lookism: Experiment

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A few days passed. The remnants of the crew had shrunk to only crew Workers. Michael discovered that their operations were tied to four affiliates, each one more sinister than the last. The fourth affiliate, **One MCN**, was the most troubling—a company disguised as a legitimate streaming platform that exploited vulnerable content creators through predatory contracts. Michael hated people like that, people who preyed on the weak.

But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside. He was outside, playing with his little brother, Eli, in the hostel courtyard. These rare moments of peace reminded Michael why he fought so hard. Eli deserved a childhood, one filled with laughter and joy, not the harsh realities Michael had faced growing up.

Warren Chae, a steadfast friend from the hostel, often helped look after Eli. Warren's calm demeanor and sharp instincts made him someone Michael trusted deeply. Tonight, Warren had suggested Michael eat dinner at the hostel, so after picking up Eli from school, the two headed over.

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"Michael! Little Eli!" Sally greeted them at the door with a wide smile. "You know you're always welcome here."

Michael handed her a bag of food supplies. "Just a small thank-you for everything," he said.

"You don't have to bring something every time!" Sally protested, but her smile betrayed her gratitude.

"Well, a big family needs a lot of food," Michael replied with a grin.

At the dining table, the girls greeted Michael as "Big Brother" and Eli as "Little Brother," their voices filled with affection. It was moments like these that made Michael feel like part of something bigger—a family he could protect.

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The next day, after dropping Eli off at school, Michael headed to his own. He had just settled into class when the cafeteria bell rang, and he spotted Warren sneaking into the bathroom with Daniel. Something about their movements seemed off, so Michael followed them silently.

He overheard Warren's hushed conversation with Daniel. Whatever they were planning, it was dangerous, and they hadn't told him. Anger flared in Michael. He kicked the bathroom door open, startling them both.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Michael demanded, his voice calm but menacing.

"I didn't want you to worry," Warren admitted. "You've got enough to deal with."

Michael stared at him, his expression unreadable. Finally, he said, "Let's go."

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That night, Michael found himself in a black coat, flanked by Daniel, Warren, and Doo Lee. They infiltrated the One MCN building with ease, thanks to Daniel's badge. Inside, they split up to search for the missing streamers.

Michael and Warren eventually discovered a hidden elevator that required a passcode. Before they could act, the doors opened, revealing Manager Kim.

Kim smirked. "Looking for something?"

Without hesitation, Michael launched himself at Kim, fists flying. The elevator became a battlefield, every punch and kick reverberating against the walls. Kim was strong and precise, but Michael's sheer power overwhelmed him. Still, reinforcements arrived, and Michael and Warren were eventually subdued and dragged to the president's office.

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Inside, the room was filled with guards, Director Samuel Seo, and President Alexander. But Michael wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. Before the president could speak, Michael wiped out the guards in a blur of motion.

"I'm never following one of your plans again, Daniel," Michael said, brushing off his coat. "Pretending to lose is exhausting."

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Before the dust could settle, the room darkened. A deep, gravelly voice echoed from the doorway.

"So, this is the troublemaker," the voice said.

Michael turned to see a towering figure step into the light. It was Tom Lee.

The air grew heavy, oppressive. Tom exuded an aura of pure dominance, his muscular frame casting long shadows.

Michael's instincts screamed danger, but he didn't flinch.

"Hello, little boy," Tom said, his lips curling into a menacing grin. "Care to show me what you've got?"

Michael's expression twisted in disgust. "What the hell is wrong with you?" he spat.

Tom lunged without warning, his massive hand swiping at Michael like a claw. Michael dodged, countering with a powerful kick to Tom's chest. The force sent Tom staggering, but the man merely chuckled, dusting himself off.

"You've got some fight in you," Tom said. "Good. I was worried this would be boring."

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The fight that followed was pure chaos. Tom charged like a beast, his movements wild yet calculated. Michael met him blow for blow, their strikes creating shockwaves that shook the walls.

Tom swung his fist, aiming for Michael's head. Michael ducked, his counterpunch landing squarely on Tom's ribs. The impact sent Tom crashing into a desk, splintering it into pieces.

Tom roared, tearing off his shirt to reveal a body scarred from countless battles. His eyes burned with a feral intensity. "You're strong," he admitted. "But let's see how you handle this!"

Tom lunged again, this time faster, more aggressive. He grabbed Michael and slammed him into the wall, cracking the plaster. But Michael wasn't fazed.

"You think that's enough to stop me?" Michael growled.

With a burst of strength, Michael broke free, delivering a spinning kick that sent Tom flying across the room. Tom crashed into a cabinet, sending papers and debris flying.

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The room became a battlefield of destruction. Tom tore through furniture in his relentless assault, while Michael moved with precision, his strikes calculated to maximize damage.

At one point, Tom managed to grab Michael by the arm and fling him across the room. Michael twisted mid-air, landing on his feet like a cat.

"Not bad," Tom said, wiping blood from his lip. "But you're not the only monster here."

Tom's movements became more feral, his strength seeming to grow with every second. He charged at Michael with a roar, slashing with his claw-like hands. Michael dodged, but not before Tom's claws grazed his chest, leaving three shallow cuts.

Michael glanced at the scratches, his eyes narrowing. "That all you've got?"

In an instant, Michael's demeanor shifted. His eyes glowed red with raw energy. "Beasts like you…" he said, his voice low and menacing, "…I know how to tame them."

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The fight reached a fever pitch. Michael's strikes became faster, more devastating. A roundhouse kick sent Tom crashing through a wall, and a follow-up punch buried him in rubble.

But Tom emerged, his body battered but his spirit unbroken. "You're insane," Tom said, laughing despite the blood streaming down his face.

"You haven't seen anything yet," Michael replied.

Their final clash was a blur of motion, too fast for the eye to follow. Every blow was a contest of dominance, each strike more powerful than the last. Finally, Tom's phone rang, cutting through the chaos.

Tom glanced at the caller ID and sighed. "Looks like this isn't our day," he said. "We'll finish this another time, kid."

Michael watched as Tom walked away, his instincts telling him this was far from over.

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Michael found the streamers safe and sound, already rescued by Manager kim. As he carried Warren back to the hostel, he felt a sense of relief. The fourth affiliate was done—but he knew the war was far from over.

"Next time," Michael muttered to himself, "I'll finish the job."

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Sorry for short chapter, I didn't have enough time.