Chapter 401 - 284: The Base
"They’re not Astorians!"
Marcus Monroe’s words were a rude awakening for Paige Summers. All the little things that had felt off about that group of men in black suddenly made sense with this possibility.
"That’s right, that’s it." Paige recalled the scene. "The way they shrugged and folded their arms—there were subtle differences from how we do it... So that’s it. That’s why. They’re not Astorians at all!"
Marcus Monroe said, "Yeah, it just occurred to me. It’s very likely they’re Eldorians. They’re generally taller and larger than Astorians. Of course, that’s not a hard and fast rule, but the fact that they never show their faces confirms it."
For non-Astorians to appear on Astorian soil at a time like this, stirring up all sorts of trouble—to say they weren’t part of some conspiracy was impossible!
Paige Summers looked at Marcus Monroe, who nodded. "I’ve already had my men send this information back to Central City."
He had also arranged for someone to go and warn Sylas Underwood’s group in advance, not just Central City.
If Eldoria truly had ambitions toward Astoria, they definitely wouldn’t have sent just this small group. The two batches of men in black dressed similarly, but they weren’t necessarily the same team. Norgate, being the closest city to Eldoria, was surely still a target they coveted. Their current low profile was just them biding their time, looking for an opportunity to strike!
Once Sylas Underwood goes over to establish the planting base, the difficulty will only increase.
That... would depend on his methods.
The message he’d sent back was perfectly clear: although the task was difficult, it had to be done. There was no reason they should be constrained by outsiders on their own country’s soil!
However, the planting operation had to be kept absolutely secret.
He had already considered that, if it came down to it, he would rather destroy everything than let the Eldorians get their hands on the seeds. Of course, that was a very remote possibility. It was just a matter of preparing for the worst.
Sean Raines frowned. "So we can’t find any trace of them now?"
Marcus Monroe said, "No. But based on the direction they left, it’s most likely they headed south."
"That’s weird! If they’re Eldorians, it would make sense for them to cause trouble up north. Why would they run so far south? And with Mutant Beasts... What on earth are they trying to do?" Sean Raines asked, puzzled.
Paige Summers was wondering the same thing, but for now, there were no answers.
Marcus Monroe glanced at the time and stood up. "It’s getting late. Let’s get some rest. A fox will always show its tail eventually. For now, let’s just wait and see."
The next morning, the four of them left the base and set off once again.
Although this incident had been a bit of an interruption, it didn’t have a major impact on the mood of Paige Summers and the others. They continued their journey at the same unhurried pace.
They were out in the open while their opponents were in the shadows. Countering action with inaction wasn’t a bad strategy.
And so, after a smooth journey, they arrived at The Foundry on a certain day more than a month later.
Oh, no!
It should be called Bloodfall Base now!
Paige Summers stuck her head out of the vehicle, her eyes widening in surprise as she gazed at the base entrance before them.
The base had always been situated in a valley, with high mountains providing a natural barrier on three sides. The remaining side used to be dilapidated, practically a ruin, offering no real protection... But now, look at this tall, curving perimeter wall, and the fortress turrets on top. With her eyesight, she could naturally see the guards inside, every one of them equipped with heavy-duty firepower. Although she couldn’t tell if the weapons were functional, the display alone was intimidating enough to bluff anyone!
The arched main gate in the center of the wall was about two trucks wide and high—quite an imposing sight!
The two large words carved deeply into the gate were powerful and vigorous.
"Bloodfall Base"!
There was a side gate as well, also with guards... and on the outer wall, there was a posted base bulletin...
Everything looked perfect.
This now had the complete appearance of a proper, official base!
"Hey, not bad at all. Looks the part!" Sean Raines said with a click of his tongue, getting out of the car and stretching lazily.
Paige Summers started to laugh. ’This guy’s mouth is just asking for it. He turns a compliment into something that makes you want to punch him!’
Marcus Monroe tilted his head, watching for a moment before adding, "Not bad. Claire Chapman... is quite the go-getter!"
Paige Summers glanced over. Aside from Levi Young’s simple joy after his initial surprise, which seemed perfectly normal, these other two looked exactly like leaders on an inspection tour!
She quirked her lips, just about to speak, when someone suddenly opened the gate from the inside and walked out.
"Bro Monroe, Bro Raines, Andy, you’re here! Come on in, quick!"
The ones on guard duty today were a squad from Bloodfall, and the person warmly welcoming them was their squad leader, Saul Archer.