Some of the researchers had been hit by the metal fragments, their bodies grotesquely twisted from the impact. The researcher who managed to get up looked towards the source of the explosion, his eyes widening in fear and shock.
Through the hole blasted in the metal wall, a man stepped into the laboratory. His presence was imposing, and the long blade at his side gleamed menacingly in the dim light. This was Su Xiao, and he moved with the calm assurance of someone who knew he was unstoppable.
"Where is the central control room?" Su Xiao asked, his voice cold and detached.
The researchers hesitated, looking at each other nervously. One of them, a man in his fifties with a receding hairline and glasses, stepped forward. He was trembling, but he seemed to have enough presence of mind to understand the gravity of the situation.
"It's... it's down the hall, to the left," the man stammered. "But it's heavily guarded. You won't make it there easily."
Su Xiao nodded as if he had expected this answer. He turned to leave, but then paused, looking back at the researchers.
"Thank you," he said, and then, almost as an afterthought, "You should probably evacuate. This place won't be safe for long."
With that, he left the laboratory, the researchers still in shock from the sudden violence. They quickly gathered their wits and began to evacuate, knowing that staying would likely mean death.
Su Xiao moved down the hall with purpose, his senses alert for any signs of danger. He knew the layout of the facility from the electronic map he had been given, but that wouldn't account for all the security measures or the potential traps that might have been set.
As he approached the central control room, he encountered several automated defenses and a few more armed guards. The defenses were quickly dealt with using a combination of precision strikes and his formidable combat skills. The guards, while more challenging, were still no match for him. They fell one by one, unable to stop his advance.
Finally, he stood before the reinforced door to the central control room. It was a massive metal door, designed to withstand significant force. But Su Xiao had come prepared. He took out a small device, placing it against the door. The device emitted a high-pitched whine, and moments later, the door's locking mechanism disengaged with a loud clunk.
Pushing the door open, Su Xiao stepped into the central control room. The room was filled with monitors and control panels, displaying various data about the facility. At the center of the room stood an old man, his white hair disheveled, wearing a lab coat. This was Kihara Gensei, the man Su Xiao had been looking for.
"Kihara Gensei," Su Xiao said, his voice steady and calm.
The old man turned to face him, a look of surprise quickly replaced by one of recognition and then amusement.
"So, you're the one causing all this trouble," Kihara Gensei said, his voice raspy but filled with a strange energy. "I wondered when you'd show up."
Su Xiao didn't respond immediately. He studied the old man, noting the various devices and gadgets scattered around the room. It was clear that Kihara Gensei had been prepared for an intrusion, but perhaps not one as direct as this.
"Where is the Necronomicon?" Su Xiao asked, his tone leaving no room for evasion.
Kihara Gensei chuckled, shaking his head. "You think I'd just tell you? Even if you kill me, you'll never find it. You're wasting your time."
Su Xiao's eyes narrowed. He knew that getting the information from Kihara Gensei wouldn't be easy, but he also knew that he had no choice. He stepped forward, his blade ready.
"We'll see about that," Su Xiao said, his voice cold and determined.
The confrontation had only just begun, and Su Xiao knew that he would need every ounce of his skill and determination to get what he needed.