mold-stained walls bore the scars of time, but for now, they served as their only shield from the outside world.

In a corner of the main room, Hank spread crumpled maps across a metal table, his clawed fingers handling the sheets with unusual precision. His glasses, perched on his nose, reflected the flickering light of an oil lamp. Logan leaned against a wall, arms crossed, silently observing, while Jungkook, ever restless, fidgeted with a battered deck of cards.

"We need to move fast." Jungkook growled, breaking the heavy silence. "They could already be dead—you know that, right?"

Hank lifted his head, his grave gaze settling on the younger mutant.

"If we act recklessly, we risk dooming everyone," he replied calmly. "This isn't just a rescue mission, Jungkook. The prison where they're held was designed to neutralize our powers. One mistake, and they won't be the only captives."

Jungkook clenched his fists, his nails nearly digging into his palms.

"So what? We just sit here and wait for the government to come for us too?!"

Logan frowned, his tone cutting and serious.

"Stop yelling, Cajun. Nobody likes this situation, but we don't charge in blind. You've seen what they've got over there—guns, helicopters, trained troops. If you get caught, you're helping no one, especially not your chéri."

Jungkook stopped, his breath ragged. He knew Logan was right, but the helplessness gnawed at him unbearably.

Sensing the rising tension, Hank straightened up.

"Listen, I've gathered what I could about the prison. It's not just a detention center—they're conducting research there. Testing anti-mutant weapons, drugs to inhibit our abilities... maybe worse."

He tapped a section of the map in front of him.

"This is our target: the west wing. That's where they're holding the captured mutants. But to get there, we'll need to bypass these sectors..."

He pointed to strategic areas on the map, indicating surveillance posts and security systems.

Logan leaned over the map, nodding.

"We'll need equipment, someone to scramble their systems... and time."

Jungkook, his eyes fixed on the plans, spoke in a hard voice.

"We don't have the luxury of time. Every second counts."

Hank adjusted his glasses, visibly fatigued.

"I understand your impatience, but I'll say it again—one misstep, and it's over."

He turned to Logan, seeking support. Logan nodded.

"We prepare properly. Then we act."

Despite the apparent unity between Hank and Logan, Jungkook felt frustration burning within him. He turned away, unable to bear the thought of waiting any longer. Yet a small voice in the back of his mind told him they were right.

***

The night was dark and silent, broken only by the hum of floodlights illuminating the prison's perimeter. Situated in a former military base, the structure resembled a fortress, with tall concrete walls topped with electrified barbed wire. Armed guards patrolled the watchtowers, their sharp eyes scanning for the slightest anomaly.