The sterile, metallic silence surrounds Aether like a heavy fog, thick with the sharp tang of disinfectant and the lingering scent of cold machinery. He lets out a short breath, feeling the tubes wrapped around his torso, pressing uncomfortably against his skin. "Alright…" Aether begins, his voice shaky as he tries to gather his composure. "When I get out of here, I'll…"
Suddenly, the machine jerks him downward without warning. He's yanked down, landing with a loud, painful thud that echoes off the walls. He groans, clutching his ribs as he tries to push himself up. Overhead, a monotonous, artificial voice cuts in, "Patient: Health – Below average. Best for now." It's robotic, detached, indifferent to his pain.
