The sound of dragging chains echoed in the underground training ground, and the harsh neon lights filtered through the iron bars, casting a glare on Kouya Toyo's sweat-drenched face.
Puddles rippled beneath his feet as rain mixed with blood seeped in through the skylight, filling the air with the scent of rust and decay.
"Subject 1999, prepare for position."
A cold female voice came from the speaker. Kouya Toyo touched the brand-new black iron collar around his neck; as his fingertips brushed against the metal, a sharp pain shot through his body. The inward-facing spikes of the collar slowly pierced into his skin.
The iron cage opposite him swung open with a loud clang, and a pitch-black Mechanical Fighting Dog stepped out with deliberate slowness.
Its eyes glowed like two blood-red LED lights, and its steel fangs gleamed ominously. The mechanical joints emitted a grating creak that sent shivers down his spine.
"Commencing practical combat test for Subject 1999. Passing will grant you a D-level license." The voice from the speaker remained indifferent. "Losers... will be treated as scrap."
Kouya Toyo fixed his gaze on the Mechanical Hound, his pupils involuntarily constricting into gear-like shapes.
A searing pain spread from his spine; he could feel his bones gradually undergoing Metallicization.
Rain poured down through the skylight, striking the brand on the back of his neck.
The fingerprint-shaped burn seemed to heat up again, reminding him of what had happened to his previous trainer.
In the Observation Room, Shen Zhao Yi watched intently through the glass at the training ground.
Her slender fingers caressed the Artificial Eye Ring on her left hand, where the eyes of the deceased still held the terror they experienced in their final moments.
"Let’s begin." She pressed the button.
The Mechanical Hound sprang into action, like a bolt of black lightning lunging at Kouya Toyo. The latter quickly rolled away but still felt the sharp claws tear through his arm.
Blood dripped onto the ground as Kouya Toyo gritted his teeth. He could feel the collar tightening, the barbs digging deeper.
"What's wrong? Afraid to use your Ability?" Shen Zhao Yi's voice carried a hint of mockery. "Don't worry, I can help you wake up."
A sudden wave of pain hit Kouya Toyo, causing him to stagger backward. This was Shen Zhao Yi's Ability—Pain Transfer.
Seizing this opportunity, the Mechanical Hound opened its gaping maw and lunged for his throat.
In a moment of desperation, Kouya Toyo's arm was instantly covered in metal. He used his steel-like arm to firmly clamp down on the Hound's jaw.
"Interesting," Shen Zhao Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, casually tossing a piece of candy wrapper into the trash can, her high-heeled boot still sticking to a Chocolate Candy wrapper.
The battle in the training ground grew increasingly intense. Kouya Toyo's Ability had fully awakened, his body shimmering with a silver metallic sheen.
He threw a punch at the Mechanical Hound's Mechanical Eye, shattering the red LED light instantly.
However, the Hound retaliated with even greater ferocity. Its tail suddenly split into several sharp metallic whips that lashed out violently at Kouya Toyo.
Even with the protection of Metallicization, the violent impact still caused him to spit blood.
At that moment, a sweet scent of Chocolate Candy wafted through the air.
Kouya Toyo froze; this smell... it was exactly like the last syrup he drank on the day his sister went missing.
"Daydreaming can get you killed," Shen Zhao Yi's voice echoed as another wave of excruciating pain surged through him.
The Mechanical Hound seized the opportunity and sank its teeth into Kouya Toyo's shoulder. Blood splattered, staining the dog tag on his chest.
"1999, scrap materials not to be recycled."
Kouya Toyo stared at those words, suddenly letting out a beast-like roar. His pupils spun wildly, like uncontrollable gears.
The degree of Metallicization in his body surged instantly, even his nails transforming into sharp steel claws.
"Interesting, truly interesting," Shen Zhao Yi chuckled softly, watching the bloody scene on the training ground.
On the other side in the pharmaceutical room, Zhou Shenyong expressionlessly supervised a group of Ability users as they lined up to drink Sedative Syrup.
The electric collar beneath his high-neck sweater occasionally discharged sparks, a routine punishment for the "Loyal Hound."
He quietly wiped the residue from the seventh Test Tube onto the lining of his sleeve; tonight, he would search through the laboratory waste for clues about his sister's whereabouts.
A loud crash echoed from the training ground, followed by the piercing sound of metal tearing.
Kouya Toyo stood amidst the wreckage of the Mechanical Hound, drenched in blood.
He slowly raised his head, his gear-like pupils fixated on the glass of the Observation Room.
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