Chapter 3: The Forging of Faith
The transition into Level 3 was seamless, a continuation of the meticulously engineered journey. The Novice, still absorbing the chilling efficiency of Level 2, watched as the screens in the Observation Hub Gamma shifted, revealing the next stage of the farm.
[SYSTEM: Observing Level 3 Operations. Current Cycle: 21.]
"This, Novice, is Level 3," the Watcher's voice resonated through the chamber, his focus absolute on the visual data. "Psychologically, it's the second most important level. But for the Organization, it marks the true beginning of the most critical phase. Here, we don't just reduce the trauma of the Hole; we virtually eradicate it. There are still a few, a tiny percentage, whose primitive cognitive wiring causes lingering doubts, a flicker of 'what if.' But the system will crush that, transforming it into absolute, unshakeable belief."
The screens showed subjects, now clearly young adults by their accelerated farm age, moving with purpose and vigor. As they watched, a group from a previous cohort, having completed Level 2, emerged from a 'Hole' into Level 3. Their initial expressions of relief were fleeting, quickly replaced by a natural assimilation into the bustling environment, as if this was merely another room in their ever-expanding world. More crucially, the Novice saw older subjects from Level 3 readily entering the next 'Hole', vanishing with casual indifference.
"They witness older subjects transitioning seamlessly to the next level," the Watcher explained, his finger tracing a projected data flow. "This constant, visible proof solidifies their conviction. The system never lies. Each 'Hole' is just a doorway to a 'better land.' Their minds, now fully primed, readily accept this truth."
The Watcher led the Novice to a new console, pulling up more detailed biometric and behavioral data. "As you observe, they are no longer just children. They are reaching maturity. This is the onset of puberty, a critical period flooded with hormonal surges. We harness this biological imperative. Their physical training intensifies, pushing their bodies to new extremes. The Boys' physiques are cultivated for maximum strength and endurance, designed for peak physical output."
He brought up a holographic display of a male subject's musculature, highlighting areas of rapid development. "Their sexual lives are no longer merely 'play.' They are a mandated reproductive duty. The scoring system from Level 2 becomes exponentially more complex here. Performance in physical conditioning, cognitive puzzles, and reproductive success all contribute to their overall score."
The Novice saw detailed breakdowns: 'Reproduction Efficiency Scores,' 'Offspring Quality Metrics,' 'Partner Compatibility Indices.'
"Partners change frequently, systematically rotated to prevent the formation of deep bonds or family units," the Watcher elucidated. "No emotional attachments are permitted beyond the system's intended purpose. Each successful copulation, each pregnancy, each birth, adds significantly to their scores. The more viable offspring produced, the higher their status, the greater their rewards—better nutrition, more luxurious rest chambers, preferential access to advanced recreational simulations. This constant incentivization ensures peak reproductive output."
A new image appeared on the screen, chilling the Novice to the bone. Small, newly decanted infants, identical to those from Level 1, were being gently but firmly taken from their mothers by automated cradles, just moments after birth. The mothers, instead of showing distress, displayed a curious mix of fatigue and a strange, satisfied serenity, likely a conditioned response to a successful 'duty.' These infants were then moved to a separate, colder section of the Level 1 nurseries.
"The offspring are immediately taken to specialized 'Preservation Chambers,'" the Watcher explained, his voice chillingly detached. "They are placed into a state of time-freezing stasis. Here, their genetic material, their 'spirit root' potential, is analyzed. We then meticulously compare the genetic profiles and reproductive scores of their parents – the best 'fathers' and 'mothers' – against projected developmental outcomes. Only the most promising, the absolute 'best of the best' genetic combinations, are selected to be 'thawed' and reintroduced into the decanting and Level 1 cycle to form the next generation. The rest are... recycled."
The Novice felt a cold wave of fear ripple through him. This was beyond cold. This was a system that consumed its own children, an infinite, self-perpetuating cycle of optimized life and systematic termination. Doubt, a insidious worm, began to gnaw at the carefully constructed walls of his own conditioning. Was this... right? He pushed the thought away, forcing his attention back to the Watcher. His own internal struggle remained hidden, a silent battle.
"At this age," the Watcher continued, oblivious to the Novice's internal turmoil, "subjects in Level 3 are operating at peak efficiency. We ensure they have no time left for independent thought. Their cycles are meticulously regimented: intense physical conditioning, reproductive duties, controlled consumption, minimal sleep, and constant engagement with the scoring system. Their lives become a continuous loop of work, sex, sleep, and recycle. Observe their biometric readings: their physical growth curves are unprecedented, and their 'Happiness Levels' — a measure of their systemic contentment — are consistently high. The reward system is so deeply ingrained, so pervasive, that they are, by all measurable metrics, blissfully unaware of their true purpose."
The screen once more showed a cohort nearing their graduation. They were magnificent physical specimens, exuding confidence and vitality. As they approached the familiar shimmering circle of the Hole, there was barely any hesitation.
[SYSTEM: Displaying Cohort M-700. Age: 30 Cycles. Event: Third Stage Graduation.]
"At the end of Level 3," the Watcher concluded, "the vast majority are now willing to enter the Hole at free will. The small percentage who still harbor residual apprehension are quickly swayed by the overwhelming enthusiasm of their peers. Most of them are, as you can see, happily going into the Hole."
He swiped his hand, and the screen flashed through montage-like images of further training, further reproductive duties, and subjects moving through successive 'Holes' with utter complacency.
"Level 4 and 5," the Watcher stated, his voice flat, "are essentially continuations of this process. The conditioning deepens, the training becomes more specialized, and the reproductive hours increase. Any residual fear of the Hole is completely shattered by this point. It is simply more training, more sex, more growth. Preparing them for the final, ultimate purpose."