Chapter 559 Blenheim Close (2)
As Erik walked through the building, his feline senses were on high alert and ready for action. The mystery was gradually being unraveled as Erik searched room by room.
The presence of alchemical tools suggested that obscure research was being conducted, the presence of gleaming weapons suggested that the location was prepared for conflict, and the presence of stocked food supplies suggested that preparations were being made for a long-term operation or a large group.
The offices were immaculate examples of meticulous organization, with files tidily filed away, computers humming quietly, and charts prominently displayed on the walls.
Erik made mental notes of the references to the shipments, transactions, and unfamiliar names. He filed them away for later consideration and analysis.
The occupants' calm breathing in the sleeping quarters starkly contrasted with the harsh reality of their surrounding environment.
The presence of guards was a persistent risk. When Erik sensed one was getting closer, he would quickly duck under some furniture or blend into the shadows as his heart raced.
These were different than some run-of-the-mill security guards, as evidenced by their conversations, which consisted of mundane gripes and the occasional crucial information. They couldn't keep silent and often said things they shouldn't have.
However, their well-defined procedures and regimens gave the impression that they ran an exceptionally well-organized business. Which was weird for the young man.
Erik clung to the hope of finding a clue that would help him unravel the true nature of the activities that were taking place within this mysterious building as he moved throughout the area.
He planned to investigate the room at the end of the dark corridor ahead. When he walked across the cold, hard floor, his padded paws barely made a sound. At each step, an attempt was made to reduce his noise and evade detection.
However, just as he reached the middle of the corridor, a security guard appeared from behind a doorway. The man stopped moving and cocked his head as if he had just heard something peculiar. He halted for a moment before slowly turning his gaze in Erik's direction, his eyes narrowing.
A fleeting fluttering sensation occurred in Erik's chest at that very moment. He quickly weighed his options, which included hiding inside an alcove for maintenance to his right, an unmarked door to his left, and the corridor that stretched out in front of him, which was heavily laden with the likelihood that he would be discovered.
Erik quickly decided and entered the alcove in a split second. The Chameleon Veil did an excellent job concealing his form as his slender, cat-like body blended in with the shadows. He crammed himself up against the wall and held his breath as he did so.
The guard moved cautiously down the hall, pausing every so often to take stock of his surroundings, and his footsteps echoed throughout the space. He rumbled, his tone tinged with suspicion, "Who's there?" The deafening hush that followed was the only response.
Even though Erik couldn't see the security guard, he could still feel his presence. He picked up on the fabric's muted rustle, the security guard's steady breathing, and the metallic jingle of the belt he wore. Time appeared to slow down, and the tension in the room increased with each passing second.
Now that the guard had gotten so close, Erik's hiding spot was at risk of being found out. He could see the man's boots and hear his heartbeat all at the same time.
The security guard whipped the air before turning on a flashlight and sweeping it around the area. The light's beam came dangerously close to where Erik was hiding.
Erik's thoughts were racing. The possibility of being found out was concrete. If that happened, this would jeopardize his mission, and in his current cat-like state, he was not well prepared for battle.
The young man was barely bypassed by the flashlight's beam as it swept past him. He didn't want to take any chances because if the guard had heard him earlier, there was a chance that he would also notice him now.
Seemingly satisfied, the guard muttered, "Damn rats," likely attributing the noise to some nuisance. He turned and continued down the corridor, his footsteps gradually receding.
Erik did not breathe until he was sure the guard had moved on, and his entire body trembled from the adrenaline rush.
Erik's cat-like stealth and heightened senses served him well as he navigated the building's corridors, which appeared to go on forever but were more like a maze.
His eyes had no trouble adjusting to the varying brightness levels. At the same time, his ears picked up on conversations and footsteps further away.
In the end, he came across a massive door made of metal, and when he put his paw on it, it gave off a chilling and imposing vibe.
In contrast to the rest of the aging building, this door appeared to be newer and more robust, which led him to believe that something important lay hidden behind it.
The intricate locks and security features had piqued Erik's interest even more.
<Open it,> Erik silently instructed his biological supercomputer.
A brief silence followed, and then a series of soft clicks filled the air as the advanced locks disengaged one by one. The door creaked open slightly, revealing a dim staircase leading downward.
A damp, heavy air wafted up, carrying a blend of earthy smells and something else—something that hinted at long-hidden secrets.
Erik cautiously started his descent. The worn stone stairs, which had been used for years, did not make a sound under his padded paws as he walked down them.
As he proceeded further into the cavern, the lighting gradually improved, which lessened the impression that he was falling into an abyss.
His cat-like eyes quickly adjusted themselves. The ample light provided by the large wall-mounted bulbs made navigation easier. It increased the likelihood that someone would notice you.
The atmosphere was surprisingly modern like a cutting-edge research facility lay concealed behind the building's antiquated fa?ade. As it turned out, Erik's intuition was pretty close to being correct.
Erik stopped once he reached the bottom, his senses more acute than ever. He had made his way to the deep underground center of the building.
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