Chapter 84: The bunker

Back at the camp, the gates opened slowly and The Familia Convoy of Smith was seen exiting the settlement. However, this time there was an additional vehicle in the formation: an extra luxury SUV. Where there had originally been only two, there were now three, The entire convoy moved in precise formation, traversing deep into Westland.

​The newly added luxury SUV was reserved exclusively for the two new lovebirds. Night had long since fallen; they had departed immediately following their discussions at Sarafina’s residence without wasting a single moment.

​As the convoy pressed deeper into the Westland, far beyond the perimeter of the settlement, it became increasingly evident that they were not heading toward Everest City. Instead, they were traveling in a completely different direction. Smith and the others remained quiet, having already discussed it earlier in the day. Farther and farther they went, distancing themselves from Everest City.

​After nearly four hours of continuous driving along clear, unobstructed open roads, the sheer distance implied they were extremely far off course. Given their high cruising speed and the complete absence of traffic, they had easily covered at least 500 kilometers.

​Eventually, the convoy came to a halt in front of an old, abandoned factory. The structure was completely dilapidated, looking as though it hadn’t been entered or used since the initial Dungeon Breakouts.

​The moment the convoy stopped, the armed soldiers disembarked from their IFVs with practiced precision, surrounding the three luxury SUVs to establish an immediate security perimeter. Smith had gradually grown accustomed to these heavy defensive measures. With Astra’s assistance, he stepped out of the vehicle and was escorted into the abandoned factory alongside the others.

​Stepping inside, the place proved to be as derelict as it appeared from the outside. Thick layers of dust and debris covered the floor, and the heavy machinery was thoroughly rusted, confirming that the facility had remained completely untouched for years.

​Led by Jacob, the group navigated through a long, rusted assembly line before reaching an administrative block. They stopped before an office door bearing an old, weathered plaque that read General Manager.

​Jacob pushed the door open, revealing an interior that starkly contrasted with the decay outside. Unlike the filthy assembly hall, this office was meticulously clean, completely free of dust and grime. Though the furniture was aged, it was immaculate.

​In the center of the room, embedded directly into the raised floor, was a heavy metallic hatch. Jacob stepped forward and stood directly above it. A series of faint blue lights swept over him as the built-in biometrics scanned his features. With a heavy mechanical click, the hatch unlocked and slid open automatically, revealing a passage leading downward.

​This time, the guards remained outside to hold the perimeter. Only Smith, Astra, Diana, and Jacob stepped toward the opening. Once the four of them were inside, the heavy hatch closed behind them with a definitive thud.

​Rather than a simple stairwell, they found themselves standing inside a high-tech elevator. The doors sealed, and the lift began a smooth, rapid descent deep underground.

​After several seconds, the elevator came to a gentle stop, opening into a modern reception room measuring approximately 150 square meters. As they walked out, it was immediately obvious that this subterranean facility was built with cutting-edge technology.

​"This is our final destination," Jacob explained, gesturing to the surrounding area. "As you can see, it is a fully functional residence where you can live comfortably for the time being and here is the main reception or visiting area."

​The central space featured three distinct doorways. Jacob led them through the door on the right first, which opened into a spacious, fully equipped kitchen and dining hall. Everything was modern, spotless, and ready for immediate use.

​Returning to the reception area, they took the left door. This led into a broad living area furnished with deep, comfortable couches, a central coffee table, a fully stocked refrigerator, and a massive television paired with a high-end surround-sound system. Beneath the seating area lay a plush, oversized carpet that added warmth to the space.

​Smith took in the details with a quiet smile. He preferred spending his downtime in cozy living spaces, and it was clear the they had designed this room specifically with his personal habits in mind.

​Finally, Jacob guided them toward the center doorway, which opened into a long hallway lined with several doors on both sides.

​"This hallway leads to the living quarters," Jacob noted. "There are eight guest rooms in total, four on each side, all fully furnished with private bathrooms."

​He walked to the very end of the hall and opened the final door, revealing an expansive master suite. Inside sat an extra-king-sized customized bed, a massive walk-in closet with separate sections for Smith and the girls, and an attached luxury bathroom.

​It was undeniable that this hidden bunker was a masterclass in covert luxury.

​"So," Jacob asked, turning to Smith with an inquisitive look. "What do you think? Do you like the place?"

​Smith nodded in appreciation. "It’s impressive. Not bad at all."

​"You don’t have to worry about the chores," Jacob continued with a smile. "I will arrange for Harold and your usual servants to be brought here shortly so you can maintain your normal daily routine."

​Jacob’s expression then turned serious as he addressed the facility’s security. "As for your safety, I can personally guarantee that this site is fortified to the highest standard. Even if a Transcendent-rank Player were to launch a direct attack, this bunker can hold them off for several minutes. The walls consist of nearly a meter of solid concrete, reinforced by an outer shell of high-grade titanium alloy. It can withstand a direct impact from a heavy nuclear warhead without so much as shaking the foundation. Against a Transcendent, it buys us the precious minutes we need."

​Smith nodded calmly. He understood the necessity of these measures. The world was far from peaceful, and given his current importance, extreme security was unavoidable. While living here meant his movement was strictly monitored—requiring a full military convoy whenever he wished to travel—he knew it was all for his protection.

​Noticing Smith’s quiet reflection, Jacob spoke up softly, a hint of hesitation in his voice. "I apologize that we are restricting your freedom to this confined space and that you cannot go outside as you please. But please understand, it truly is for your own safety."

​Smith shook his head, offering a gentle smile to ease Jacob’s concern. "You don’t need to apologize, Jacob. I know you’re all doing this to keep me safe. I’ve never been someone who feels the need to constantly roam around anyway. Before I became a Player, I spent most of my time at home, so staying in one place isn’t difficult for me. Besides, I have my companions here with me. It won’t be lonely. Don’t weigh yourself down thinking you’ve locked me in a cage."

​Hearing Smith’s genuine words, Jacob let out a long sigh of relief. Confining someone, even under the guise of protection, was a delicate matter that could easily breed resentment. He was deeply grateful for Smith’s understanding nature.

​"Thank you, Smith," Jacob said, his tone brightening. "Now, before I leave, there is one last place I need to show you."

​Jacob’s eyes glinted with a hint of mischief. "If I remember correctly, I promised you a little surprise. I can guarantee you’re going to like this one."

​With a subtle smile, Jacob led the group back to the main elevator. Once inside, he engaged a lower floor control, and the lift began descending once again, plunging deeper into the earth.

​Smith raised an eyebrow. "There’s another level below this?"

​"Be patient," Jacob replied playfully. "You’ll see soon enough."

​A few moments later, the elevator settled with a soft chime, and the heavy doors slid open.

​Stepping out, Smith found himself in a vast, cavernous underground level. Unlike the residential floor above, this space was immense and mostly open, filled with stacked crates, massive water reservoirs, power generators, and long-term survival stockpiles. It resembled a massive underground supply depot.

​Smith looked around, stunned by the sheer scale of the room. The floor area was significantly larger than the living quarters above. Judging by the volume of supplies, there was enough food, water, and resources stored here to sustain a full household for years on end.

​"This floor serves two main functions," Jacob explained, walking toward the center of the hall. "First, it acts as a secondary emergency route. Hidden at the far end of this level is an escape passage—a ten-kilometer underground tunnel that leads directly toward the territory of the Brown Family."

​Jacob gestured toward a designated launch platform in the distance. "Inside the tunnel sits a specialized high-speed discharge vehicle. In an absolute emergency, you can board it, and within ten seconds, the system will propel you down the shaft at extreme speeds. It features an integrated pneumatic ejection mechanism that shoots the vehicle out like a bullet, after which it can fly at high speeds for hundreds of kilometers."

​Jacob turned back to Smith, emphasizing the tactical design. "Even if a Transcendent enemy breaches the bunker and pursues you, the vehicle’s initial speed will force them to waste crucial time tracking your trajectory. By the time they close in, our relief forces from the Brown Family’s side will have already intercepted your route to secure your extraction."

​Smith listened intently, impressed by the layer upon layer of contingency planning built into the facility.

​"And finally," Jacob added, his grin widening as he pointed toward a cleared, reinforced spatial zone in the middle of the hall, "you can also use this exact space to safely anchor and open the portal from the Trial Grounds."

​Hearing those words, Smith suddenly froze, realization washing over him as he stared at the open floor.