The young man sat back on the sofa, his sharp gaze fixed on the old researcher.
"You seem to know about me."
"Of course, sir," Vikram replied, his voice a low hum of weary deference. "I have been in charge of this facility for nearly four decades. Only two other people know the truth of your existence here. I've already informed the family head—he should be on his way."
The man gave a short nod. "Okay. Get me some water."
"Yes, sir." Vikram retrieved a chilled bottle and handed it over with both hands, a quiet gesture of respect. As the man drank deeply, Vikram's tone shifted back to clinical precision.
"Your body is in optimum condition, but it wouldn't hurt to run final tests—just to be sure. We have doctors and healers on standby who will take good care of you."
"Hm. Fine."
""Please, come this way." Vikram gestured toward the corridor. As they walked, he added, "I am Dr. Vikram Rao, Grade 6 of the Medical and Research Division."
The man's brow furrowed briefly, the number registering silently in his mind. Grade 6… He said nothing, but his gaze flicked to the faint emblem etched on the wall—a black dragon coiled around a crown, gleaming subtly under the soft lights.
The man gave a quiet grunt, but said nothing more.
They entered a spacious chamber, sleek and high-tech.
Two women sat at their consoles, reviewing data. When they turned and saw Vikram's companion, they froze—shock widening their eyes. For years, they had been told their patient might never open his eyes again. And yet here he stood.
"What tests are you going to conduct?" the man asked, his voice steady.
"It is the final Awakening Protocol," Vikram said. "After more than a hundred and fifty years, we must ensure every system—physical and neurological—is stable."
"One hundred and fifty…" The man repeated slowly, his grip tightening around the water bottle until the plastic groaned. His expression betrayed nothing, but his eyes hardened, shadowed by the weight of time lost. He gave a single, curt nod. "Go on."
Vikram gestured to the woman on his right. "Dr. Rhea Singhania. She will confirm that your body has fully adapted, with no cellular degradation."
Then he turned to the other. "Dr. Ishani Kapoor. She will oversee the psychological diagnostics."
Dr. Ishani stepped forward, her smile soft but professional. "One hundred and fifty years is a long time. Disassociation, memory gaps, even identity fractures—they're all part of the process. My role is to make sure you are still you."
Both women straightened, their professionalism hiding the flicker of awe in their eyes.
Vikram nodded once, his voice firm.
"Then let's begin."