Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Darkened Officetel
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Waited one more day, but unbelievably, no one popped out or anything.
Back when I was at university, stuff kept jumping out left and right, but looks like my luck ran dry this time.
Headed home for some shut-eye, checked the camera, then came back to the officetel.
Whatever it is, I need to check this place out clean to ease my mind.
Can't live with this nagging worry.
Watched for two more days, but still no signs of life. Went home to rest again, then came back out.
At this point, it's safe to say there's no one inside, right? Even if I'm a total chicken, being any more cautious than this is overkill.
Slipped into the officetel on the first floor under cover of dawn.
The building was dead silent. Pitch black.
My footsteps echoed so loudly that every step made me cringe.
No lights from elevators or sensors or anything—looks like the whole building's power was cut.
But why are those emergency exit signs on? Separate power source? Or batteries?
Thank goodness, though. Without them, it'd be total blackout; couldn't see a thing.
Now, what do I need to do?
Ideally, I'd sweep every room in this officetel, but solo? No way.
From what I know, each floor has about twenty units. Twenty floors, twenty units? That's five hundred rooms.
How long would that take...? And I can't even fully control the place.
No need for that anyway. I've got a better way.
I headed to the basement.
Didn't know where the transformer was, but if it's anywhere, it'll be down here.
Down to basement three, and there it was—the electrical room, greeted by high-voltage warning signs and "authorized personnel only" notices.
Door locked? Didn't seem likely. And sure enough, it swung open just like I hoped.
The rusty hinge screech made my heart skip, but inside was empty.
Of course it was. Even with a short break in between, I'd watched for five days straight.
Looked around; nothing special stood out. The transformer was obvious at a glance.
After a thorough check, I stepped back out.
Right in front of the underground parking lot, so I inspected the cars one by one.
Even in this mess, all the doors were locked.
You'd think at least one would be open... Rummaging through, I finally found one with an unlocked door.
A decent-sized SUV. Perfect. Good spot, roomy enough.
From here... I can spot anyone heading into the electrical room. No need to smash other car windows. Lucky break.
Time for some major provocation.
I don't know who trashed this officetel like this, but if they haven't completely bailed on the area, they won't ignore my bait.
Back to the electrical room to check the transformer.
Good thing the panel wasn't too complex. That lowered breaker looked like the main one.
Thick cables running from it confirmed it.
As an engineering major, no worries about getting zapped flipping a switch, so I threw it up without hesitation.
A heavy clunk as it flipped, and the building hummed to life.
Whirrrrr...
Power surged into the electrical room.
Stepped out; lights flickered on in the parking lot too. Perfect. Now I just wait for whoever bites.
Slipped into the back seat of that unlocked SUV and hunkered down.
Wonder how long? If the officetel's out of their sightline, they might not come right away.
I'm prepared to wait days. Insomnia patient's got nothing but time.
Settled in comfortably, but a few flaws in the plan hit me.
If the whole building suddenly lights up, it might draw not just the culprits, but randoms too. Didn't think of that.
Should've done this in daylight? Now it'll pull every lowlife nearby.
Whatever, they won't know I'm hiding here. I'm good at ambushes... but this might blow up bigger than planned.
Just come in threes or less. Please.
Against my worries, the parking lot stayed eerily quiet.
Hours ticked by, nothing.
Entrance sealed, stairs down blocked—only way in is that ramp from the first floor.
Insomnia keeping sleep at bay, staring at the door so long I'm getting hazy.
Glanced at my watch: already 3 p.m. Only twelve hours?
Did I screw up? Expected someone—power-cutters or otherwise—to swarm.
Am I the idiot who wasted days on nothing? Time to bail?
Doubts swirling in my head.
Came ready for days of stakeout, but folding after twelve hours?
Clearly lost my edge. Got too comfortable.
Ignored the doubts, anxiety, regrets. Stayed laid out in the car.
Since when did I think of quitting before giving it my all?
Got some coins and lost my desperation?
Right then... it happened. The moment I'd been waiting for.
The parking lot door creaked open.
My heart pounded like mad. Adrenaline and dopamine flooding my skull.
My eyes locked on the door, sparkling with focus.
And the figure stepping through.
Whoa. What are they?
First guy had a shield. Half-transparent riot shield, like cops carry. Even said "POLICE" on the bottom.
Behind him, a crossbow. No way—that a real crossbow?
Tank up front, ranged DPS? Posture looks decent... but awkward. Learned from games?
Next, a guy with nothing in hand. That's three already. More? Please just three.
Dang, a fourth. Telescopic baton in hand, hi-vis vest, scanning around.
All guys, decked in what looks like body armor. Not cops or military. Just civilians who farmed hard?
Can't shake the vibe of gamer bros in their twenties...
They formed up, signaling toward the electrical room.
Too hilarious; had to just watch. Those hand signals mean anything? They think they're tactical, but to me, it's SWAT cosplay.
Probably feel badass.
Four. Annoying.
Three would've been them dozing by now. Four? Tricky.
Most dangerous: that third guy with no weapon. Probably good skills, that's why empty-handed. Then crossbow.
No clue on power, but if it fires true, a blind shot could end me.
Need to put three to sleep... Third and crossbow first. Shield or hi-vis next?
They're creeping toward the electrical room all cautious-like. Definitely not the power-cutters.
Those guys would know the layout better.
What now...? Risk it? That crossbow's tempting.
Shield guy opens the door, ducks behind it to enter.
Crossbow follows, then empty-hands. Last, hi-vis sweeps the lot, then ducks in.
I eased the car door open silently and slipped out.
Four's a lot, but their movements scream openings.
Hid by the car, waiting for them to emerge. Nothing much inside anyway.
Whirrr...
Parking lot lights snapped off. Fans whined to a stop.
What? They cut the power? So they raided the officetel?
Heart racing wild. Big difference between three and four.
Three? Cool as ice, no nerves.
Creeeak.
Electrical room door opens. Cautious footsteps, rustling clothes.
Heading straight out? Back to first floor, then?
Emergency exit glow showed them heading for the stairs up.
Door creaks open. Now's the chance. No other shot.
I see them; they can't see me. Right now!