'What exactly does the Marquess want...?' Alfred pondered as he exited the car, a file clutched in his hand.
He recalled the report he had recently received from the laboratory.
Given that scientists and doctors had been summoned to et within the hour—an action not impossible considering their presence within the territory—there remained a considerable amount of confusion surrounding several components of the mysterious capsule.
Notably, so elents seed to be entirely nonexistent or could not be synthesized.
When Alfred first received the pouch from Arabia, his trained eye quickly identified a small amount of blood contained within the capsule.
Strangely, its color was black.
Coupled with the reports he had obtained from local authorities and the governnt of the Free City about destruction occurring at an auction house, this fact raised further questions. Continue your saga on empire
Though he had not been privy to all the details beforehand, Alfred had sought answers after noticing two imperial guards accompanying the Marquess.
Following this, he learned from the governnt about the turmoil near the auction house, particularly concerning a woman identified as Aria Williams, a mber of the illustrious Williams family, which had long been in the crosshairs of Diego's clan due to conflicts stemming from the Sertsul family's assassination branch.
After investigating further, Alfred managed to retrieve an image of the woman from the CCTV footage at the main gate, confirming her identity as a verified mber of the Williams family.
Initially, he had speculated that the woman possessed so kind of destructive ability that led to the auction house's devastation.
However, as he analyzed footage recovered from the rubble, he detected traces of that sa dark liquid scattered about.
It beca increasingly clear that a battle had occurred, likely involving a non-human entity whose blood was the source of the peculiar black color.
It seed the Marquess was intent on analyzing this mysterious creature.
Despite piecing together this hypothesis, Alfred recognized the myriad of loopholes and gaps in his understanding—details he could not safely inquire about with his master, as it may not be appropriate for him to know at this stage.
With his mind racing, he focused on adjusting his bowtie as he approached the tal gates of the mansion.
From this vantage point, he noticed the Marquess alongside Rivia and the woman nad Aria, all departing the premises, trailed closely by a group of maids.
"His na was Leo, if I recall correctly," Alfred observed as he noticed a solitary figure moving away from even the maids behind him. It was the young man Leo, who was also of imperial lineage. Alfred had noted how Leo had interacted with his mother during her ti in the hospital.
At least he was able to comprehend the nature of Leo's character, which didn't appear particularly suspicious.
Having already verified Aria's information, he set aside his own musings.
Although he had complete trust in Marquess's decisions, his own insecurities prompted him to seek more information about the young man.
Now that most matters had been settled, Alfred turned his attention to his next responsibility: teaching Leo.
"This is the report you requested, Master," Alfred announced as he approached Avendial, executing a slight bow as he offered forth the docunt he held. His deanor remained entirely professional, with his feet close together, one hand resting on his abdon while the other extended the file toward Avendial.
"I see. Have you summoned the others?" Avendial inquired, accepting the file from Alfred. As he examined the contents regarding the components of the capsules, he noted there were only six or seven ntioned. However, he was fully aware that there were actually thirteen additional elents necessary, including four crucial ones that he had already identified.
In total, they had knowledge of seven components, plus the four that Avendial had in mind. Therefore, for Etrinia to uncover the other two wouldn't pose much of a challenge.
"Yes, but it will take them another half hour to arrive," Alfred replied, keeping his head lowered. He explained that the scientists and researchers Avendial had requested were currently scattered and engaged in various projects.
These tasks needed to be carefully halted to avoid chaos, particularly in cases where hazardous materials were involved.
Thus, they would first need to secure everything before making their way here. Even with the swiftest mode of transport, it would take them an additional half hour.
Of course, those few who had already arrived had provided their initial report after researching the capsule. However, it would be difficult for all of them to gather simultaneously.
"It's fine," Avendial said, handing over a small piece of paper he had written on his way out. "Take this and start teaching Leo. Also, inform the others to investigate the full capabilities of his ability. The tests are outlined here." He explained how the ability possessed by Leo functioned while emphasizing the need for optimal performance through the integration of modern technology with traditional martial arts.
Alfred, who had once been Avendial's teacher in martial arts, was now also a scientist capable of developing equipnt and training thods. He was tasked with introducing Leo's body to radioactive substances and toxins to enhance adaptability and maximize results.
"This...." Alfred began as he opened the letter, his eyes widening as he absorbed the information regarding Leo's unique ability. It was evident that this young man possessed imnse potential—one that could evolve into an indestructible weapon if properly honed.
The ability was classified as a growth-type, aning his strength would equate to the quality of his training.
Initially perplexed by the ntion of radioactive substances, poisons, and weaponry, Alfred soon grasped the essence of Avendial's request and its intended purpose.
"I will do my best," Alfred said, bowing slightly. Avendial nodded and transferred a flicker of fire from his hand to Rivia, who received it with reverence. The three of them proceeded toward the cars that awaited them, ready to take them to the airport. As they walked, Avendial imparted his final words of encouragent.
"Don't go easy on him. I need results, and he is prepared to deliver. The decision is now in your hands and, also, tell Rihane to teach Rendian so military tactics." Avendial, opening the door of the car, gave orders about what Alfred needed to do with Rendian, who had just awakened his ability, and Rihane, who should have arrived here a few days ago to get her position as military advisor.
Of course, there wasn't such a position existing right now, which was why, to avoid making the royal family suspicious, he decided to have her as a teacher for Rendian.
To be exact, he wouldn't have hired Rihane if it hadn't been for Aecilia's luck, which he trusted. But of course, given how in the future there were no accomplishnts associated with the na Rehane, Avendial prioritized others over her. However, in case the royal family had doubts, he ordered Alfred to arrange for her to be a teacher for Rendian.
"I understand," Alfred kept his head lower as he heard the sounds of their footsteps slowly fading before the car engines roared as all three of them left the mansion gates, accompanied by the fading sound of engines. Slowly lifting his head, Alfred looked towards the disappearing fleet of cars, narrowing his gaze as he brought both his hands together to adjust his white gloves.
"Leo, isn't it?" Alfred called out intentionally, his tone doubtful as he approached him. With his muscular build, Leo narrowed his gaze, though keeping a calm, posed face as he saw the butler approaching him.
Though Leo did not know everything in detail, from the fact that the woman who was supposed to train him had left, along with the Marquess, it was evident that his trainer must have been changed. And given how the Marquess had at the end given a command to this butler, it was sohow plausible for Leo to guess that it was for him.
"Yes," Leo replied in a calm tone, though doubting if this man would be able to help him much, given he himself noticed how his body had beco much tougher and stronger that hitting a wall even with his head wouldn't leave a mark on him, though of course it wasn't his ego—it was confusion, considering maybe the knowledge he would be gaining this ti would be theoretical.
"From the written stats here, you seem strong enough to have strength to lift 5 tons of weight with one of your hands." Alfred wasn't aware of how the Marquess was able to get these numbers, but seeing them, he trusted them and inquired to reconfirm if what was written about the strength value of this Empyreal was true.
Leo's brows furrowed slightly at Alfred's question. "Yes, that's correct," he replied, keeping his tone asured. Though outwardly calm, his gaze was scrutinizing. There was sothing about this butler that unsettled him—but of course, not in a negative way.
Alfred nodded, his expression unchanging. "Good," he said, reaching into his inner coat pocket. From it, he withdrew a golden pen.
Its tallic sheen caught the light as he inspected it briefly, tightening the cap.
Leo's eyes flickered toward the object, confused. "What's that for?"
"Verification," Alfred answered curtly, his movents swift as he stepped closer to Leo. "Stay still."
'!'
Before Leo could fully process the situation, Alfred's hand moved with practiced precision, and the tip of the pen was suddenly pressed against the side of Leo's neck.
A sharp prick followed as the golden pen punctured his skin.
A strange, numbing sensation spread rapidly through his veins, and his body instinctively tensed.
"Kugh!?" His vision blurred, and a peculiar heat radiated from the point of contact.
"Huh…?" Leo managed to croak, his voice faint as his legs gave way beneath him. Given that it was not just strength, he seed as if he were not just using brute force, but rather that he was poisonous.
His surroundings spun, his limbs growing heavy, and despite his imnse strength, his body refused to respond.
Alfred stepped back, watching as Leo's eyes rolled back and his body crumpled to the ground.
"Hmm," Alfred murmured to himself as his narrowed gaze noticed how Leo was trying to keep himself awake, his expression devoid of emotion as he adjusted his gloves. "As expected from soone personally chosen by the Marquess, you are really determined to train."
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