The days blurred together in a relentless cycle of pain and recovery. Each time the guards came for Max, the chamber fell silent, his cellmates watching with a mix of pity and grim resignation. Despite his small frame and youthful appearance, Max carried himself with a confidence that belied his physical age, his sharp crimson eyes defiant even as he was dragged away.
...
In the sterile laboratory, the researchers worked tirelessly, their faces pale from sleepless nights. Screens flickered with streams of data, and the hum of machinery filled the room. Master Velnar's presence was a constant shadow over their work, his tall figure often looming in the background, his piercing gaze silently demanding results.
Two researchers stood at one of the consoles, their tones hushed but tense.
"It's been three months, and we're still no closer to decoding the full structure of his blood," the shorter one said, frustration etched into their features. "Every time we think we've isolated the key component, something shifts. It's like his body knows we're studying it and… changes."
The taller researcher frowned, tapping a finger against the edge of the console. "That adaptability is what makes him unique. But it's also what's making this so difficult. If we increase the dose, we risk destabilizing him completely."
"And if we don't?" the shorter one countered. "Master Velnar expects progress. He's not going to wait forever."
The mention of Velnar's name drew a heavy silence between them. Finally, the taller researcher sighed. "Fine. We'll double the dose on the next cycle. But if he starts breaking down, it's on your head."
"Agreed," the shorter one said, though their voice wavered.
...
Max was returned to the lab once more, his small frame strapped to the cold metal table. He stared at the ceiling, forcing himself to focus on the patterns in the harsh lights rather than the sharp tools and needles surrounding him. He had endured this for months now, each session pushing him to his limits. But he refused to break.
The researchers moved efficiently, attaching wires to his chest and arms, monitoring his vitals as they prepared a new injection. The shimmering liquid in the syringe caught Max's attention, its golden glow brighter than the previous doses.
"That's new," he remarked, his voice steady despite the situation.
One of the researchers glanced at him but didn't respond. Another stepped forward, their hands precise as they plunged the needle into his arm. The liquid burned as it coursed through his veins, far more intense than anything he'd felt before. Max's body convulsed involuntarily, his muscles straining against the restraints.
"Vitals spiking," an assistant reported. "Heart rate exceeding safe parameters."
"Maintain observation," the lead researcher ordered. "We need to see how he stabilizes."
Through the haze of pain, Max's mind raced. 'They`re testing me. Pushing me further each time. They want to see where I`ll break.' But he wasn't going to give them the satisfaction. He clenched his fists, focusing on his breathing as the burning subsided into a dull ache.
"He`s stabilizing," one of the assistants noted, their tone almost awed. "This level of resilience… it shouldn't be possible."
The lead researcher's expression darkened. "It's not just resilience. He's adapting again. Look at the blood samples."
They gestured to a screen displaying a magnified view of Max's blood. The cells shifted and morphed, forming new structures as if responding to the injection.
"It's rewriting itself," the assistant murmured. "Now even in real-time."
Master Velnar's voice cut through the tension, smooth and commanding. "Good. Push him further."
The researchers exchanged uneasy glances but obeyed without hesitation. Another syringe was prepared, this one filled with a deep crimson liquid that seemed to pulse with an inner light. Max's crimson eyes narrowed as he watched them approach.
"You know gays," he said, his voice sharp despite his exhaustion, "you could at least buy me dinner before all this." He chuckling lightly.
One of the assistants froze, startled by his defiance. The lead researcher, however, simply injected the crimson liquid without a word. This time, the pain was immediate and overwhelming, his body seizing as the substance coursed through him. Max bit down hard, refusing to cry out.
"That should do it," the lead researcher said, stepping back. "Take him back to the chamber. Let's see how he progresses over the next few days."
[A/N: If you don't understand why I wrote gays and not guys, it comes from a meme, or rather a streamer. He often says this at the end of his streams: "Goodbye gays while snapping his fingers in the shape of a gun"]
...
Hours later, Max was dragged back to the holding chamber. His cellmates rushed to his side as the guards left, the door slamming shut behind them.
"Max!" Lynara's voice was urgent as she knelt beside him, her glowing veins pulsing with worry. "What did they do this time?"
Max groaned, his body heavy and unresponsive. "The usual. New injections. More pain." He forced his crimson eyes open, meeting hers. "They're doubling the dose now."
Tarren cursed under his breath. "They're going to break you, just like the rest of us."
"They're trying," Max said with a weak smirk. "But I'm not like the rest of you."
Grall let out a low grunt, his expression unreadable. "You say that now. Let's see if you're still smiling after another month of this."
Max's smirk faded, replaced by a determined glare. "I'll survive. And when I do, I'll find a way out of here."
Lynara placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle. "We've all thought that before," she said softly. "But no one ever has."
Max met her gaze, his crimson eyes burning with resolve. "Then I'll be the first."
...
Back in the lab, the researchers gathered around a table, reviewing the latest data. The atmosphere was tense, their voices low as they debated the next steps.
"The injections are working," one said. "But they're also accelerating his adaptability. If we're not careful, he could become something we can't control."
"Master Velnar won't care about control as long as he gets his results," another replied. "But if this goes wrong…" They didn't finish the sentence, the unspoken consequences hanging heavy in the air.
From the shadows, Velnar watched, his dark eyes gleaming with interest. "E-3183 is proving more valuable than I anticipated," he murmured. "Let us see just how far his strength can go."