Myeong floated in the cold, dark water, his mind sharpened by the relentless torment he'd endured. The torture chamber had failed to break him. Instead, it had honed him, stripping away his emotions while leaving his sanity intact. Each death and rebirth had become routine, a cycle that no longer fazed him.
Opening his eyes, he saw the glass tube around him, filled to the brim with water. Two scientists stood nearby, jotting down notes. One noticed Myeong's eyes open and nudged the other, their faces masked with curiosity and slight fear.
Myeong placed his hand on the glass. With a controlled push, he shattered it, sending water cascading across the cave-like laboratory. The scientists stumbled back, scrambling to avoid the deluge. Myeong stepped out, water dripping from his clothes, and glanced around, his expression calm, calculating.
The system interface flickered before his eyes, notifications demanding attention.
[Attribute: [???] Cold-Blooded has been acquired]
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[???] rarity Lvl.MAX
Trait: Cold-blooded
You no longer feel pain
You are much more rational
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Myeong acknowledged the notification with a detached interest. He checked the system again, more messages appearing.
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Your body has adapted to the immense pressure of the water
[Ultra Regeneration has been acquired]
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[105 skills are also available to view]
Would you like to view them now?
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He dismissed the message, unbothered by the list of new abilities. The laboratory was in chaos, water pooling on the floor, equipment sparking and hissing. Myeong watched the scientists' frantic efforts to contain the damage, their actions disorganized and futile.
He took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill his lungs. The sensation was a stark contrast to the suffocating water, yet he felt no relief, no discomfort—just a clinical observation of the difference. The torture had stripped him down to his core, leaving a detached clarity that the system had recognized and augmented.
The scientists stopped, staring at him with a mix of fear and awe. Myeong returned their gaze, his eyes void of the rage or anguish they might have expected. There was no need for words. The system had empowered him, not as a puppet of madness but as a cold, rational force.
The notifications continued to blink, but he ignored them. He was not the broken weapon they had intended to create. He was something else entirely—something that the system had helped to refine and perfect. His memories slowly crept in.
Myeong looked behind him, seeing rows upon rows of tubes identical to his. The figures inside were suspended in the same cold water, trapped in the cycle of torment he had endured. He felt no pity, just a detached recognition of their plight. As he observed, footsteps echoed through the lab.
He turned, seeing Mistress approach. Her presence was imposing, a mix of elegance and danger, reminiscent of Lady Dimitrescu. She smiled, a cold, knowing smile.
"Nice to see you again, Myeong," Mistress said, her voice smooth and unyielding.
Myeong stood motionless, listening without a flicker of emotion.
"Follow me," she commanded, turning on her heel.
He complied, trailing her through the labyrinthine corridors to her office. Inside, a head scientist awaited, clipboard in hand.
"Are you feeling okay?" the scientist asked, eyes scanning Myeong intently.
"Yes," Myeong replied evenly.
"Do you remember anything?"
"Everything," Myeong said, his voice steady, unyielding.
The scientist noted this, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "His mental capability is intact. This is a breakthrough. Mistress, we should run more tests later."
"Of course," Mistress agreed, her eyes never leaving Myeong.
The scientist exited, leaving Mistress and Myeong alone. She regarded him with an appraising look.
"I want you to work for me," she said.
"Why would I do that?" Myeong asked, his tone flat.
"Your alternative is the torture chamber, repeating this process next month. No one will ever find you. A position has arisen, but you're free to stay here as long as you like. Just remember, you will be stuck here forever."
"And if I agree?" Myeong questioned.
"If you choose to accept, you'll spend the rest of your life regretting you ever spoke to me. You'll rot every second, suffering far more than you did in that little torture chamber. I will own you. I expect your utmost obedience, whenever, wherever."
Myeong calculated his options. He could play along, bide his time, and find an opportunity to escape. "Alright," he agreed, his expression unchanged.
Mistress pointed to a gun on the table. "Show your obedience. Shoot yourself." she said as she coldly stared at Myeong.
Myeong picked up the gun without hesitation, placing the barrel against his skin. He pulled the trigger. The bullet struck him and fell to the ground, harmless. Mistress laughed, the sound echoing through the room. The bullet served as proof that Myeong would never be the same.
Myeong's hand still tingled from the impact as the Mistress's laughter echoed through the room. He remained expressionless, his mind already shifting gears when a sharp announcement cut through the air.
"Attention all personnel: intruder alert! The intruder identifies himself as Kwan. All available units, prepare for immediate engagement!"
The cave-like laboratory buzzed with sudden activity. Scientists and guards scrambled, their movements frantic and disordered. Equipment clattered, voices rose, and the once-controlled environment descended into chaos. Myeong observed the shift, his mind analysing every detail.
Mistress's smile faded, replaced by a mask of concern. She snapped her fingers, summoning the head scientist back into the room. "Report," she demanded.
The scientist, breathless, glanced nervously at Myeong before addressing Mistress. "Kwan's breach is confirmed. We are mobilising all forces to intercept him."
Mistress's eyes narrowed, her fingers tapping impatiently on the table. "Double security on all critical points. Do not underestimate him."
Myeong tuned out their conversation, focusing instead on the tumult outside the office. Soldiers armed themselves, strapping on armour and checking their weapons. The air buzzed with tension and fear, the usual calm shattered by the looming threat.
He moved to the doorway, unnoticed by the others, and peered out into the lab. The water from his broken tube still pooled on the floor, now mixed with the hurried footsteps of personnel. Technicians barked orders, their faces strained with urgency.
Myeong's system interface flickered, highlighting the new objectives and threats. His eyes scanned the room, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the forces gathering to face Kwan. He felt the familiar detachment, the cold calculation that had become second nature.
Mistress's voice cut through his thoughts. "Myeong, stay close. I may need you." Myeong nodded, his expression unreadable. His opportunity might be closer than he had anticipated.
He nodded, his gaze still fixed on the preparations. He could hear the distant thrum of heavy machinery powering up, the hum of generators kicking in, and the barked orders of officers trying to bring order to the chaos.
A young soldier, barely out of training, stumbled past him, dropping his weapon in his haste. Myeong caught the gun and handed it back, his movements smooth and unhurried. The soldier's wide eyes met his for a moment, fear evident before he quickly looked away and resumed his preparations.
The cave thrummed with impending conflict, each moment stretching, pregnant with anticipation. In the eye of the storm, Myeong followed Mistress, ready for the inevitable clash that would soon define their fates.