NOVPUB"Orders from the higher-ups: any unauthorized trespassers are to be executed on the spot!" The moment the words settled, even more soldiers aimed their rifles at them.
Moreover, from deeper within the tunnel, a dense web of infrared beams shone forth, making it clear that a multitude of snipers had already set their sights on the group.
Everyone was taken aback. Regardless of the underlying purpose, they were, after all, formally invited to attend the banquet.
Yet, they hadn’t even entered the venue and were already targeted by this security detail.
Just then, a blinding beam of light emanated from behind them.
A car drove into the tunnel, coming to a halt right next to the group.
"Well?" A lilting voice echoed from within the vehicle, "What’s all this commotion about?"
The car door swung open, first revealing a pair of alluring, fair legs, followed by a woman clad in a black form-fitting evening dress stepping out.
Brooks and Mike couldn’t help but stare, their eyes widening in awe.
"Damn, what a stunner," they whispered. "Hold back, guys. Let me try to get her number first."
Swishing his hair back, Brooks confidently approached her, "Hey, beauty, care for a coffee together?"
The woman’s delicate eyebrows rose slightly, and she flashed a radiant smile, "Of course, as long as your friend agrees."
Friend?
Why would I need my friend’s approval to have coffee with you?
Brooks paused, momentarily confused.
Then, as the woman confidently walked towards Daniel, realization dawned on Brooks, as if a piece of a puzzle suddenly clicked into place.
Daniel hadn’t expected to encounter her here. "Gwen, it’s been a while."
Gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear with her slender fingers, Gwen’s smile was as gentle as flowing water. "Surprised to see me here, aren’t you?"
Daniel nodded, his curiosity piqued about Gwen’s identity.
Initially, after their passionate one-night affair, he had simply assumed she was a TV hostess.
But now, it seemed she was so much more.
After all, those attending this banquet were either wealthy elites or, like themselves, special Evolvers.
Gwen chuckled softly, "You look so startled, almost lost for words. You were much more wild that night."
She paused, then said, "Let’s head inside."
Then, producing an invitation from her purse, she inquired, "Can I bring them in with me?"
The officer, after a brief glance at the invitation, shook his head, "By the rules, one invitation only admits three guests. They are six, and you have three in your car. That doesn’t add up."
From inside the car, an aged voice interjected, "What kind of ridiculous rule is that? Anna, darling, bring your big brother Daniel the invitation."
Giggling, a voice replied, "Okay, Grandpa!"
Another car door opened to reveal a little girl, around six or seven years old.
As she alighted, she energetically waved at Daniel, "Big brother Daniel, long time no see!"
With a spring in her step, she darted towards him, saying, "Here you go, big brother Daniel. The invitation’s for you."
Anna Belle?
Daniel was momentarily taken aback, instinctively glancing into the car.
Through the windshield, he noticed, aside from the driver, an elderly man with snowy white hair.
It was none other than the Godfather of the Black Hat Gang, Elkampen!
Elkampen gave a friendly nod to Daniel and then remarked, "So, are we allowed in now?"
The officer, however, was steadfast in his refusal. "I apologize, but one invitation allows only three guests. You only have two invitations..."
Growing impatient, Elkampen snapped, "Open your eyes and look closely! This face of mine is the invitation itself!"
The officer’s eyes widened in realization. Earlier, with Elkampen seated inside the car, he hadn’t recognized him.
But now, he saw clearly that it was the Godfather of the Black Hat Gang.
"But..."
Elkampen waved him off dismissively.
"Anna, back in the car!" He challenged, "If you’ve got the guts, shoot at me."
Anna’s face lit up with a beaming smile, "See you inside, big brother Daniel!"
With that, she happily hopped back into the car.
Gwen, too, smiled gently. After handing her invitation to Daniel, she gracefully turned and got into the car.
On Elkampen’s command, the engine roared to life, and the vehicle drove forward without hindrance.
Though the soldiers were on high alert, none dared to fire without explicit orders.
They could only watch helplessly as the car disappeared into the depths of the tunnel.
Daniel tossed the invitation to the officer, and led his group back to their vehicle.
A minor hiccup wouldn’t dampen their spirits.
Especially for Daniel; seeing several old acquaintances in succession and the prospect of soon meeting Rachel had added a touch of excitement to his heart.
Within the tunnel, soldiers in full armor could be seen everywhere.
Even after exiting, vehicles couldn’t change direction freely but had to follow the soldiers’ directives.
Soon, they drove into a heavily guarded mansion and stopped in front of a large building. This was the hotel hosting the banquet.
Everyone disembarked, taking in their surroundings.
Mike, somewhat awed, remarked, "A private hotel within a personal estate? Talk about throwing money around!"
The hotel was expansive, surrounded by security barriers, and every few dozen meters soldiers armed to the teeth patrolled.
Guided by the receptionists, the group made their way to a checkpoint.
Inside, more soldiers and fully equipped medical personnel were present, as well as several Evolvers.
They could easily sense that all of them were level 3 Evolvers.
After a thorough screening with sophisticated devices, they were allowed through the checkpoint.
Once inside the hotel, Daniel curiously inquired, "You guys mentioned earlier that the Investigation Bureau has a record of just over seven thousand Evolvers. Over six thousand of them are level 1 Evolvers, and only fifty to sixty are level 3 Evolvers."
"At a mere banquet, just within this checkpoint, there are five level 3 Evolvers. Where did all these people come from?" 𝖓𝔬𝔳𝖕𝖚𝖇.𝖈𝔬𝔪
Brooks dismissed it with, "They’ve probably been brought in from various regions."
Daniel pressed, "Doesn’t that mean those areas are now without any stationed Evolvers? What if supernatural events occur during this period?"
Brooks smirked disdainfully, "Those are our concerns, not theirs."
Those at the top rarely concern themselves with the safety of those below.
The hotel’s interior was opulent and extravagant.
Everywhere you looked, there was an intense golden hue, even the sparkle of jewels.
Adorned with gold and jewels, it exuded a sense of immense wealth.
One could even faintly sense the energy of the Gene Magnet. It was clear that within these ornate decorations lay the Gene Magnet.
Daniel sighed involuntarily. Indeed, behind gilded doors, there’s wastefulness, while out on the streets people freeze to death.
Countless Evolvers must have perished in battles against monsters or during Resonance reactions, simply because they lacked adequate gold and Gene Magnets.
Yet, in this private hotel, the visible gold alone weighed tens of thousands of pounds, with countless Gene Magnets concealed from sight.
Julia couldn’t help but comment, "Such an extravagant display, building a hotel with gold. Although it’s not entirely made of it, the sheer amount in this lobby alone is staggering. The total gold used for the entire hotel must be immense."
Mike whispered mischievously, "What if we secretly pocket some and smuggle it out?"
The guide, a receptionist, responded with a slight smile, "Gentlemen, please restrain yourselves. All this gold and the Gene Magnets within are documented. Any unauthorized tampering might land you in court."
Mike chuckled awkwardly, "I was just joking. You take things so seriously, miss."
The group then followed the guide into an elevator, ascending to the hotel’s thirteenth floor.
As they stepped out of the elevator, the sounds of a scuffle and screams echoed from the depths of the corridor.
The group exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued, and swiftly made their way toward the commotion.
Soon, they came upon two men entangled on the ground.
One was covered in blood, with over ten gashes across his face.
Yet, he sat atop the other man, pinning him down, his hands firmly around his throat, laughing maniacally.
Such injuries would’ve knocked out any ordinary person, but this man’s laughter was still resonant and forceful.
"Ha ha ha ha! Flashman Hannibal, it seems you’re not as formidable as I thought. Quite disappointing indeed."
The man pinned beneath, Hannibal, flushed with anger and rage, spat out, "Jack! You’re nothing but a sneaky coward, attacking from behind. Let go of me, and I swear I’ll kill you!"
He struggled fiercely, his hands lashing out at Jack at an astonishing speed.
So swift were his strikes that to Daniel, they appeared as mere afterimages.
Perhaps this was the origin of his moniker ’Flashman’.
Yet, every blow that landed on Jack seemed as though it was hitting the surface of water. Or more precisely, the surface of blood.
Julia gasped in realization, "I know who he is. That’s Bloodfiend Jack!"
Mike caught on as well, "Bloodfiend Jack and Flashman Hannibal, both are renowned Evolvers among the masses!"
A memory flashed across Daniel’s mind. He too had come across these names before -- on an Evolver forum, ranked closely to Blackglove Arlo.
Both of these men were level 3 Evolvers.
"Enough, both of you!"
A furious voice erupted, echoing like the roar of a wild beast, detonating beside each person’s ear.
In the air, barely perceptible soundwaves rolled forth, leaving a neat, slender mark upon the walls.
Another level 3 Evolver?!
The group turned to see a diminutive, frail old man approaching slowly.
Julia instantly recognized him, "Sonicman Hadler. He’s here too!"
