Tears streaked down Ozai's face as his voice broke into a desperate cry. "Please… kill me, Bruce!"
Bruce didn't hesitate.
He unsheathed his dagger in one fluid motion, no malice, no thrill, just quiet efficiency. The blade flashed once.
SCHLICK!
Ozai's voice cut off instantly. His body went still. His head rolled to the side, eyes still wide and wet with fear.
Bruce exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable as he stared at the lifeless face looking back at him.
Even in death, Ozai's eyes were pleading.
Bruce's gaze softened, just slightly, and he shook his head, a faint sigh escaping his lips.
"An unmotivated test subject isn't worth it."
He sheathed the dagger, his calm aura returning like nothing had happened, the faint scent of blood dissipating into the hot, still air.
Another kill. Another adaptation.
Another experiment complete.
...
Meanwhile, back in the pod room, Lucen sat frozen.
