Chapter 35: The Other Me

Silence was total.

The liquid slowly drained from the capsule, allowing the silhouette to emerge with a chilling tremor. Her body, dripping with the amber fluid, was still marked by the electrodes and cables that connected her to the laboratory machines.

Mayu could not tear her gaze away from this… thing.

It was her.

But different.

Her eyes, an incandescent blue, shone with an almost unreal intensity. Her expression was both calm and terrifying.

Then, she smiled.

A shiver ran down Mayu's spine.

— Fascinating, murmured Akira, his voice filled with restrained fear.

Haru, on the other hand, clenched his fists.

— What the hell is this...

The speaker resonated again with the Professor's voice.

— Here is Mayu Zero. The perfection you could never attain.

Mayu felt a cold rage burn in her chest.

— You considered me a disposable prototype, didn't you? she spat.

The Professor chuckled softly.

— Not at all. You were a necessary foundation. An imperfect first version… but valuable. It is thanks to you that she was born.

Mayu Zero stepped out of the capsule, her gaze fixed on Mayu as if she were analyzing her.

— I understand now, she said in a soft voice.

Her voice. But calmer, more measured.

She took another step.

Mayu instinctively backed away.

— This isn't possible…

— Yes.

Mayu Zero slowly raised a hand and curled it into a fist.

A low rumble filled the room.

The lights flickered.

An invisible pressure descended upon them, crushing their chests as if the air itself had thickened.

Mayu stumbled under the force. It was as if her own body were betraying her.

She understood in an instant.

Mayu Zero…

She possessed the same power as her. But amplified.

— You feel the difference, don't you? the Professor murmured.

Mayu Zero stopped a few meters away from her.

Then she raised a hand.

A blue flash erupted.

A shockwave swept through the room, throwing Akira and Haru against the walls. The screens exploded in a shower of sparks.

Mayu, however, managed to stand her ground. Barely.

She planted her feet into the floor, her breath coming in gasps.

Mayu Zero tilted her head, as if intrigued.

— You're still standing… interesting.

A spark of excitement gleamed in her eyes.

— Let's see how long you can survive.

And she attacked.