Chapter 3: The Test of Will
Surya was escorted back to a brighter, more sterile chamber. This one had a large glass window, behind which stood several researchers observing him. The air smelled faintly metallic, tinged with antiseptic.
"Time for the first stage," Lin Weixian said, a cold smile curling on his lips. "Subject Forty-five will undergo brainwashing protocols. Valkyrie has shown promising neurological effects, but only rigorous testing will determine the true potential."
Surya's mind raced. Brainwashing? They want to turn me into a cannon fodder or mindless agent. He clenched his fists. Acting scared or compliant might give him a chance to learn their methods.
Two researchers approached, holding sleek headgear that pulsed faint blue light. "Please cooperate," one said. "Resistance will be… counterproductive."
Surya forced a smile, trying to appear calm. Play along, learn, survive. He let them attach the neural interface to his head.
"Begin stimulation," Lin Weixian commanded.
A sudden wave of pressure hit Surya's mind. Thoughts that weren't his own tried to creep in, twisting memories, implanting commands. He felt panic rising, but he forced calm.
"I'm fine… I'm fine," he muttered under his breath, attempting to act subdued, malleable, easy to condition.
But his face betrayed him. His pupils dilated slightly, and a flicker of defiance passed across his expression. One of the observers leaned forward, squinting.
"Hmph," Lin Weixian muttered. "This one's… different."
The waves continued, but Surya's mind resisted with his Low-Level Mental Resilience and instinctive training from past life. The neural pulses were painful, twisting, trying to overwrite his will. But it was like hitting a brick wall.
"I… I feel fine," he repeated, but his nervous twitch and subtle flinch betrayed him.
Lin Weixian frowned, exchanging a glance with the red-haired supervisor—Hela. He didn't mention the NPC panel; none of them suspected it existed.
"This subject's reactions… they're not fully under control," Lin Weixian said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Valkyrie's usual success rate is far higher."
One junior researcher whispered, "Why isn't he cooperating fully?"
Lin Weixian's eyes glinted. "His physiology, Valkyrie mutation, resilience… there's something unusual here. I want to run further experiments. Full neurological and physiological tests."
Hela raised an eyebrow, intrigued but silent. She didn't interfere.
Lin Weixian activated a secure communication channel. "Hydya, this is Lin Weixian. Subject Forty-five shows abnormal resistance to the Valkyrie protocol. I propose extended testing—permission is requested for full-scale experiments."
A moment later, Hydya's response arrived: "Permission granted. Proceed with all necessary tests."
Surya's heart skipped. They didn't just want to brainwash him anymore—they wanted to study, experiment, and push him to the limits.
He had to act carefully. Any wrong move, and he could become a permanent lab specimen.
But even as fear coursed through him, a spark of curiosity ignited. This organization, cruel and relentless, also offered a playground for his abilities. If he could survive their experiments and exploit the system, his growth would be unprecedented.
Surya clenched his fists beneath the table. One way or another, I will turn their interest into my advantage.
And deep inside, a faint pulse of energy from his Esper — Absorption ability hummed, sensing the opportunities hidden in danger.
Today, his acting had failed. Tomorrow… he would begin mastering the rules of this deadly game.