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The speakers activate with mechanical precision, the anonymous voice carrying artificial modulation that renders gender and identity indeterminate—deliberately anonymized for theatrical effect rather than practical security.

"Combat qualification successfully completed. Designation rights established through superior force. Access granted to Level Minus Zero retrieval protocols."

The clinical announcement confirms what combat outcomes have already established—this wasn't random violence but a qualification round, a deliberate test of capabilities specifically designed to determine advancement eligibility within the institutional hierarchy.

Jinx's expression shifts subtly at the announcement—satisfaction flowing beneath tactical assessment, confirmation of a theory clearly already formed before engagement began.

She knew exactly what this fight represented.

Knew precisely what victory would provide in terms of institutional advancement. Knew the specific parameters required to progress through the Parazodiac's complex navigation structure.

She came back with a plan.

The realization should provide comfort—evidence that her return represents strategic calculation rather than emotional impulse easily manipulated by institutional methodology.

Yet something beneath rational assessment registers as unexpectedly painful—the thought that perhaps her presence serves tactical advantage rather than genuine connection, that the bond I've preserved through years of systematic torture might represent asymmetrical investment.

Before I can process this uncomfortable possibility, movement within the cage draws renewed attention.

The unconscious Omegas begin stirring with concerning synchronicity—not the gradual return to awareness thatwould indicate natural recovery from combat-induced unconsciousness, but the sudden activation that suggests external stimulation through chemical or electrical means.

Jinx registers the threat with immediate comprehension, body shifting into a combat-ready stance with fluid efficiency despite evident fatigue from previous engagement.

Her eyes narrow as she assesses recovery patterns with tactical precision, calculating response requirements based on opponent capabilities rather than simple numerical disadvantage.

The speaker system activates again, this time carrying a different voice—no longer the anonymized institutional announcement but the cultured tones of Charles Press himself, his satisfaction evident despite electronic distortion.

"Impressive performance, Patient 496. Combat parameters exceeded expectations despite resource limitations and physical compromise. However, qualification represents merely a preliminary assessment rather than a conclusive determination."

Press pauses with theatrical timing, the silence extending precisely three seconds longer than natural speech patterns would indicate—another calculated flourish designed to maximize psychological impact.

"Complete retrieval requires successful navigation of additional challenge parameters beyond simple combat proficiency."

The unconscious Omegas rise with unnatural synchronicity, their movements carrying mechanical precision that suggests external control rather than autonomous function. Their eyes remain unfocused despite apparent consciousness, bodies responding to commands beyond standard neural pathways.

Remote manipulation.

Direct override of motor function through specialized implant technology.

The realization forms with disturbing clarity as these women,already victims of institutional experimentation,are transformed into literal puppets for whatever scenario Press has orchestrated with such careful calculation.

Jinx recognizes the implications with immediate comprehension, her expression shifting from combat readiness to something approaching compassion despite tactical disadvantage. She understands these women no longer represent autonomous combatants but unwilling tools in Press's elaborate production.

"Your target awaits retrieval," Press continues, satisfaction evident beneath professional detachment. "Designation rights require more than combat superiority. They demand recognition beyond institutional parameters."

The controlled Omegas move with synchronized precision toward the cage walls, each approaching a different section with mechanical efficiency that defies natural movement patterns.

Their hands reach for concealed mechanisms at precisely the same moment, fingers pressing against hidden access panels that wouldn't be visible from standard observation positions.

The cage wall begins retracting with hydraulic precision—not the entire structure, but a single section directly opposite my observation position. The opening creates a corridor between the central combat area and the shadowed perimeter where I stand frozen between tactical assessment and emotional response.

The feral Alphas react with immediate aggression to this unexpected development—throwing themselves against the remaining cage sections with increased frenzy as institutional barriers literally part before their collective obsession. Their howls intensify, saliva dripping from bared teeth as primalinstincts override whatever remaining cognitive function might linger beneath chemical enhancement.

Jinx stands in perfect stillness as the situation develops around her — not fear or hesitation, but tactical assessment determining optimal response to changing parameters.

Her eyes move from the opening cage section to my position with deliberate consideration, calculating trajectory and potential interference with mathematical precision.

The controlled Omegas begin moving again—no longer focused on cage mechanics but now forming a living corridor leading from the central combat area directly toward my observation position. They stand at measured intervals, arms extended outward to create a visible pathway through what would otherwise be confusing architecture and dangerous proximity to the feral Alphas still contained behind remaining cage sections.