Into the Lion's Den

Gen descended the grand staircase to the lower levels, her steps soundless on the marble.

The entrance to the basement had been concealed behind a bookcase in the library, and she'd had fun finding it. It hadn't been easy but she'd found the hidden latch and pulled, revealing the dark staircase leading down into the depths of the mansion.

Based on what she could feel from spreading her Aura thin over the place, the basement was large, a labyrinthine network of rooms and corridors. Who the fuck needs this? Why would anyone want to hide when there's a fight to be had? She couldn't understand people like that.

It was clear that Ivan had fortified the area, preparing for a siege. The walls were lined with steel, and the floor was covered with discarded tactical gear and weapons. Explosives, ammunition, and various high-tech gadgets littered the space.