Chapter 39: Nine months
Nine months had passed since the events in the Free World. Now, in the sprawling depths of the New World, the Shadow Council was stirring. Within the heart of their fortress, shrouded in layers of secrecy and darkness, a moment of significance was unfolding. The council, hidden behind veils of shadow and seated in a semicircular formation, summoned Nicklaus, one of their most potent and enigmatic agents.
Dr. Rend, ever the loyal servant, stood at the ready as Nicklaus was released from his containment. The chamber hissed with the release of pressure, and Nicklaus stepped out with the grace of a predator. His golden hair shone under the dim, artificial light, and his piercing eyes scanned the room with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. His presence exuded an air of arrogance and supremacy, a characteristic that only someone who knew no equal could carry.
"Ah, Dr. Rend," Nicklaus began, his voice smooth and laced with mockery. "How kind of you to ensure my stay was… tolerable. Though, I must admit, I do prefer the freedom to stretch my legs."
Dr. Rend bowed slightly, unbothered by Nicklaus's sharp tongue. "Your presence is requested by the council. They have matters of importance to discuss."
Nicklaus smirked, adjusting the cuffs of his sleek, black combat suit. "The council… always so mysterious, so dramatic. Very well, lead on. I wouldn't want to keep them waiting."
The massive doors to the council chamber groaned open, revealing an oppressive darkness within. The only light emanated from a circular table, casting faint silhouettes of the six council members seated in their ominous, cloaked forms. Each member spoke in a voice altered by layers of distortion, their identities concealed even from their closest agents.
"Nicklaus," one began, their tone authoritative and cold. "It is pleasing to see that you've endured your isolation."
Nicklaus stepped into the light, his expression one of mild amusement. "Endured? My dear council, you make it sound as though I was imprisoned. I assure you, I've been… thriving."
The council seemed unimpressed by his bravado. "Your performance in the field and your unique… qualities have not gone unnoticed. We have decided it is time for you to ascend. You are hereby promoted to Legion Commander, an honor few have achieved."
A council member reached out with a gauntleted hand, and from the shadows emerged a servant carrying a badge. The insignia gleamed with a faint, eerie light—a symbol of authority that signified his elevated rank.
Nicklaus took it, his expression unreadable, though his ego seemed to swell. "A Legion Commander," he mused, his voice low. "How thoughtful of you. Though I wonder, what is it you require of me in return?"
One of the figures leaned forward. "Dr. Rend has completed the conditioning of the original. Rex is now operational. He will be assigned to you."
Nicklaus's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Ah, the captured original. Finally. I do hope he's as refined as you promised. Weakness disgusts me, and I have little patience for incompetence."
Dr. Rend stepped forward from the shadows, his voice clinical but tinged with pride. "Rex has been heightened and perfected. He is the pinnacle of our enhancements, refined to his absolute best state. He will not disappoint."
The scene shifted to a sterile, vast laboratory lit with an unnatural glow. Rows of advanced machinery hummed with life, and in the center of it all was a massive, cylindrical incubator. Inside, suspended in a bluish fluid, was Rex.
Nicklaus approached with deliberate steps, his boots echoing against the metallic floor. He stopped before the incubator, his piercing gaze fixed on the figure within. Rex floated motionless, his eyes closed, his body enhanced to perfection. Muscles defined and lean, his aura exuded dormant power.
Nicklaus placed a hand on the glass, his expression twisted with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "Look at you," he said, his tone dripping with superiority. "A weapon forged from weakness. Yet here you are, given a second chance. How fortunate."
Dr. Rend stood nearby, observing. "Rex is no longer bound by his former limitations. His mind, body, and abilities have been elevated beyond human comprehension. He is ready to serve."
Nicklaus turned to Rend, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "Serve? No, Rend. He will obey. There's a difference. And you're certain there's no trace of his former self left?"
Rend adjusted his glasses, his expression neutral. "His memories have been suppressed, and his loyalty has been reconditioned. There will be no deviation from your command."
Nicklaus nodded, satisfied. "Good. Weakness disgusts me, Rend. I've no patience for failure. If he falters, I'll eliminate him myself."
He turned back to the incubator, his gaze narrowing as he addressed Rex directly. "You'll come to understand, Rex. This world is no place for the weak. Power is the only law that matters, and I intend to ensure you learn that lesson thoroughly."
The incubator began to drain, the fluid hissing as it emptied. As the glass door opened with a mechanical whirr, Rex's eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with an unnatural light. He stepped forward, his movements fluid but mechanical, his gaze vacant yet burning with hidden intensity.
Nicklaus smirked, stepping back to observe. "Welcome to your new life, Rex. Let's hope you don't disappoint me."
Dr. Rend observed the interaction silently, his mind already racing with thoughts of future experiments. The Shadow Council's plans were advancing swiftly, and Nicklaus, with Rex at his side, would undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.
Nicklaus turned on his heel, gesturing for Rex to follow. His voice echoed through the sterile lab. "Come. We have much to do. The Shadow Council doesn't tolerate delays, and neither do I."
Rex followed without hesitation, his every step purposeful and deliberate. Behind them, Dr. Rend watched, his expression unreadable as the two figures disappeared into the shadows of the fortress.
The Shadow Council's newest Legion Commander had been unleashed, and the consequences would soon ripple through both the New World and beyond. Nicklaus and Rex heads to BLACKSTONE
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone