Kicked Out I Unlocked My Ultimate Boss Mode novel Chapter 53

**Chapter 53: The Weight of Consequences**

Every time Archie found himself replaying the moment he lost his chance at national recognition because of Helen, an inferno of rage ignited within him. It was a relentless fire, consuming him from the inside out, a searing reminder of his failures that left a bitter aftertaste lingering long after the incident had unfolded.

If only Helen had chosen to be honest from the very beginning, revealing that Philip had brought her in to assist, perhaps things would have turned out differently. Perhaps he wouldn’t have been engulfed in doubt, wouldn’t have stormed out in a fit of fury, and wouldn’t have sacrificed everything he had worked tirelessly for. The thought gnawed at him, echoing in the depths of his mind: Helen owed him, and deep down, he felt it was an unspoken debt that she had yet to acknowledge.

How could she still have the audacity to urge Philip to expel him from the institute? The mere thought felt like a slap across his face, a harsh reminder of the twisted reality he found himself in. He refused to accept it, his heart pounding in protest against this unjust fate.

Philip’s expression morphed into a grim mask, his eyes transforming into icy orbs devoid of any warmth or compassion.

“Archie,” he began, his voice a chilling whisper that sliced through the tension like a knife, “do you genuinely believe that walking out of the control room during an active operation is a trivial offense?”

His tone was unyielding, each word dripping with authority, as if they were heavy stones being cast into the depths of Archie’s despair. “You still fail to grasp the gravity of your actions. Mr. Peterson holds a higher clearance than you. He is your superior, and by disregarding his orders, you committed your first mistake.”

Philip’s gaze bore into Archie, unwavering and fierce, like a hawk eyeing its prey. “In a situation as critical as this, you allowed your emotions to dictate your actions. You abandoned your teammates and deserted your post. That is your second mistake.”

The weight of Philip’s words pressed down on Archie like a suffocating blanket, each syllable a reminder of his inadequacy. “You should consider yourself fortunate that Ms. Walcott intervened on your behalf. Had your reckless abandonment resulted in any harm to Project Genesis, the blame would rest squarely on your shoulders.”

Philip’s voice was relentless, a storm of reprimand that left no room for argument. “Even without Ms. Walcott’s involvement, Prometheus Institute cannot retain a researcher who exhibits such irresponsibility and disregard for discipline.”

Archie’s complexion drained of color, a sickly green hue replacing his usual vibrancy. His breath became ragged and labored, each inhalation a struggle against the rising tide of panic. He opened his mouth to protest, to plead, but Philip had already turned his back, dismissing him with an air of finality that felt like a door slamming shut on his dreams.

“Professor Langford! Professor Langford!” Archie stumbled after him, panic clawing at his insides like a wild animal. “I know I was wrong! I swear I understand now. I promise I’ll never do it again. I—”

“You have no ‘again,'” Philip retorted sharply, his brows knitting together in frustration, a storm brewing behind his calm exterior. He was on the verge of summoning the Department of Defense patrol to escort Archie out, to rid the institute of his reckless presence.

Before he could even reach for his communicator, Archie’s eyes blazed with desperation and fury. In a moment of reckless abandon, he lunged at Philip, the surge of emotion overwhelming his better judgment. “I begged you! Why can’t you find it in yourself to forgive me? Why are you so intent on casting me out? You know that once Prometheus Institute turns its back on me, no other institution will accept me!”

“Archie!” Philip was taken aback by the sudden aggression. At sixty, his reflexes weren’t what they used to be, but instinct kicked in.

Archie’s hands shot forward, aiming for Philip’s throat, a wild instinct overtaking him, fueled by desperation and anger.

But before he could make contact, Philip instinctively leaned to the right, narrowly avoiding the grasp of Archie’s outstretched hand.

In a swift motion, Philip’s leg arched forward, colliding with Archie’s chest with a brutal crack, the sound sharp and jarring.

Pain erupted through Archie’s ribs, a visceral agony that felt as if his very insides were twisting into knots. A scream tore from his lips as he was propelled backward, crashing into the wall before crumpling to the floor in a heap, the world spinning around him.

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