18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 493

The entrance was so well-hidden that it could've easily been mistaken for a mere crack in the ship's hull, even in broad daylight. It was barely wide enough to squeeze through, and the door was rusted shut.

Stella, always the troublemaker, decided to make things interesting. She dumped two buckets of sulfuric acid inside, sealed the door, and strapped two bombs to it. Anyone trying to push the door open from inside would trigger the bombs, turning the whole area into an explosive nightmare.

After a thorough search, they found no other way in and headed for the main entrance. Considering the ether and sulfuric acid they'd just used, Stella pulled out a gas mask and strapped it on. They exchanged a determined glance and stepped through the blown-open gate.

Inside, it was pitch dark and bone-chillingly cold. The path sloped downward, littered with the bodies of base members and alligators. Using night-vision goggles, they cautiously moved forward, weapons at the ready.

After about half an hour, a faint light appeared. The red-eyed alligators had caused utter chaos, leaving a trail of blood and destruction. Jasper noticed a red light flickering in a hidden corner above the corridor. The base not only had power but also surveillance cameras.

He didn't hesitate to shoot the camera, giving Stella a quick look to stay alert. They couldn't risk exposing Arcadia's secrets unless absolutely necessary.

The long passage ended, opening up to rows of identical-looking "well-shaped" buildings made of special materials, their flickering lights adding to the eerie atmosphere. The underwater base was unexpectedly large and designed like a labyrinth.

Unlike the bloody mess of the corridors, this area was spotless. The door handles were all the same, with no numbers or identifying marks. They stuck together, destroying any lights and cameras they found.

Jasper tried pushing a door, and after a few failed attempts, one finally opened. Inside stood a foreigner, eyes wide with shock. Before Stella could react, the man collapsed. He was still breathing faintly, likely poisoned. Stella finished him off, then surveyed the room.

It was about ten square meters, empty except for a ventilation duct at the top. Jasper noticed the duct could be closed off, suggesting there might be other survivors.

The silence of the labyrinth, untouched by the chaos of the corridors, indicated the red-eyed alligators hadn't breached this far. Stella noticed crisscrossing track marks on the floor and ceiling, realizing these buildings could move and combine in endless configurations.

She had a bad feeling. Without a word, she shot out all the lights within range.

Suddenly, a voice boomed from the ceiling, "Welcome to the underground city." It was a man's voice, deep and slightly mocking. Stella didn't hesitate to shoot out the speakers.

Behind them, a building moved, blocking the corridor. At the end of the hallway, a door swung open, releasing thick yellow smoke. Poison gas! Union Base was fighting back.

The yellow smoke corroded the coated rooms almost instantly. It was toxic and highly corrosive, beyond the protection of any standard gear. Jasper's face darkened. "Run!" he shouted, grabbing Stella and bolting.