Silence.
Deafening silence took over the members of the Recon Unit.
They could not move their bodies for some reason, else they would have fled. Besides, even if they ran, they would still be stuck under Ater's illusion.
The mere fact that Ater was here meant that the Mercenary Gang lost. Hence, if he wanted to, he could also unleash the Undead he previously unsummoned and wreck them.
Bottom line… there was no escape.
"You don't need to answer the question. It was rhetorical…" Ater chuckled as he looked at the group with hidden delight.
They all gulped simultaneously.
"I want information. No, more than that…" Ater rubbed his chin as he spoke.
"I plan on controlling your group so you can scour the entire Alliance and sniff out as much as you can far and wide. Since you're considered elite, you must be pretty good, right"
The Recon Unit members shuddered as they heard what the man before then was saying.
It was indeed true that they were the best at what they did—investigating, digging up dirt, and navigating everything regarding both the illegal and mainstream paths within the entire United Human Alliance.
When it came to espionage, sabotage, and thorough investigations… they were the best.
"I would have used the minions in my arsenal, since they're more efficient and competent, but they lack that human element—as well as the experience you've all accumulated."
The Recon Unit felt a bit of relief from what they were hearing.
'WE HAVE WORTH!' Their thoughts echoed.
As long as they were useful for something, the man before them wouldn't kill them.
To be honest, that was enough for them.
All the members of Scylla's Recon Unit were her slaves. They had no freedom or life of their own.
If Ater made them his slave, nothing really changed.
They just changed employers.
"And so, after deliberating both the advantages and disadvantages of using you versus using my Undead, I came up with a perfect compromise." Ater's grin widened to monstrous proportions.
"I'll simply make you Undead! That way, you'll be more efficient and competent."
The eyes of all the Recon Unit Members bulged in shock.
"Of course, I'll make sure you keep your memories and everything else. You'll only be slightly stronger than your current selves, but at least you won't break easily and you can endlessly serve."
Before they could think any further—perhaps even beg and offer their undying loyalty—Ater had already begun the process.
"Hollow Technique #2: Shadow Slave."
In that instant, a dark silhouette washed into all fifty or so of the men, causing them to collapse on the ground—dead.
Their gray corpses oozed darkness, and their cold, lifeless forms remained stagnant for a few seconds.
Then—
"Uuuuuuuu…"
—They returned to false life, the white in their eyes darkened, with dark vein-like markings appearing in multiple parts of their skin.
All of them had become Undead.
"You've become Shadow Slaves. You can move freely through shadows and do a lot of interesting things, which should further assist you with your mission."
One of the requirements to become a Shadow Slave was that the targets had to be killed by the Hollow Technique.
In exchange for just a few seconds of painless death, they were basically immortal creatures who never tired or required sustenance.
They could turn incorporeal and become Shadows. They could travel long distances and even blend in with their surroundings.
All their senses and physical abilities were heightened, and they could always relay information to their Master.
They also possessed all the Skills and abilities they had before death.
The only problem was that their Class would be changed and forever stuck under the C-Tier Shadow Slave Class.
Since they were merely minions meant for reconnaissance and information gathering, however, this much was fine.
"Very convenient tools to have." Ater smiled as he gave one final look at them.
He ceased sitting and stood on his two feet.
"I've passed across the details of your task to your minds. Begin immediately."
All the Shadow Slaves knelt before Ater, bowing their heads in profound reverence.
A second later, they were nowhere to be seen.
Their bodies had become one with the darkness, and they had blended into the night.
"Master desires to completely eradicate the Criminal Underworld, however if care is not taken, they will spring up again."
Such was human nature.
If given enough time, malicious individuals would gather together under the banner of self interest.
They would form their own Dark Triumvirate.
'But, as long as I keep undying watchers on them and nip the problem in the bud before anything further arises, then there will be no issue at all.'
Ater smiled as he looked at the darkened sky.
'Master will be able to learn all the Skills of the ones I captured later, which will further improve his might.'
A tinge of regret formed on Ater's face, though.
'How I wish Master could use the Arts. But that time is yet to come. He is too young…'
Ater's grin broadened regardless.
'Soon, Master… you will ascend beyond the bounds which nature has dictated for you." He licked his lips in anticipation.
Ater simply could not wait to watch it happen, all in the fullness of time.
'Only you can do it, Master.'
Only Rey Skylar, holder of the Primeval Power, could possibly reach such height.
"Status Window." Ater whispered.
[STATUS WINDOW]
- Name: Ater
- Race: Bakeneko (Beast)
- Class: Absolute Summon (S-Tier)
- Level: 3 (09.12% EXP)
- Life Force: 1,000 (500)
- Mana Level: 1,500 (750)
- Combat Ability: 2,500 (1,250)
- Stat Points: 200
- Skills (Exclusive): [Shapeshift]
- Skills (Non-Exclusive): [Dark Magic]. [Magic Supremacy]. [Possession]. [Compulsion]. [Illusion]. [Undead Summon]. [A$!!?
¥\>.€£\K].
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
[Additional Information]
An Absolute Beast whose true form remains unknown, but takes the form of a cat. It is a great trickster with malevolent desires. It is a wicked entity.
[End Of Information]
"Calling me a wicked entity, huh?" Ater muttered as darkness shrouded his entire self.
Soon, he vanished from sight, leaving only the whispers of his voice behind.
"How cold…"