Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1957

Raiden led the group on a brisk tour through the corridors until they arrived at a massive suite that included a study, dining room, and bedroom.

In the living room sat a man in his forties, dressed in a white lab coat, with a mask covering his face. He respectfully stood up from his computer as they entered, "Mr. Raiden."

"This," Mr. Raiden introduced, "is the man in charge here, Professor Bernard!"

Professor Bernard scanned the group with a guarded and vigilant gaze, giving them a brief nod.

Estelle's grip tightened. Even with the mask, she recognized his eyes in an instant. No wonder she had been unable to find him!

Judging by the surroundings, he must spend all his hours here, never venturing out.

A flicker of realization crossed Estelle's eyes as she glanced at Jonathan's retreating back. Had he suggested visiting Mr. Raiden's microwave lab just to help her find the one she was searching for? She hadn't told him her mission, yet he had guessed it!

A blonde woman in a breezy dress emerged from the bedroom, eyeing Mr. Raiden warily before approaching Professor Bernard and smiling at him while casting furtive glances at Jonathan and Lambert on the couch, "We have guests?"

"Show those ladies around," Professor Bernard replied with a smile.

"Of course!" The woman raised an eyebrow at Estelle and Sylvia, "Follow me!"

Exchanging a glance, Sylvia and Estelle trailed after the blonde woman.

Mr. Raiden excused himself to take a call in another room, and Professor Bernard stepped out for a moment on some errand.

Lambert whispered to Jonathan, "Mr. Alvis, any guesses why Mr. Raiden dares to bring us here?"

Microwave weapons, more potent than nukes, were the prize all major powers were secretly chasing.

When Jonathan suggested visiting, Mr. Raiden didn't refuse but instead brought them here, seemingly without fear.

Jonathan lounged on the sofa with an air of nonchalance, "What does Mr. Brennan think?"

Lambert chuckled softly, checking his surroundings, "First, Mr. Raiden's microwave weapon isn't fully developed. Second, I bet Professor Bernard hasn't left the twelfth sublevel since arriving at Zion. Mr. Raiden probably implanted bombs in him; nobody can take him away, so Mr. Raiden isn't worried."

Jonathan nodded absentmindedly, "Sounds plausible."

Lambert's smile widened, "Plus, once Mr. Raiden perfects his weapon, he'll definitely sell it to the Mystoria Federation, hoping to rope you into a partnership against Gab. That's why he'd never decline your request to visit."

Jonathan's expression was hidden behind a mask, only his eyes shifted towards Lambert; he uttered blandly, "Mr. Brennan, you must be Mr. Raiden's mind reader!"

Lambert's smirk froze, his brow furrowing. That didn't sound like a compliment at all.

Catching Jonathan's composed demeanor, Lambert couldn't tell if the remark was a deliberate jab. Standing up, he said coolly, "I'll go find my Rella."

Jonathan's expression turned icy; that possessive 'my Rella' stung his ears.

The blonde led Estelle and Sylvia down the glass corridor and out through a door. As she swung it open and stepped outside, she turned with a smile, "It's rare to have visitors here, quite a delight. Feel free to wander, enjoy yourselves!"

Estelle took in the view beyond the door, and then glanced back at the glass corridor, marveling at the fantastical scene before her.