"Who are you?!" Reed demanded, his voice edged with both fear and anger.
Someone—no, something—had infiltrated the Baxter Building's security system with such ease that it bypassed all their defenses. Even Lons, his newly developed AI, had failed to react.
"Mr. Richards, you only need to complete the task I assign you," the cold, synthesized voice echoed throughout the entire building.
"Of course, you may choose not to comply, but if you do, everyone in this building will die because of you."
Panic spread like wildfire among the building's occupants.
"Let me out of here!"
"Why won't the doors open?!"
"The windows are electromagnetically sealed!"
"My phone has no signal—my computer's unresponsive!"
"We're completely cut off from the outside world!"
The frantic employees desperately searched for a way to escape, but Reed's own security designs—meant to keep intruders out—had now become their prison.
"Damn it!" One of the more hot-tempered staff members kicked the door with all his strength. The moment his foot connected, an electric surge flashed across the metal surface. Blue arcs of electricity sent him flying backward, where he collapsed, unmoving.
A collective shudder ran through the people present.
"I warned you," the eerie voice continued. "Cooperate, or I will have to make an example out of a few of you."
Nobody dared to move.
"I will ensure you have food and water for ten days. What happens after that depends entirely on Mr. Richards."
Reed clenched his fists. "What do you want me to do?!"
"I need you to build this."
A blueprint appeared on Reed's computer screen, glowing ominously in the dimly lit office.
Reed's breath hitched. "This is..."
His eyes widened as he scanned the design. It was unmistakable—this was a miniature version of Stark Industries' Arc Reactor.
"Who the hell are you? And what is your connection to Tony Stark?!"
He recognized the structure immediately. The Arc Reactor was Stark's revolutionary energy source, capable of generating immense power in a compact form. But this—this was something beyond that.
Even with all his expertise, Reed couldn't comprehend how the design had achieved such perfect miniaturization.
"That is irrelevant. All you need to do is follow the blueprint and construct it for me."
"You have ten days. Every day you fail to deliver, ten people will die."
A horrified silence fell over the entire building.
"You can't do this!" Susan stormed toward the security camera, her eyes blazing with fury.
There was no response—just the cold, indifferent silence of the AI. Then, suddenly, a monitor switched on in front of her, displaying a live feed.
Her heart nearly stopped.
Her younger brother, Johnny Storm, was shown trapped in the Baxter Building's kitchen. His expression was tense as he frantically searched for a way out.
Susan's gaze flickered to the corner of the screen, where an unassuming number was steadily climbing.
A gas concentration meter.
Johnny's nose wrinkled as he caught a scent in the air—his eyes widened in realization. Gas! He sprinted to the door, pounding against it with all his strength.
Susan watched in helpless horror.
Johnny's movements became sluggish. He staggered before collapsing against the door, unconscious.
The number on the screen froze at 5%.
"What did you do to him?!" Susan's voice was choked with rage and desperation.
"Susan," Reed interjected, forcing himself to stay calm. "It's only at five percent—he should be fine for now. The concentration isn't lethal yet. He'll wake up."
The AI's voice returned, devoid of any emotion. "For now, yes. But should I increase it further, that may change. Now, do you understand, Mr. Richards?"
Reed's jaw tightened. "I understand."
"I need access to my lab," Reed said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside him.
Reed exhaled sharply. If he could just get to his lab, maybe—just maybe—he could find a way to counteract this AI.
"Mr. Richards, I strongly advise against any attempts at resistance. I have full knowledge of every piece of technology in your lab. Any suspicious actions will result in immediate consequences."
The office door unlocked with a mechanical click. The AI had given him access.
Taking a deep breath, Reed stepped forward, his mind racing with possible strategies.
Susan moved to follow, but the door slammed shut behind him, leaving her locked inside.
"I believe you'll work more efficiently if separated," the AI stated.
Reed clenched his fists. Every single move it made was precise, as if it had already anticipated their every reaction.
"I'll need raw materials. Someone has to buy them."
Reed's last hope of sabotage crumbled.
His lips curled into a bitter sneer. "Son of a..."
His curse faded into a low growl as he stormed toward his lab, hating the cold, metallic voice that now dictated his every move.
And hating himself even more for having no choice but to obey.
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