The Purifiers' electronic visors scanned the room with a rhythmic, buzzing sound. One of them, a hulking figure with a "Logic Grade 4" badge, stopped just inches from Shen Xiu's desk.
"Surgeon Shen," the Purifier growled. "The Eye detected a bio-signature here that exceeds the logical limit. Why isn't the Deviation in the disposal unit?"
Shen Xiu forced his pulse to stay flat, mimicking the cold rhythm of the city. He didn't look back at the desk. Instead, he picked up a scalpel, letting the blue light glint off its edge.
"Because I am performing a Class-A neural reconstruction," Shen said, his voice dripping with professional arrogance. "The 'bio-signature' you detected was a temporary energy surge from my experimental bio-link. Unless you want to explain to the High Council why you interrupted a Level 1 Surgeon's research, I suggest you recalibrate your sensors."
The lead Purifier hesitated. He stepped toward the desk—right toward where the girl was hiding.
Clang!
Shen Xiu 'accidentally' knocked over a tray of discarded neural fluid. The thick, glowing blue liquid splashed across the Purifier's boots, instantly confusing his thermal sensors.
"Look at that," Shen sneered, masking his racing heart. "Now you've contaminated my sterile field. Do you have any idea how many 'Logic Points' will be deducted from your squad for this interference?"
The Purifiers looked at each other. In a world governed by strict rules, the fear of losing "Logic Points" was more powerful than instinct.
"Our apologies, Surgeon," the leader muttered, his visor flickering as he retreated. "We will report this as a sensor malfunction."
As the heavy doors hissed shut, Shen Xiu slumped against the desk. He pulled the shroud back. The girl looked up at him, her red hair a stark contrast to his pale, trembling hand.
"You're a good liar for a man with no emotions," she whispered.
Shen Xiu didn't answer. He couldn't. His logic was failing, but his heart... his heart was finally starting to beat.