hotmtlnovel Chapter 65
Chapter 65
“It’s an incredible breakthrough to have manifested the ability to control flames like the Witch of Fury. It seems that giving emotions was indeed the right answer,” Sator exclaimed joyfully as he watched Subject No. 10 writhing in pain, spewing flames from her body.
After confirming that her power grew with each twinge of pain, No. 10 was subjected to intensive experiments daily, living with wounds all over her body.
She resembled No. 9, but perhaps due to her emotions, it was unmistakably clear that No. 10 loathed suffering during the experiments.
Every time Luke treated her injuries, he tried his hardest not to think of her. But on the day he witnessed her intentionally conjuring flames as if to show gratitude, he realized a truth he had been desperately trying to ignore.
They hadn’t merely created an emotional homunculus for combat, but rather a being with feelings, capable of communication, and who could contemplate ways to bring joy to others. What other word could define such a being but “human”?
From that moment onward, Luke began to feel that No. 10 was like an innocent child, newly brought into this world.
Was it right to commit horrible acts against such a being in the name of saving people?
The guilt stemming from this contradiction constantly swirled in his mind.
No. 10 was full of curiosity. After he had shared a few stories about the outside world, she began tapping on the wall, requesting more tales every time Sator left the room.
Despite her movement difficulties due to the intense experiments, No. 10 crawled to the wall and tapped, a curious child asking for stories.
When Luke told her about heroes and the Aegis Academy, No. 10 showed genuine interest. Luke then said, “I hope you can become someone who can protect others.”
In response, No. 10 blinked slowly, as if to convey she understood.
Though trained to obey commands, Luke felt sincere emotions in her blinking, and all he could do was apologize.
*
As the intense experiments continued, No. 10’s body, much stronger than that of an average person, had significantly diminished healing abilities due to the repeated healing spells.
When Luke mentioned this, Sator responded dismissively, as if it was of no consequence.
No. 10 had decided to give up and prepare for the next one.
This thought sparked a whirlwind of ideas in Luke’s mind.
No. 10 would end her life like the other subjects, cold and burning in an incinerator.
And he would continue to create beings like her until a perfect specimen was made.
But Luke couldn’t voice his objections. He was also an accomplice who had crossed into forbidden territory.
It felt too late to stop now; they had come too far.@@@@
However, the opportunity to halt this madness arrived just a few days later.
In a quest for minimal atonement, Luke sought to spend a little more time with No. 10, visiting the laboratory at dawn after everyone had left, only to be greeted by the laboratory engulfed in flames.
As he dashed toward the lab in shock, he saw someone slowly striding toward the entrance, completely engulfed in flames.
Through the roaring fire, Luke could clearly see the crimson eyes he had come to recognize all too well.
He knew it was No. 10 who had set the laboratory ablaze.
Just like the Witch of Fury in the tales, No. 10 was surrounded by flames, incinerating everything around her.
Luke recalled what they had done to No. 10.
It wouldn’t be surprising if she was filled with vengeance and sought to hurt people, emitting flames powerful enough to escape a fireproof room.
Thinking that he needed to stop her at all costs, Luke approached No. 10 and caught the emotions within her gaze.
Surrounded by flames, the child, burdened with overwhelming power, was asking for help.
Luke made up his mind.
His tears were for her lost arm, his guilt, and his overwhelming gratitude.
Though she had lost her memory, just like the request he had made previously...
To think that she had become the kind soul he hoped she would be when he named her Scarlet.
For Luke, that represented the greatest redemption of all.
*
Luke hurriedly crossed through the nearest portal at the address sent by Sator. The location was quite far from even the nearest portal.
Now, with age weighing on him, running wasn’t easy anymore, but driven by concern over what Sator might do to Scarlet, he sprinted until he nearly ran out of breath.
Finally, he spotted a lone building isolated from others.
The heavy door of the building appeared slightly ajar, as if waiting for him.
As Luke passed through the open door, it clicked shut behind him with a clank.
Inside the building, it was dark and hard to see.
Wondering if he had entered the wrong place, Luke took a breath and shouted, “Sator!”
A familiar voice echoed back, submerged in the darkness.
“It seems you rushed over here without even having lunch. Didn’t I tell you to eat first? At your age, running on an empty stomach can be quite detrimental, my friend.”
“Where is Scarlet? You said she was with you!” Luke inquired, and a loud laughter boomed in the shadows.
With that laughter, Luke felt a whirling dizziness.
As his vision blurred, the building’s lights flickered on.
The inside was filled with smoke.
Sleeping gas.
Luke realized the nature of the smoke immediately, but it was too late, having inhaled way too much.
Through his hazy vision, he caught a glimpse of Sator wearing a gas mask.
Sator chuckled and said, “Looks like this object has a name. Don’t worry; you’ll be seeing her soon.”
*
Sator was an outstanding researcher.
He had never encountered failure in his life.
Though his family had ordered the disposal of the subject, the specimen remained intact.
Now, he simply needed to yield results with what remained.
He was certain that the flames grew stronger with the emotion of anger.
Since he treasured Scarlet, she must also have some importance on her end.
Seeing something precious breaking down right before her eyes should definitely stir some feelings.
The experiments must continue.
He would restore the glory of the great Astra with a perfected creation wielding the power of a witch.
He would do whatever it took, whatever it took, whatever it took, whatever it took.
Sator scratched his neck, chuckling.