Neato was asleep on his throne, but his sleep was far from peaceful. He found himself in a dream, back in a cold, sterile laboratory. He was a child again, lying on a metal table, surrounded by heartless scientists who moved around him with cold precision. Above him stood his father, Nato, looking down at him with a mixture of resolve and sadness.
"How long will it take for him to completely forget everything?" Nato's voice was steady, betraying no emotion.
One of the scientists replied without hesitation, "We estimate that he'll have to die at least 674 times, Mr. Nato."
Nato nodded as if he expected this answer. "So be it." He walked closer to Neato, his footsteps echoing in the sterile room. He bent down and hugged his son tightly, his arms strong and unyielding. "Son, this is for the future of mankind."
Neato, feeling the weight of his father's words, pleaded with desperation in his voice, "Dad, please make them stop..."
Nato's expression softened for just a moment. "You'll understand soon," he said softly, releasing Neato and stepping back, leaving his son to the mercy of the scientists. The experiments continued, and Neato felt the overwhelming pain as his body was repeatedly broken down and rebuilt, his memories slowly fading away each time.
Suddenly, Neato jolted awake. He was back on his throne, leaning back, the echoes of his nightmare still ringing in his mind. His red eyes slowly opened, a sinister smile creeping onto his face.
"You were right, Father," Neato said, his voice low but filled with dark conviction. "I am the future of mankind."
Astran, who had been standing silently behind him, bowed her head slightly. "Yes, my lord, you are," she said, her voice steady, full of unwavering loyalty.
At that moment, the four shadowy figures appeared before Neato, their forms shrouded in darkness. One of them stepped forward, speaking in a low, almost hissing voice. "My lord, it seems that two people are headed this way."
Neato's gaze remained fixed ahead as he calmly gave his order. "Two of you, go deal with them."
Without hesitation, two of the figures responded in unison, "Yes, my lord," before disappearing into the darkness, leaving the throne room silent once more.
Neato leaned back in his throne, a cold, emotionless smile on his face. "I am the future of mankind," he repeated, the words echoing in the vast, dark hall as he waited for what was to come.
END OF CHAPTER 44