Chapter 212: Head-On Collisionhace 

The convoy of three vehicles, led by Hobbs in the middle with his imposing Knight XV, came to a screeching halt, nearly causing the following GMC to rear-end the Knight XV. The front vehicle, already halted by Hobbs' radio command, waited a short distance ahead.

Hobbs' team, surprised by the sudden stop, listened intently as Hobbs explained through the radio, "I just received a call, altered by a voice modulator. The caller warned that Hernan Reyes isn't willing to let us take Dominic back to the USA for trial. Apparently, Dominic knows all of Hernan's smuggling routes, and once in our custody, Reyes' entire operation would be exposed. Reyes has set up an ambush ahead, planning to kill Dominic and us on our way to the airport."

The radio channels erupted in an uproar. Hobbs' team members, incensed by the audacity of Hernan's move, couldn't believe that a mere local crime lord would dare to ambush federal agents. "What? You've got to be kidding, Captain! That damn Hernan has the nerve to ambush us? Let's take him down!"

The squad, filled with adrenaline and anger, found the challenge almost inviting. To them, Hernan Reyes, a regional thug in Rio de Janeiro, was overstepping his bounds by targeting American federal agents. How dare he?

Hobbs' team, composed of former special forces operatives, were more than ready for a confrontation. They had been pursuing Dominic for days, driven by Castle and his accomplice's interference, but had yet to fire a single shot. Now, the chance to engage in a fight against Hernan's men had their blood boiling.

Surprisingly, instead of fear or caution, the team's response to the ambush was a unanimous call for action. They wanted to face Hernan's men head-on. Hobbs, however, didn't share their impulsive eagerness. His primary goal remained to deliver Dominic and his crew safely back to the USA. But their current position left no room for retreat. Turning back was not an option; the only way forward was through the ambush.

Realizing the inevitability of the confrontation, Hobbs decided to adjust their formation. With his armored Knight XV leading the charge, they would break through the ambush with brute force. Hobbs believed his heavily armored vehicle, capable of withstanding substantial firepower, would be key. He doubted Hernan's men had anything more powerful than RPGs, and he felt confident his vehicle could take the hit.

"Alright, we'll push forward. I'll lead with the Knight XV. Stay alert and follow closely," Hobbs commanded, deciding that the best course was a direct approach. They would confront Hernan's forces, showing no fear, and teaching these local thugs a lesson in firepower.

The team's enthusiastic response filled the radio with cheers. Meanwhile, Dominic, overhearing Hobbs and his squad's conversation, wore a grim expression. Reyes was truly determined to eliminate him. Dominic knew that if he survived this, he'd ensure that every secret of Hernan's operations was exposed to the authorities.

However, Dominic also saw an opportunity. If Hobbs' team became preoccupied with the ambush, there might be a chance to escape. He subtly signaled Brian, who caught his drift instantly. A quick, almost imperceptible nod from Brian acknowledged Dominic's plan. They would wait for the right moment.

Elena, the local officer assigned to guard Dominic and his crew, was tense. Although she didn't share the personal connection with Dominic from the original timeline, she was well aware of Hernan's ruthlessness. The lack of any bond with Dominic was a silver lining for her; it meant she wouldn't be involved in future tragedies orchestrated by Cypher. But right now, she was anxious about the imminent confrontation.

Despite Elena's warning not to underestimate Hernan, Hobbs dismissed her concerns with a reassuring but dismissive comment. He had decided on a frontal assault. Hobbs and his team were already strategizing about their response once they engaged Hernan's forces. They debated whether to launch a fierce counterattack immediately or to use their armored vehicle to push through as quickly as possible and come back for Hernan's men later.

Meanwhile, back in the hotel, Castle was growing increasingly frustrated. The drone he had deployed was moving too slowly for his liking. He watched helplessly as Hobbs' convoy resumed movement, heading straight into Mario's ambush zone, while his drone was still lagging behind. The slow pace of the drone was exasperating; he feared he might miss the entire confrontation.

His portly accomplice, controlling the drone, couldn't help but laugh at Castle's frustration. "Uncle Rick, don't worry. The long-focus camera on the drone will give us some view, even if it's not perfect. Just a few more minutes, and we'll be in position."

Castle vowed that after this ordeal, he would use his two remaining system rewards to acquire mechanical proficiency and upgrade the drone himself. He couldn't afford to miss any of the action, especially when Dominic and his crew would eventually drag Hernan's vault through Rio. He needed better equipment to capture every thrilling moment.

Finally, the portly accomplice managed to get the drone into position. It hovered steadily above Mario's ambush site, providing Castle with a bird's-eye view of the impending clash. The camera zoomed in, allowing them to watch as Hobbs' convoy approached the trap laid by Mario and his men.

Back in the armored vehicle, Hobbs was preparing for impact. The team was on high alert, weapons ready, as they rolled towards the ambush. They could feel the tension in the air, the anticipation of the firefight about to erupt.

Hobbs, resolute and determined, glanced over at Elena. "Don't worry," he said confidently, "we'll get through this."

As the convoy moved closer, Mario's men, hidden and armed, were ready to spring their trap. The stage was set for a showdown.

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