Minutes passed.
The pressure intensified.
Piter's vision blurred, but his mind stayed sharp.
Last time, he panicked here.
Last time, he ran.
That's why he failed.
He stood up.
And spoke clearly.
"I acknowledge the Scenario," he said.
The pressure wavered.
"I acknowledge observation."
Text stuttered.
"I do not acknowledge authority."
The tunnel shook.
Black text glitched.
[Warning—]
Piter stepped forward.
"You want me predictable," he said calmly. "You want me reactive."
He smiled.
"I'm neither."
The pressure snapped.
Silence rushed back in.
Then—
[Hidden Scenario Updated.][Clear Condition Modified.][Survive Observation → Observation Failed]
Piter exhaled.
His Interface burned hot.
[You have been marked as a Variable.]
He laughed quietly.
"Good," he said. "Now we're playing the same game."
Above ground, new Scenarios were opening.
And this time—
The System knew his name.