As I reached the empty lab, I was greeted by two guards standing at the door.

  They bowed respectfully, and one of them spoke up, "Boss, two guards are strapped to the metal beds and ready for the experiments."

  I nodded, immediately instructing the guard who was speaking to me, "Go and fetch two nurses to assist me with these experiments."

  With zeal, the guard saluted and bolted away to call for the nurses I asked for.

  Turning my attention to the other guard, I asked, "Who among you is the most experienced in training and combat?"

  The guard nervously stuttered, "A-A guard named Mikhael, sir. He's the one who has helped us the most, looked after us, and trained us when we were newbies."

  "Summon him immediately and inform him that I require his expertise for some important matters," I commanded.

  "Right away, sir!" the guard replied, saluting before swiftly departing.

  I stood by the door of the drug production room, patiently waiting for the individuals I had requested.

  After a few minutes, I spotted two nurses I had called for accompanied by the guard.

  They stood before me, visibly nervous, awaiting my instructions. To ease their apprehension, I offered a reassuring smile, causing them to blush.

  "No need to worry. I only need your assistance in monitoring the test subjects inside. Rest assured; no harm will come to you. I understand your concerns about human experimentation, but please consider these subjects as nothing more than disposable trash. What they have done to the prisoners here is unforgivable."

  “Also, what you see inside would be kept between us. Under no circumstances are you allowed to divulge anything to anyone without my permission, is that understood?” The two nurses nodded hurriedly, visibly shaken by my tone of voice.

  However, before they departed, and feeling sorry for them, I said: “Your work here and your silence will be rewarded generously. I will pay each of you 2 million JSDC yearly. Send your account numbers to Albert, the butler who is always with me after he finishes his errands and returns, and he will pay you said amount.”

  I paused then said with a somewhat strict but apologetic tone: “And I want one of you to tell the rest of the nurses that they will be paid 1 million and a half JSDC per year. However, none are allowed to leave this facility until I deem it safe to leave. And if there are any emergencies in your families, you will be allowed to leave but you will be escorted by guards and monitored. Also, phone calls are allowed but will also be monitored by the AI system I own. Is that clear?” Both nurses nodded and thanked me with enthusiasm.

  Then one entered the lab while the other left to relay my instructions to the other nurses.

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  I then turned to the guard and said: “The same applies to you and the other guards, so go and tell them my instructions.

  And remember, if any of you even dare to betray or backstab me.” I paused, unleashing a large quantity of mana directed towards him, causing him to choke and kneel to the floor and said: “I will kill you mercilessly. Now go.”

  Feeling the pressure of my mana abate, the guard took a deep breath, as if he had just been taken out from drowning underwater, bowed, and scurried away.

  The departure of the guard was timed with the arrival of the other with the one called Mikhael, who, to my surprise, was limping while walking toward me. Apparently, the guard and he were pale faced since they were there from when I talked to the guard and unleashed my mana.

  They did not dare to move at first, however when they saw me looking towards them, they approached hesitantly and saluted again.

  The guard stood at the door while Mikael said: “Sir, I have arrived at your request. How can this lowly me help you?”

  Mikhael, as I saw him, was a middle-aged man with a neat uniform and sturdy posture. He had well-combed brown hair, hazelnut eyes, and a gentle but sturdy nature. Even though he was pale in the face from the mana attack from before, it did not seem to hide the strength in his eyes. This person was definitely a military man, and judging from his limp, he was injured during service and was dismissed, leading to him working here. For some unknown reason, I couldn’t find it in myself to hate this man; he had the same aura and look my father had. A gentle yet strong aura.

  I looked at him and said: “Call me Xeno. I will allow it, and you are not lowly in my eyes. I called you here since I want you to be a part of my team. I want you to train all the remaining guards here in the military way and in combat. I want them to be strong and loyal only to myself and my family. I will also want you to train them in meditation, sparring, and simulation combat in the pods. You will also be responsible for any future additions to this facility. Is that clear?”

  Mikhael looked apologetic and ashamed as he answered: “With all due respect, Sir Xeno, I will do as you asked of me, yet it would be better to find someone else for the rest. Since, as you can see, I am incapable of moving well on my feet because of my injury to joust with the recruits.”

  I smiled and patted Mikael on the shoulder then said: “For now, act as a drill sergeant and let them learn combat through the pods. And as for the others, you will teach them later by yourself.”

  “But my injuries, sir?”

  “No need to worry, I can heal all your injuries later. However, it will cost you. Are you willing to pay the price?”

  “And what price would that be, sir?”

  “What do you think the price is?”

  “You are in no need of money, nor are you in need of power. If what I understood from your words before is true, then I would say loyalty.”

  “Smart. Then how do you suppose I would guarantee receiving your loyalty?”

  “If my observations are correct. Then I would believe wagering my soul.”

  I smiled and replied: “You are correct. The collateral is your soul.”

  Shocked, Mikael tried replying, however I lifted my hand to stop him and said: “Not only will your injuries be healed completely, but you will also be born anew with power you never thought you would receive in all of your lifetime. And I know from your eyes and your posture that your soul still burns to fight to prove yourself. I can see the regret in your eyes. I don’t require your answer now; however, know that the deal is always there.”

  “I will think about your offer positively, Sir Xeno. For now, I will excuse myself and go train the brats that are free.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot! Take this and equip it to your ear. My partner Eve the AI is in it, and she will provide you with the necessary meditation, combat, and bodybuilding manuals that were tailor-made so that your body and the other guards' bodies would be strong enough to withstand the process of awakening. Stick to it and I will be waiting for a positive answer from you. Also, when Albert my butler returns from his outing, give him your account number and he will transfer 3 million JSDC for your services for one year.”

  Mikhael, seemingly elated by my attitude and by the pay, saluted and replied: “By your will, sir.”