The Arrival of New American Personnel

193. The Arrival of New American Personnel

At exactly seven in the morning, the first round of security screening was fully complete.

The scanning data displayed by the holographic projection slowly dissipated in the air, like a sand painting wiped away by an invisible hand. The remaining particles of light flickered briefly in the morning glow before finally fading into nothingness.

Security personnel in uniforms of various colors stood scattered across their respective watch zones in groups of two or three. Their tense fingers rested on the Smart Weapons at their waists, while their eyes repeatedly inspected every corner that might conceal danger like precision scanners.

A faint hum from electronic equipment filled the air, like countless tiny machines surging through vein-like circuits;

The faint scent of disinfectant seeped from the vents—purifying gas continuously released by the floor's intelligent climate-control system, carrying a cold blend of metal and mint.

In that brief moment of calm, the floor's Titanium Alloy bulletproof elevator suddenly chimed softly. The sound was not loud, yet it sliced through the frozen air like a sharp blade.

The mirror-like metal doors slid open without a sound, and a man in a dark gray suit patterned with subtle designs stepped out.

His leather shoes struck out a steady rhythm along the path through the greenery toward the conference table. Every step was as precise as if calibrated by sound waves, immediately making every security officer's pupils contract.

He was the first attendee to arrive today.

The nearest security officer reflexively straightened his back, and his suddenly tensed muscles pulled sharp creases across the shoulders of his uniform.

His right thumb unconsciously brushed the edge of his earpiece. That tiny movement instantly activated the team's communications, and three operatives concealed beyond the trees immediately adjusted their positions. Their shadows