The door closed slowly behind them, the harsh light blinding Adrian's eyes. As he, Rex, and Sophie stepped further into the light, the atmosphere around them grew unnervingly quiet. Before them lay a vast, metallic space, like stepping into the heart of a giant facility. The cold, clinical feeling of the surroundings sent a chill down their spines.
"What is this place?" Sophie whispered, looking around cautiously.
Adrian's eyes gradually adjusted to the bright light, and he looked around at the machinery and pipes that filled the space. They seemed to be inside some sort of underground laboratory, with large, outdated screens flashing disorganized data along the walls.
"This doesn't look like a survivor outpost," Rex frowned. "Did we take a wrong turn?"
"Maybe," Adrian replied. "But it feels like this place was prepared for us."
They continued walking forward until they reached a tall metal door. There were no guards in sight, just a flickering screen next to the entrance. The screen displayed a few words: "Enter, or abandon."
"Enter?" Sophie looked at the words on the screen, puzzled. "What does this mean?"
Adrian stepped closer to the screen, tapping it lightly. The words on the screen began to change, and new text appeared: "Your choice will determine your future. Entering means you will face the next phase of trials; abandoning means you choose to isolate yourselves from the outside world."
"Trials?" Rex looked at Adrian, confused. "What does this mean? What is this place?"
"We don't have time to waste," Adrian said, his tone firm. "This is our only chance. Whatever lies ahead, we have to face it."
He took a deep breath and pressed the confirmation button on the screen. The door slid open, revealing a narrow passage leading deeper underground. The air smelled of metal, and everything around them was eerily silent.
"Let's go," Adrian said, leading the way.
The passage was dimly lit, with only the lights on the floor guiding their steps. The further they went, the more unease settled in Adrian's chest. He didn't know what this place was or what awaited them, but he knew they couldn't turn back now.
Suddenly, a low mechanical hum echoed from ahead. Adrian stopped, signaling for everyone to stay alert. Just as they were about to continue, a large metal door in front of them opened suddenly, revealing a man fully armed.
"Welcome, Adrian," the man's voice was calm yet imposing. "I know you've been waiting for this choice. Now, it's time for you to make your decision."
Adrian tightened his grip on his weapon, his eyes flashing with suspicion. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The man smiled slightly, his eyes deep and unreadable. "Who I am is not important. What matters is that you've come this far. Your fate is now in your hands."