While linked, Aaron fought against surrogate enemy bots.


    His limbs tore, and skin dented at every smack and body slam (with his mind disoriented)—“I can’t do this anymore, the pain’s too much!”


    “You must, Aaron,” said Lucy over the intercom, “it’s the only way to test our designs authentically.”


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    “Lucy, let’s just gather sensor data.”


    “Oh Aaron, you know that’s ineffective. They’ve no survival instinct and cost a fortune to repair.”


    “I can’t believe the company’s willing to traumatize us, engineers.”


    “We’re nearly expendable, Aaron. We’ve got the advantage in our ability to experience pain. But that’ll change soon.”