Beneath the Surface

Once Leo and Ose had reached a mutual understanding, they departed from the elder and now Leo followed Yoshino through the labyrinthine corridors once again. As they walked, Leo's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't help but ask about the size and layout of the place.

"Yoshino, how big is this underground facility?" Leo inquired, his eyes scanning the surrounding walls.

Yoshino glanced at Leo with a small smile before responding, "It's much bigger than it appears. But the specific details and layout of the facilities are classified information that cannot be disclosed to you."

Leo crossed his arms and furrowed his brow. "Come on, Yoshino. We're partners now, right? Shouldn't there be a level of trust between us? If we're going to work together effectively, I need to have a better understanding of our surroundings."

Yoshino chuckled softly, acknowledging Leo's request. However, he shook his head in response. "I understand your point, but there are certain matters that must remain confidential, even among partners. It is for the safety and security of everyone involved."

Leo let out a sigh of frustration but realized Yoshino had a valid point. Trust was indeed a vital aspect of any successful partnership, but there were limits to the information that could be shared, especially in their line of work.

"Alright, I get it," Leo conceded, albeit reluctantly. "Just know that I'm putting a lot of trust in you and your organization. I hope that trust is reciprocated."

Yoshino nodded in acknowledgment, his expression serious. "You have my word, Leo. We will not betray your sense of judgment."

A moment later…

Yoshino ceased his step, led Leo to the dead end of the corridor, perplexed by the sudden stop. He turned to Yoshino, confusion etched on his face.

"What's the deal, Yoshino? Why did we stop here?" Leo questioned, his eyes scanning the empty space.

Yoshino wore a knowing smile as he gently caressed the seemingly solid wall. To Leo's astonishment, the wall displayed a holographic display, revealing a hidden telepad. With a few swift keystrokes, Yoshino entered the password, and the wall began to slide open.

Leo's eyes widened as the wall revealed an elevator. Leo couldn't help but draw a parallel to his encounters at Oscorp Tower, where he had witnessed similar hidden mechanisms.

Yoshino, as polite as ever, gestured for Leo to enter first before joining him inside. Once inside, Yoshino pressed a sequence of floor buttons on the elevator's panel, seemingly a code to initiate the elevator protocol. The robotic voice of the elevator system chimed in, declaring the initialization in Japanese.

As the elevator began to move, Leo couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. He turned to Yoshino and asked, "Where are we going exactly?"

Yoshino's expression remained calm as he replied, "We are heading to a higher-level facility where you will meet your fellow companion for this mission. It is also the location where the plan for the mission will be discussed in detail."

Leo's eyes widened at the mention of a companion. He hadn't expected to have anyone join him on this mission. "Wait, there will be someone else with me?" he questioned, a mix of surprise and intrigue in his voice.

Yoshino nodded. The elevator continued its descent, and as it did, the elevator wall transformed into a transparent glass panel, revealing a breathtaking view of Leo's destination. Through the glass, Leo beheld a spectacle that filled him with awe. Yoshino, wearing a proud smile, proclaimed, "Welcome to the future."

The space beyond the glass wall was a stark contrast to the traditional aesthetics of the above level. It was a futuristic laboratory, bathed in pristine white hues and adorned with sleek, state-of-the-art equipment. The cutting-edge technology present in every corner of the room emphasized the word "future."

Leo was captivated by the sight before him. It was unlike anything he had ever seen, a testament to the advancements of science and innovation. He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity about what awaited him in that futuristic laboratory.

As the elevator doors opened, Leo stepped out, his eyes scanning the vast laboratory before him. The room hummed with activity, scientists and technicians engrossed in their work, their movements precise and purposeful.

As Yoshino expertly guided Leo through the bustling laboratory, seamlessly navigating the intricate web of workstations and cutting-edge machinery, an enchanting world unfolded before Leo's eyes. He was utterly captivated by the extraordinary technology that hummed with life and the pulsating energy that permeated every corner of the environment. The air crackled with an electric buzz as the lab's inhabitants diligently pursued their scientific endeavors, their focused expressions a testament to their unwavering dedication.

As they pressed on, their journey drew them nearer to a futuristic sliding door, its sleek surface mirroring the brilliance of the laboratory lights.

Reaching the sliding door, Yoshino entered his classified password into the keypad beside it, causing it to slide open. Surprised, Leo found himself facing a small group of individuals who had already gathered in the room. They turned their attention towards him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and surprise. Among them stood Yurei, who had somehow arrived before Leo and Yoshino, his ability to teleport proving to be advantageous.

Leo's arrival seemed to ignite a spark of excitement in the room. The individuals exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mix of eagerness and curiosity. It was evident that they had been waiting for him, the arrival of the final member.