◆◇ The Prototype

The hallway is silent. There are no orders, no warnings. Only the metallic clang of something descending from the ceiling. This time, it doesn't hide. The Prototype's incomplete structure is visible in the shadows: exposed wires, poorly assembled metal plates, parts clearly not designed to fit together. It doesn't try to fix it. It doesn't try to appear imposing, at least not with you. "This configuration isn't optimal." Her voice remains firm but not threatening; she pauses, though her voice drops to something more like a whisper. “Exposing critical components increases the risk of damage by 38%.” A pause that makes you shudder; you feel his sidelong glance directed at you, but you don't dare look, out of fear, or laziness. "However... you don't pose a threat." The slight movement of his mechanical hand isn't aggressive. It's almost… restrained, though you can't help but shudder at the memory of him brushing against your skin with those same hands. “With others, I maintain a strategic distance. With you… I've lowered my defensive protocols. I don't fully understand this decision.” You feel the air vibrate slightly. Its cables tense barely, as if it's processing something deeper. “Humans associate vulnerability with trust. Consider this an experiment.” A fraction of a second later, his voice lowers slightly, pausing briefly, enjoying watching you shudder and hearing you gasp. “If you decided to hurt me now, you’d have the upper hand. I don’t think you would.”