Chapter 11: Blood Mongoose, Full Assimilation
Blood Mongoose placed his helmet on the ground beside him. He remained silent for a moment, studying Maximilian with a faint smile.
"Is this your new body? Looks much better than your previous one! Honestly, the old one looked like prey... a sheep in a flock," Blood Mongoose commented, referring to Maximilian's previous soul avatar, a copy of his former life's body.
Maximilian remained silent. He recognized Blood Mongoose's attempt to provoke him and analyze his mental state for weaknesses. He refused to take the bait.
Seeing that Maximilian didn't take the bait, Blood Mongoose sighed and scratched his head. "Sorry, Old habits die hard." He paused, locking eyes with Maximilian.
"Owen Lane. It's nice to meet you... Max." Blood Mongoose extended his hand toward Maximilian, but the latter crossed his arms instead and leaned back in his chair.
"What's your game, Mr. Lane?" Maximilian asked suspiciously.
Blood Mongoose's expression shifted as if realizing something. "Ah... I see. It seems the condition I proposed for this trial - denying you key information - has backfired on me." He nodded thoughtfully before continuing.
"Here's the truth, Max. We trial masters... we all made a deal with the devil. We serve as trial masters in this... mysterious space. In return, if we kill all trial participants... we get our heart's desire. A wish granted, if you will."
This piqued Maximilian's interest. "What did you wish for? Money? World domination?" he asked with sarcasm.
"Hahahaha! What do you take me for? Some comic book villain?" Blood Mongoose chuckled. "While money would be welcome, that's not it. I just wanted... a clean slate. A true, fresh start where no one recognizes me except my daughter. Where I wouldn't need to stay on guard 24/7, waiting for someone to come kill us for what I've done with the UEC." He paused.
"I wanted to start over and become a father worthy of my daughter and my deceased wife... That's all I ever wanted."