Cassandra and Mara followed Matilda and Sakura through the pathway, their steps echoing softly against the metallic floor.
The air grew cooler and cleaner as they descended, the faint hum of distant machinery filling the silence. When they finally emerged into the main chamber, both women stopped, their eyes widening slightly.
The space was clean, organized, and well-lit, entirely different from the chaos outside. The polished floors reflected the soft glow of overhead lamps, and the walls were lined with shelves containing tools, supplies, and various salvaged items. In one corner, there was a sitting area with mismatched but comfortable-looking furniture.
"This is... impressive," Cassandra remarked, her gaze sweeping over the room.
"It's better than upstairs," Mara said, her voice tinged with awe. "You'd never guess this was here."
Sakura smiled faintly. "We like to keep it that way."
