Chapter 1

Chapter 001: Prologue 

The sound of sirens echoed loudly through the silent streets. 

However, the situation being reported over the radio was even more frightening than the sirens. 

Despite the frightening reports filling the rescue vehicle, the firefighters' eyes remained steady. In fact, their gazes were sharper than those of starving beasts. 

Their hands moved busily as they silently put on their firefighting gear. 

Today might be my last day. 

The same worrying thought occupied everyone's mind. 

The rescue team captain finally broke the ominous silence. 

Our top priority is searching for people who need rescue. According to the first team on the scene, the fire hasn't reached its fully developed stage yet. We should still be able to operate inside. Above all, don't push yourselves too hard. Always keep an eye on your oxygen tanks. 

Yes, sir! 

The captain's voice was even heavier than the darkness covering the streets. Anyone could sense the tension in his words. 

They faced danger like this regularly, but the tension was something they could never get used to. 

A fire scene was a burning hell where they couldn't even see a step ahead. 

Inside that hell, they carried the responsibility of saving not only the victims' lives but also their own lives and those of their teammates. 

After racing through the dark streets, they finally reached the scene. 

The area was so brightly lit by the flames that it looked like broad daylight. 

Even from inside the rescue vehicle, they could feel the intense heat. 

The rescue team captain immediately cursed. 

Son of a bitch! Didn't they say the fire hadn't reached its fully developed stage yet?! 

Before he could finish cursing, the rescue vehicle stopped in front of the burning building. 

The doors opened. 

As soon as the firefighters stepped outside, they were greeted by flames and heat powerful enough to burn even death itself. 

The raging fire looked like a dragon determined to destroy the world. 

However, the firefighters standing before it were like medieval dragon slayers. 

Their eyes grew sharper, and their fighting spirit burned even stronger. 

The deputy captain stepped out behind the captain and patted his shoulder. 

Then he spoke casually. 

If there are people inside, we have to go in, no matter how bad the fire is. They're probably waiting for us right now... 

Those seemingly casual words were enough to ignite an even hotter blue flame in the firefighters' hearts. 

The captain let out a sigh so deep that it seemed capable of making the ground collapse. 

Why does this happen every single time? Don't die, and don't run around recklessly. Keep checking your oxygen tanks. They only last thirty minutes, so make sure you're outside at least five minutes before they run out. Avoid areas where the flames are too strong whenever possible... 

Are you our mother or something? Why are you nagging so much? Should we just stay away from dangerous places? 

Even in such a dangerous situation, the firefighters burst into laughter. 

Hearing their laughter, the captain couldn't help but let out a bitter chuckle. 

Ha! Fine. Just make sure you come back alive. 

I told you, we understand! If you keep nagging like that, your balls are going to fall off. Let's just have some soju after work. 

Do you seriously think soju is what matters right now? 

It'll matter if we come back alive! Hahaha! 

Fine! Just come back alive. I guess I'll let you guys put a hole in my credit card. 

All the team members shouted together. 

YES, SIR! 

The flames covering the fire scene were so intense that they had turned from red to almost white. 

The rescue team stood confidently before the raging flames, preparing to enter the building. 

In front of them, the fire suppression teams held their hoses and encouraged the rescue team. 

We'll open a path for you! 

We're counting on you! 

Four fire suppression teams were positioned along the rescue team's entry route. 

Even before flames that resembled a gigantic burning dragon, they showed no fear. 

Water continued pouring from their hoses. 

The rescue team leader also shouted confidently, showing his complete trust in them. 

We'll enter through the fifth floor, where the fire hasn't spread yet! Please secure the stairway! We're putting our lives in your hands! 

After a brief silence, a powerful voice came through the radio. 

Beginning entry! Release the water! Maximum pressure! 

The entrance was glowing bright red, resembling the gates of hell or the open mouth of a fire-breathing dragon. 

Four powerful streams of water rushed through the entrance. 

The flames that had looked like demons of destruction finally weakened under the enormous streams of water. 

Thick black smoke began pouring out. 

The rescue team captain shouted at his team. 

Check your face masks! Confirm your oxygen tanks are open! MOVE IN! 

Their confident footsteps seemed so fearless that even death itself would have avoided them. 

Without hesitation, they advanced toward the entrance. 

The ominous black smoke quickly swallowed the firefighters, making them disappear from sight.