Deep beneath the earth lay a large structure.
Inside, there were various rooms, halls, lobbies, and labs.
In a large, dark laboratory located to the west of the tower, cryo pods occupied every available space—even the walkways.
However, no researcher, living being, or anything that moved (sentient or not) was in sight. Along with the cryo pods, the place resembled a desolate graveyard.
Suddenly, whirring sounds could be heard throughout the lab. Lights began to turn on, generators powered up, and a command was sent through a series of wires beneath the floor connected to the cryo pods.
The pods started releasing white-hot gas, which caused the frost that obscured their interiors to melt.
One by one, the frost slowly melted, revealing the figure of a man in each pod.
Eventually, the release of hot gas ceased, prompting a new command. The pods emitted a red glow, and gradually the ice surrounding the men began to melt at a noticeable pace.
By the time the clock struck six, the doors slowly opened. A white fume of gas escaped the pods but was quickly drawn into the air vents above and below.
"Welcome back, everyone! How was your sleep? Do you feel refreshed?" a calm voice reverberated throughout the lab, causing the men being lifted to slightly open their eyes.
Another command was sent, causing a wire from each pod to detach and attach itself to a vacant connector.
A syringe appeared at each pod, filled with a colorless, water-like substance, which injected the men through their arms.
The substance immediately traveled to their brains, triggering neural activation. In some, hormonal surges were activated, providing a boost in energy levels.
"Ah, my body feels stiff, as if I had stayed in one position for years!" one man grumbled while trying to move his limbs.
More complaints emerged from the men, the primary one being body stiffness.
"Their reactions are quite funny," chuckled a young man with white hair, bright blue eyes, and dressed in casual office attire.
Suddenly, he turned his head to face a door at the far end of the room and waved. As if on cue, one of the pods began releasing hot gas. A minute later, the man was being lifted; but before his face could be seen, a chain emerged from the pod and attached itself to his mouth, forcing it into a smile that revealed his pearly white teeth.
Although his eyes remained closed, his hand moved slightly in response to the young man's wave. His mouth then opened, but no words emerged—yet the young man managed to read his unspoken message behind the door.
"Long time no see, Atlex."