In the dim corridor, cold-toned lights reflected off the metal walls. The excessively mechanized architectural style offered no sense of warmth, but everyone living here had long since grown used to it.
A man dressed as an officer strode quickly down the corridor. As he passed beneath the flickering overhead lights, his brow was cast entirely in shadow, making him look grim and cold.
He held a phone in his hand and said angrily to the person on the other end, "That's right. Someone attacked the safe house. Many generals were unfortunately killed, but until I receive orders to halt the plan, I'll remain here. Hand over the information? In your dreams!"
"The base's location is top secret. Aside from the generals who initiated the plan, no one can find this place. And even if they do, no one can breach its defenses!"
The officer showed a mocking smile. "Do you think Admiral Manly is some timid idiot like you, incapable of even holding onto his own base? Do I need to repeat myself? Back then, some insignificant hacker broke into your systems..."
"The systems here have never been connected to the internet. Even the local network used to transfer data grants no access permissions. Without Admiral Manly's authorization, no one can enter the system. The defensive weapon protocols also require a general's authorization..."
"Give it up! The Tartarus faction's painstaking efforts over all these years won't be handed over just because of a temporary setback. If you have the ability, come take it yourselves!"
After hanging up, the officer straightened his clothes and coldly pushed open a door, entering a laboratory. Looking at the researchers inside, he said, "Continue the experiments as normal. You'd better hope I don't catch anyone slacking off."
A bespectacled researcher approached him rather timidly.