The bionic sensor activated.
Digital indicators moved like radar, scanning the surrounding space.
With his heart pounding, he gently pulled back the blanket.
Beneath it, his right leg—was there again.
But this was no ordinary prosthetic.
It was a masterpiece of technology: hidden metal beneath synthetic layers, softly glowing indicator panels around the ankle. Its movements were smooth and natural.
The world around him felt like a dream, slowly turning into reality.
Before Kaivan could fully understand what was happening, a gentle voice broke the silence.
"Are you awake now, Kaivan?"
The voice felt familiar, like a faint echo from the past.
Kaivan slowly turned his head, his neck stiff. Before him stood a petite girl, about 160 centimeters tall, standing at eye level with him.
Her long, wavy brown hair reflected the light, forming a golden halo in the air. Her bronze-toned skin shimmered warmly, like polished copper. And her eyes—emerald green—shone with a strange calm, as if they went beyond ordinary humanity.
She carried a metal tray holding a bowl of warm porridge. Thin steam rose gently, spreading the aroma of broth through the room. Her steps were calm and precise, as if every movement had been perfectly programmed.
She smiled softly as she approached Kaivan—a smile that felt both unfamiliar and strangely close.
She placed the tray on the small table beside the bed, then sat down on a synthetic leather chair. With a gentle motion, she touched Kaivan's left hand—the artificial hand that looked so lifelike—and slowly stroked it.
"Can you feel it now?" she whispered, her voice soft, with a faint hint of teasing.
Kaivan swallowed.
He really could feel it.
Not just the touch, but the warmth of her skin. A faint current flowed along his artificial arm, passing through the synthetic nervous system connected to his consciousness.
"I… I can feel it," he said shakily. His eyes widened in shock and confusion.
Her smile grew wider.
Her fingers traced along his arm, up to his shoulder, then down to the prosthetic leg that now blended perfectly with his body. Her touch was more than a medical check—there was a personal tenderness within it.
Her gaze deepened.
"I can feel this too now," she whispered, almost inaudibly. "Touching you… it feels real."
Kaivan fell silent.
His heart raced, his face growing hot. Everything felt too close, too real. But who was she? His memories were blank. This girl should not have felt unfamiliar.
Before he could ask, a deep and familiar voice came from the doorway.
"Oh, Kaivan, you're awake? How are you feeling?"
Kaivan turned quickly.
A tall, broad-shouldered man stood at the entrance. His lab coat was reinforced with kevlar, bearing the distinct identity of military-grade research. His face was serious, yet warm.
Levan.
"Levan…" Kaivan whispered, relieved yet confused.
Levan stepped inside slowly, scanning the room with a scientist's careful eye. Then he turned to the girl.
"Lyra, prepare some water for Kaivan."
Kaivan froze.
"W-WHAT?! LYRA?!"
He almost tried to sit up, but his muscles had not fully recovered. His eyes widened as he stared at the girl, struggling to piece together his scattered memories.
Lyra only responded with a gentle smile.