Chapter 99: XiaLine
As they walked through the winding corridors of the facility, Elias glanced down another hallway, curiosity getting the better of him.
"This place is a damn maze," he muttered, veering off to see where it led.
Dot’s floated up beside his head. "Are we even allowed to be here?"
Elias smirked. "I dunno. Guess we’ll find out."
At the end of the hall, he found a door with a sleek panel glowing faintly. He placed his palm against it, and for a moment, the screen flashed yellow before a familiar voice crackled through the intercom.
"Elias, what exactly are you doing in this area?" Oliver’s voice carried a measured, authoritative tone.
Elias exhaled sharply, suddenly feeling like a kid caught snooping. "Just got curious. Thought I’d explore a little."
A pause. Then the door hissed open.
"In the future, just ask," Oliver said, his voice laced with dry amusement. "That way, you get the proper clearance instead of an unplanned cardio session."
Elias chuckled. "Noted." As the comm line cut, Elias stepped inside, his breath hitching at the sight. A massive, spiraling library stretched upward at least twenty stories, bookcases curving in a perfect circle. Shelves lined every wall, connected by rotating platforms that moved with seamless precision. A soft golden glow illuminated the endless tomes, casting a warm hue across the polished floors.
Dot’s floated beside him, eyes wide. "Whoa... Didn’t expect this."