Their guide's footsteps couldn't be heard again, and for a moment, the group was enveloped in an oppressive silence. The darkness seemed to press in around them, making it hard to breathe. Aria's senses were on high alert, as she strained to hear any sound that might indicate what was happening.
And then, suddenly, everywhere was lit up. The lights flickered to life, casting a harsh, unforgiving glare over the room. Aria winced, shielding her eyes with her hand as the sudden brightness assaulted her senses. The light was blinding, a searing intensity that seemed to burn away the shadows and leave everything exposed.
As her vision adjusted, Aria saw that they were standing in a vast space that seemed to stretch on forever. The room was filled with row upon row of sleek, silver-colored workstations, each one equipped with a dizzying array of high-tech equipment. The workstations were arranged in neat, precise rows, giving the impression of a highly organized and efficient operation.
