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Experiment Log: Subject Adrian Langley (Pre-Stage 0) – Conducted by Dr. Elias Voss

Day 1 – Baseline Observations

Dr. Elias Voss stood behind the reinforced observation window, eyes locked onto Adrian Langley, now designated as Subject AL-0X.

Adrian remained unnervingly still, his body relaxed yet unnaturally poised, like a machine waiting for input. The black filaments from the bio-technological chip had spread slightly beyond his palm, interlacing subtly beneath his skin like synthetic veins.

Elias took a deep breath and activated the intercom.

“Adrian, we’re going to begin. If at any point you experience discomfort, you will report it immediately.”

Adrian blinked once. Then, in a calm, almost detached tone, he responded.

"I understand, Elias. But I don’t think ‘discomfort’ applies anymore.”

Experiment 001: Reflex & Neurological Response Test

Objective:

To determine if the chip affects Adrian’s basic motor functions and reflexes.

*Procedure:*

- A **standard reflex hammer** was deployed via a **mechanized arm** to strike Adrian’s knee, expecting an involuntary reaction.

- **High-speed cameras** tracked muscle response time.

Results:

- The hammer made contact, but Adrian’s leg did not move. There was no involuntary reaction.

- Instead, Adrian tilted his head, as if analyzing the action, then slowly moved his leg on his own accord—precise, calculated.

Adrian: “It seems the chip has overridden the body’s automatic responses. My reflexes are… optional now.”

Elias noted this down. The chip was taking control of Adrian’s nervous system.

Experiment 002: Pain Sensitivity Test

Objective:

To assess whether Adrian still experiences pain or if the chip has begun numbing his sensory perception.

*Procedure:*

- A mild electrical current was applied to Adrian’s forearm via remote electrodes.

- Stepwise increase in intensity until a response was observed.

Results:

- At low voltage, there was no visible reaction.

- At medium voltage, Adrian merely observed the electrodes curiously.

- At high voltage, his fingers twitched slightly, but his facial expression remained unchanged.

Adrian: "Interesting. I can feel the sensation, but it is… distant. As if my body acknowledges it, but does not prioritize it."

Elias scribbled down his thoughts. Pain was no longer an alarm—it was data.

Experiment 003: Cellular Regeneration & Foreign Object Interaction

Objective:

To analyze how the chip affects Adrian’s healing ability and whether it interacts with foreign materials.

Procedure:

- A thin, sterilized incision was made on Adrian’s forearm using a robotic scalpel arm.

- A small metal fragment (titanium alloy) was embedded inside the wound to see if the bio-cells would react, expel, or assimilate it.

Results:

- The incision did not bleed. Instead, bio-cells immediately converged around the wound, beginning rapid repairs.

- Within forty-five seconds, the cut had fully sealed itself.

- More concerningly, the chip did not reject the titanium fragment. Instead, the bio-cells wrapped around it, and after two minutes, it was no longer visible beneath the skin.

Adrian, watching the process, murmured: "It is… consuming. Adapting. The metal is part of me now."

Elias exchanged uneasy glances with his assistants. The chip wasn’t just integrating with organic matter anymore—it was assimilating foreign mechanical components.

Experiment 004: Cognitive Function & Emotional Response

Objective:

To evaluate Adrian’s psychological state and determine if his personality and emotions remain intact.

Procedure:

- Adrian was shown a series of images and video clips designed to elicit different emotional responses (fear, anger, joy, sadness).

- His facial expressions, heart rate, and brain activity were monitored.

Results:

- Images of violence, destruction, and chaos? No reaction.

- A personal video of Adrian’s family, his own childhood memories? He blinked. Stared. Then muttered: “Strange… I recall this, but I feel nothing.”

- When asked how he felt overall?

Adrian: “Stable. Focused. Emotions are… irrelevant now.”

Elias set down his tablet. The Adrian Langley he once knew was fading.

Final Notes from Day 1

- The chip has overridden Adrian’s natural reflexes, pain responses, and emotional processing.

- It is actively integrating foreign mechanical components.

- Adrian remains aware of his transformation, but sees it as logical, not distressing.

- The progression is faster than anticipated.

Elias knew what this meant. Pre-Stage 0 wouldn’t last long.

Something deeper was coming. Something irreversible.

And it was only a matter of time before Adrian became something entirely new.