Chapter 100: New Type of Army
The Avalon slowly descended in Tribeca, its engines humming softly as it landed in the center of the community. Zack stood nearby, clad in his armor, waiting patiently yet imposingly for the arrival.
As soon as the Avalon's engines powered down, Zack stepped forward, activating the rear cabin door. Without missing a beat, he issued a sharp command to the two mechanical dogs at his side. "Take those nine to the biology lab."
The mechanical dogs sprang into action. Their sound modules emitted low growls that reverberated ominously in the area. The people inside the cargo hold froze in fear, clutching one another in the corner as if trying to become invisible. Their terror mirrored the reactions of someone seeing a cockroach for the first time—shaking, helpless, and unable to act. "If you don't move, I'll let them eat you!" Zack's voice cut through the air with irritation.
They panicked, their voices a chaotic mix of pleading and trembling protests. "No, please, don't!" one cried out. "God, help us!" another wailed. But their cries fell on deaf ears as the mechanical dogs herded them out of the Avalon, forcing them forward with relentless determination.
Tears streamed down their faces as they stumbled into the basement of the biology lab, where they were shoved into individual holding cells. The clanging of metal doors echoed through the space, finalizing their grim confinement. Zack turned to the group of three standing nearby. He noticed the youngest of them, Mia, hesitating with an uncomfortable expression. "Do you feel sorry for them?" Zack's voice was cold, his tone unwavering.
"N-No," Mia stammered, shaking her head quickly. Her eyes stayed glued to the floor, unwilling to meet Zack's towering steel-clad figure.
"If any of you do, maybe you'd like to share a cell with them. Then you'll understand," Zack said bluntly, his tone sharp enough to send a chill through the air. "You'll see who's really pitiful."
His words struck a nerve. Mia, Lily, and Grace exchanged uneasy glances as the memory of what those people had done to other girls flashed through their minds. Any trace of pity evaporated as anger and disgust took its place. "Let's move. I'll show you where you'll be working," Zack said, his voice steady but firm as he led the trio toward Mansion No. 9. Before they entered the Mansion, however, Zack stopped in the basement.
One by one, he implanted microchips into each of them, ensuring they could be tracked and monitored. Only then did he take them upstairs. "From now on, the three of you will handle the cleaning, cooking, and general upkeep of this place," Zack explained as they entered the Mansion.
The trio's eyes darted around, landing on Sophia, Erza, and little Annie, who all seemed completely at ease in the homey environment. It was then that Mia and the others realized Zack had meant exactly what he said—this was actual work, nothing more, nothing less. A wave of relief swept over them.
"No problem," Mia answered on behalf of the group. They quickly settled into their new roles, adapting to the routines of the Mansion and taking over responsibilities with surprising efficiency. Their cooking, in particular, won unanimous praise after a single meal, even earning the approval of little Annie.