“Retreat.” Xia Lei made his final decision. 

“Why?” Tsukino Kyoko was shocked, turning to stare at her boss. 

Xia Lei pointed at Ning Jing who was still curled up on the floor. “She’s not going to make it. My transmitter is broken. Contact Alessio and E’er immediately. Have them give up on the attack and retreat with us. Get Anjum Khan and Sa’im secure the roof. Have them kill anyone who passes the security door.” 

“Got it. I’ll buy you some time,” said Tsukino Kyoko. She took out her Viper pistol and had its muzzle aimed at the stairways. 

Xia Lei picked Ning Jing up and draped her over his shoulder. His other hand was used to grab the rope for their descent to the ground. His ankles were wrapped around the rope as they fell, aiming to reduce the friction and the stress their weights had placed on it. 

As he was sliding down, a round of gunshots rang out above him. The Hattori clan had begun their attack on Tsukino Kyoko.

“Ah!” A harrowing scream echoed through the night amidst...