"What about from your room?"
The boss stuttered anxiously, fear evident in his voice. "Th-there's none. None of them are connected to the base."
"Heh..." Sia let out a cold smirk, pressing the muzzle of her gun harder against his temple. "Don't make me ask you a second time. You can't afford it."
"I-I'll tell you, just don't kill me! There's one in this room. There's a hidden door behind that table. Behind the door, there's an elevator that goes straight down to the basement. B-but I swear, I've never used it! I've never even gone down there. My job is only to oversee the gambling den and send people to them. I don't have the authority to go into the base, nor have I ever been there. Please, trust me!" the boss exclaimed, desperation lacing his words.
One of the officers behind Sia scoffed, his scepticism obvious. "Then why do you have an elevator in your room that leads to their base?"
"T-that's not for me. It's meant for the head researcher. I'm only allowed to use it in case of an emergency," the boss stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Although Sia had more questions, she didn't want to waste any more time. Her expression turned colder as she looked down at the boss. "I'll deal with you later," she said icily.
Then, without hesitation, she struck the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious.
As she straightened up, Sia noticed several young officers staring at her, their expressions dumbfounded. It was only then that she realized she might have forgotten herself and let down her guard, allowing her ruthlessness to show. Clearing her throat, she looked at the group and gave them a firm order. "Two of you, stay here and keep an eye on him. Don't let him escape or harm himself. Since he's the boss, he could provide valuable intel. The rest of you, split into two groups. Check on the others and see if anyone needs assistance. Once you've cleared the area, head to the backyard and search for any other hidden paths or entrances to a basement or secret room."
"Yes, Sir!"
"Good. Disperse."
Except for the two officers she had designated, the rest turned and headed downstairs to continue with the mission.
Sia then addressed the two remaining officers, her tone commanding. "Watch him closely. He won't wake up for a while, but don't let your guard down."
"Yes, Sir."
"Then stop worrying about a useless elevator and help clear out this lab. Move it!" he barked, his impatience evident.
"Yes, Sir!" The guard immediately joined the others, helping to dismantle and move equipment.
Just then, a soft 'ding' sounded from the elevator, catching the attention of everyone in the room. They paused, turning toward the elevator doors as they slid open. Standing in the elevator was a single figure: a young woman dressed in black tactical gear, protective gear glinting under the harsh fluorescent lights, and a rifle held at the ready.
For a brief moment, there was a stunned silence as the researchers and guards stared at her, trying to process the unexpected intruder. Then, with a quick click, the silence shattered as gunfire erupted within the base. The young woman moved with deadly precision, her shots precise and unrelenting. In seconds, the room dissolved into chaos, filled with screams and the cacophony of gunshots echoing through the space.
Initially, the head researcher froze, paralyzed with shock. But upon noticing that the intruder was alone, he quickly regained his composure. His fear turned to anger as he shouted at the guards, his voice laced with fury. "What are you all doing, standing there like idiots? Are you deaf? Shoot her! Kill that bastard immediately!"
The guards scrambled to react, raising their weapons and aiming at Sia. But she was swift and relentless, taking down each guard with an almost eerie efficiency. The researchers, caught in the crossfire, ducked for cover, desperately trying to avoid the bullets flying through the air.
Undeterred, Sia continued her assault, her movements fluid and calculated. Each shot was placed with deadly accuracy, systematically reducing the number of guards attempting to stop her. The chief researcher watched in horror as his once-protected lab crumbled into pandemonium.
Seeing his guards fall one by one, the researcher's desperation mounted. He searched the room for an escape route, his mind racing. But before he could act, Sia's gaze locked onto him. Her cold, calculating eyes sent a chill down his spine.
Realizing he had no other options, the researcher shouted orders to the remaining guards. "Hold her off! Do whatever it takes! I need time to get the last of the files!"
Ignoring the gunfire around him, he dashed toward the far end of the lab, where an emergency exit door was located. His breaths came in frantic gasps as he pushed through the door and disappeared down the corridor.
Sia, noticing his escape attempt, dispatched the last few guards with swift, calculated shots before following after him. Her boots echoed against the cold, metallic floors as she pursued the researcher through the winding corridors of the basement.
As she rounded a corner, she spotted him fumbling with a set of keys at another locked door. Hearing her approach, the researcher turned, his face a mask of terror. Trembling, he dropped the keys, his back pressed against the door as he tried to shrink away from the intimidating figure advancing on him.
Sia stopped a few feet away, her gaze piercing. Raising her rifle, she levelled it at him, her voice low and menacing. "You're going to tell me everything about this operation. Every detail. Or this will be the last room you ever see."
The researcher gulped, his face pale, nodding frantically.