I briefly considered modifying the "Perfect" characteristic to save some fragments, but the gains wouldn't outweigh the losses if these people failed to fully merge with the V-Gene. So, I decided against it. After confirming everything was in order, I selected [Yes]. Upon acceptance, I received the four syringes in my inventory, watching my fragments drop [Dejected expression]. While nearly returning to zero fragments felt painful, I was convinced that the idea I had in mind for the future could yield massive returns on this investment.
"Come on, Ritzer, it's too early to lose heart," I told myself, pulling the syringes from my inventory and holding them in one hand while subtly gathering chaotic energy behind me with the other, ensuring no one noticed.
[Ritzer]:
"Before you ask how these appeared in my hand out of nowhere, the important question here is whether you're in or out. If you accept joining me, these syringes will be yours. Inside them lies an injectable compound that will significantly enhance your physical performance. More importantly, it will awaken an additional innate power, complementing your mutant ability. As long as you follow me and obey my orders, you'll never lack such opportunities in the future. So, tell me: will you let this chance to change your destiny slip away?"
As I explained Compound V, I noticed their expressions shift to awe and disbelief. My eloquent words seemed to paint me as a devil tempting lost souls into damnation. Well, in a way, that's exactly what this is. It's their choice, though. If they refuse, I've already accumulated enough chaotic energy behind me to blow them to pieces. Although at such a close distance, I'd likely suffer some damage myself.
Success, however, would mean not only them injecting Compound V but also eliminating the hypothetical threat of betrayal. If they even thought of turning against me, I wouldn't need to forge a deadly weapon only to die by it—I'd only need a thought to cut their strings, like puppets collapsing without a master.
[Max]:
"I swear my complete loyalty as long as you can offer me power."
[Leo]:
"I give you my loyalty, provided you fulfill your promises."
[Lisa]:
"I will never betray you, as long as you keep your word."
[Goliath]:
"I, Goliath, will follow you in life or death, as long as you deliver on your promises."
Hearing their declarations brought a faint smile to my face. Their pledges validated my hypothesis about them. These poor mutants understand the sin of weakness better than anyone. Wasn't their imprisonment in that research base, where they were dissected helplessly, proof enough? With this in mind, recruiting more capable weapons like them would only become easier. But that's for the future; for now, I need to focus on the present.
[Ritzer]:
"I accept your loyalty. Since you all understand the weight of your words, I won't say more. Step forward and each take a syringe. I understand if you're still skeptical about this compound, so you can inject it now and see for yourselves—or decide among yourselves who goes first. It doesn't matter to me because, as I said earlier, I promise you power. Isn't it time you seized control of your destiny?"
I held the syringes out toward them, waiting. Initially, they hesitated. But when Goliath stepped forward to take one, it was as if their resolve solidified simultaneously. They each took a syringe and wasted no time injecting themselves.
I have to admit, watching four people aged 19–25 inject an unknown substance could easily be misconstrued. Yet, with their serious faces, you'd think they were sacrificing themselves to save the world. [I mocked silently.]
As these trivial thoughts passed through my mind, their agonized screams snapped me back to reality.
Max was the first to cry out, his energy barrier fluctuating wildly—shrinking and expanding uncontrollably. At one point, it almost hit me before collapsing back into nothing. Leo, Lisa, and Goliath gritted their teeth in a futile effort to endure the pain, only to scream louder moments later.
Leo's mutant ability was the least chaotic, with parts of his body turning invisible at random—sometimes his torso, other times just his head—before returning to normal as he screamed.
Goliath's situation was more severe, his body alternating between growing into his bear form and shrinking back to normal. In my opinion, this made his suffering worse. For about 30 seconds, he semi-transformed repeatedly, writhing in agony on the ground until he could no longer transform at all.
This made me wonder if something was wrong with the compound I had created. It seemed to be inhibiting their innate abilities, possibly disrupting their X-Genes. These were just conjectures, though. I'd need to investigate the system more thoroughly later—I had a feeling I was overlooking something.
Lisa's case was less chaotic but still intense. She hardly made any noise, except for three ear-piercing screams that hurt my eardrums.
This ordeal lasted for about 15–20 minutes, by my estimation. When it was over, they stood up with ecstatic expressions on their faces.