What exactly was the headquarters of the "Heavenly Mandate" like?

Yue Ge had imagined all sorts of possibilities along the way. Yet no matter how he pictured it, nothing compared to the awe he felt seeing it firsthand. Like a city within a city, the headquarters was first enclosed by its own wall, seamlessly connected to the outer city walls and occupying nearly one-fifth of the entire Fated City’s area. Only after verification at the inner gate did their vehicle finally glide inside.

Truly, if Doctor Bai Ya lived in a place like this, she’d never need to step outside. Contrary to Yue Ge’s expectations of research facilities or towering skyscrapers, the interior resembled the outside world. Shops lined the streets as usual. Not a single high-rise stood in sight—so uniform were the buildings that it was impossible to tell their purposes.

This place felt nothing like the core of a mysterious Organization. Instead, it resembled an ordinary resort town. People strolled leisurely along the streets. Beyond being far quieter than the outer city, Yue Ge noticed no other differences.

Normally, Bai Ya might have offered some explanation. But now, seated in the back with an "outsider" present, she remained silent. Throughout the ride, she simply sat by the window, gazing outside, radiating an aura that kept others at bay.

The road wasn’t straight. After several winding turns, the car finally passed through the outer district and reached the heart of the headquarters. The moment they left the streets behind, the view opened dramatically. Vast empty spaces stretched out like a buffer zone for visitors. Even Yue Ge’s thoughts ground to a halt at the sight of the structure before him.

It was a primal reaction—like stepping into the ancient capital of Luo Yang and beholding its most magnificent palaces.

This was likely the largest building in the entire headquarters, perhaps even in all of Fated City. Though not particularly tall—possibly shorter than Yue Ge’s old school building—this oval-shaped colossus stretched endlessly in every direction. Viewed from above, it alone would occupy nearly half the headquarters’ area.

It couldn’t be called a mere "building." "Fortress" was more fitting. Its dark, imposing surface sent chills down the spine just by looking at it. Yue Ge suddenly understood why no research facilities were visible in the outer district—they were all concentrated here.

Crow didn’t stop at the outer parking area, even though part of it was clearly designated for vehicles. Ignoring it, he drove straight through a side entrance into the building. Inside the side door lay only a circular hall. Yet Crow turned off the engine and stepped out.

Seeing Bai Ya exit, Yue Ge followed. To his surprise, the floor beneath them began to move. A slight tremor came first, then a low railing rose smoothly around the edges, forming a platform. The platform ascended steadily while the sealed ceiling above parted open, creating a perfectly sized opening.

Only when the platform reached the second floor did it stop. Before them split two identical, unmarked corridors. The walls were blank white expanses—easy to get lost in. Clearly, this was the building’s interior.

But Bai Ya knew this place like the back of her hand. She could navigate it blindfolded. Without guidance, she strode ahead, glancing once at Yue Ge. He naturally fell in step behind her, asking nothing.

Crow seemed about to speak, but swallowed his words and simply trailed after them.

As they walked, Bai Ya handed Yue Ge the tablet she’d been holding. "Hold this for me."

Yue Ge took it, puzzled. The screen displayed a dense grid of unfamiliar software icons. Just looking at it gave him a headache. He couldn’t imagine Bai Ya working with this thing daily.

"Doctor Bai Ya," Crow finally interjected, frowning slightly.

"I don’t need your instructions. Attend to your duties," Bai Ya stated firmly. "I’ll send Yue Ge when it’s time."

"...Understood." Crow sighed, stopping at an intersection and turning down another corridor.

The outsider was finally gone.

Yue Ge realized this just as Bai Ya slowed her pace, stepping beside him. Her expression softened slightly. Perhaps only beside him could she relax in this place—or perhaps she was forcing herself to.

After so long away, returning to her most familiar domain made her instinctively revert to her old self. She needed no dissent, no validation. She demanded only absolute obedience. Those who defied her or clung to status had long been purged from the headquarters.

The Organization granted her that authority. Even after years of absence, she remained the supreme ruler here.

Which meant Bai Ya held the power of summary execution. She could dispose of anyone within this territory at will. If necessary, even resorting to force would go unquestioned. And she did—subduing researchers who couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag was effortless for her.

She despised lip service. Only absolute power ensured her commands were obeyed without fail. That was why Yue Ge rarely saw her smile. Her face was usually calm, often cold. Any smile was fleeting—a habit forged in those earlier days.

"Your time is short. The official notice will reach me soon," Bai Ya said as they walked.

"What now?" Yue Ge asked, cradling the tablet.

"Open the third app. Do as I say." She glanced at the screen. "Opened?"

"Yeah." Yue Ge nodded. He wasn’t familiar with such devices, but basic operation was simple enough. Not that he lacked ability—just interest.

"Check this floor… how many people are in this sector."

The Heavenly Mandate building was divided into zones by function—some interconnected, others completely isolated. They were currently in Zone B, the second-largest section. The largest was Zone C, accessible from the main entrance.

"Twelve people still in Zone B," Yue Ge reported after a glance. The app displayed not just names and photos, but room assignments and real-time statuses. It was Bai Ya’s management tool—though her own profile was absent.

"Gather everyone present in this zone. Ignore those absent. Direct them to Room 201. Thirty-minute deadline." Bai Ya sighed. "You’ll be taken for testing within the hour."

"Anything else?" Yue Ge tapped the screen, ignoring the last sentence.

"Hmm. Check experimental specimens. Any new High Danger Class arrivals?"

"None. Three intact Danger Class specimens. Six currently in use."

"Requisition all intact specimens. Also transfer an equal number of Standard Class to Room 201."

"Got it." Yue Ge’s fingers moved across the tablet. "But why make me do this?"

Bai Ya paused, as if remembering something. Softly, she said: "It’s part of an assistant’s duties. You’ll be issued your own tablet soon. Then you can handle these tasks independently."

"Assistant?" Yue Ge turned his head. Bai Ya was looking at him too. Their eyes met—neither close nor distant.

"You won’t disappoint me, will you?" Bai Ya asked, her head tilting slightly.

Yue Ge considered it but gave no answer. He knew she wasn’t seeking one. That answer had been given long ago. She was merely confirming something.

On this path leading to a fork.

Before they could continue, Crow reappeared from a side corridor, holding a tablet identical to Bai Ya’s. He raised it. "Doctor Bai Ya. The order’s arrived. Please release him."

"Understood. Take him." Bai Ya reclaimed her tablet from Yue Ge and walked on without looking back, as if the matter meant nothing. Their earlier conversation died unfinished.

"Then… let’s go," Crow said, puzzled by Bai Ya’s uncharacteristic compliance but pressing on. "Stick close. It’s easy to get lost here on your first visit."

"Where to?" Yue Ge asked.

"Zone A. Your test will be conducted there." Crow kept his eyes lowered.