"Dr. Brischt, how's the preparation going?" General Johanssen entered the mutating room, startling the poor doctor who was too focused at the time.
"Holy cow! General!" he unintentionally blurted out.
"Did I scare you, Doctor?"
"Ahem, General, the preparations are all set. I just need to extract blood from the 'volunteers' later."
"That's good. I've heard someone from Russia will arrive today. General Nushka must be eager to start the project."
"Well, we are fully prepared for it, General."
General Johanssen had been in the facility since Ara from India arrived. The other generals were busy searching for the perfect candidate to represent their countries, yet he preferred to closely observe the preparations for the upcoming execution of the project. To be more precise, he wanted his candidate to be perfect rather than flawed.
Back at the Chinese military headquarters, Li Ying was in full recovery. The doctors told her that her body was now in full strength and she could leave anytime soon. General Yang heard about it and went to visit her, attempting to converse. The general hadn't heard a word from her yet. She remained silent, waiting for the right moment to speak. Every now and then, when no one was around, she would sneak off and steal a random person's phone to contact Dragon Claw. She already knew what she would be up against if she tried to escape. So instead, she decided to play the waiting game and let the general lay out his plan.
"Good thing your body's fully recovered, Miss Ying." He smiled, trying to ease the woman's uneasiness.
She only nodded and looked around.
General Yang then signaled the others to give them privacy. As the others left the room, Li Ying let out a big sigh.
"What are you up to?" she blurted out bluntly.
"I know you've been digging for information—either on your own or with help from an outsider. Either way, I'd like to make a deal."
"My gut tells me it's something to benefit you."
"Not just me. You, too. As of now, a few capable programmers have traced your network and are currently hunting down someone called Dragon Claw."
"This isn't a fair deal! How can I benefit from that?"
"Calm down, Miss Ying. I can help your friend. Hacking government systems has always been a problem. With you and your friend onboard, security will be at its finest."
"I still don't get it. What does any of this have to do with me?"
"Perhaps… revenge from a broken heart, Miss Ying? How does that sound?"
"You... you really did your homework. Honestly, I don't even care what happens to me now. I gave up on life the moment that man cheated on me."
"As they say, the smartest people are the dumbest in love."
"I've never heard that." Li Ying looked down, tearing up as she remembered how the man she gave everything to betrayed her.
"I'll leave you alone for now and take this as a yes to our deal. Full details will be sent once you arrive at your destination. Best of luck."
General Yang left the room and contacted Dr. Brischt at the facility, informing him of his candidate's upcoming arrival. Upon hearing the news, Dr. Brischt could hardly believe that everything he'd worked on would finally be implemented. It seemed his reign would soon begin—over everyone who had looked down on him.
United Kingdom
A country where royals still live in palaces, where kings and queens still exist. Everyone treats them with reverence. Everything they want, they can have. But with these titles come responsibilities, rules, and standards.
One princess, however, was arrogant and rude. She wouldn't follow rules or mind her manners. All she cared about was satisfying herself—literally everything she wanted, she got.
She spent money like there was no tomorrow—bought things she didn't even need. Luxurious cars and bags, a room full of clothes, and another just for high-end shoes. Everyone pretended to befriend her, but no one really liked her. They just didn't want to be on her bad side. This princess craved attention. If her parents didn't give her enough, she'd start a scandal and put the royal family to shame. All these actions made her the black sheep of the family.
General Prius was set to have an audience with the royal family regarding an upcoming charity event the queen personally wanted to host. She was quite old already and wished to organize one last event before stepping back to relax. All security measures would be handled by the general. No one knew this meeting would turn out to be the easiest task for him.
"Welcome to the Royal Palace, General Prius. The King and Queen are in the study, awaiting your arrival," the butler greeted.
"Thank you. I'll head there now."
General Prius made his way to the study but was suddenly bumped into by the running princess—clearly trying to escape her royal guards. She pushed General Prius into the path of the guards and ran off.
"General, are you okay?"
"I'm alright. Go after her before the queen hears she escaped again."
Every day, the princess escaped the palace to visit bars and clubs, returning drunk and late. A royal in name only—unbelievable to imagine she truly existed.
General Prius entered the study and greeted the King and Queen. They spoke at length, going over security details for the event. Once everything was finalized, he bid them goodbye.
On his way out, he was surprisingly offered tea by the same princess who'd pushed him earlier. He found it interesting that she'd change her attitude so quickly. Still, he remained cautious—aware of her reputation for pranks.
In the garden, a lovely tea set was arranged with snacks. The princess sat, already sipping her tea.
"General, don't just stand there. Sit wherever you feel comfortable. No worries—no pranks today. I'm not in the mood."
"That's something new. What made the ruthless princess call a ceasefire?"
"Nah. I'm just not feeling it today. Nothing's exciting anymore. I'm getting bored."
"Makes sense. You've been doing the same thing over and over."
"General, can I join the army?" she asked, expressionless.
"If you're bluffing, I'm not buying it."
"What if I say I really want to join the army?" Her tone shifted to excitement.
"There's a way—and I think you'll like it. It'll keep you entertained for the rest of your life."
"Really? Then what is it? Anything! I'll be obedient. Just get me out of this boring place."
"The question is—will you be able to pass it?"
"General, I may be the infamous Princess Sofie, but beneath this dress is a fighter. So don't underestimate me."
"I see. So, Princess Sofie... do you believe in vampires?" General Prius looked her dead in the eyes.
"Pffft~ What nonsense is tha—" She paused, realizing from the General's serious manner that he wasn't joking. Her blood surged with nervous excitement.
"I'll tell you the full details of our current project—if you're truly eager to join it willingly."
"General Prius, are you saying I can become a vampire?"
"I'm not saying that. I'm just asking—do you believe in vampires? Thanks for the tea, Princess. I'll be going now."
As he turned to leave, Princess Sofie stopped him, pulling him to sit again.
"General, I'm ready for anything. A new life would be fun—but especially if I can become a vampire. Life would never be boring again. That kind of power is worth chasing. So tell me—what's this vampire business really about?"
"You're making my search easier. I'm looking for a candidate who's fit enough to survive all trials and procedures."
"You said it yourself—I'm the perfect candidate. I'm physically fit, and my willingness to undergo anything for power gives me an edge, right?"
"You understand well. Yes, that willingness gives you an advantage. But if you die, I won't be responsible."
"I don't mind. I know I can handle it. All that secret training I did—it'll finally serve a purpose."
"Never thought a princess would volunteer for something this dangerous just to gain power. But before it goes to your head, remember: whatever the outcome, you'll work under me and no one else. Understood?"
"What's this now? I gain power but still have to follow your rules?"
"Don't you see it as a challenge? With your current behavior, you'd grow bored quickly. Let's just say—my orders will keep your excitement alive."
"Sounds delightful. I'm on board, General. When do we leave?"
"As soon as you wish. Full details will be discussed at the facility."
"What about my parents?"
"I'll handle them. Go enjoy the palace. We'll leave once you're tired of it. I know it won't take long."
"You got me. See you soon, General."
General Prius requested an audience with Princess Sofie's parents. How he handled her case would be up to him. Better to create an alibi than search for another candidate. Princess Sofie's eagerness made it easy for him to speak openly about the project. The rest was up to her and Dr. Brischt.