Inside the Laboratory -2-

With the helmet in place, Yuriy made his way to the controls that would enable him to guide Teddy's actions. As he activated the bear's movement, a wondrous realization washed over him: he was no longer a mere human directing an animal; he was a symphony conductor, harmonizing with Teddy's movements as if orchestrating a complex melody.

Their bond deepened with each leap and bound. Yuriy understood the bear's rhythm, anticipating each movement as if they were extensions of one another's will. As Teddy soared, Yuriy's mastery over the animal's movements was undeniable; a testament to Yuriy's genius, not just in video games but also in real life. He demonstrated a remarkable capacity to adapt, bond, and evolve, even with the most unexpected of allies.

As the intricate dance between him and Teddy unfolded, the onlookers in the laboratory — Vasyl, Vladyslav, Anastasia, and even the technologist — exchanged knowing smiles. To them, Yuriy's connection with the bear seemed almost scripted, akin to a player controlling a character in a video game. The way Yuriy directed Teddy's actions resonated with the familiar rhythm of the gaming world.

Among the onlookers, Vasyl stood out, his eagerness bordering on impatience. Days ago, he had gotten a taste of the new technology and relished the feeling of empowerment through Teddy's senses. However, his trial was abruptly halted when he lost control, nearly killing everyone present. At first, the technologist assumed the device was broken, but it soon became clear that the issue lay with Vasyl's inability to manage it well.

But now, with everything seeming to work fine, Vasyl thought that the device had been fixed. He wanted to try again, and with each of Yuriy's precise commands, his anticipation grew. As the opportunity emerged, he seized it without hesitation.

Fueled by an undeniable urge, Vasyl approached Yuriy, his enthusiasm palpable. However, his eagerness translated into a swift attempt to claim his turn on Teddy. He playfully pushed Yuriy aside, determined to experience the exhilaration of controlling the bear once more.

Yuriy, of course, didn't even notice Vasyl's presence near him. All he cared about was testing every single sense of the bear. How far could it smell? How far could it hear? How far could it jump? The bear had completely taken over his sense of curiosity.

Vasyl continued to try to persuade Yuriy, but to no avail. A growing sense of unease settled within him, akin to the fear of being replaced, or perhaps something more. Finally, he spoke, his voice tinged with dissatisfaction, 'Hey, why are you getting so comfortable with Teddy? This bear is mine. I will be the one responsible for controlling it."

Vasyl observed the growing connection between Yuriy and Teddy, and he began to believe that if things continued in this direction, Yuriy would never replace Teddy with any other receiver or bear. Teddy's uniqueness and Yuriy's evident attachment to it cemented this belief in Vasyl's mind. As the realization dawned, his face took on a stern expression, a clear indication that he was about to reveal his more serious side.

In the electrified ambiance of the laboratory, Vasyl's intense determination to claim the bear was unmistakable. The kind of person who strove for nothing short of excellence, his steadfast gaze lingered on Yuriy, eyes afire with unwavering resolve. Always drawn to dualist (offensive) characters in video games, Vasyl admired their unique fusion of strength and swiftness. Teddy's imposing presence seemed to resonate with his ambitions, and he was not about to let this opportunity escape his grasp.

The tension in the room grew palpable as Vasyl's resolve strengthened. He firmly believed he was destined to become Teddy's handler, the duelist of their team who would spearhead the charge against the enemy. Though he might seem the foolish type, in wars, he prefers clearing the path for his comrades. If he doesn't serve this role, he feels useless. That's why he's so eager to find his place in the new team. His gaze locked onto Yuriy with challenging intensity. With a sudden, forceful shove, Yuriy was thrown off balance, stumbling and crashing hard to the ground. The unpredictability of Vasyl's action left Yuriy momentarily stunned. "What the hell, Vasyl?" Yuriy's voice betrayed a mix of astonishment and frustration. "Why did you push me?"

“That’s because I kept telling you to stop using this bear. There are multiple other bears in this laboratory, but you started getting attached to this one in particular. I don’t want to see that happening because I will be the one taking the role of Dualist in our newly formed team,” Vasyl said with a serious tone.

The situation quickly escalated, the room crackling with tension as Yuriy and Vasyl engaged in a fiery altercation. Both were resolute in their stance, arguing fervently for their right to control Teddy and assume the mantle of the dualist. Yuriy's grip on Teddy was firm because the sensation was undeniable – he felt a unity with Teddy. Therefore, he believed that no one could control Teddy better than he could.

Tempers flared, and voices rose until their disagreement threatened to erupt into a full-blown brawl. Indeed, Vasyl was on the verge of donning one of the helmets to take control over one of the laboratory bears, challenging Yuri to a serious fight.

In those tense moments, Anastasia interrupted, sensing the escalating tension and fearing the two might actually harm each other over control of Teddy. Deciding to intervene in her usual manner, she displayed a surprising burst of strength as she launched herself at Yuriy and Vasyl. They were caught off guard, and she sent them sprawling to the ground in a tangle of limbs. Amidst the confusion, she took control of the situation. Speaking in a strict tone, she said, "If you boys are so eager to prove yourselves as dualists, then show us what you're made of in a 1 versus 1 challenge."

Yuriy exclaimed, "Why should I even duel him? It's clear he stands no chance against me!" The technologist stepped forward, clarifying, “In truth, he has every right to challenge you, Yuriy. When a team candidate desires a specific role and another disputes it, they must demonstrate who is truly worthy. That's why this duel is necessary."

Yuriy retorted, his voice carrying the petulance of a child denied his favorite toy, “I've always been the aggressor in every game I've played.” Vasyl interjected, “This isn’t just about games. I believe Teddy and I are a perfect match.”

The two contenders locked eyes, and with mutual understanding, they both nodded. In synchronized voices, they declared, "We accept the challenge."