Some doctors began to whisper among themselves while the rest helped the man who had been thrown to the ground.
"Tsk, I knew Madam Anderson's arrival would only bring bad luck," muttered a grey-haired doctor, his tone dripping with annoyance.
"That woman only shows up when she's in trouble… truly pathetic," another said carelessly. His words silenced the others instantly, even the old man who'd spoken first.
"Are you insane?" the old man hissed, his voice low but sharp. "Did you not see what Professor Li just did to your colleague?" Cold sweat slid down his cheek.
"Leave him," said a middle-aged doctor with a dry, mocking tone. "Professor Li was the first man in the world to appear with abnormal, superhuman abilities — and he even shared his research with the rest of us. You think you can look down on someone like that and live long enough to regret it?" He smirked faintly. "If you still see the sunset tomorrow, then the god you pray to must really favor you."
He turned away, addressing the others behind him. "Professor Li's angry. We can't proceed with any punishments right now — it'll only make things worse if we provoke him further."
"…"
Everyone fell silent, regret weighing in the air.
They all knew the truth 016's status was far higher than it appeared on paper. His classification on the surface was merely for show. In reality, his clearance level was high enough that even performing a simple procedure on him required Professor Li's direct approval.
Now that a rare opportunity had appeared before them, it had been ruined the moment it began.
016 had been standing in the same spot for an hour without moving.018, who had been murmuring to herself the entire time, now sat still, her red eyes fixed on him, unblinking.
"0–016…" she spoke suddenly, her voice breaking the silence. "What do you see me as? If not me, then other people."
016 stared at her, silent.
When she got no answer, she tried again, her tone softer. "What are you—"
"You're finally tired of acting?" 016 interrupted coldly, his voice flat. "Hilarious."
018 blinked, then gave a bitter smile. "I went through tests to make me immune to such gases… I'm guessing you already figured that out."
"How?"
" It was quite good but the moment to stared at me your acting instantly became trash, ....is all," 016 said, eyes sweeping across the walls. "There are about four hidden cameras in this room. You're not afraid of getting caught in your act?"
018's eyes darkened. "My limbs were brutally torn off while I was still awake by a certain someone. Why would I be scared of something so small?" She rose slowly to her feet, her tone sharp. "What are you planning, 016? What are you trying to achieve?"
016 looked at her quietly, then smiled but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "And what would you gain if I told you?"
"I…" she hesitated, then said, "I'd understand you better."
016's smile widened. "Understand me?"
018 felt like she was getting somewhere with him, this was the longest conversation they'd ever had.
"Yes, I—"
"Shut it."
016's cold voice filled the room. It wasn't loud, but it was enough to make breathing difficult. Blue veins surfaced under his skin, pulsing faintly. The temperature of the room seemed to have dropped
018 froze. Just moments ago, he had been smiling. it may not have been an actual smile but the change was too sudden
"All fun and games aside," 016 said quietly, his words dragging. "You mean to tell me you faked this whole situation… for this?"
He began walking toward her, with killing intent
Her face drained of color. "N-No! That's not it! The reason was when you attacked me! I didn't—"
It was too late.
A clean hit landed across her jaw. The sound cracked through the room, followed by another, heavier blow.
Who was 016? He was someone who had intelligence that could surpass many so of course he knew the reason why he was brought here but as he looked at her, at that face filled with nothing but intentions and ambitions
He didn't just see her; he saw everything she represented. The hypocrisy, the fear, the weaknesses, Schemes hidden as curiosity. The kind of look that had followed him his whole life, wearing different faces but always meaning the same thing.
When he'd entered her unit that night, he'd finished too quickly. It hadn't been satisfying.
Now, as his fists met flesh again and again, he stopped seeing her. His thoughts twisted, spiraling with every impact.
Why am I the one being punished?
Did I start this?
Did I ever ask her to come near me?
Another strike. Her body slumped.
Did she think she was different? Special? They all think that.
No one ever cares how it starts, only how it ends....mother....why is that?
Click.
The sound froze him mid-swing.
The door opened behind him.
A security guard stood there, startled his hand trembling, a smooth silver ring wrapped around his finger, a small button resting on top.
016 barely turned his head before lunging. He was fast moving with astonishing speed. The guard didn't even have time to think.
Instinct pressed the button.
Pain shot through 016's wrist, flooding up his arm like fire made solid. It reached his head before he could even process it a blinding, suffocating pain that made thought impossible. He staggered, body jerking uncontrollably.
He clenched his jaw until blood filled his mouth. His vision blurred red. The pain didn't stop; it only grew, like it was crawling through his skull, chewing through the inside of his brain.
He wanted to scream but couldn't. Only a strangled breath escaped.
The guard stood frozen, eyes wide, finger still on the button.
016 reached for him — or tried to. His muscles refused to respond. His hand twitched helplessly.
When the guard finally released the button, the current stopped instantly. Relief washed over him, but so did exhaustion. His body went limp, collapsing against the floor.
Blood streaked from his mouth and eyes, pooling beneath his face. His chest still rose and fell, barely.
The guard stayed rooted in place, staring at him, until his gaze shifted toward 018.
Her body was broken. The floor beneath her was smeared with red, her face barely recognizable through the blood and swelling.
If not for the faint, ragged breath that escaped her, he would've thought she was dead.
He stepped back slowly, hand still shaking, the ring on his finger gleaming faintly under the sterile light. Finally coming back to his senses the Guard quickly turned around and ran to get help