Bernard stood rooted to the spot, listening to the ticking countdown in his head.
After undergoing a brain surgery, a chip was implanted in him. His movements, his speech, everything was being monitored.
He had just modified the ninth round of the program, and cracked the program set by Agent 1-1, gaining some control in the process.
Yet, the moment he appeared here and began to speak, Agent 1-2 had detected that he had tampered with the game's code.
Now, 1-2 hadn't initiated the detonation program immediately, instead giving him a five-minute countdown. It was his last warning.
He had to watch his words and return to his designated location within five minutes. Otherwise, his brain would explode, and she would die too.
Bernard looked at the laser dot constantly aimed at Eleanor's head, and he suddenly eased his curled-up fist.
He scooped Eleanor up in his arms and ushered her into the Life Door, then held her shoulders tightly, preventing her from moving, "I can't go back right now. You need to leave. Don't come looking for me again, it's dangerous," he warned.
His brain was on a leash. If he strayed more than a hundred meters from Area Opaca, it would automatically detonate.
Bernard didn't want her to worry, so he quickly turned and headed for the exit.
Eleanor, however, didn't listen. She tried to follow him but Bernard spun around, snapping, "I've told you not to come looking for me. Robin already died for you. Isn't that enough?"
Whether 1-2 would initiate the detonation program after Eleanor left was not important. As long as she was safe, he was willing to die.
As the seconds ticked away, Bernard worked furiously on cracking the code. His beautiful eyes, usually bright as stars, were filled with unshed tears.
Seeing the red X on the screen again, Bernard's frustration boiled over. He punched the control panel, shattering the screen. He took a moment to compose himself, then resumed typing. But the countdown was at five seconds, four, three, two...
Just when he thought time was up, the ticking stopped. On the program screen, the Life Door was highlighted with a green safety indicator. This meant that the exit route was open, and Eleanor could leave. But it wasn't his code modification that brought the change. Someone else was pulling the strings. As Bernard's handsome brow furrowed, a sharp and familiar female voice came from behind...
"Mr. Nine, whether your brain explodes and whether she leaves safely, Agent 1-2 has given me control. What do you say, do you want to make a deal?"
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