"1 hour and 10 minutes. That's the time left after I took Elystral IV and descended to the deeper floors," Arov muttered to himself.
This facility consists of 31 floors, with the first five floors making up the surface zone, where the lobby and other rooms are located.
Floor 1: Lobby & Security Screening
Floor 2: Waiting & Observation Zone
Floor 3: Control & Security Zone
Floor 4: Armory Zone
Floor 5: Barrack Town
Floor 1 was where Arov had been earlier, while Floor 2 is where special guests and external agents come and maintain security. Floor 3 controls the first five floors, housing the CCTV center, scanning devices, and a tightly monitored area. Floor 4 is the armory, equipped with weaponry used to secure the area.
Meanwhile, the fifth floor is somewhat frightening; it's filled with fanaticism and madness toward Abyss.
The fifth floor of this facility isn't just an ordinary barracks; it's a "mini-town," fully equipped for daily needs, reflecting the life and fanaticism of Abyss worshippers. They live, work, and fully devote themselves within this closed community. Far beneath the earth, they've built a life entirely dependent on this facility.
The size of Barrack Town itself is approximately 20,000–30,000 m²; it's astonishing that a mini-town has formed underground.
According to the prepared plan, I'll infiltrate and enter Floor 5 using [Amir's Cloak] and retrieve the Arcane Resistives. After that, I'll head straight to Floor 16, the Abyss Specimen Isolation & Observation Zone. After observing animals, even humans, who have fallen victim to experiments using Abyss Energy, Floor 28, the Generator & Backup Energy Zone, is the next target. As for the last three floors, Floor 29 (Secret Archive & Documentation Zone), Floor 30 (Main Server Zone), and Floor 31 (Abyss Zone) await.
Arov clenched his fist, ready for this long but swift journey.
Slowly, Arov's body began to disappear as if swallowed by the Earth. This wasn't just a figure of speech—he truly sunk through the floors until he reached the fifth floor of the hidden facility.
***
Floor 5, Barrack Town
Arov opened his dark eyes. The first thing he saw was the circular structure where the mini-town lay. Barrack Town formed a large circle divided into several main sectors.
The tall buildings housed staff and Abyss worshippers, their strange architecture eerily fitting with the blood-red hue of the Abyss symbols engraved everywhere.
The buildings were open yet enclosed, as though privacy was entirely absent. Along the corridors, carvings and Abyss symbols constantly reminded them of their purpose in life.
Barrack Town's lighting used a unique blue-tinged technology, creating a mystical and slightly ominous aura, like an eternal twilight.
In the western sector lay a large training hall where they underwent physical and mental preparation for anything coming from Abyss. Here, their fanaticism was continuously forged, ready to "become one" with Abyss's power, a doctrine spread by their spiritual leader.
Meanwhile, at the heart of all this madness lay a plaza measuring 2000 m², the central area for major gatherings and rituals, capable of accommodating all staff at once.
Arov landed near the plaza, crowded with Abyss followers. Some wore white robes covering their entire bodies, adorned with Abyss symbols, while others wore specialized work uniforms with the Abyss emblem on their sleeves or chest.
Arov shifted his gaze toward the center of this plaza, where a large altar stood.
The altar lay at the center of the plaza, made of rough black stone carved from a single large block. On it were Abyss symbols burning in dark purple or deep red, giving off an ominous aura.
A slight chill ran down Arov's spine as he observed the Abyss worshippers; in truth, Barrack Town felt like a labyrinth filled with vacant-smiling, fanatical faces. Every person Arov saw seemed like a living puppet driven by a single purpose. Their obsession and fanaticism exerted a psychological pressure, even on Arov with his strong mental fortitude.
As he walked through the corridors, he overheard residents murmuring about their hope to "become part of Abyss" or to "meet the leader." Their madness only emphasized the danger of this organization.
Arov glanced around the altar surrounded by various artifacts. There were very ancient Abyss artifacts, such as crystal fragments or organic-shaped objects said to possess the "power of Abyss." These relics were often the focus of worship.
Among the praised artifacts, the offering area lay nearby, with places for burning offerings such as incense, animal blood, or personal items from followers wishing to offer their souls.
Below the altar, artifacts, and offering sites, a large Rune Circle was engraved, colored blood red with a pungent odor that made Arov's expression cringe slightly.
This circle seemed to connect the gathered followers' energy to Abyss. Etched with ancient symbols, the circle was designed to amplify their "calls" or "prayers" to Abyss.
Above the offering site, a 10-meter statue drew Arov's attention. This large statue depicted an entity or fictional deity worshipped by the Abyss followers. Its face bore a fanatical expression, its body covered in Abyss symbols and runes.
This statue seemed to be the focal point of the rituals, a place where followers took oaths or performed "soul cleansing" actions to prove their devotion.
Arov walked away from the Rune Circle ritual area. As he stepped out, he noticed rows of semi-circular seats made of cold metal surrounding the altar. There were also special seats for the sect leader and higher-ranking followers, made of luxurious dark marble, granting them elevated status.
This plaza was illuminated by torches that didn't burn with ordinary flames but with dark purple fire and Abyss crystals casting a grim light.
Arov planned to take a detour around the altar's inner area, searching for the Arcane Resistives.
Why detour?
The statue was watching him—it wasn't a metaphor; the statue's eyes seemed to follow him. This was why Arov decided to take a detour, passing by the other side.
Thick, yet fragrant blood seemed to assault Arov's senses; this place was another side of the ritual sacrifice site, where all the blood from rituals was collected. This pool contained the blood of animals or, in extreme cases, humans sacrificed in the rituals.
Arov's expression twisted.
Some of the crazed, fanatical followers were committing suicide across from the ritual pool. Meanwhile, others dipped their symbol-laden hands into the pool and drank.
"@#$&@! ####?", muttered one who had dipped his hands. "####!"
Arov didn't recognize the language. He diverted his gaze and continued walking forward. He finally reached the back of the altar, where no one was present. Yet, something intoxicating began to cloud Arov's perspective; for a moment, he felt dazed.
"Hmm?"
The scent rose from beneath the rear of the altar. Arov phased through the concrete platform below. A spiral staircase awaited him, leading into darkness.
Arov clenched his fist tightly, feeling a strong desire to explore and fulfill his curiosity. Unbeknownst to him, the aroma from the incense he inhaled was slowly affecting him.