AT THE SAME TIME
ISABELLA
The door clicked open, slicing through the tense silence like a scalpel. My eyes flicked to it instantly, scanning. Three caretaker Betas entered tall, broad-shouldered, disciplined, moving with the quiet precision of predators. No greetings, No pleasantries, their gaze swept the room, lingering on trembling Omegas like evaluating prey.
"Line up." The tallest commanded, voice calm but sharp. "All Omegas will be processed individually. Obedience is mandatory. Resistance will be noted."
I froze, letting my eyes trace each Omega in the room: humans, hybrids, even a few monsters, all pale with fear. Their wide eyes darted to the Betas, then to each other. Whispers and stifled sobs filled the air.
"Objective: Pass first check-up. Observe surroundings, assess threats, maintain composure. Success yields survival and system enhancements."I inhaled slowly, letting the system's voice hum in my mind.
A smirk tugged at my lips. Observation is power. The nearest Beta approached, his eyes cold, expression unreadable. He didn't ask for my name.
"Omega. You're first. Move."He said.
Omega, not Isabella. Not noble titles, just Omega. A property, disposable. I stood, moving deliberately. My steps were controlled, graceful, calculated. I let a small flinch pass as he grasped my arm enough to trigger a recorded reaction, enough to let them see my traits.
"System alert: Omega traits detected. +5 survival potential. Maintain composure."System said.
He led me to a sterile white room just off the main hall. Fluorescent lights gleamed harshly overhead. On a table, a neat arrangement of instruments awaited: scanners, syringes, clamps, small restraining cuffs, and several unidentifiable devices humming faintly. The metallic scent of antiseptic mixed with a faint trace of blood hung in the air.
'Sit." He commanded.
I lowered myself carefully onto the table, letting the cold surface press against my back. My eyes met his briefly, holding a spark of defiance, a tiny challenge that the system noted approvingly.
"System task: Pass check up without resistance. Observe surroundings, assess weaknesses, and subtly display compliance."System said.
He began with a full physical scan, starting at my shoulders, moving to my arms, flexing and bending them, noting my reflexes.
"Relax." He said flatly, almost bored. "Resistance is unnecessary."
I allowed a small shiver to run through me. My fingers twitched just enough to appear natural under the cold instruments.
"System feedback: Controlled responses observed. Tactical awareness +5. Survival rating increased."System said.
Next came the chest scan, the device hummed, light scanning across my scar the jagged mark from my first death and the Beta's eyes lingered for a moment, noting the unusual pigmentation.
"Interesting." He muttered under his breath, jotting notes. "Omega exhibits prior trauma. Willingness to survive unknown."
I kept my expression neutral, allowing a faint sigh to escape, soft and measured. Enough to show compliance, not weakness.
"System alert: Trauma marker detected. Reward: heightened resilience potential."System said.
He moved to my legs next, checking flexibility, endurance, and reaction speed. A faint vibration emitted from one device under my thigh, testing nerve response. I gasped softly.
"Ah." He murmured. "Excellent reflexes. Very… responsive." His tone was clinical but faintly approving.
"System feedback: Physical responses optimal. +3 system enhancement to agility and reflex perception."System said.
Finally, he approached my head. A small scanner hovered over my eyes, measuring pupil dilation and tracking rapid micro expressions.
"You are observant." He said, voice low. "Your awareness is above average for Omegas here. That may be… useful."
"System note: Observational skill confirmed. Tactical advantage +5."System added.
By the time he dismissed me, I had cataloged everything: the layout of the room, positions of the security cameras, the guard rotations outside, and the reactions of other Omegas waiting their turns. Most were pale, trembling, some outright crying, others feigning obedience but clearly terrified. A few had small sparks of defiance—potential allies… or competitors. I returned to the main chamber slowly, brushing hair from my face, letting my eyes linger on the others.
"First check-up complete. Task success confirmed. Rewards: enhanced situational awareness, tactical perception, and physiological monitoring. Prepare for next directive."The system hummed, approving:
I allowed a faint, low smile to curl across my lips. This was only the beginning.
"Objective confirmed: Survive, observe, adapt use system. Dominate when opportunity arises."System said.
The Betas returned shortly after all the Omegas had undergone their check-ups. Their presence filled the room with a quiet menace silent authority, unyielding control.
"All Omegas. Follow instructions."He said.
I felt the weight of those words press down like iron chains, but my pulse didn't falter. The system whispered in my mind, silky and intimate:
"Phase two: Processing and assignment. Compliance is mandatory. Observed obedience will affect rewards."System said.
We were led to a large chamber with rows of lockers, showers, and sterile clothing stacks. The other Omegas shuffled silently, some trembling, some averting their gaze, all obedient.
"Strip, sanitize, standard issue."Beta said.
My heart raced not with fear, but with calculation. I peeled off my torn clothes, letting the cool air hit my skin. The others did the same. Some glanced at me, their eyes wary, others clearly humiliated, clinging to fleeting dignity. I stepped into the shower line, hot water cascading down, washing away dirt, sweat, and the remnants of the forest. But I didn't just cleanse my body, I let my mind sharpen, taking note of every angle, every Beta monitoring our reactions, every weak Omega who could be used, controlled, or manipulated.
"System note: Observational processing complete. Physiological adaptation in progress. Mental focus optimal."System said.
Once cleaned and dressed in the standard white Omega uniform slim, functional, and slightly restrictive we were assigned duties. A single Beta called out positions: cleaning, laundry, assisting labs, and kitchen.
I scanned the list carefully, noting each assignment. Most Omegas groaned, some resisted slightly, but I kept my expression neutral. Then the Beta's eyes landed on me.
"Omega. Kitchen."He said.
I nodded, stepping forward deliberately, letting my choice seem casual, obedient. The system immediately pulsed in my mind:
"Observation: Unusual selection. Omega selects kitchen duty voluntarily. Question: Motivation unclear. Recommend data collection."System said curiously.
I let a small smirk curl over my lips.
"Motivation? Simple. Control. Information. Observation."I said in my mind.
The kitchen, I knew instinctively, would be a hub of activity, a place where guards, Betas, and even visiting Alphas would pass through. A place where I could study patterns, intercept information, and manipulate opportunities. Most Omegas would never consider the advantage of being near the heart of operations.
"System analysis: strategic positioning detected. +10 intelligence and tactical potential. Confirmed: Omega exhibits foresight and cunning."System said.
I moved into the kitchen with a calm, deliberate pace, taking in the space. Stainless steel counters gleamed, racks of utensils and ingredients lined the walls, and faint smells of food and chemical sanitizers mixed. Other Omegas were already at work peeling, chopping, scrubbing each assigned task a test of compliance and endurance.
"Heat sources: monitor for potential hazards. Nearby Omegas: observe for loyalty or weakness. Staff movements: recorded and memorized. Opportunity for manipulation: detected."System said.
I smiled faintly, unseen by anyone. The system hummed, approving.
"Reward analysis: Environmental awareness +5. Potential for influence +10. Recommendation: exploit opportunity when available."System said.
As I began working, chopping vegetables with precision and efficiency, I let my eyes wander over the other Omegas. Some glanced nervously in my direction, perhaps sensing a quiet strength in me. Others avoided eye contact completely. Good. Let them underestimate me. The steam from the boiling pots rose, mingling with the smell of fresh vegetables, cleaning agents, and the faint musky scent of the other Omegas. Every movement, every glance, every sigh of discomfort was data.
"System note: observation continues. Tactical advantage potential is increasing. Task: Survive, influence, dominate."The system said.
I worked calmly, deliberately, letting my movements appear obedient while my mind cataloged everything: guards routines, Beta supervision patterns, possible escape routes, and the personalities of other Omegas.
"This place underestimates me. They think I am just another Omega. They don't know the fire I carry. They don't know Isabella Bloodheart."I muttered in my mind.
"System alert: aggression and ambition detected. Reward: +5 influence potential. Task: Continue operations and maintain cover."System said.
I smiled to myself. The game had just begun. And in this kitchen this hub of survival, observation, and subtle control I would start shaping my future, my revenge, and my power.