UNIFIED W

Chapter 38: Irregular, part 3

Five hours later...

Thomas sat behind his work desk, fully focused as he read through the old record files from the previous AC project.

The cooling system hummed at full power, filling the office with air noticeably colder than outside.

The office was decorated with unique artwork, and large wide windows allowed plenty of natural light to brighten the room.

While he was fully immersed in reading, the desk screen lit up. A call from the science team appeared.

Thomas pushed up from his chair, the legs scraping as it toppled behind him, and he answered without hesitation.

"HELLO!"

A voice crackled through the speaker.

"The boy has regained consciousness. We're preparing to remove him from the healing tank."

A slow exhale escaped Thomas's lips.

"Excellent work. I'll be down in a minute."

"Yes, sir."

The call ended. Thomas's eyes settled on the screen, his faint reflection smiling back.

'Finally. We can begin the next phase.'

Thomas pushed his hair back, stepped into the elevator, and the doors snapped shut as it carried him toward the lab.

The science team drained the healing tank, and carefully lifted the oxygen mask from Zeru's face, revealing the boy's scarlet eyes as he blinked against the light.

He lay on the floor, naked and unsteady, his gaze snapping from corner to corner as panic tightened his breath.

'What... what is this place? Why is everything so blurry... and why can't I remember how I got here?'

Thomas stepped toward Zeru, their eyes locking the instant he lifted his head.

'Isn't that the V clan leader?'

"Get him some clothes and something to eat. We have a lot to go over."

Thomas stopped beside Zeru, and as he tried to push himself up, his body refused to respond.

"WHAT IS GOING ON?!"

Fear spiked in his chest, and the sudden rush sent the room spinning, his stomach tightening as if he were seconds from throwing up.

The clan leader lowered himself beside Zeru, placing a firm but gentle hand on his head to steady his rising panic.

"Relax. You're safe now. There's nothing you need to worry about."

Thomas kept his voice steady and calm, but the panic already swelling inside Zeru was too much.

His vision wavered, the room tilting, and his eyes slipped shut as consciousness faded.

The science team stood ready with food and clothes, eyes fixed on Thomas, waiting for his orders.

"Take the boy to the recovery room."

A few members of the science team lifted Zeru's unconscious body and carried him to the recovery room, while the rest immediately began preparing for the next phase of the AC project.

***

An hour had passed since Zeru lost consciousness.

While he rested in the recovery room, Thomas sat beside the bed, watching the science team work through the thick glass walls on the other side of the lab.

Lost in thought, Thomas flinched when Zeru suddenly shouted.

"WHAT IS THIS PLACE?!"

Thomas turned toward him with a gentle smile, ready to answer his questions.

Zeru shoved his blanket away and tried to get up, but his legs failed him and he collapsed at Thomas's feet.

"HEY, what's going on?! What did you do to me?!"

Thomas stood from his chair and helped him back onto the bed, even as Zeru resisted.

"Easy now. I'll explain everything, but you need to calm yourself and let me speak."

Zeru tried to steady his breathing, though keeping his emotions under control grew nearly impossible as Thomas explained everything from the Pillars' attack to the present moment.

As Thomas continued, Zeru felt the room closing in around him, every sentence landing like a blow, leaving his eyes stinging with tears he could no longer hold back.

When Thomas finished speaking, he left the recovery room and crossed the lab to his work desk.

He gathered a set of files, then returned to continue the conversation with Zeru.

"I know things are difficult for you right now, but I need you to stay with me. I have good news... and bad news."

Thomas paused for a moment to see if Zeru would respond, but the room stayed completely silent.

"The good news is... I kept the promise I made to your grandfather."

Zeru turned to Thomas, his eyes watering, every breath shaky with fear and disbelief.

"What... promise?!"

"To keep you alive."

Thomas's eyes darkened as he looked at Zeru, and for a moment he didn't speak, letting the weight of what was coming settle between them.

"The bad news is you will never walk again."

Zeru's hands clenched into fists at his sides, his lips quivering as a choked sound escaped his throat.

"I can never w... wa... walk again... NEVER AGAIN!"

Thomas cleared his throat, steadying himself before continuing the explanation.

"We did everything possible to save your life. We succeeded, but the poison left irreversible damage to your lower body."

Suddenly, Zeru's cry of despair tore through the room as he scrambled to stand, only to collapse back onto the floor, powerless.

Zeru's scream filled the room, sharp and wild. He tried to push himself up, but his legs gave way, forcing him to collapse again.

Fists pounded his thighs over and over, each strike accompanied by ragged sobs. Blood ran along his fists, his voice breaking as Thomas sat quietly, watching.

Thomas intervened as Zeru's fists slammed against his legs, holding him in place.

The struggle slowed, and Thomas carefully helped him back onto the bed, hand firm on his shoulder.

Silence settled between them, broken only by Zeru's shaky breaths, a fragile calm settling in the room.

With Zeru taking a shallow breath, Thomas finally spoke, voice steady and measured.

"I know a way to get your legs back. You'll feel like a whole new person."

"W... w... what other way are you t... ta... talking about?"

Zeru froze, his chest tight, eyes darting as disbelief and hope collided.

"You don't need to answer right away. Take your time, get some rest for now, and I'll be waiting for you in the lab."

Thomas's smile lingered for a moment before he turned and walked away, letting Zeru lie in silence and reflect.