Chapter 85 - 83
"Indeed, Dreykov trusted me," Melina said calmly with a nod. However, that trust had been earned through years of service, completing countless missions for him. In exchange, her hands were stained with the blood of innocents, including children who had died under brutal training regimens while she could do nothing but watch.
She would have preferred never to have gained that trust.
Unlike Natasha, Melina had never been brave enough to escape. After Natasha fled, guilt and shame gnawed at her countless times. But now, things were different. The demon—Dreykov—was dead, and the nightmare that had haunted her for so long had finally dissipated. She could now confront her past with a sense of calm.
Leon smiled, giving a knowing nod to Natasha, who placed a tablet in front of Melina. She hesitated for a moment but took it, her expression doubtful. As she reviewed the confidential information displayed, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.
"You took over his scientific research team? And the Sky Fortress Project is 80% complete?" she asked, astonishment in her voice.
Leon nodded. "Yes. Ms. Melina, are you willing to take over this team? I need someone who can supervise it, and I believe you've had contact with them before."
Indeed, it was the Sky Fortress Project. After using Wanda's chaos magic to alter Dreykov's will, Leon had seized his gray assets and scientific research division. With the acquisition of Sky Blade No. 7, he entrusted Keisha to advance the Sky Fortress technology.
Sky Blade, originating from a high-tech civilization far more advanced than Earth's, made the Sky Fortress seem almost trivial in comparison. As a result, the initial estimate of four to five years for the fortress's completion had been shortened to just six months—or even less.
The Sky Fortress was intended to serve as a foundation for cultivating future forces, a critical piece in Leon's long-term plans. Sky Blade had always been his hidden trump card, and he had no intention of involving Wanda or anyone else with it. Even if he gained access to Merlot Heaven later, he planned to keep those powers completely separate from Earth.