23.

With Jaxon's support, Vince leaned heavily against him as they made their way through the dimly lit corridors, each step a painful reminder of the ordeal they had endured. Despite the throbbing ache in his body, Vince couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that they were finally making their escape.

As they reached the exit, a rush of cool night air greeted them, carrying with it a sense of freedom that Vince had almost forgotten existed. He took a deep breath, savoring the sensation of fresh air filling his lungs, washing away the stale, suffocating atmosphere of the building they had just escaped from.

Outside, the night sky stretched out above them, a vast expanse of darkness dotted with twinkling stars. For a moment, Vince allowed himself to bask in the tranquility of the moment, the chaos and danger of their ordeal fading into the background as they stood together, united in their triumph over adversity.

But their journey was far from over, and Vince knew that they still had a long road ahead of them. With Jaxon by his side, however, he felt a newfound sense of determination, and a renewed resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and strength.

"Look there's a car!" Vince said as Jaxon turned to the direction he was pointing at, he nodded, and helping Vince he made his way into the pickup truck.

Jaxon helped Vince get in the passenger side of the vehicle as he climbed aboard onto the driver's side searching for a key, "Shit! I think I should go back and find the key from one of those guys."

"Just hotwire it," Vince said as Jaxon looked at him dumbfounded, "Sigh! Let me do it."

Jaxon watched as Vince skillfully hotwired the car, but then noticed something from the corner of his eye, "Vince? We got company and it's that guy."

The car in front of them roared its engine noticing them immediately.

Vince's heart pounded in his chest as he glanced at the approaching vehicle, his mind racing with adrenaline-fueled panic. They were so close to escaping, and now their freedom hung in the balance once again.

With steady hands, Vince swiftly hotwired the car, despite the urgency of the situation. Beside him, Jaxon's tense posture mirrored his own apprehension as they prepared for whatever came next.

The headlights of the oncoming vehicle illuminated the darkened road, casting long shadows that danced across the asphalt.

Just in time, the pickup truck's engine roared to life as Jaxon tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

Vince who went back to his original position looked out at the car as he could make out the silhouette of a lone figure behind the wheel, their expression hidden beneath the mask and their cap. But the sight sent a shiver down his spine, a sense of foreboding settling over him like a heavyweight.

"Hold on!" Jaxon said as he slammed his foot on the gas pedal, sending the pickup truck lurching forward with a burst of speed. The tires screeched against the pavement as they peeled away from the approaching vehicle, leaving a cloud of dust and gravel in their wake.

Vince gripped the edge of his seat, his heart racing as the pickup truck surged forward, the wind whipping through his hair as they tore down the deserted road. Behind them, the headlights of the pursuing car followed right behind them.

Jaxon sighed as he brought out his system and after a minute of hesitation, he used a skill booster on his driving skill as it upped his skill by 50.

Driving (Intermediate)

Proficiency: 1/100

Having his skill upgraded to intermediate from beginner, Jaxon felt a wave of knowledge flowing into his brain and a rush of skill ingraining into every fiber of his muscles.

Feeling more confident behind the wheel than he had ever felt, he maneuvered the pickup truck with precision and finesse, weaving through the winding roads with ease as they raced toward safety. The adrenaline coursing through his veins fueled his focus, sharpening his reflexes and heightening his senses as he pushed the limits of his newfound skill.

Beside him, Vince watched in awe as Jaxon expertly navigated the treacherous terrain, his movements fluid and controlled despite the high speeds and looming danger. It was as if Jaxon had been born to drive, his instincts honed to perfection as he effortlessly outmaneuvered their pursuers with skill and precision.

As they tore down the deserted road, the headlights of the pursuing car faded into the distance, their once formidable presence reduced to nothing more than a distant speck in the rearview mirror. Jaxon's driving had bought them precious time, giving them the chance they needed to escape the clutches of their enemies once and for all.

With each passing mile, Vince felt a sense of relief wash over him, the weight of their ordeal slowly lifting from his shoulders as they left their troubles behind them. He couldn't help but marvel at Jaxon's driving prowess, grateful for his quick thinking and unwavering determination to see them through to safety.

As they continued on their journey, the first light of dawn began to break on the horizon, casting a golden glow across the landscape. For Vince, it was a symbol of hope, a promise of a new beginning after a long night of darkness and despair.

With Jaxon at the wheel, Vince knew that they were in good hands. Together, they had overcome every obstacle thrown their way, and now, as they raced towards the rising sun.

-------

"You can stop here!" Vince said as they finally reached a decently nice neighborhood.

Jaxon got out of the car, helping Vince he began making his way through the door but before they could reach the place, the door opened as a bunch of men and two women made their way through in a hurry.

"Vince!" The bald man rushed over grabbing Vince's other shoulder taking the weight off of Jaxon as he took him inside of the house.

Jaxon stood in silence for a moment before slowly making his way back to the pickup truck but as soon as he opened the door, one of the women grabbed his hands.

"You're injured," She said with concern, "Come inside, I'll treat you!"

"I am good!" Jaxon said trying to get back in the truck again but the woman pulled him once more,

"I insist!"

With a sigh, Jaxon closed the door following the woman inside of the house.

Vince who was lying on the sofa was recounting what had happened and as soon as he saw Jaxon he said pointing at him, "Luckily, I was with him... he helped me all the way here."

The bald man looked back at him as he came over to him judging him from head to toe, he said, "Thank you... Mia, treat him and prepare some food."

The girl who nudged him inside nodded as the man left the house before Jaxon could say a word.

Sitting on the sofa, Jaxon looked around the house as Vince said, "Don't look so out of place, you saved me so think of this place as your own."

"Funny how you claim this to be your house." Mia the girl came over with a fresh pair of bandages, helping Vince first.

"Don't be like that now..."

"Hello! Nice to meet you all," Jaxon greeted everyone nicely returning to his aloof demeanor, "Thank you for inviting me in, and let me just say big fan of the work you guys do."