Chapter 91: “Get Down You Dummies!”

Ethan looked up and found himself staring at the enormous facility building towering before them, and for a moment, he could only stand there with his mouth slightly open.

The Empire’s research facility was far larger than he had imagined.

The building itself looked nothing like an ordinary laboratory or the smaller research centers Ethan knew. It was a massive complex constructed from layers of reinforced metal, dark glass, and smooth alloy walls that reflected the faint light surrounding the facility, giving the entire place an imposing and almost untouchable appearance. Several interconnected structures rose behind the main building, some stretching several floors into the air while others extended deeper into the compound, their purposes impossible to determine from the outside.

Thick cables and metallic conduits ran along portions of the outer walls, disappearing into the various sections of the facility, while narrow strips of artificial lighting illuminated the pathways surrounding the buildings. Large glass sections revealed faint silhouettes of equipment and machinery inside, although most of the windows were designed in such a way that outsiders could not clearly see what was happening within.

The entire compound was surrounded by a tall reinforced fence that stretched far beyond what Ethan could see, with the enormous entrance gate positioned directly ahead of them. Beyond that gate lay the Empire’s research facility, a place where all of the Empire’s most important scientific research, technological development, and investigations into things such as monsters, energy, weapons, and supernatural abilities were carried out.

Just standing outside it made Ethan feel as though he had accidentally wandered into a place where ordinary people were definitely not supposed to be.

"Woah, this place is really huge," Ethan let out, his eyes moving across the enormous compound.

"Of course it’s the Empire’s research facility! Duh."

Ethan glanced at Jake, who seemed completely unimpressed by the sight despite the fact that the facility was large enough to make Ethan feel like a tiny ant standing in front of it.

The both of them would make their way toward the entrance, keeping their voices low as they approached the enormous gate.

However, the closer they got, the more Ethan began to notice something strange.

He slowed down.

His gaze moved across the entrance once again.

There were no guards.

Not even one.

Ethan stared at the huge gate for several seconds before turning toward Jake with a confused expression.

"Aren’t there supposed to be guards guarding this area?"

Jake glanced toward the entrance before looking around the surrounding area, seemingly trying to make sense of the situation himself.

"Well, technically, yeah..." he began, scratching his head slightly. "But from my calculations, it’s reasonable there are no guards outside..."

Ethan’s eyebrows immediately rose.

"It’s not reasonable. It’s weird and suspicious to not have guards stationed outside an Empire research facility gate."

This was an Empire research facility, not some abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. A place like this should have security everywhere, especially around its main entrance.

Jake waved his hand dismissively.

"Whatever, Ethan. I’m guessing it’s because of the explanation I gave you, but maybe there are guards stationed inside too? I really don’t know, so we have to be more careful in sneaking in so we won’t be caught. Now, take this torch and let’s get in."

Ethan stared at the torch Jake handed him before looking back at the enormous facility.

For some reason, the entire situation felt increasingly suspicious.

Still, Ethan tightened his grip around the torch.

"Fine."

The two of them carefully moved toward the side of the entrance, choosing a section of the reinforced perimeter fence that appeared slightly easier to climb. The fence was still ridiculously tall, however, and Ethan immediately regretted not asking Jake whether there was a less exhausting way to get inside.

They first checked both sides to ensure nobody was approaching before Jake placed his hands against the metal bars and began climbing.

Ethan followed behind him, gripping the cold metal as he carefully pulled himself upward. The reinforced fence was not designed for anyone to casually climb over it, and several sections had additional security structures attached to them, forcing them to be careful about where they placed their hands and feet.

Every time Ethan shifted his weight, the metal beneath him gave a faint creak, making his heart jump.

"Careful," Jake whispered.

"I am being careful," Ethan whispered back, though his voice carried obvious irritation.

"You’re stepping on the wrong part."

"How am I supposed to know which part is the wrong part?"

"Just follow me."

Ethan gritted his teeth but continued following Jake’s movements.

Slowly, painstakingly, the two of them made their way higher until they finally reached the top of the fence. Ethan carefully swung one leg over, then the other, balancing himself while keeping the torch secured in his hand.

From the top, the view of the facility became even more impressive.

The massive research complex stretched out before them, with several buildings connected by elevated walkways and enclosed passages. Security lights illuminated sections of the compound while the rest remained relatively dark, leaving plenty of shadows between the structures.

It almost looked peaceful.

Almost.

Ethan swallowed as he looked down.

They still had to get to the other side.

Jake carefully lowered himself first, gripping the fence as he prepared to jump down.

Ethan followed, slowly shifting his weight until he was hanging from the other side of the fence, his feet searching for somewhere stable to land.

They were already halfway down when Ethan suddenly noticed something.

A figure was approaching the gate.

His entire body immediately stiffened.

"Jake..."

Jake looked up.

"What?"

"Someone’s coming."

The two of them froze.

The figure continued approaching the entrance without any apparent urgency, walking directly toward the enormous gate.

Ethan’s heart began beating faster.

They had already passed through the other side of the fence, and they were now hanging awkwardly from it, preparing to jump down into the facility.

There was nowhere for them to hide.

"Don’t move," Jake whispered.

Ethan didn’t need to be told twice.

The figure reached the gate.

Then, without climbing over the wall and without going through any of the ridiculous effort Ethan and Jake had just endured, the figure simply reached out and pushed the gate open.

Ethan’s face immediately fell in exasperation.

They had just spent all that time climbing over the fence...

And this person could simply open the damn gate?!

The hell?

The figure stepped through the entrance and then suddenly stopped.

Slowly, they turned their head toward them.

Ethan’s heart dropped.

The figure was looking directly at them from inside the facility.

Then, instead of exposing them or raising an alarm, the figure simply stared at them with an expression that seemed to scream disbelief.

"Okay, you dummies, get down!"