Chapter 527: The Hostage

The door groaned as Erik pushed it open, its rusty hinges shrieking under the sudden movement. Beyond it lay a room bathed in hazy darkness. The only light source was a single flickering chandelier hanging from the ceiling, casting long, ominous shadows on the walls.

As Erik's eyes adjusted to the low light, the room's single occupant came into view, strеtchеd out on an austеrе metal bed. Lucy. The mayor's daughter Erik's 'hostage.' His endgame for this dangerous test was finally within sight.

The sight of the young woman, bound and vulnerable, sent a shockwave of relief through him.

Despite knowing this was all part of the elaborate testing, seeing a fellow human after all the robots was a welcome change, and her acting skills were superb, which made everything seem more real. He carefully approached her, his sharp eyes noting her condition.