After discussing James's theories, Dr. David continued to show him other inventions and experiments.
While James's curiosity was piqued by the array of scientific marvels, a growing impatience gnawed at him.
The true purpose for which he had entered the laboratory—to gain deeper insights about Noel—remained unfulfilled.
As David led him through the bustling corridors, explaining various devices and breakthroughs, James's mind was only half-focused on the present.
His thoughts constantly drifted back to Noel, and the urgent need to uncover the secrets surrounding him.
While walking, James's attention was abruptly caught by a path veering off from the main lab area.
Unlike the rest of the facility, this path was shrouded in an eerie silence, a stark contrast to the constant hum of activity around them.
The corridor was dimly lit, almost foreboding, and it seemed to beckon him with an air of mystery.
"What's there?" James asked, pointing towards the shadowy corridor, his curiosity tinged with an edge of urgency.
David followed his gaze, his expression tightening slightly.
A flicker of something—unease, perhaps—passed over his face before he regained his usual composure.
"Oh, that path leads to the basement," he replied, his tone carefully measured.
"Can I take a look?" James pressed, his instincts telling him that this unexplored area might hold the answers he sought.
David's response was immediate and firm.
"I'm sorry, James, but there's only junk, harmful chemicals, and radioactive materials down there. It's not safe." His polite tone barely concealed the underlying resolve.
James felt a surge of frustration.
He knew there was more to it than David was letting on.
The scientist's subtle shift in demeanor, the quick dismissal—it all pointed to something hidden, something crucial.
But he simply nodded, masking his disappointment with a casual demeanor.
"Is that so? Fine. Show me some more of your ideas."
As they continued their tour, James mind raced.
He now knew where he needed to start his search.
The basement held the secrets he was after.
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
He just needed the right moment to make his move.
As they moved from one section to another, his impatience grew.
Each demonstration and explanation seemed to stretch time, but he maintained his facade of interest, even as his thoughts were miles away.
He needed a distraction, a way to slip away unnoticed.
An opportunity finally presented itself.
"Umm... where's the toilet?" James asked hesitantly, feigning a touch of embarrassment.
David nodded to a guard stationed nearby. "Guide him to the toilet."
"Please follow me, sir," the guard said, gesturing for James to follow.
James followed the guard down a different corridor, trying to memorize the layout of the facility.
The sterile, fluorescent-lit hallways all looked the same, but he focused on noting distinctive markers and turns.
They reached the restroom, and the guard stood outside, waiting.
Once inside the restroom, he took a deep breath, steadying himself.
This was his perfect chance to make his move.
He glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his face tense with determination.
Most people knew him for his Astra Mark, a formidable power that could control and command others.
But he had a secret, one he had kept even from his closest allies.
He possessed another power, one he had discovered much later and hadn't shared with anyone.
In a world where having two powers was unheard of, he had kept this second ability a closely guarded secret.
He felt a surge of adrenaline as he prepared to use his hidden power.
He had practiced it in secret, knowing it might one day give him an edge in situations just like this.
With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and focused.
He glanced around to make sure he was alone, then focused inward.
A soft light began to emanate from his body, growing brighter until it filled the small room.
As the light subsided, James stood face to face with a perfect duplicate of himself.
Astra Clone.
This ability allowed him to create a clone with some of his powers.
It was a secret weapon, perfect for situations like this.
"You go with the guard and stay with David, okay?" He said to his clone, his voice steady despite the tension coiling in his chest.
"Okay," the clone replied, mirroring his calm determination.
They shared a brief, silent understanding, the clone embodying the same resolve and focus.
His plan was simple yet effective: while the clone kept them busy, he would investigate the basement.
Once the clone and guard were out of sight, David took a deep breath and exited the restroom.
His movements were swift and precise, his senses heightened to a razor-sharp focus.
The facility was a maze of activity, but he navigated it with practiced ease, his goal clear in his mind.
He spotted a scientist approaching the restroom, engrossed in a tablet.
Timing his move perfectly, he subdued the scientist quickly and quietly, ensuring no one noticed the brief struggle.
The scientist's muffled gasp was the only sound as he moved with efficiency born of necessity.
He stripped the scientist of his lab coat and ID badge, donning them with a sense of urgency, the lab coat fitting snugly over his frame.
Disguised as a scientist, he moved towards the basement.
He blended into the background, moving with purpose but without drawing attention.
The hum of machinery and quiet conversations filled the air, creating a cover for his clandestine mission.
His heart pounded in his chest, a relentless rhythm driving him forward.
As he approached the heavy metal door leading to the basement, he felt a surge of adrenaline.
The door loomed before him, a barrier between him and the answers he sought.
He swiped the stolen ID badge and heard the satisfying beep of the lock disengaging.
With a swift glance to ensure he was unobserved, he slipped through the door and descended into the dimly lit depths.
The door clicked open with a soft hum, and he slipped inside, the cool air of the basement washing over him like a wave of impending revelation.
The atmosphere changed instantly, a heavier, more oppressive feel settled around him.
His breath caught in his throat as he faced the large, imposing gate blocking his path, its metallic surface glinting faintly in the dim light.
His heart pounded against his ribs, a drumbeat of urgency and fear.
He scanned the area quickly, his eyes darting around the shadowy space.
There, on the side of the gate, was a small scanner.
His fingers trembled slightly as he lifted the ID badge he had taken from the subdued scientist, holding it up to the scanner.
The seconds stretched into eternity, each one laden with the weight of potential discovery or disaster.
With a soft beep, the gate began to open, the heavy metal groaning as it moved.
He slipped through, feeling a rush of adrenaline as he entered a vast hall that seemed to stretch endlessly.
The space was cavernous, branching off into three different paths, each one shrouded in shadow and uncertainty.
The enormity of the space and the eerie silence pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe.
He had no idea which path to take.
Time was running out, and he needed to act quickly.
His mind raced, considering and discarding options in rapid succession.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment, centering himself in the darkness, and listened.
The faint hum of machinery, the distant, muffled voices—they seemed to call to him, pulling him in a direction only his instincts could decipher.
Opening his eyes, he chose the middle path, feeling a flicker of hope that his instincts would guide him true.
Each step echoed in the narrow corridor, the sound a stark reminder of the silent urgency that enveloped him.
The walls seemed to close in, pressing against him, amplifying the tension coiling in his gut.
He had to remain calm, stay focused.
Every second counted.