Chapter 207 The Millitary Base
After helping his family unpack and settle into the new apartment, Noah decided to stay for dinner.
Caroline prepared a large meal, filling the new kitchen with the aroma of freshly cooked food.
The family sat around their new dining table, the atmosphere warm and filled with chatter as they adjusted to their new home.
After dinner, Noah leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach lightly. "That was delicious, Mom. Thanks again,"
Emily nodded, "Yes Mom, the food was amazing—as usual."
Caroline smiled warmly, already gathering the plates. "Thank you, sweeties. I'm glad that you all enjoyed the food today, I was worried it would not turn out well because I was fatigued from all the work of packing and unpacking."
David, sipping on another cup of Noah's tea, nodded in agreement. "It's been a big day. Thanks again, son, for helping us with the move."
"It's nothing," Noah said with a small wave of his hand. "I'm glad I could help."
As Noah stood to leave, David called out, "Noah, wait a second."
He turned back, curious. "What's up, Dad?"
David glanced at Caroline before continuing, "We were talking earlier… We haven't seen any neighbours since we got here. What's the situation with that?"
Caroline nodded, adding, "It's a little strange, don't you think? The place is so beautiful, and yet it feels deserted."
Noah chuckled softly, scratching the back of his neck. "Right… about that. You're actually the only current residents right now. My friend—he's the one who handles the leasing—allowed you to move in early because of our connection."
David raised an eyebrow. "So, we're living in a building meant for ghosts, then?"
Noah laughed, shaking his head. "Not quite. The other tenants will start moving in about a week or so. This is just a head start because, well, my friend owed me a favour."
Caroline's brows furrowed slightly before she sighed in relief. "I see. Well, that's kind of him. Make sure to thank him for us, alright?"
"Will do," Noah replied with a grin. "But don't worry about it. By the time you've fully settled in, you'll have neighbours to meet."
David leaned back in his chair, looking amused. "I guess this means we've got the entire building to ourselves for now. Not bad."
"Not bad at all," Caroline agreed her tone light. "It'll be nice to have a little peace and quiet before everyone else moves in."
Noah smiled at their easy acceptance. "Alright, I'll take my leave now. You two get some rest. Moving's been hard."
Caroline placed a hand on his arm as he leaned down to hug her goodbye. "Drive safe, Noah. And don't forget to take care of yourself too, alright?"
"I won't, Mom." Noah hugged her back, then gave David a firm handshake before heading out the door.
...
The next day arrived, the morning sunlight streaming through the windows of Noah's mansion.
He texted Selena, instructing her to prepare breakfast earlier than usual. With that done, he headed to the shower room, letting the warm water wash over him as he mentally prepared for the day ahead.
After showering and getting dressed in a tailored outfit that balanced casual comfort with professionalism, Noah headed to the kitchen. Selena had made another protein-rich breakfast.
"Breakfast is ready, sir," Selena said, bowing slightly before stepping back to give him space.
"Thanks, Selena," Noah said as he took his seat. He quickly yet efficiently finished his meal, savouring the perfectly seasoned eggs and fresh juice.
After eating, he grabbed his keys and headed to the garage. Sliding into the driver's seat of his Lykan HyperSport, he started the engine and began the drive to Amelia's house.
Outside Amelia's house, the military vehicle parked out front was unmissable. Adam stood beside it, his posture straight and commanding as he waited for Noah's arrival.
As Noah pulled up and stepped out of his car, Adam gave him a slight nod.
"You ready?" Adam asked, his voice calm but with an edge of anticipation.
Noah grinned confidently. "I'm ready. Let's go."
Adam opened the door to the military car and gestured for Noah to enter. "Alright, get in my car. I'll take you there."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Noah raised an eyebrow but complied, sliding into the passenger seat. The interior was no-frills, sturdy and functional.
Starting the car, Adam spoke as he checked his mirrors. "It's going to be a bit of a drive. Hope you're ready to see what you signed up for."
Noah leaned back in his seat, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm not just ready—I'm looking forward to it."
Adam chuckled lightly, his eyes briefly glancing at Noah. "Good. You're going to need that attitude where we're headed."
As the vehicle pulled away from the house and onto the main road, Noah glanced out the window, his thoughts playing within himself.
Today marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Adam drove in silence for a few moments before speaking again. "You're about to see a side of the world few people ever get to witness. This isn't just about proving yourself, Noah. It's about understanding what it means to carry the weight of responsibility on your shoulders."
Noah turned his gaze from the window to Adam, his expression unreadable but his voice steady. "I've carried weight before. This won't be any different—just a larger scale."
Adam's lips twitched upward in a faint smile. "I like that."
Adam brought the military vehicle to a gradual stop as a massive, fortified fence loomed ahead.
The area around them was barren, marked only by rugged terrain and sparse vegetation. It was clear that secure operations were conducted within its perimeters.
"We're here," Adam said, his tone calm but with an underlying authority. The transformation in his demeanour was obvious.
The relaxed, familial air he usually carried around Noah and his family was replaced by the stern personality of a senior military officer.
As they approached the gate, two soldiers in military uniforms stepped forward, their boots hitting the ground in perfect synchronization.
They saluted sharply, their posture rigid.
"Lieutenant Adam, sir!" one of the soldiers said, his voice loud and firm.
Adam returned the salute with a curt nod, his face unreadable. "Open the gate."
"Yes, sir!" the soldier responded.
Without hesitation, they moved with precision, signalling to the guards in the watchtower. A low buzz followed as the massive gates began to slide open, revealing a narrow road flanked by tall barbed-wire fences.
The soldiers stood at attention, maintaining their posture as Adam drove through.
Noah observed everything in silence, his sharp eyes taking in the discipline and structure of the scene. There was an obvious difference between the casual world outside and the military's controlled environment.
His thoughts churned as he silently assessed the surroundings, filing away details for future use.
Inside the perimeter, the road stretched on for what felt like miles. Guard towers punctuated the landscape, each manned by soldiers armed with state-of-the-art weapons. Occasionally, small patrols moved along the fences, their eyes scanning for any irregularities. The hum of drones overhead added to the air of vigilance.
"This isn't a place for the faint-hearted," Adam said, his voice breaking the silence. "Everything you see here serves a purpose. The soldiers, the surveillance, the systems—all of it is designed to ensure that no threat ever breaches these walls."
Noah leaned back slightly in his seat, his smirk faint but telling. "Good. A place like this should reflect strength."
Adam glanced at him briefly, his expression unreadable. "Strength is only half the battle. Discipline, loyalty, and strategy—that's what makes an operation like this successful. Without those, all of this," he gestured subtly toward the structures around them, "is just a facade."
Noah nodded but remained silent, his thoughts focused as he processed Adam's words.
After another five minutes of driving, the vehicle approached a sprawling set of buildings. The main compound was a massive structure, fortified with reinforced steel and surrounded by smaller facilities. Soldiers moved purposefully, their every action reflecting efficiency and training.
Some were engaged in drills, others sparring in open training fields. Vehicles roared as they were tested on dirt tracks, and the distant sound of gunfire hinted at a shooting range.
Adam brought the car to a stop in front of the main building. As soon as the engine was cut, another pair of soldiers approached, saluting sharply.
"Welcome back, Lieutenant," one of them said. His gaze flickered briefly to Noah, curiosity evident but unspoken.
"This is Noah Thompson," Adam said without preamble. "He's here on official business. Treat him with the same respect you'd give me."
"Yes, sir!" the soldier responded, his tone unwavering.
Adam turned to Noah, his expression serious. "Welcome to the heart of operations. From this point forward, your actions will speak louder than any words. Show everyone what you're made of."
Noah stepped out of the car, his gaze sweeping across the base, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips as he walked toward the main building.