Deep inside the mountain, the air in the secret research facility carried the faint chill of the filtration system, mingled with the light scents of disinfectant and electronic components.
Silver-gray metal walls reflected the cold white and ghostly blue glow of LED strips.
Dressed in black monk's robes, Urouge led the way without a word.
Behind him, Katakuri walked steadily, his expression as composed as ever beneath his scarf. But he kept his Observation Haki active, occasionally peeking into the future. On the outside, he was cool as a cucumber; inside, he was a nervous wreck.
Haiffat carried his knight's greatsword on his back, along with a Square Shield. At six and a half meters tall, he could use it with one hand.
-I thought Sea Roar would be guiding us. Is he busy with something?
They had initially contacted Bondrewd through one of Apoo's underlings, yet Urouge was the one leading them now.
Katakuri posed the question in his mind while looking into the future.
-We each have our duties. I never expected the famed "greatest masterpiece" to concern himself with such trivial matters.
In the future he saw, Urouge offered no useful answer.
Katakuri glanced at Haiffat beside him.
Haiffat blinked without speaking. Hidden inside his shield was a mirror.
If anything went wrong, it would make both retreating and calling for reinforcements convenient.
Before long, the three "men of few words" passed through several automated doors requiring identity verification and finally reached a thick silver metal door.
The door slid open soundlessly, revealing a vast space beyond.
It was a clean, brightly lit Biological Laboratory, its colors predominantly blue, white, and silver-gray. Several Praying Hands bustled about.
Several sets of complex instruments flickered with faint standby lights. A number of transparent cylindrical culture vessels stood to one