Just then, a thunderous explosion erupted from the metal house behind them.

Perhaps taken aback or simply exhausted, both men collapsed to the ground as the reverberation of the blast waned.

Moss lay on the ground, breathing laboriously, when a sudden realization dawned on him. Disregarding his injuries, he scrambled to his feet and sprinted forward, just as Holden lunged toward him.

Holden, struggling for breath with his fists stained with blood, landed a solid punch on Moss' nose.

Blood filled the air as Moss and Holden wrestled with each other.

After a while, Moss broke free and hurried toward the metal house as additional explosions echoed from inside.

Holden, soaked in blood and completely exhausted, did not pursue Moss.

He staggered away, his vision blurring until he fell with a heavy thud.

Just before losing consciousness, Holden heard the screech of brakes.

Meanwhile.

Adrian, who was running carrying Ariana and panting heavily, halted when he heard the booming explosion sounds. His eyes widened.

Glancing back, he saw smoke billowing from the metal house.

A chilling realization hit him: Holden was in danger.

When Adrian contemplated the Likelihood of Holden being dead, tears welled up in his eyes.

"Holden..." he murmured, his voice choked with sorrow. His hands balled into tight fists as he struggled with his emotions. Almost instinctively, he spun around, wanting to go back for Holden. But then, he halted after a few steps.

Holden had instructed him to take Ariana back safely at all costs.

He knew the most important thing for him to do now was to leave here with Ariana.

Yet, he found it impossible to just abandon Holden.

As sweat rolled down Adrian's ashen face, he dropped his gaze. He knew if Ariana were awake, she would risk everything to go back to rescue Holden.

With that conviction, Adrian sprinted back to find Holden.