Chereads / Solo Protagonist(Project Zero) / Chapter 40 - Chapter 40: Gathering intel.

Chapter 40 - Chapter 40: Gathering intel.

The days turned into weeks as Kaito, Lyra, and Orion worked tirelessly to prepare for their escape from Synthetica. Each night, Kaito would sneak into Lyra's cell to share updates and gather new ideas, while during the day, he focused on gathering intel from the prison environment and the other inmates.

Kaito knew that information was key to their success. The more they understood about the prison's layout, the guards' routines, and the security systems, the better their chances of escaping. He began to develop a strategy for gathering intel without drawing attention.

One evening, after a long day of observing the guards, Kaito met with Orion in a secluded corner of the prison yard. "I've been watching the guards closely," Kaito said, excitement in his voice. "I think I've figured out their shift changes and patrol routes."

Orion raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on. What did you find?"

Kaito pulled out his makeshift map, which was now filled with notes and observations. "The guards change shifts every hour, but there are two key times when they're distracted. During the shift change, they're busy organizing their new posts, and there's also a time when they gather for a brief meeting near the main control room."

"Good work," Orion replied, studying the map. "If we can time our movements during those distractions, we can slip past them more easily."

Kaito nodded, feeling a rush of confidence. "I also noticed that the cameras on the first floor have blind spots. If we can move quickly, we can avoid being seen."

"Let's make sure to mark those spots on the map," Orion said, taking a pencil and adding notes. "We'll need to memorize the layout before we make our move."

As they continued to discuss their findings, Kaito felt a sense of urgency. They had to gather as much intel as possible before the escape. "I'll keep an eye on the other floors too," he said. "I want to learn about the security measures on each level."

"Good idea," Orion replied. "But be careful. If the guards catch you snooping around, it could ruin everything."

Kaito agreed. He knew he had to be cautious. Each day, he would blend in with the other inmates, trying to gather information without raising suspicion. He would listen to their conversations, watch their interactions with the guards, and take note of any useful details.

That night, Kaito returned to Lyra's cell, eager to share his findings. "I've been gathering intel on the guards and the layout of the prison," he said, excitement bubbling in his voice. "I think I've found some blind spots in the cameras and figured out the guard shift changes."

Lyra's eyes lit up. "That's great news! We need to use that information to our advantage. What else have you learned?"

Kaito took a deep breath and explained his observations. "The guards have a meeting near the control room during shift changes, and there are times when they're distracted by other tasks. If we can create a diversion during those moments, we can make our move."

Lyra nodded, her expression serious. "We should also consider the other inmates. They might have valuable information about the security systems on their floors. If we can gain their trust, they might share what they know."

"Good point," Kaito replied. "I'll start talking to some of the other inmates and see if I can gather more intel. We need to build a network of information."

Over the next few weeks, Kaito spent his days observing the other inmates and the guards. He approached a few inmates who seemed more open to conversation, carefully asking questions about their experiences in the prison. He learned about the routines of the guards, the locations of security cameras, and even some hidden passages that could be useful for their escape.

One afternoon, Kaito sat with a group of inmates during lunch. He casually mentioned the upcoming shift change and listened closely as they talked about their experiences. "Have you noticed any weak spots in the security?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

One of the inmates, a man named Jax, leaned closer. "Yeah, there are a few places where the cameras don't cover everything. If you know when to move, you can get past them without being seen."

Kaito's heart raced. "Really? Where are those spots?"

Jax glanced around, making sure no guards were listening. "On the third floor, there's a corner by the storage room. The camera doesn't cover that area well. If you're quick, you can slip through."

"Thanks, Jax," Kaito said, trying to hide his excitement. He made a mental note of the information, knowing it could be crucial for their escape plan.

That night, Kaito returned to Lyra's cell, eager to share his new findings. "I spoke to Jax today," he said, his voice low. "He told me about some blind spots on the third floor. If we can use those, it could help us get past the guards."

Lyra's eyes widened. "That's fantastic! We need to keep gathering information like this. The more we know, the better our chances."

As the weeks went on, Kaito continued to gather intel from various inmates. He learned about the routines of the guards, the locations of security cameras, and even some hidden passages that could be used to navigate the prison more effectively. Each piece of information brought them closer to their goal.

During one of their late-night meetings, Kaito shared a particularly valuable piece of intel. "I found out that there's a maintenance tunnel that connects the lower floors. It's rarely used, and the guards don't monitor it closely."

Lyra's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That could be our way out! If we can access that tunnel, we might be able to bypass several floors of security."

"Exactly," Kaito replied, feeling a surge of hope. "We'll need to plan carefully to get to the entrance without being seen."

As they continued to strategize, Kaito felt a sense of camaraderie with Lyra. They were working together as a team, and he appreciated her insights and ideas. Each night spent planning brought them closer, and he felt a growing bond between them.

One night, as Kaito prepared to leave Lyra's cell, he paused. "Lyra, do you ever think about what you'll do once we escape?"

She looked thoughtful for a moment. "I want to find my home. I want to return to my people and help them understand what happened to me. But first, we need to get out of here."

Kaito nodded, understanding the weight of her words. They both had their own reasons for escaping, and the stakes were high. But together, they were determined to make it happen.

As the days turned into weeks, Kaito and Lyra continued to gather intel and refine their escape plan. They knew that the time for action was approaching, and they were ready to face the challenges ahead. With each piece of information they uncovered, their chances of success grew stronger, and Kaito felt a sense of purpose driving him forward.

The escape was within reach, and Kaito was ready to do whatever it took to break free from the confines of Synthetica. Together with Lyra and Orion, they would find a way to overcome the prison's unbreakable protocols and seize their freedom.