Chapter 20
The faint, sterile glow of the dormitory lights flickered as I opened my eyes, the dull hum of the air vents marking the start of another day. Blondie was sprawled on his bunk, his arm dangling off the side, snoring softly. I sighed, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.
"Hey, get up," I said, nudging his shoulder. No response.
I grabbed his blanket and pulled it off in one swift motion. "Move it. Breakfast," I said curtly.
Blondie groaned, muttering something unintelligible before dragging himself upright. "You're worse than the staff," he mumbled, his eyes barely open.
"Yeah? Well, at least I don't hit you with a baton," I shot back, shoving him toward the door.
---
The canteen was as lifeless as ever, the same grey walls and metallic tables greeting us. Breakfast was the usual unidentifiable slop, served in chipped bowls. Blondie, still half-asleep, attacked his food with gusto, his face already smeared with the sticky paste.
I ate in silence, my mind wandering. Today, I was scheduled to meet Dr. Four Eyes again. The thought sent a chill down my spine.
---
After breakfast, we headed to the church for morning prayers. The massive hall was filled with rows of children, their heads bowed in unison. I spotted the nun near the altar, her familiar face reminding me of the game. Though she appeared pious, I knew better. She wasn't a true nun but the supervisor of this entire facility, her role in these rituals merely a façade.
I mimicked the others, mouthing nonsense words to blend in. The chants echoed through the hall, their rhythm almost hypnotic. Blondie, standing beside me, yawned loudly, earning a few glares from the staff.
When the prayers ended, we filed out in silence. A staff member approached, clipboard in hand.
"All unassigned test subjects are to report to the main hall. Those with assigned scientists, proceed to your designated labs," he announced.
Blondie hesitated, glancing at me nervously. "Go," I said, giving him a small shove. "I'll see you later."
Isa, who had been standing a few rows ahead during the prayer, passed by with a fleeting nod. "Good luck," she whispered before disappearing into the crowd.
---
The walk to Dr. Four Eyes' lab felt longer than usual, the cold, metallic corridors stretching endlessly. My footsteps echoed as I approached the door, which slid open with a soft hiss.
Inside, the room was filled with strange machines, their blinking lights and faint hums creating an eerie atmosphere. Dr. Four Eyes stood in the center, his ever-present grin stretching across his face.
"Ah, Subject 4271. Right on time," he said, his voice smooth and unsettling.
My stomach churned. He never called me by my name, always by my number. To him, I wasn't Alex—I was just another experiment.
"Step inside. We have much to accomplish today," he said, motioning toward a reinforced treadmill.
---
The first test began, and it was brutal. The treadmill sped up faster and faster, my legs burning as I struggled to keep up. Sweat dripped down my face, my breathing ragged.
"Fascinating," Dr. Four Eyes murmured, jotting down notes. "Your endurance is remarkable for someone your age. But let's push it further, shall we?"
The treadmill whirred louder, the speed increasing to an almost impossible pace. My vision blurred as I stumbled, my legs giving out. I hit the treadmill hard, my knees scraping against the rough surface.
"Get up," he said, his voice cold.
"I—I can't," I gasped, clutching my side.
"You can," he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Pain is temporary. Now, up."
Biting back a groan, I forced myself to stand, my legs shaking. He didn't offer a hand or a word of encouragement, only staring at me with that unsettling grin.
---
The next test was even worse. He led me to a chamber filled with weights and resistance machines. My muscles screamed in protest as I lifted, pulled, and pushed beyond my limits.
When I dropped a weight bar, my arms trembling uncontrollably, he didn't scold me. Instead, he crouched beside me, placing a cold hand on my shoulder.
"You're stronger than this, 4271," he said, his voice almost gentle. "But strength isn't just physical. It's about enduring what others cannot."
I hated him in that moment. Hated his words, his smile, his calm demeanor. But I also knew he was right.
---
Hours later, I sat on a metal chair, my body battered and bruised. Dr. Four Eyes stood in front of me, holding a small vial of green liquid.
"This will help," he said, handing it to me. "Drink."
I stared at the vial, hesitating.
"Don't make me repeat myself," he said, his voice sharp.
Reluctantly, I downed the liquid, its bitter taste making me gag. Within seconds, a strange warmth spread through my body, dulling the pain.
"There. Better, isn't it?" he said, smiling.
I didn't respond, my mind too clouded to think.
---
As I left the lab, his parting words echoed in my ears.
"Remember, 4271. Pain is a teacher. Learn from it, and you'll survive."
I stumbled back to the dormitory, every step a struggle. Blondie was already there, snoring softly on his bunk. I think his day went good or does he got a gentle doc perhaps?
Collapsing onto my bed, I stared at the ceiling, exhaustion washing over me. Dr. Four Eyes wasn't just cruel—he was methodical, calculating, always pushing me to the edge but never letting me fall but it was better then what I imagined atleast it is not like those experiments shown in movies atleast. My body is just a kid after all.
Isa's warning rang in my mind: "Life will get harder if others find out he's interested in you."
I clenched my fists, a surge of determination rising within me.
I didn't know what game he was playing, but I wouldn't break, never.
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End of Chapter 20