The meeting had come to an end, and as everyone dispersed to carry out their tasks or find some much-needed relaxation, only a few of us remained in the office. It was just Ryuji, Albert, and myself. Albert stood steadfastly behind me, while Ryuji settled comfortably on the sofa in front of me.
After a few minutes of silence, I turned to Ryuji and spoke up, my voice filled with a sense of urgency. "Ryu, I have a favor to ask of you. Can you do it?"
Ryuji nodded eagerly; his enthusiasm evident.
"Whatever the boss wants, it's as easy as drinking water for me."
I took a moment, my gaze intense, before continuing. "Ryu, there are two things I need from you. First, I want you to locate my mother and sister as quickly as possible. Check on their well-being, their living conditions, and if anyone is causing them harm or distress." I paused, a hint of anger seeping through.
"And if there is, I need you to take care of it discreetly. Use any means necessary to make them pay."
Ryuji nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, but he remained silent, not wanting to interrupt my train of thought.
"The second thing I need you to do is to deliver these two cards to my mother. When she asks about their source, tell her they're from a benefactor. If she tries to inquire further, disappear from her sight immediately. Answer no questions, reveal nothing about me. Understood?"
The cards I handed to Ryuji were a key to a small apartment and a newly created online account with a deposit of 20 million JSDC (Japanese Settlement Digital Currency), the currency of the time.
I had claimed around 9 billion JSDC in cash and several properties from the late old man, who, despite being despicable, was filthy rich.
Ryuji took the cards from me, a smile forming on his face as he spoke with determination. "I won't let anyone harm our mother and sister. When you called me your brother and family, their problems became mine. Rest assured, anyone causing them harm won't breathe for long after I'm done with them. But, Xeno, I understand your concerns, and I know why you can't give the cards to your mother yourself. However, respectfully, I think you're overreacting. It's a blessing to have a mother who loves and cares for you deeply. At least let her know you're alive and well."
"Ryu, I'm grateful to have people like you by my side, but I can't comply with your suggestion. Please do as I've asked, and let's leave it at that. Before you go, though, there's one more thing I need from you. I want you to use your underground connections to forge fake IDs for the four of us, using the existing ones as a base. Cost is not an issue—I'm willing to pay whatever it takes."
"Consider it done, boss. It'll take me about a week or maybe more to get it all sorted. Is that okay?"
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"Take your time, Ryu, but don't forget to train and meditate. Understood?"
"Yeah, boss, got it."
With that, Ryuji left the room, leaving only Albert and me. I gestured for Albert to take a seat, not wanting to strain my neck by talking to him from where he stood.
Reluctantly, Albert sat down in front of me, facing me directly. "What can I help you with, my master?" he asked.
"Albert, how much were you paid before, and how much do you think we should pay the people here who are helping us? Also, take into account hush money and compensation for them to stay here without seeing their families or loved ones. You understand what I'm getting at, right?"
"I understand, my master. So, you want the people to stay here to prevent our identities from being leaked, and you want to provide them with compensation for their sacrifice. You truly have a kind heart, master! Instead of ruling with fear and power, you choose to help them and ensure their happiness."
"Albert, your words never cease to amaze me. You grasp things quickly. However, you're mistaken about something. What I'm doing isn't purely out of kindness. It's a calculated move. Ruling with fear alone leads to resistance, distrust, and many other negative consequences. But ruling with money and fear is even worse—it creates fragile stability, corruption, and erosion of values. What I'm aiming for is something better. I want to involve them in our work, give them purpose. Later on, I'll awaken them without giving them any instructions and reward those who can advance and unlock the second stage. This will create unity and drive. I have many other plans to ensure a strong and stable rule over this organization, fueled by loyalty and ambition. But, Albert, you still haven't answered my question. How much were you paid before, and how much do you think I should pay the people here?"
Albert took a moment to think before responding. "I believe 1,500,000 JSDC for each person here would be enough to keep them satisfied and prevent them from speaking out. As for myself, my master, I don't need any money. Helping me escape this facility and seeking revenge is all I desire."
"Thank you, Albert, for your kind and considerate words. However, not accepting the money is not an option. I will not only provide you with a salary but also give you financial responsibilities and properties to manage after your awakening. I want you to be my personal butler and bodyguard, so train diligently from now on. I want you to become a lean, mean killing machine—a super butler. Also, if you could discreetly leave the facility to purchase any necessities the others may need, I would greatly appreciate it. I won't burden you with more tasks for now, but I'll recruit and awaken more people under your command to assist you."
"Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, my master. Should I bring anyone with me when I venture outside?" Albert asked.
"Yeah, take Lana with you. She needs to settle her family's debts and also purchase necessary items for the other women here. Be sure to hide your identity and escort Lana well. Protect her at all costs, and if needed take two trusty guards with you from here," I replied.
Taking a moment to pause, I retrieved two cards from my pocket and handed them to Albert. "One of these cards contains one billion JSDC, specifically for Lana. Let her use it to pay off her debts. The other card is for you to buy the necessities we need. I want you to get me both casual and formal attire, as well as something that can conceal my face. I have some important tasks to carry out outside. Also get something nice for you. Get several suits and any other necessary stuff you might need. I want my butler to always look and act his best."
“Your order has been received my master. Then I shall take my leave. However, before I go may I ask you what do you plan to do in my absence my master?”
I smiled making Albert shiver then answered:” Reflection and human experimentation.”