The research facility was finally left behind without another word.
Their footsteps echoed clearly through the long corridor that had just witnessed great change.
No one looked back.
Not because they didn't care.
But because they knew whatever was left there had changed far too much to be simply understood.
The outside air felt different as the metal door opened.
Lighter.
Yet it brought no sense of relief.
The morning sky was already bright, pale blue stretching wide, as if the world beyond was unaware of the threat slowly rising.
Daniel walked faster toward the car.
His hands were busy bringing up the navigation system.
"Coordinates for the west have been entered," he said shortly.
Leonard Graves stood still for a moment before getting in the vehicle.
He stared at the complex one more time, then smiled faintly.
"That place should be destroyed."
Richard Blackwood replied without looking back.
"Not yet."
Ethan said nothing.
He got straight into the front seat.
