Surrounded!
Outside the State of Avalon, there was a large mountain chain.
It was the home to many mutated beasts and evolved flora. As such the presence of humans here was very rare, except for the occasional hunters and mercenaries.
In the center of the mountain chain, there was an area covered with dry foliage. A place neither beasts nor humans ever visited. Because the moment anyone steps on it or fly above it, the foliage would emanate off a decaying power, making one experience the weathering of endless time!
The power was so strong that not only would the person die, but not even a trace of existence would remain!
While many have wondered about this power, no one succeeded in discovering its secrets. If one succeeded in drilling through the foliage and travel underground for almost a mile, only then would they discover the secret.
It was a lab!
A very advanced, high-tech lab. Far more advanced than the one managed by Claudia!