Chapter 74: Night Attack

As Isaac escorted Hannah and her child back to their humble abode, his face mirrored his inner turmoil. Once inside, he couldn't help but express his displeasure at Hannah's audacity in asking Phoenix to shelter her child. He stressed the rarity of Phoenix's kindness in these troubled times, highlighting the danger and unpredictability of the current world, where distinguishing friend from foe was increasingly challenging.

Hannah, cradling her child, administered the medicine Phoenix had provided. As she nursed her baby, her demeanor softened, and tears welled up in her eyes. She implored Isaac to understand her desperation, emphasizing that her child was her sole reason for enduring the hardships of their new reality. Her maternal instinct was her driving force, and the thought of anything happening to her baby was unbearable.

Isaac, momentarily captivated by the sight of her nurturing her child, softened his stance but maintained his principles. He acknowledged the gravity of their situation but insisted on the importance of gratitude and repaying kindness. Reflecting on Phoenix's help, Isaac felt a deep sense of indebtedness and a strong desire to repay his generosity.

However, Hannah, with a gentle yet persuasive tone, planted seeds of doubt in Isaac's mind. She questioned Phoenix's intentions, suggesting that his help might not be as selfless as it seemed. She insinuated that Phoenix might be using Isaac for his own gains and questioned Phoenix's methods of dealing with his neighbors. Her words implied that Phoenix's true nature was yet to be revealed and that his refusal to let them stay in his home was a clear indicator of his mistrust.

Isaac, initially startled by Hannah's insinuations, adamantly defended Phoenix. He refused to entertain any doubts about the man who had shown them kindness. Isaac's belief in his own moral compass was unwavering; he couldn't fathom doubting someone who had extended help in their time of need.

Hannah realized she had pushed Isaac too far and chose to remain silent, but her resolve to gain access to Phoenix's home and resources remained undeterred. Her determination to ensure the survival of herself and her child was her guiding force, and she was prepared to do whatever it took to achieve that goal.

Meanwhile, the relentless snow continued to fall, blanketing the neighborhood in a thick, white layer. As night fell, the moon cast a desolate light over the snow-covered landscape, adding to the eerie stillness of the world.

Beneath this deceptive calm, a group of men, clad in heavy clothing and armed with shovels, steel bars, and axes, emerged from beneath the snow at the entrance of building 25#. Their leader, a man with chilling eyes and a lean frame, directed the group with a sense of purpose. They moved with precision, making their way up the building, prepared for confrontation.

On the tenth floor, their brutal nature was revealed when they encountered a resident. Without hesitation, a member of the group ended the man's life, indicating their ruthless intent and lack of remorse.

Their target was Phoenix's apartment on the 24th floor. As they approached, it became evident that they were no ordinary men, but individuals trained for specific, possibly sinister purposes. They reached Phoenix's door, but instead of attempting to break it down, they called upon an expert among them, known as Old Donkey.

Old Donkey, equipped with a range of tools, including detonators, set to work on Phoenix's door. The group retreated to a safe distance as he prepared for the explosion. The resulting blast shattered the silence of the night, awakening everyone in the building, including Phoenix.

The explosion left Phoenix disoriented and in pain, his ears ringing from the proximity of the blast. The suddenness and intensity of the attack were a stark reminder of the perilous world they now inhabited, where safety was an illusion and danger lurked around every corner. Phoenix's once secure haven was now breached, marking the beginning of a new and uncertain chapter in their fight for survival.