Once all the students and instructors had gathered, Viscount Andrew and his companions stopped their discussion and turned their attention to the group. The Viscount surveyed the students, noting the physical changes and improved demeanor in many of them. He seemed somewhat satisfied with what he saw.
Instructor Rus stepped forward and addressed the students. "You should feel honored to stand in the presence of Viscount Andrew. He has lifted you from the misery of the slums, provided you with food, training, and knowledge. Remember his kindness and remain loyal to him."
After this brief speech, Rus stepped back, and Viscount Andrew took his place. "As you all know, I am Viscount Andrew, the ruler of Pearl City. Due to recent changes in the kingdom, my life and this city are under threat. Each of you is being trained to become a dagger in the shadows, fighting against the enemies who endanger our home."
Some students showed visible excitement at these words, believing they were part of a noble cause. Ryan, however, maintained a carefully crafted expression of enthusiasm while inwardly scoffing. *What a lame excuse. He's glorifying his dirty work as some heroic mission.* He wondered how many of the students were genuinely excited and how many were simply pretending. Despite their lack of education, these teenagers had grown up in the slums, where survival instincts and cunning were essential. They were far from naive.
The Viscount continued, "At the start of your training, you were all administered a special drug. This magic potion enhances the body's capabilities, much like the potions used by knights. However, it requires a dose every three months for at least four years. Without it, your body will experience excruciating pain and may even fail due to the lack of essential ingredients. Perform well, serve me faithfully for four years, and you'll be free to choose your path afterward—whether to continue working for me or pursue your own goals."
Ryan listened carefully, masking his thoughts. *We could all learn a thing or two from nobles about manipulation. He's framing this poison as a benefit, and everyone here knows it, but what choice do we have? Life doesn't offer many options.*
As Ryan pretended to listen intently, the Viscount signaled for the students to return to their classes. He remained behind with the mage who had accompanied him, Head Instructor Oliver, and Instructor Rus.
Once the students had left, the Viscount turned to Oliver. "Is everything running smoothly in the camp? Do you need anything?"
Oliver replied confidently, "No, my lord. Everything is proceeding as planned. We will train these students into formidable hunters who will strike your enemies from the shadows."
The Viscount frowned. "You said the same thing about the previous batch, but the results were disappointing. Out of 20 operations, only 10 targets were killed. Ten of our own died in counterattacks, five failed to escape, and only five completed their missions successfully."
Oliver quickly responded, "But my lord, consider this: you traded 15 ordinary lives for 10 extraordinary ones. We've improved our teaching methods, added new skills, and brought in better instructors. This batch will undoubtedly outperform the last."
The Viscount seemed somewhat pleased by this explanation. He then turned to the mage, Addison, who had been sent by the third prince. "Are you certain they won't find an antidote for the poison?"
Addison reassured him, "Don't worry, Lord Viscount. The first prince is using this camp as an experimental site. If the results are favorable, he plans to establish similar training grounds across the country for his grand ambitions. He wouldn't use an inferior product. While any official mage can prepare the poison, only a rank 3 Scholar Mage can create the antidote. We have them under control for life."
The Viscount raised an eyebrow. "For life?"
"No, my lord," Addison clarified. "The antidote can sustain them for up to four years. After that, the poison will have seeped too deeply into their bodies, causing organ failure. Even the antidote won't save them at that point."
The Viscount nodded, then asked, "Are there any other instructions from the first prince?"
"Yes," Addison replied. "The first prince has informed me that agents of the third prince have arrived in Pearl City. They're already searching for weaknesses, dirty deeds, or crimes that could undermine your position."
The Viscount's face darkened with anger. "Don't worry. I'll handle any loose ends and ensure the training yields results."
Finally, the Viscount turned to Rus. "I want you to use your magic to fully brainwash the students. Leave no room for doubt or rebellion."
Rus bowed. "Consider it done, my lord."
After issuing a few more instructions to Oliver and Rus, the Viscount left the camp, his entourage following closely behind.