That day, for the first time, the little girl was taken out of her room. Not into the outside world—but into a dome-shaped testing chamber, surrounded by screens and sensors, every step monitored.

Professor Dareth stood on the observation platform, hands clasped behind his back.

“Empathy test,” he said quietly.

In the center of the room, another subject was brought in—a younger, weaker artificial boy. He looked frightened. That was intentional.

They wanted to know... Would Subject Zero offer help?

Would she show compassion... Or remain calm and obedient?

When the command sounded, “Ignore him. Focus on your task,” Dareth held his breath.

The girl’s eyes flicked to the boy. Just for a moment. But enough to make Dareth’s heart race.

Because he knew: If she began to feel something she wasn’t taught...

Then the experiment was no longer his to control.