Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1956

Huff approached with greetings, "Mr. Brennan, Mr. Alvis, Mr. Raiden has been informed of your arrival and is eagerly awaiting!"

Lambert replied with a chuckle, "Well, let's not keep the man waiting, shall we?"

"Mr. Brennan, if you'd please," Huff's head was slightly bowed, his sandy curls brushing against his ears, giving him an air of stern composure.

Together, they ascended the stairs, entering Mr. Raiden's office where he and Mr. Winston were already coming forward to greet them.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats. Mr. Raiden's voice was firm as he began, "Firstly, a warm welcome to Mr. Alvis and Mr. Brennan for visiting Zion. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality. Zion has invested a great deal of manpower and resources into the research and development of new energy solutions. We now seek your collaboration to launch these on a global scale. If you have any specific proposals or requirements for our partnership, feel free to bring them up today!"

"No rush on that." Jonathan spoke calmly, fidgeting with a lighter in his hand, "I've heard that Mr. Raiden has made significant advancements in microwave weapon research. Might I have a tour?"

Raiden was momentarily taken aback. The microwave weapon project was top secret and not publicized.

Yet the fact that Jonathan knew about it was not as surprising as his decision to mention such a sensitive topic openly.

Jonathan glanced at Lambert, "Mr. Brennan, are you interested as well?"

Lambert's eyes sparkled with intrigue, "Has Mr. Raiden actually developed a microwave weapon? That's definitely something worth seeing."

"We've made progress, but it's not yet complete. If you wish to see, you're welcome to." Mr. Raiden responded, his composed eyes hidden behind his mask, "But I must ask for your discretion." "We can keep a secret!" Lambert laughed, looking at Jonathan, "Right?"

Alvis ignored him.

Sylvia chimed in with a soft, friendly laugh, "May I join the tour as well?"

"Of course, Mr. Raiden isn't that petty," Jonathan said.

Mr. Raiden didn't comment, but his mouth twitched slightly.

Lambert, not one to miss out, turned to Estelle, "Rella and I are inseparable. So, let's all go and broaden our horizons."

With no other option, Mr. Raiden stood and gestured invitingly, "Please, this way."

Mr. Winston led the way, escorting them through a side door into the research complex and onto an elevator.

The elevator initiated an automatic weapon scan. Following Jonathan, his subordinate promptly handed his concealed firearm to one of the security personnel, deactivating the alarm. Estelle narrowed her eyes subtly.

Mr. Winston swiped his golden keycard and authenticated his fingerprint, and the elevator began its descent, the display showing they were heading downward.

Estelle pondered her previous visit to this building - Mr. Raiden must have allowed her access intentionally. Her suspicions were correct!

After a few seconds, the elevator halted at sub-level twelve.

Estelle grew curious about how many floors lay beneath the building and their purposes.

When the elevator doors opened, Jonathan, who was standing in front, subtly shifted to completely shield Estelle from view.

Only when the doors were fully open, revealing the entirety of the twelfth floor, did he step forward.

This sub-level was starkly different from the ones above - bright, airy, and devoid of any ominous darkness.

The expansive laboratories unfolded before them: experiment stations, data centers, fusion research rooms, microwave testing chambers. Inside each lab, teams were bustling with activity. Some of the labs were locked, presumably off-limits to visitors.

The workers, surprised by the presence of outsiders, didn't probe too deeply, remaining focused on their tasks.