The interior of the C-5F Galaxy was bathed in the soft glow of red lights, casting shadows across the rows of soldiers seated inside. The hum of the engines filled the space, steady and relentless, a constant reminder of the mission ahead. The troops sat in silence, their faces a mix of focus and quiet apprehension. No one spoke unless necessary. This was the calm before the storm.

Jason sat strapped into his jump seat, his M4 across his lap, his gloved hands clenched tightly around it. Around him, the other Rangers and Force Recon Marines appeared calm, their seasoned faces betraying little emotion. But even the veterans had a subtle tension in their eyes, a shared acknowledgment that this mission was unlike anything they had faced before.

The occasional roar of stealth fighters flying past punctuated the silence, followed by faint, distant rumbles as their bombs found their marks. The jets were softening up Mountain Glenn, clearing a path for the soldiers who would soon follow. The precision bombing runs were necessary, but everyone aboard the Galaxy knew that no amount of air support would make the ground any less dangerous.

Aboard both aircraft, officers moved down the aisles, issuing final instructions. Jason's platoon leader, First Lieutenant Carter, stopped in front of his squad, his voice low but firm.

"Listen up," Carter began, his sharp eyes scanning each of them. "This isn't a conventional op. Mountain Glenn is overrun with Grimm, and we don't know how many are still active in the tunnels below. The airstrikes are softening the surface, but the real danger is underground. Once we're in, we secure the LZ and move as a unit. No lone wolf bullshit. Stick to your training, and we'll get through this."

Jason nodded along with the others, his chest tightening. He glanced at Sergeant Coleman, who gave him a brief, reassuring nod. The sergeant's calm presence was a small comfort in the growing storm of Jason's nerves.

The Galaxy's engines shifted pitch as the plane began its final approach. The red lights inside the cabin turned to yellow, signaling the troops to prepare. Jason checked his parachute harness for the tenth time, his fingers fumbling slightly as adrenaline coursed through him.

Anthony and David, seated near the rear, exchanged a brief glance. Their experience as Force Recon operatives meant they had done this countless times, but the stakes of this mission added an unfamiliar weight.

"Stay sharp," Anthony said quietly to David, who smirked in response.

"Always."

The yellow lights turned green, and the loadmaster's voice came through the intercom. "Green light! Stand up! Hook up!"

The troops rose as one, their movements swift and practiced. Jason's heart pounded as he clipped his parachute's static line to the rail above, his breath loud in his ears despite the engine noise. Ahead of him, McAllister grinned.

"Welcome to the deep end, kid."

The cargo ramp lowered, revealing the night sky and the ruined city of Mountain Glenn far below. Fires burned across the surface, the remnants of the stealth bombers' attack runs. From this altitude, the city looked like a fractured skeleton, its crumbling buildings casting jagged shadows across the ground.

One by one, the troops leaped into the void, their figures disappearing into the night. Jason's turn came faster than he anticipated. He stepped to the edge of the ramp, the wind roaring in his ears as he looked down. His stomach lurched, but he forced himself to focus.

"You've got this," he muttered to himself, and then he jumped.

The sensation of free fall was both exhilarating and terrifying. The wind whipped at Jason's body as he plummeted, the city below growing larger with every passing second. He glanced to his left and right, seeing the other parachutists descending around him like silent phantoms.

The altimeter on his wrist beeped, signaling that Jason reached for breathable altitude as his parachute blossomed above him slowing his descent. He took off his mask and exhaled shakily, the initial rush of fear giving way to a grim determination.

The landing zone was a small clearing near what had once been a bustling commercial district. Now, it was a wasteland of shattered buildings and Grimm corpses, their twisted forms scattered across the streets from the bombing runs. Even from the air, Jason could see the destruction—and the danger.

As he descended, a Beowolf darted out from the shadows, its glowing red eyes fixed on a descending Marine. The Marine landed hard, barely managing to unclip his chute before the Grimm pounced. A burst of rifle fire from another Marine dropped the creature before it could strike.

Jason hit the ground moments later, the impact jarring but manageable. He scrambled to his feet, unclipping his chute and shouldering his rifle. Around him, other troops were landing, their movements swift and efficient as they formed defensive positions.

"Rangers! Form up!" Carter's voice cut through the chaos, rallying the squad.

Jason sprinted to join his squad, his heart racing. The sounds of growls and snarls echoed through the night as more Grimm emerged from the ruins, drawn by the noise and movement.

The firefight began almost immediately. The Rangers and Marines opened fire on the advancing Grimm, their weapons lighting up the darkness. Jason fired his M4, the rifle's recoil familiar and reassuring despite the chaos around him. His shots struck a charging Creeper, dropping the spindly creature before it could get close.

"Keep the line tight!" Coleman shouted, his voice steady even as he fired controlled bursts. "We can't let them flank us!"

Anthony and David, further ahead with the Marines, moved with practiced precision, their suppressed weapons cutting down Grimm with deadly efficiency. David grinned as he dropped a Beowolf mid-leap.

"Just like Menagerie," he muttered, ducking behind cover.

"Except colder," Anthony replied, his tone grim as he reloaded.

After what felt like an eternity, the last of the immediate Grimm threat was neutralized. The troops quickly fortified the LZ, setting up perimeter defenses and marking the area for supply drops. The city around them was eerily quiet, the ruined buildings casting long shadows in the dim light of the fires.

Jason knelt behind cover, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. His first real engagement as a Ranger had been chaotic and terrifying, but he had made it through. Around him, the others were already preparing for the next phase of the mission.

"Welcome to Mountain Glenn," McAllister said, his tone dry as he slapped Jason on the shoulder. "Hell of a place, huh?"

Jason nodded, his grip on his rifle tightening. "Yeah. And we're just getting started."

Author's Note: Now it's time to tell you what is IN the bodies of many U.S. troops during the Second Korean War.

Compound-X (Chem-X)

Compound-X, often nicknamed "Chem-X", was an experimental chemical supplement included in the rations of U.S. troops during the Second Korean War (2030-2035). Developed under a classified Department of Defense program, it was designed to enhance the physical and cognitive performance of troops in combat, especially under extreme and prolonged conditions. While it provided undeniable advantages on the battlefield, its experimental nature and long-term effects were subjects of considerable controversy.

Development and Purpose

The Second Korean War was a grueling, high-intensity conflict that pushed troops to their physical and mental limits. With battles often lasting days or weeks, the Pentagon sought a solution to sustain troop performance. Compound-X was created by a coalition of military scientists and private contractors as part of a classified project aimed at creating "enhanced troopers."

The compound was added in small doses to the rations of MREs, disguised as a performance supplement. Officially, it was described as a nutritional enhancement to maintain energy and focus. However, the real intent was to:

Increase physical endurance and strength: Troops could march longer, carry heavier loads, and fight harder without succumbing to fatigue.

Enhance cognitive functions: Improved focus, faster reaction times, and heightened situational awareness.

Boost aggression and resilience: To make troops more effective in close-quarters combat and less susceptible to fear or hesitation.

Accelerate recovery: Faster healing from minor wounds, reduced downtime due to exhaustion, and quicker recovery from extreme exertion.

Composition

The exact chemical formula of Compound-X remains classified, but leaked information suggests it was a combination of:

Synthetic steroids: To increase muscle mass and strength.

Nootropics: For cognitive enhancement and improved decision-making under stress.

Adrenal stimulants: To boost aggression and combat effectiveness.

Metabolic regulators: To delay fatigue and sustain energy levels.

Immune boosters: To protect troops from infections and chemical exposure in biohazard zones.

Scientists described it as "legal steroids for troops, but still experimental," highlighting the ethical and medical gray areas of its use.

Short-Term Effects

On the battlefield, Compound-X delivered as promised:

Increased Physical Performance

Troops could fight for longer periods without rest, carry heavier equipment, and endure extreme physical conditions.

Heightened Awareness and Reflexes

Troops reported sharper focus, faster reaction times, and the ability to process chaotic combat situations more effectively.

Reduced Fear and Hesitation

The chemical suppressed the fight-or-flight response, making troops more aggressive and unrelenting in combat.

Faster Recovery

Wounds healed more quickly, and the compound reduced muscle soreness and fatigue after strenuous activity.

These effects gave U.S. forces a significant advantage during the war, particularly in close-quarters combat and prolonged engagements.

Side Effects and Controversy

While Compound-X enhanced performance, it came with significant side effects, some of which were immediate, while others emerged after prolonged use:

Psychological Effects

Increased aggression often led to irrational behavior, including unnecessary risks in combat.

Troops experienced heightened paranoia, hallucinations, and violent outbursts, both on and off the battlefield.

Many troops suffered from insomnia and nightmares, often reliving traumatic events with greater intensity.

Physical Effects

Rapid muscle growth sometimes caused joint pain and ligament tears as the body struggled to adapt.

Troops reported heart palpitations, headaches, and nausea after consuming the compound for extended periods.

Prolonged use increased the risk of organ damage, particularly to the liver and kidneys.

Addiction and Withdrawal

Compound-X proved to be psychologically addictive, with some troops experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including severe fatigue, depression, and tremors, when they stopped using it.

Ethical Concerns

Many troops were unaware that their MREs contained an experimental chemical, leading to accusations of unethical experimentation.

The program was criticized by human rights organizations and some members of Congress as a violation of troops' bodily autonomy.

Legacy

By the end of the Second Korean War, Compound-X was credited with helping U.S. forces achieve key victories. However, the toll it took on the soldiers who used it became a subject of intense debate.

Post-War Effects

Many veterans who consumed Compound-X reported long-term health issues, including chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, and PTSD-like symptoms exacerbated by the chemical.

Some veterans developed severe psychological disorders, with cases of combat-induced psychosis being linked to Compound-X usage.

Classified Studies

The military conducted post-war studies to assess the effects of Compound-X, but the results remain classified. Rumors persist that the program was quietly shut down due to public backlash and legal challenges.

Cultural Perception

Among troops, Compound-X became both a symbol of the war's desperation and a point of pride. Troops who used it were often seen as having gone above and beyond the call of duty, even if it came at great personal cost.

Modern-Day View

Today, Compound-X is viewed as a cautionary tale of how far governments will go in the pursuit of military superiority. While it provided undeniable advantages during the Second Korean War, its ethical and medical ramifications continue to spark debate. For the troops who fought under its influence, Compound-X is remembered as both a tool of survival and a burden they carried long after the war ended.

Compound-Y (Chem-Y)

Compound-Y, also known as Chem-Y, was the advanced iteration of the controversial Compound-X used during the Second Korean War. Developed in the war's later stages, Chem-Y was designed to address the shortcomings and side effects of its predecessor while significantly enhancing troops' combat effectiveness. Officially administered as a "vaccine" to elite units such as the USMC Force Recon and the US Army 75th Ranger Regiment, it became a key factor in the war's most intense battles. Despite its effectiveness, Chem-Y's development and use were shrouded in secrecy, and all traces of the program were erased following the war's conclusion.

Purpose and Design

The brutal and unpredictable nature of the Second Korean War, combined with the limitations of Compound-X, drove the military to develop Chem-Y. The goal was to create a safer, more advanced chemical enhancement that maximized physical and cognitive performance with minimal side effects. Unlike its predecessor, Chem-Y was tailored specifically for elite special operations forces, whose missions demanded unparalleled resilience, precision, and adaptability.

Chem-Y's primary objectives were:

Eliminating Fear and Anxiety: To ensure troops could remain calm and focused under the most harrowing conditions.

Enhanced Physical Capabilities: To increase strength, speed, endurance, and durability far beyond natural limits.

Improved Cognitive Function: To sharpen memory, focus, and situational awareness, enabling split-second decision-making in combat.

Resistance to Environmental Hazards: Immunity to deadly poisons, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions.

Augmented Sensory Perception: To grant superior vision, hearing, and spatial awareness, giving troops a tactical edge.

Key Enhancements

Chem-Y produced remarkable results, making its recipients some of the most formidable soldiers on the battlefield:

Physical Enhancements:

Increased Bone Density: Recipients could withstand higher levels of impact, reducing fractures and injuries from blunt force trauma.

Enhanced Muscle Efficiency: Troops exhibited strength and endurance far beyond the limits of ordinary humans, carrying heavier loads and fighting longer without fatigue.

Pain Suppression: The compound effectively eliminated pain perception, allowing soldiers to continue fighting even after sustaining severe injuries.

Sensory Enhancements:

Advanced Vision: Troops could see clearly in low-light and complete darkness, rendering night vision equipment unnecessary.

Increased Hearing: Enhanced auditory perception allowed troops to detect distant or faint sounds, improving situational awareness.

Cognitive Enhancements:

Improved Memory and Focus: Troops retained and processed information with near-perfect clarity, even under extreme stress.

Suppression of Fear and Anxiety: The removal of these emotions allowed for cold, calculated decision-making in combat.

Immunity and Healing:

Boosted Immune System: Recipients were resistant to diseases and infections, even in biohazard zones.

Poison Resistance: Troops could withstand exposure to deadly toxins and chemicals, including alcohol, rendering them immune to intoxication.

Aesthetic and Behavioral Traits:

Glowing Green Pupils: When angered or in combat, recipients' pupils emitted a faint green glow, a side effect of the compound's interaction with adrenaline.

Increased Hair Growth: A minor but noticeable side effect, recipients often required more frequent grooming.

Hyper-Aggression and Detachment: While fear and anxiety were eliminated, this occasionally resulted in overconfidence or a diminished regard for personal safety.

Side Effects

Despite being more refined than Chem-X, Chem-Y was not without its drawbacks:

Pain Suppression Issues:

The inability to feel pain, while advantageous in combat, often led to troops ignoring severe injuries, exacerbating wounds or resulting in deaths from unnoticed trauma.

Glowing Pupils:

The green glow in recipients' pupils, while subtle, became a recognizable trait, raising suspicions among those unfamiliar with the compound.

Behavioral Changes:

Troops exhibited a cold, detached demeanor, even off the battlefield. While effective in combat, this strained personal relationships and integration into civilian life post-war.

Long-Term Health Concerns:

While Chem-Y avoided the severe organ damage associated with Compound-X, there were reports of accelerated aging, hormonal imbalances, and increased susceptibility to neurological disorders among some recipients.

Deployment and Impact

Chem-Y was primarily given to USMC Force Recon units (notably the 2nd Recon Battalion) and the 75th Ranger Regiment. These Marines and Rangers operated in the war's most dangerous environments, including:

Biohazard Zones: Chem-Y's resistance to poisons and diseases made recipients invaluable in chemical weapon-contaminated areas like Kaesong.

Night Raids: Enhanced vision and sensory capabilities allowed troops to carry out precision strikes without additional equipment.

Urban Combat: Chem-Y troops excelled in close-quarters fighting, their heightened reflexes and aggression overwhelming enemy forces.

Men like Anthony and David, veterans of Force Recon's 2nd Battalion, embodied the effectiveness of Chem-Y. Their ability to continue fighting through extreme conditions made them legends among their peers, though the physical and emotional toll was evident even after the war.

Termination of the Program

By the end of the Second Korean War, the use of Chem-Y became a topic of heated debate within the Pentagon and among military ethics committees. While it had undeniably saved lives and contributed to key victories, the moral implications of effectively turning troops into chemically enhanced weapons could not be ignored.

Classified Shutdown:

The program was officially terminated after the war. All production of Chem-Y ceased, and remaining supplies were destroyed.

Evidence of its existence was erased, with digital records deleted and physical documents incinerated. Only a select few high-ranking officials retained knowledge of the compound.

Veteran Secrecy:

Recipients of Chem-Y were sworn to secrecy, forbidden from discussing the program or their enhancements. This contributed to the compound's disappearance from public knowledge.

Legacy

Today, Chem-Y is remembered by those who served under its influence as a double-edged sword—an incredible tool that came at a cost. Troops like Anthony and David, who bore its marks both physically and emotionally, symbolize the extremes to which humanity will go in the pursuit of victory.

For those few who lived through its effects, Chem-Y remains a ghost—a reminder of what was gained and lost in the chaos of war.

Author's Note: Now it's time to tell you what pistol USMC Force Recon used during the Second Korean War and favored.

The Desert 45: The Legend of a Modern Sidearm

The Desert 45 is a remarkable and iconic sidearm, custom-designed to meet the rigorous demands of USMC Force Recon. Introduced just two weeks before the Second Korean War, it quickly became a symbol of elite Marine Corps excellence. Built to combine the power, reliability, and practicality required for elite operations, the Desert 45 stood out not only for its performance but also for the stories it carried throughout the brutal conflict.

Development and Design

The Desert 45 was commissioned as part of a cutting-edge program to arm elite units with a superior sidearm. Unlike the standard issue M17, M45A1, Beretta M9A4, or the Glock M007, the Desert 45 was tailored specifically for the needs of Force Recon Marines, who often operated deep behind enemy lines under extreme conditions.

Key Features

Caliber and Magazine Capacity:

Chambered in .45 ACP, the Desert 45 combined the proven stopping power of the caliber with a 15-round magazine, significantly higher than most pistols of its size.

The balance of firepower and magazine capacity gave operators a distinct edge in close-quarters combat.

Built-in Compressor:

To address the recoil associated with .45 ACP rounds, the pistol was equipped with a built-in compressor system, which significantly reduced recoil and allowed for rapid, accurate follow-up shots.

This feature made the Desert 45 highly effective in the hands of skilled shooters, allowing for better control during sustained firefights.

Reliability:

Designed with the reliability of the legendary M1911, the Desert 45 could operate flawlessly in harsh environments, from the frozen biohazard zones of North Korea to the scorching deserts of the Middle East.

Its stainless-steel frame and internals were resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring performance under wet, dirty, and chemically contaminated conditions.

Stopping Power:

The Desert 45 delivered the stopping power of a .357 Magnum, ensuring that a single shot could incapacitate an enemy combatant, even through light body armor.

This combination of precision and power made it the perfect tool for Force Recon, who often engaged enemies at close range.

Design and Customization:

The grip was stamped with the Eagle, Anchor, and Globe emblem of the United States Marine Corps, signifying its exclusive use by Force Recon.

Each pistol featured precision-machined parts, a custom trigger, and the ability to mount suppressors, optics, and tactical lights for versatility.

In Combat: The Second Korean War

When the Second Korean War erupted, the Desert 45 became a defining weapon for Force Recon Marines. It quickly earned a reputation for reliability and lethality, cementing itself as one of the most effective sidearms in modern military history.

Initial Deployment

The first units equipped with the Desert 45 saw action in the early weeks of the war, often operating behind enemy lines to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage missions.

The pistol proved invaluable in close-quarters combat, where its low recoil and high stopping power allowed Marines to engage multiple targets with deadly efficiency.

Impact on the Battlefield

North Korean forces were caught off guard by the pistol's effectiveness. Its stopping power and precision made it ideal for taking down enemy combatants in tight urban environments and dense foliage.

Force Recon Marines used the Desert 45 in numerous high-stakes operations, from night raids to ambushes, solidifying its status as a trusted weapon.

Trophy Weapon for the Enemy

The Desert 45 became so revered by North Korean troops that it was seen as a trophy weapon. Captured Marines' pistols were often kept as prizes by enemy combatants, and the distinctive grip emblem became a symbol of elite U.S. forces.

This practice led to several daring recovery operations by Force Recon to retrieve captured weapons, reinforcing the pistol's cultural and psychological significance.

Carving Names for Identification

To counter the loss of these weapons, Force Recon Marines began carving or stamping their names, ranks, or unit insignias onto the pistols. This practice served two purposes:

Identification: If the weapon was recovered from enemy hands, it could be returned to its rightful owner.

Keepsake: The personalization of the Desert 45 turned it into a deeply personal item, a reminder of the Marine's service and the battles fought.

Technical Specifications:

Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 15+1 rounds
Weight: 2.3 lbs (unloaded)
Length: 8.5 inches
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Built-in Features: Compressor recoil reduction system, threaded barrel for suppressors, and accessory rail.
Construction: Stainless steel frame and slide with a polymer grip.
Markings: Eagle, Anchor, and Globe emblem on the grip. Custom serial number for each weapon.

Legacy

The Desert 45's legacy extends far beyond its technical capabilities. It became a symbol of the determination and grit of Force Recon Marines, a tool that represented the ingenuity and resilience of the U.S. military. After the war, the pistol remained a prized possession for veterans, many of whom passed their engraved weapons down as heirlooms.

Post-War Mystique

The Desert 45 became a collector's item, with surviving examples fetching high prices on the black market and in military memorabilia auctions.

Stories of its effectiveness, along with the personalization by its users, added to its mystique, making it a weapon as much of legend as of fact.

The Weapon That Defined a War

For Force Recon Marines, the Desert 45 wasn't just a sidearm—it was a lifeline, a testament to their skill and courage in one of the most grueling conflicts of the modern era. From the blood-soaked streets of Pyongyang to the chemical wastelands of Kaesong, the Desert 45 proved time and time again that it was a weapon worthy of the Marines who wielded it.

Author's Note: Now back to the story.

The building was a crumbling husk of what had once been a thriving part of Mountain Glenn. The walls were cracked and scorched, the floors littered with debris and shattered glass. Jason moved cautiously, his M4 raised and his finger resting lightly on the trigger. He glanced at the other privates in his group—three of them, all just as green as he was. Their faces were pale, their movements tense as they swept through the ruins.

The sergeant's orders had been clear: "Clear the building. Eliminate any Grimm you find and secure the area." But the eerie stillness inside the structure set Jason on edge. It wasn't just the quiet—it was the feeling, a heavy, oppressive sense of being watched.

Jason's heart pounded as he led the way down a dim corridor, his boots crunching on the rubble-strewn floor. The beam from his rifle-mounted flashlight cut through the darkness, illuminating the decaying interior. The other privates fanned out behind him, each covering a different angle.

"Anyone else feel that?" whispered Private Collins, her voice shaky.

Jason nodded slightly, not taking his eyes off the shadows ahead. "Yeah. Feels... wrong."

It wasn't paranoia. The dread was palpable, like something unseen was stalking them from just beyond the range of their flashlights. Jason's grip on his rifle tightened as his ears strained to pick up any sound. Then it came—a faint growl, low and menacing, somewhere in the darkness.

Before anyone could react, a shadow burst from the corner of the room, moving faster than Jason could track. A Beowolf—black as night, its red eyes glowing with malice—lunged toward Private Howard, its teeth sinking deep into her left arm.

Howard screamed, a bloodcurdling sound that echoed through the building. Jason froze for a split second, horror gripping him as the Grimm tore Howard's arm clean off in a spray of blood. The limb fell to the ground, and the Beowolf reared back for another attack.

Jason's training kicked in. He raised his M4 and fired two precise shots, the suppressed crack of the rifle cutting through the chaos. The bullets found their mark, punching through the Beowolf's skull and dropping it instantly. The creature let out a low, guttural growl before dissolving into black dust.

Howard collapsed to the floor, clutching the stump of her arm as blood poured out in rhythmic spurts. Her screams were a mix of pain and terror, her face pale and slick with sweat.

"Jesus Christ!" shouted Collins, her voice panicked as she stumbled backward. "What the hell do we do?!"

Jason knelt beside Howard, his hands moving instinctively. He pulled a tourniquet from his belt and quickly tied it around her upper arm, tightening it until the blood flow slowed.

"Collins! Get on security!" Jason barked, his voice sharp and commanding despite the adrenaline surging through him. "Watch the doors and windows!"

Collins hesitated for a moment before nodding and turning her rifle toward the dark hallway they had just come from. The other private, Hendrix, stood frozen, his wide eyes fixed on Howard's trembling form.

"Hendrix, snap out of it!" Jason growled, his voice cutting through the younger soldier's shock. "Help me get her stable!"

Hendrix dropped to his knees, fumbling to open a med kit. Jason worked quickly, applying pressure to the wound and wrapping it with gauze. Howard's breathing was ragged, her eyes darting wildly as she tried to process what had just happened.

Then they heard it: a chorus of snarls and growls, echoing from deeper within the building. Jason's stomach dropped. The Grimm were coming. The negative emotions radiating from Howard—her pain, fear, and despair—were like a beacon drawing them in.

"They're coming," Collins muttered, her voice barely audible.

Jason rose to his feet, his rifle snapping to the ready position. He looked at Hendrix and Collins, his expression grim. "We're not leaving her behind. We hold this position until backup arrives."

"But what if they don't?" Collins asked, her voice trembling.

"They will," Jason said firmly, though he wasn't entirely sure. "Get ready."

The first Grimm appeared moments later, a pair of Creeps scuttling into the room on clawed limbs. Jason fired a burst, the rounds striking one in the chest and sending it sprawling to the ground. Hendrix and Collins opened fire as well, their bullets tearing through the other creature.

More followed—a Beowolf, a Creeper, and something larger Jason couldn't immediately identify. The room filled with the sound of gunfire, the muzzle flashes lighting up the shadows as the soldiers fought desperately to keep the Grimm at bay.

Jason's heart raced as he fired shot after shot, his M4's recoil sharp but manageable. The Grimm were relentless, their numbers growing with every passing second. Howard's pained cries behind him only fueled the creatures' aggression.

"Reloading!" Jason shouted, dropping his spent magazine and slamming in a fresh one.

Collins screamed as a Creeper lunged toward her, its claws outstretched. Jason turned and fired, the shot striking the creature in the head and dropping it inches from her boots.

"Stay focused!" he barked, his voice cutting through the chaos.

The fight seemed endless, the waves of Grimm relentless. Jason's arms ached from the strain of holding his rifle, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. But then, faintly, over the growls of the Grimm and the crack of gunfire, he heard a familiar sound: the thump of boots on concrete.

"Friendly forces inbound!" a voice shouted from the hallway.

Jason's relief was palpable as a squad of Rangers burst into the room, their weapons blazing. The combined firepower of the two groups quickly overwhelmed the Grimm, the creatures falling one by one until the room fell silent once more.

The sergeant who led the reinforcements stepped forward, his eyes scanning the scene. "Henderson, report."

Jason straightened, his exhaustion evident but his voice steady. "Grimm ambush, sir. One critical casualty. We held until you arrived."

The sergeant nodded, his expression approving. "Good work. Let's get her out of here and secure this building."

As the team prepared to move, Jason glanced down at Howard. She was pale and weak but alive, her eyes filled with gratitude as she looked up at him.

"You saved me," she whispered.

Jason gave her a faint smile. "We don't leave anyone behind."

The group moved out, carrying Howard and the weight of the battle with them. Jason's hands still trembled as he gripped his rifle, the adrenaline beginning to fade. The dread of the building had been real—but for now, they had survived.