Chapter 72: Finishing Old Dog
The old dog's face twisted in shame and anger, but Zack's words hit home. In a world as brutal as this one, cowards and opportunists like him managed to scrape by—but only until they ran into someone like Zack. "Do you have to kill me?" the old dog asked, a hint of defiance creeping into his tone.
"Yeah," Zack replied bluntly, "but not just yet. Once I'm sure the serum's side effects are under control, you'll get your turn."
"Damn you!" the old dog cursed, his façade cracking entirely. But before he could say more, Zack shut the iron door with a resounding clang, leaving him in darkness.
"Monitor Subject No. 2 for any changes and notify me immediately," Zack instructed his mechanical assistant. Peeling off his gloves, he washed his hands thoroughly, then left the lab without a backward glance.
As Zack stepped out of the lab, he was met by Erza, a fiery redhead lounging on the wall of Mansion No. 13. Her sharp eyes bore into him, suspicion written all over her face. "I've been watching you for days!" she announced, sliding down from the wall and sauntering toward him. "What's the deal? Did you kidnap a bunch of innocent girls to... have fun or something?"
Zack raised an eyebrow, completely baffled. "What?"
"Don't play dumb! I've seen the soundproofing and sealed windows! You're hiding something in there, aren't you?"
Zack sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You've said all that just to ask if you can go in and take a look, haven't you?"
"Maybe," Erza replied with a mischievous grin. "Will you let me?"