Malden sat on the edge of the table close to Youri, positioning himself so he could study him clearly. He spoke calmly, his voice low but precise.
"EH36, this DNA structure is exactly like the one I saw that day fourteen years ago. And do you know what is even more astonishing? This DNA structure is yours."
Youri looked at the image of the genetic structure displayed in front of him. After a moment, he turned his head toward Malden and said, "Is there a specific reason you wanted to show me this?"
Malden smiled faintly and adjusted his glasses. "Of course," he replied as he stood up and walked back toward the wide window overlooking open space. "You, EH36, are a very special specimen. A perfect carbon copy of someone who we do not know when or where existed. Not to mention the vast sea of potential genes within you. All of that makes you the most important subject in the entire history of Altex."
Malden turned back toward Youri, a wide smile spreading across his face. "EH36, you are so young, and yet you carry yourself like someone who has lived a century-long life."
He returned to his chair and sat down. "EH36, I want to know your story. Who is Project Infinity's result?"
Youri leaned back slightly in his chair, meeting Malden's gaze. "I expect those books to keep coming."
Malden smiled and placed both hands flat on the table. "I will make sure of that."
"All right then," Youri said, and he began to speak.
He told Malden everything. Malden listened intently, his expression shifting as names and places were spoken, as moments of loss, survival, and fleeting peace unfolded. To an ordinary person, Youri's story would have been tragic, even heartbreaking. To Malden, it was something else entirely. Every word only deepened his fascination.
When Youri finally finished, Malden rose from his seat and began clapping slowly.
"Marvelous," he said. "Now I understand the look you had during the first test. You truly are a marvelous being."
Malden walked toward Youri and crouched down in front of him. "EH36, thank you for giving me the opportunity to study you."
Youri stood up from his chair as Jean and Zayn stepped closer. He exhaled slowly and said, "I hope you keep your end of the bargain."
Malden straightened and nodded. "I may look evil to you, but I cherish my word."
With that, Youri turned and walked out of the room, Jean and Zayn following closely behind.
Back in the chamber room, Youri was greeted once again by a new box resting on his bed, courtesy of Malden. He sat down and looked at the books inside. He was still chained, still trapped, but for the first time the place felt slightly less suffocating.
Youri had come to understand something. No matter how hard he tried to live a normal life, life would always demand payment from him. And he refused to let anyone else suffer in his place. If captivity was the price, then he would bear it alone.
Life at Altex became routine. Days turned into months. Every day he was cut, tested, dissected. And every night, three new books awaited him in his chamber. Soon the room was filled with stacks of them, piled high against the walls.
During that time, Youri discovered a secret. Using the books as makeshift steps, he learned how to reach the air vent near the ceiling. Every night cycle, once the lights shut off, he climbed up and disappeared into the vents.
They led everywhere.
Hangars, laboratories, patient wings, corridors unseen. Slowly, carefully, Youri mapped the entire institute. He learned schedules. He learned blind spots. He even learned where food was stored, stealing real meals from the cafeteria when the protein mash became unbearable.
One night, while moving through the hangar vents, he noticed a ship docking below. It bore the Terrian crest. Important.
Youri dropped down quietly to get a better look.
Only two people emerged: a man in his late thirties, and a young woman.
Youri's eyes locked onto her immediately.
Her silver hair shone brilliantly under the artificial lights of the institute. Something stirred in him, something unfamiliar. Before he could linger, Malden appeared to greet them. Youri retreated back into the vents and followed them from above.
The young woman was escorted into one of the VIP rooms.
Youri overheard Malden speaking to the man.
"Don't worry, Sir Kaelthorn. We will do our utmost to have your daughter treated and cured. You know our institute specializes in chronic illness."
"I was told she does not have long left," the man replied. "I'm placing my daughter's life in your hands."
"Of course," Malden said. "I promise we won't let your daughter die."
When they left her room, Youri hesitated only briefly before climbing down from the vents. Curiosity pulled him forward. Standing before the door, he reached for the handle, paused, then opened it.
The room was dim.
Suddenly, someone grabbed his arm from behind and slammed him to the ground, pinning him there.
"Are you here to steal from me?" a feminine voice demanded.
Youri turned his head slowly and found himself staring into the eyes of the very girl he had seen earlier. She studied him for a moment before releasing him.
"Nah," she said. "You're too weak to steal anything."
Youri stood up and brushed himself off.
"Who are you?" she asked.
For a moment, Youri was lost in her obsidian eyes. She frowned slightly, and that snapped him back to reality.
He smiled warmly. "I'm EH36. Nice to meet you."
She stared at him, unimpressed. "What kind of weird name is that? Didn't your parents name you?"
Youri didn't answer.
Her expression softened, and she suddenly laughed. She took his hand and shook it. "I'm Leonora. Nice to meet you too."
Youri laughed as well. Then a memory surfaced from a book he had read long ago.
"Leonora," he said, smiling again. "That's a beautiful name. Do you know it means light?"
She laughed. "Who told you that?"
"I read it in a book." said Youri
Her eyes widened. "You can read? I never really went to school. I'm not very good at it yet. But my mom reads to me every night. Before coming here, I promised her I would learn."
Something shifted inside Youri.
"Don't worry," he said gently. "I'll teach you."
Her eyes lit up. "Really? I can surprise my mom when I get back."
Youri nodded, smiling. "I promise you, Leonora. I'll make you the best reader in the world."