**Denver, Colorado –** Tensions reached a fever pitch last night on the rooftop of the Blackwood Hotel in Denver, as protagonist Malik faced off against the remaining members of his crew following a brutal ambush. The incident, which unfolded amidst torrential rain and punctuated by sporadic gunfire, marks a critical turning point in the ongoing hunt for the elusive “Collector” and raises serious questions about the future of the team.

Initial reports indicate that the confrontation began shortly after the crew, led by the increasingly erratic Silas, successfully breached the hotel’s security perimeter. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as Silas attempted to secure a valuable artifact – believed to be a fragment of the Collector’s map – while Malik and his team, consisting of the pragmatic Anya and the tech-savvy Ben, fought to prevent its loss. The situation rapidly deteriorated when Silas, seemingly fueled by paranoia and a desperate need for control, activated a series of booby traps and deployed a modified drone, forcing Malik to engage in a desperate, close-quarters battle.

“It was madness,” recounted local security guard, Harold Jenkins, who witnessed the events from a nearby rooftop. “Just flashes of gunfire, people scrambling… I honestly thought it was over. Malik was running, dodging, using everything he had. He’s a good man, but he’s pushed to the absolute limit.”

Malik, employing a combination of tactical maneuvering and sheer determination, managed to subdue Silas and secure the artifact. However, the victory came at a cost. Anya sustained a minor injury to her arm during the struggle, and Ben was momentarily incapacitated by a stray bullet.

Following the exchange, Silas was restrained and transported to an undisclosed location. Sources within the operation suggest he will be held for interrogation, though his mental state remains a significant concern.

“He’s not thinking clearly,” stated a confidential operative, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “He believes the Collector is everywhere, that everyone is a threat. This could escalate quickly.”

The immediate ramifications of the rooftop negotiation are still unfolding. The team’s morale is reportedly low, and questions are being raised about their leadership and operational strategy. The Collector’s trail remains frustratingly elusive, but the events of last night underscore the perilous nature of their mission and the ever-present threat of betrayal within their own ranks. The next move is critical, and the fate of the hunt, and potentially more, hangs in the balance.