They watched as Lu Ting Zhou pounded on the door again, then backed away, seething. The audio was muted until one of the observers toggled a switch.
A click.
Then a mechanical hum, followed by a voice, disembodied, smooth, and amplified, filled the air of the white room.
"Lu Ting Zhou. Song Yaya. Welcome to Phase Two."
Both froze in their actions. Lu Ting Zhou's gaze shot to the nearest camera, while Song Yaya instinctively shrank back frightened.
"We have observed enough to confirm our hypothesis. Blood does not guarantee loyalty. Nor does it secure obedience. Each to their own, hopefully, you survive."
The voice paused, then shifted to a mocking, artificial warmth that was neither promising nor threatening.
"But pain… pain is far more effective. Pain can make anyone obedient; pain can make you lose all rationality..."
Lu Ting Zhou's fists tightly clenched, his eyes murderously gazing into the cameras.
