Part 4/9:
As Joe struggles to push the mill, the physical demands take a toll on him. Despite achieving more than his quota on some days, he learns that satisfaction is never enough for Malard as the metrics continue to escalate. The AI's chilling threats during his work serve as a reminder that every revolution could mean life or death. One day, he shares a moment of triumph, only for it to be countered by witnessing the execution of a fellow employee—a stark reminder of the brutality underpinning this corporate hell.
Throughout it all, Joe's thoughts often drift to his wife and unborn child—moments of lucidity that contrast with the grim reality around him. He remembers the financial pressures of starting a family, feeling the weight of his decisions to prioritize work over family in the past.