Chapter 17

Days flew by as the team continued their training, with Mia taking the lead while Jason and Fiora recovered from their recent ordeal. Meanwhile, Mercius was deep in discussion with the strategists of the resistance, planning ways to counter Tyler's faction and minimize casualties during their attacks.

Fiora grew restless lying in bed and decided to get up. She felt bored and unproductive just lounging around. Grabbing her bag, she made a move to leave her dorm when two personnel stopped her at the exit. They explained that they had been instructed to keep her confined to the room to aid in her recovery.

Ignoring their orders, Fiora swiftly incapacitated them and activated her ability, blending into the shadows and becoming invisible. Sneaking out of the room undetected, she made her way through the base. In a flashback, Fiora recalled the moment when everyone was escorted to their rooms and given watches displaying their points.

A group of men approached her with an offer: to exchange her points for items they could provide. Intrigued, Fiora accepted their proposition. Moments later, Fiora skillfully evaded the guards and personnel patrolling the area, arriving at the main hub of the base.

The expansive space was adorned with numerous staircases leading downward, each section interconnected in a labyrinthine fashion. Despite its apparent lack of organization, the base possessed a unique beauty, hinting at the skillful craftsmanship of its creator.

As Fiora stealthily navigated through the base, her senses were assaulted by the intricate architecture that surrounded her. Each corridor and staircase seemed to weave together in a mesmerizing display of design, hinting at the presence of a masterful architect behind its creation. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and ornate embellishments, depicting scenes of ancient battles and mythical creatures.

As she moved deeper into the labyrinthine structure, Fiora couldn't help but marvel at the skill and artistry that had gone into its construction. The main area of the base was a sprawling expanse, filled with bustling activity and bustling with life.

Multiple levels and sections interconnected seamlessly, forming a maze-like network of pathways and alcoves. Fiora could sense the presence of hidden chambers and secret passages lurking just beyond her sight, adding an air of mystery to the already enigmatic surroundings. As she traversed the corridors, Fiora's attention was drawn to a particular section of the base, where a grand staircase spiraled upwards towards the ceiling.

The staircase was flanked by towering columns adorned with intricate carvings, each telling a story of its own. Fiora couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as she gazed upon the majestic structure, its grandeur contrasting sharply with the grim reality of their captivity. Suddenly, Fiora's reverie was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps. Instinctively, she pressed herself against the wall, her heart racing with anticipation.

Peering around the corner, she caught sight of a group of guards marching down the corridor, their weapons gleaming in the dim light. In their midst was a figure cloaked in shadow, their features obscured by the darkness. As the guards passed by, Fiora couldn't shake the feeling of unease that washed over her.

Something about the mysterious figure filled her with a sense of foreboding, as if they were the harbinger of danger yet to come. With a silent prayer, Fiora continued on her journey, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead. But as she rounded another corner, Fiora's worst fears were realized.

Standing before her was the same cloaked figure, their presence looming like a specter in the gloom. Without a word, they raised a hand, unleashing a wave of energy that sent Fiora reeling backwards. As she struggled to regain her footing, Fiora realized that she was hopelessly outmatched. The mysterious figure advanced towards her, their intentions unclear.

With a sinking feeling in her heart, Fiora knew that she had stumbled into a trap, and that escape would not come easily. With a defiant glare, she braced herself for the confrontation that lay ahead, knowing that her fate hung in the balance.

But as the figure drew nearer, Fiora couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter to come would not be normal.