"How long is this going to take?"
"Shouldn't be more than an hour,"
Lara replied.
It didn't take long before we arrived at the facility's gym, a spacious room filled with a variety of high-tech exercise equipment.
Holographic interfaces and robotic assistants were scattered throughout the area, ready to assist with the tests.
"Alright, let's get started,"
Lara said, gesturing to a treadmill.
"We'll begin with a cardio test. Just run at your normal pace, and the machine will automatically adjust to measure your endurance."
I stepped onto the treadmill and began to run.
The machine's surface was smooth and responsive, adjusting seamlessly to my stride.
As I ran, holographic displays monitored my heart rate, oxygen levels, and other vital signs.
"How does it feel?"
Lara asked, keeping an eye on the readings.
"So far so good"
I replied, my breathing steady as I ran at my normal pace which was 1 kilometer per 5 minutes.
"I'll speed up a little"
I declared as I started speeding up until I reached a pace of 1 kilometer per 3 minutes.
After about ten minutes, the treadmill slowed to a stop as It did I walked down from It and wiped the sweat off my forehead while breathing heavily trying to catch my breath.
"Damm back In my day a speed like that could be considered superhuman for me"
I couldn't help but remark.
"Well sir the military grade anti aging serum also Improves users every aspect to the maximum human theoretical potential"
Lara said as she gestured for me to move to a set of weights.
"Next, we'll test your strength. Start with these and work your way up."
I picked up the weights and began a series of exercises, feeling the familiar burn of exertion in my muscles.
Despite the long period of inactivity, my body felt strong and capable, a testament to the enhancements.
"Say theoretically how much should I be able to bench press?"
I asked as I placed the super heavy dumbbells by my old standards on the ground.
"Well considering that you have been administered the newest military grade anti aging serum I'd say It should be around 355 kilograms"
Lara answered after taping her glass see through holographic tablet.
"That much huh, alright let's try it..."
I muttered to myself as I moved to the bench press and started adding weights to the nanocomposite bar made out of the same alloy used to build spaceships.
"1, 2..."
I counted down to myself as I raised the bar and lowered It down to my chest while Inhaling deeply.
"...3"
I roared while exhaling as I pushed the bar upwards.
"Impressive,"
Lara commented as she noted the weight I managed to bench press.
"Based on you're results so far you could easily join the OIST(Orbital Insertion Strike Troop) core"
Lara said genuinely Impressed because so far most of the company's clients would tap out around 200 kilograms at most.
"Years of training and combat will do that,"
I said while shrugging my shoulders.
"What's next, and what Is the OIST core?"
I asked not yet familiar with the term.
"Agility drills, as for the OIST they are the navies shock troopers handpicked from the marine core basically their the best of the best that humanity has to offer"
Lara replied, leading me to an open area with a series of cones and markers.
"We'll test your reflexes and coordination."
I ran through the drills, weaving between cones and responding to changing lights and sounds.
My movements were sharp and precise, and my reflexes were honed from years of experience.
"Excellent,"
Lara said, clearly impressed.
"Your agility is top-notch."
I smirked, feeling more alive than ever.
"Anything else?"
"Just a quick medical scan,"
Lara said, guiding me to a nearby machine.
"This will give us a detailed look at your internal health and ensure there are no issues."
I stepped into the scanner, and a series of lights and sensors moved over my body, capturing detailed images and data.
After a few moments, the machine beeped, and Lara reviewed the results.
"Everything looks perfect,"
She said, smiling.
"You're in remarkable shape, sir."
"Good to know,"
I replied, stepping out of the scanner.
"So, what's next on the agenda?"
"You're all set for now,"
Lara said.
"If no complications arise, we will discharge you after a week"
"Got It"
I said as I walked back to my room and entered the futuristic looking shower cabin after stripping out of my clothes.
"Cold"
I muttered out as I did the voice activated shower head started releasing cold water droplets that fell on my V shaped upper body.
"Stop"
I commanded once again as I stepped out feeling my tightened muscles all over my body scream In protest.
But at the same time more focused than ever.
"Looking good..."
I muttered to myself as I looked at my reflection In the mirror.
"Though the beard, sides, and back have to go"
I muttered to myself as I grabbed the trimming machine and started shaving off my wild white beard, once done I grabbed my white hair and tied It Into a small and neat bun.
Once done I started shaving my heads sides and back until only smooth skin with occasional shrapnel scar was left.
Once done, I moved back, spread my feet shoulder-width apart, and raised my hands horizontally.
"Dry,"
I commanded, and a drone fixed to the wall Inside Its charging pack flew out and started drying my entire body.
The warm air felt like a gentle caress, and I couldn't help but marvel at the convenience.
Well, this is sure convenient.
I thought to myself as the drone finished its work.
Once done, I put my clothes back on and, after exiting the bathroom, grabbed my glass see through holo phone and checked my bank account.
Before going into cryo-sleep, I had put all of my money into an investment company. Let's just say investing for almost 170 years was more than enough to make me a trilionare.
The big fat holographic zeros on the screen confirmed it I was wealthy beyond my wildest dreams.
"I guess it's about time I give the gang the shock of their life"
I muttered to myself, grinning devilishly. Another thing I did before my long nap was to reach a deal with the second chances company.
Basically, once my friends who were more brothers to me than blood ones were close to death.
The company would put them Into cryo pods reserved by me without them knowing a thing about It.
They should have been awakened the same day I was and administered the serums on the same day too, so If everything went according to plan they should be ready to go party like there's no tomorrow and bang some chicks which they were certainly In need of after being In cryo sleep for almost 170 years.
...
As Airid Dracula's best friend sat down inside a spacious and luxurious room, the nurse who escorted him left without saying a word.
What the f*ck Is going on? The last thing I remember Is lying In a hospital bed drawing my last breath.
Airid cursed In his mind because the nurses didn't explain anything to him or anyone else from the gang at the request of Dracula who wanted to give his schmuks the shock of their lives.
Could It be that I became some third rate trash novel's protagonist?
Airid couldn't help but come up with the ridiculous Idea as he looked at his youthful hands.
"Airid?"
Robert called out doubtfully as he looked at the once again young Airid after rubbing his eyes only to see that he wasn't hallucinating.
"Robert?"
Airid also called as he turned his head to the sound of Robert's voice who just like him got escorted to the spacious room.