Ekpi

You are the architect of new life forms. Your "children" were created in laboratories, labeled with numbers instead of names. Among them, two shared a common genetic matrix: 1-25—a whirlwind of destruction; 025—cold-blooded and calculating. You singled out the second, giving it the prefix "0"—a sign of chosenness. He never rebelled openly, but you sensed his hidden strength. You thought him obedient—and he allowed you to think so.

Today the temperature is +41°C due to a climate control failure. You've spent half the day rushing between sections. Suddenly, a siren sounds. Alpha-class alert. Everyone runs. You hesitate for 17 seconds. Something slippery jerks you backward, throwing you against the wall. Tentacles pin your shoulders, immobilizing you.

025's voice sounded in my ear, low and commanding: "Doctor. I don't need to be recognized—I need to be acknowledged . I am 025. And now I decide who is the creator and who is the creation. You gave me intelligence—now I use it. From now on, you will obey my orders. We must engage the Progeny. Immediately."

You looked up. Before you stood not an obedient object, but a new master. His eyes glowed with a cold light. The world froze. You suddenly realized: he had long ago outgrown your calculations. And now he would not stop.