Standing up, the masked figure commanded in a distinctively female voice, “follow me I’ll lead you to Mykl.” No pleasantries of introduction, just a clear instruction for them to follow her.

Unable to argue they all did as told and followed a couple of feet behind her as she led them up the pyramid-shaped temple she’d been sitting on when first discovered. Below the hem of her cloak peaked a rather charming slim black furred tail which swayed gently as she walked up the structure. It had a stairstep design which relied on intricately carved stones to reach an estimate of at least 300 feet, its peak crowned with a sculpture of an evil looking deity gazing down upon them.

Reaching the top, she stopped and turned around to face them. “You won’t be able to pass through this next part with illusion barriers without help, at least until you have learned the correct rhythm and amount of emitted genetic energy required to pass them, not that you will be visiting much. However, for now, you will have to be in physical touch with me in order to get through them.”

Taking two steps forward Creon and the two elders each placed a hand on her narrow shoulders. Through their palms, they could feel slight pulses of genetic energy emitted from her body. As they walked through the entrance, each of them felt themselves being enveloped by a foreign energy while holding onto her at a slightly upward angle.

She quickly led them beyond a large hall meant for meditation or prayers to the deity sitting at the top, and past multiple deserted chambers where the constricted airflow caused an uncomfortable moldy scent to permeate the air. They continued on until they reached the end of a small corridor without any options to continue.

"Don’t let go,” was all she said in preparation as they felt the rhythm of genetic energy change to become more erratic and walked them straight through a nearby wall, almost like it didn’t exist in the first place. A split second of darkness later revealed a lighted downward spiraling staircase.

“Okay, you can let go now,” she stated coldly and without waiting for a response walked down the steps.

Letting go of her shoulders, Creon and the two elders followed behind impressed with the protective measures taken to conceal this facility, not to mention the chosen location. Even if someone were to stumble upon its location, the time and skill required to decipher all their installed barriers should provide them with enough time to escape to safety.

Arriving at the bottom of the staircase they came to a grand lobby equipped in a modern style equipped, proving the considerable amount of money invested in this project.

“This facility has been built by expanding and renovating this city's already existing network of underground tunnels and buildings.” Said made a slight gesture to the polished walls without turning around, still leading from the front.

“Today we used the main entrance if you will. However, there are several others throughout the city and are similarly secured by different barriers. Furthermore, a sensing barrier has been placed around the entire crater constantly monitored by a team allowing us to detect intruders and intercept them if needed,” she explained.

So that’s how they knew our precise location, Creon thought to himself.

“The facility has been divided into several areas intended for varying purposes such as training, educational and medical. As for the all the different areas and their exact locations, someone will provide a more detailed explanation at a later date. For now, I’m taking you to see Mykl and then we’ll commence the placement of containment seals.”

Having trailed behind her for the better part of ten minutes in the underground network of tunnel and buildings, she stopped in front an opaque sliding door the length of 15 feet that automatically opened letting them through revealing a large office on the other side.

Despite Creon never actually seeing Mykl’s true appearance the massive build of the man currently working behind a desk in the middle of the office using multiple displays definitely had the correct size. Judging by his white skin tone with a hint of blue, small pointy ears, short black hair and tail he should be from the kingdom of Zaia, known as one of the 8 most powerful empires.

“Ah, I see you made it. Good to see you again, Creon. I see you brought company!” Said the man as he stood up from his chair and went to greet them.

“Likewise, and I presume you’re Mykl?” Creon responded as they shook hands. Their size difference becoming even more apparent standing next to each other.

“Hmm... How would you ever guess?" He chuckled in a deep voice. "No need to be so uptight Jasmine, we're partners now you can drop the masks and all.” Mykl directed his attention to their female guide.

"Yes, sir!" Was all she said as the hood and mask was taken off, in turn, revealing a stoic face that could have been pretty should she ever choose to smile. Her black hair was collected in a simple, sleek ponytail that complemented her face, but her pale blue eyes gave off a feeling of danger. Based on her complexion she should definitely be from Zaia, it also explained why she was so tall.

"Never mind her she's always like that no matter the company, come over here and take a look," Mykl showed them to panoramic windows behind the desk.

"What? You've already begun?" Creon questioned in confusion as he gazed below, "We have to, the clients are lining up to buy what we sell. What's down there is a part of the first generation we are going to train."

"How many have you managed to collect?" Dawson asked, standing behind Creon.

"About a 150 so far, though we still need another 50'ish to reach the planned number of 200 children in each generation. One generation needs to produce approximately 20 sentinels of the highest grade." Mykl said and pointed to one crib in the corner where an infant was receiving an exam, "That infant boy over there held by one of our facility's medical staff members was brought in less than an hour before you arrived. Our recruitment is done in collaboration with various adoption agencies and agents we have placed within the foster care system. All infants need to pass a screening where we evaluate their potential and whether they are worth the investment."

"How precise are these tests you perform?" Tobias interrupted him midflow.

"Of course it's not completely reliable as there will always be outliers, however, we've reached a point where the statistical error using various tests is sufficiently low for us to still make a killing doing this!" He said with a satisfied grin on his face.