The elevator responded, groaning as it made its way toward them. Theresa tensed when the doors opened, yet nothing awaited her. With a quiet breath, she looked at Quentin, and together they entered the elevator. Each of them wore the Divine Academy uniform. According to Professor K, the Divine Institute used the same outfit. Theresa was in Rosanna's uniform, while Quentin wore Professor K's. They lowered their heads upon entering. Theresa hit the button, and the elevator plunged downward. The building towered over thirty floors, but the ride down was brutal and swift—barely a dozen seconds carried them from the roof to the basement. They steadied themselves on the handrail as the elevator descended, carrying them to the basement entrance. The doors opened to reveal a brightly lit corridor, eerily silent. Professor K had cautioned her: the Institute was full of senior researchers, each secluded in their own work, seldom leaving their labs or speaking to others. But there was one group to watch out for—the Inspectors. Assigned by the Starborn Order itself, they were charged with both security and supervision. Theresa and Quentin moved cautiously, blending into the Institute as though they belonged. A cold voice broke the silence. "Where are you stationed? Why did you take the elevator?" Theresa turned to see a man wearing a white badge.His ID number started with the letter I. We've just walked in—straight into the Inspectors. Bad luck. Worse, there are two of them. "We were just out for some air," Theresa said. One Inspector narrowed his eyes. "Where's your badge?" "Oh—I must have dropped my ID badge in the elevator." She and Quentin made their way back to the elevator, the Inspectors right on their heels. As they stepped inside, a wave of psychic energy slammed into their minds. Theresa felt it and exchanged a wordless glance with Quentin. … Less than a minute later, they stepped out in changed attire, gliding through the Institute as if it were their domain. Now they moved with confidence, showing no hesitation. Regular employees lowered their heads in respect as they passed, careful not to meet their eyes. Walking through the facility, Theresa observed research involving zombies, lab mice, cell studies, detached limbs, and even human trials. The deeper they went, the stranger the projects became. But none of it seemed of any use to her. Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. "The company's been pressing. Are your specimens not ready yet?" Theresa halted abruptly, looking up to see a sizable group advancing toward them. At the center stood a man with slicked-back hair and frameless glasses. His sharp suit among the lab coats made him look refined and handsome.Sage Arlen! "Following that Divine Academy incident, the team providing antibodies has cut us off. Don't push us—we'll try to deliver them today," a voice responded. They walked past Theresa and Quentin. As they did, Sage stopped in his tracks and turned back toward the pair. Beside him, an S-Rank researcher asked, "What's up?" The man's gaze followed Sage's line and settled on Theresa and Quentin. "Nothing," Sage replied. He looked away and continued on. "Hurry with the batch. HQ won't stop asking." The researcher nodded, and the group disappeared down the corridor. Quentin leaned close to Theresa and whispered, "Beautiful, that first guy is trouble." She whispered back, "Focus on the task." "All right." They carefully placed timed explosives in the hidden corners and bathrooms of the basement labs. The Institute had three basement floors. Holding both S-Rank and Inspector cards, Theresa reviewed the map: all areas were secured—except the central restricted zone deep on the lowest level. As she planned her way inside, the sound of a cart rolling echoed toward her.