As the elevator doors slid open, a cold gust of air rushed in, carrying with it the scent of damp concrete and a hint of decay. Maude and I stepped out into an enormous open space, our footsteps echoing softly in the cavernous expanse. The ceiling was so high it disappeared into shadows, supported by massive concrete pillars that stretched upwards like ancient trees in a forgotten forest.

Wow, I whispered, my voice reverberating in the emptiness. This place is massive.

Maude nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. It must be the foundation of the entire facility. Whoever built this wanted to ensure it would last forever.

We began to walk, our footsteps tapping a steady rhythm against the smooth floor. The concrete pillars were arranged in a grid, creating narrow corridors and wide-open spaces in a labyrinthine pattern. The farther we ventured, the more oppressive the atmosphere became, as if the weight of the city above was pressing down on us.

As we moved deeper into the pillar forest, the air grew colder, and the shadows seemed to dance at the edges of my vision. It wasn't long before I began to notice something strange. Flickers of light and shadow played tricks on my eyes, and I could swear I heard faint whispers echoing through the space.

Do you hear that? I asked, glancing at Maude.

She nodded, her expression wary. Yeah. Sounds like... voices.