The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

Chapter 22: The Chase

The roar of the ATV's engine tore through the desolate morning air as Victor clung to Adam, who sat sandwiched between him and Marcus. The industrial complex behind them was quickly disappearing into the distance, but the sound of engines pursuing them grew louder.

Adam glanced over his shoulder, his heart pounding. "They're catching up!"

Marcus gritted his teeth, his eyes fixed on the uneven terrain ahead. "No way this baby's getting outrun on flat ground. Hold tight, and don't fall off!"

The ATV bounced over rocks and potholes, making Adam grip the handlebars tighter. Victor kept his weapon at the ready, his sharp eyes scanning for threats.

"We need to lose them in the woods," Victor said. "Straight roads are suicide. Take the dirt path to the right!"

Marcus barely had time to react, veering sharply toward a narrow trail that led into the dense forest. Trees loomed on either side, their branches forming a canopy that blocked much of the morning light.

"Hope they don't have off-road vehicles," Marcus muttered as he navigated the tight turns.

The sound of engines behind them lessened slightly, but it didn't disappear entirely.

As they weaved through the forest, Victor suddenly shouted, "Stop here! We need to set a trap."

Marcus braked hard, the ATV skidding to a halt. Adam almost tumbled off but managed to steady himself.

"What's the plan?" Marcus asked, already checking the ammunition in his shotgun.

Victor jumped off the ATV and surveyed the area. "This trail narrows ahead, forcing them into single file. We can ambush them there. Adam, help me rig something with the supplies."

Adam scrambled to follow Victor, opening one of the bags they had taken from the storage unit. It contained a coil of rope, some small spikes, and an old hunting knife.

Victor grabbed the rope and tied it tightly between two sturdy trees at knee height, ensuring it was hidden by underbrush. "This should slow them down."

Marcus positioned himself behind a fallen log a few feet away, his shotgun resting on the trunk. "You two better move fast. I'll give 'em something to remember."

Victor nodded, pulling Adam back toward a higher vantage point. "Stay low and don't make a sound. Let Marcus do his thing."

The sound of engines grew louder as the pursuers closed in. Adam's heart raced as he crouched behind a tree, the weight of the hunting knife in his hand feeling foreign and unwieldy.

The first vehicle appeared—a dirt bike, its rider wearing a black helmet with a tinted visor. He didn't see the rope until it was too late.

The bike hit the trap hard, the rider flying over the handlebars and landing in a heap. The bike skidded into the underbrush, its engine sputtering before cutting out.

"Gotcha," Marcus muttered, aiming and firing his shotgun. The blast echoed through the forest, and the second bike swerved wildly, crashing into a tree.

Shouts erupted from behind the bikers, and the sound of vehicles coming to a halt filled the air.

"They're stopping," Victor whispered. "They'll try to flank us. We need to move now."

Marcus fired another shot, buying time as the group retreated deeper into the woods.

The forest thickened as they ran, the underbrush slowing their progress. Adam's lungs burned, and his legs felt like lead, but he pushed on, following Victor's lead.

"We can't keep running like this," Adam said, gasping for breath.

Victor glanced back. "We're not. There's a ridge up ahead. We'll hold them there."

The ridge was a steep, rocky incline with limited cover, but it gave them a clear view of the trail below. Victor positioned himself behind a large boulder, his pistol aimed at the path.

Marcus joined him, his face flushed but determined. "Let's make this count."

Adam crouched behind a smaller rock, clutching the hunting knife nervously. He felt useless compared to the others but knew he couldn't afford to freeze up.

The first pursuer emerged from the trees, his weapon drawn. Victor fired a single shot, and the man dropped instantly.

"Keep your heads down!" Victor shouted as more of Jared's men appeared.

Bullets tore through the air, ricocheting off rocks and splintering tree trunks. Marcus fired back, his shotgun booming like thunder.

"Two on the left!" Marcus called out.

Victor shifted his aim, taking down one of the advancing men. The second dropped behind a fallen log, returning fire sporadically.

Adam peeked out from behind his cover, his pulse racing. He saw a figure creeping along the edge of the trail, trying to flank them.

"There's one coming around!" Adam shouted, pointing.

Marcus swung his shotgun in the direction Adam indicated and fired, the blast catching the flanker mid-step.

"Good eyes, kid!" Marcus yelled.

The gunfight dragged on, the relentless sound of gunfire filling the forest. Jared's men were pinned down but showed no signs of retreating.

Victor reloaded, his expression grim. "They're stalling. They're waiting for reinforcements."

Marcus cursed under his breath. "We need to end this now."

Adam's mind raced. He checked the system, hoping for something that could help.

He gritted his teeth. They couldn't rely on the system this time.

"We need a distraction," Adam said suddenly.

Victor glanced at him. "What kind of distraction?"

Adam scanned their surroundings and spotted a fallen tree leaning precariously over the trail. "If we can bring that tree down, it'll block their path and force them back."

Marcus nodded. "Not a bad idea. How do you plan to bring it down?"

Victor handed Adam the hunting knife. "Cut the support branch. Marcus and I will cover you."

Adam hesitated, his hands trembling slightly, but he took the knife and moved toward the tree.

The sound of gunfire intensified as Victor and Marcus laid down covering fire. Adam reached the fallen tree and quickly located the branch holding it in place.

He hacked at it with the knife, his muscles straining with each swing. Sweat dripped down his face, and the sound of gunfire made it hard to focus.

"Hurry up, kid!" Marcus shouted.

With one final swing, the branch snapped, and the tree creaked ominously before crashing down onto the trail below. The sound was deafening, and a cloud of dust and debris filled the air.

Victor grabbed Adam and pulled him back toward the ridge. "Move!"

The fallen tree created an effective barrier, blocking the trail completely. Jared's men shouted in frustration, their movements chaotic.

Victor motioned for the group to retreat further into the forest. "This will buy us some time, but we need to keep moving."

Adam nodded, his breath ragged. The weight of the knife in his hand felt heavier now, but for the first time, he felt like he'd contributed to their survival.

As they disappeared into the trees, the shouts of Jared's men faded behind them. The forest seemed quieter, though the tension remained.

Victor led the way, his eyes scanning for potential threats. "We'll find another spot to regroup. This isn't over yet."

Adam swallowed hard, his grip tightening on the knife. He knew Victor was right. The fight was far from over, but for now, they had a chance to catch their breath.