[Chapter 34: Gathering]
In the following three days, aside from daily training sessions with Adam and Bob, a basic lab was quickly set up on the basement level 1. The entire setup, including equipment purchases and materials, cost just under $500,000 each -- around $1 million total. This lab was only meant to produce a simplified version of a magical enhancement serum, so it was quite rudimentary.
Adam and Bob trained themselves daily while John dove headfirst into the so-called potion-mixing room. Aside from eating and sleeping, John spent all his time experimenting in the lab. There were some failures along the way, but he eventually succeeded.
He managed to create five vials of a simplified, beginner-level physical enhancement serum. The effects improved physical abilities by roughly 15 to 20 percent. The authentic beginner-level serum would typically boost strength by about 50 percent.
Of course, real magicians wouldn't bother trying physical enhancement serums. True magic users keep leveling up and strengthening themselves naturally through intense training and mastery of their craft. These serums are made for those without magical talent.
In the magical world, the only side effect of these serums is that once you enhance your body this way, you lose the opportunity to improve through your own cultivation -- you can only level up by taking higher-grade serums. That's why magicians avoid using them.
However, here, the side effect is basically ignored. Physical enhancement is just seen as a pure benefit. The only downside might be that for a while, the person feels hungrier and needs a lot of nutrition.
John gave one vial each to Allen, Adam, and Bob, having them drink it in front of him, then began training them immediately.
After a while, they all felt ravenous, so they had a hefty steak dinner along with various supplements. Three days later, their enhancement phase was basically complete, and they'd recovered to normal condition.
The three were very satisfied with the serum's effectiveness. Their physical stats improved by about 20 percent. They even suggested making more, but knowing that just three vials cost nearly $500,000, they winced at the expense.
What they didn't realize was that the serum invisibly extended each of their lifespans by 5 to 10 years. Modern science suggests the human brain could theoretically live up to 150 years, but the body usually gives out first.
By boosting their bodies' overall state, their potential lifespans increased naturally.
If this got out, it would cause a worldwide frenzy. John knew this well but would never say a word.
He collected the empty bottles after they finished and thoroughly cleaned the lab, leaving no trace behind.
As for the remaining two vials, John kept them for himself, planning to give them out as needed in the future.
To clarify, those five vials didn't include the cost of the lab equipment -- the materials alone came close to $500,000, partly because John was a novice, it was his first time mixing potions, and he failed many times. Otherwise, the cost would've been much less.
...
The next few days, John continued training Adam and Bob vigorously. Allen did not join the physical training -- after all, as the leader, he wasn't expected to step into the ring himself.
During this period, Allen repeatedly suggested that John mix more serum, but John declined, saying they could talk about it next time if an opportunity arose.
Luckily, they were still within their cooperation phase, and Allen got along well with John. Plus, John's growing reputation kept Allen cautious, so he didn't push the subject further.
Allen warned John that the serums must never be publicized or overused. Fortunately, only Allen, Adam, and Bob knew about them so far.
...
Toward the end of March, one day, Allen told John and the others they had arranged a fight scheduled for that night, in the latter half of the night.
Allen was confident. Both Adam and Bob were already near the peak of their fighting abilities. Now, after training and taking the serum, they were even stronger. Barring any accidents, victory was almost guaranteed, especially with John backing them up.
...
Around 10 PM, the group gathered in the basement. Zach was also there; he knew John might participate. After repeated assurances from everyone, Zach agreed to the plan.
They climbed into a convoy of Ford SUVs and headed toward the destination. John was actually looking forward to this "gathering." A situation like this was unimaginable in his previous life.
They took the highway heading out towards the outskirts of Los Angeles on a pitch-black night. John had no idea exactly where they were going.
Word was it was about an hour's drive to a farm where the fight was set to take place.
The location was so secluded it made John want to complain -- they'd gone clear out into the countryside.
Sure enough, after about an hour, they arrived at a retreat farm. Following security instructions, they parked in front of a nearly 20,000-square-foot villa.
Clearly, the farm was under lockdown. Security personnel were armed and confiscated everyone's weapons.
Then, under security's guidance, they walked to a corner of the villa. After some radio communication, a hidden entrance to a basement appeared before their eyes.
Everyone filed in.
...
Inside the basement was a massive space spanning several thousand square feet. In the center was an octagonal cage ring surrounded by iron bars, and around the perimeter were many private boxes and rows of seats. The room was already packed and buzzing with noise.
John and his group were seated along the east side in reserved rows -- that would be their viewing spot for the night.
Once seated, John sat next to Allen, who pointed around to introduce some key players.
"John, see that group across from us? They're our opponents tonight. The organizers even arranged for us to sit directly opposite each other -- a nice touch."
"Oh, really?" John smiled. Just then, he felt a gaze on him and turned to see a young man staring intently.
After John returned the look, the young man made a slashing gesture across his own neck -- a clear message of hostility.
The young man's group was definitely watching Allen's side, since they were tonight's rivals. That kid seemed pretty hot-headed.
Perhaps because both sides noticed the exchange between John and the young man, some older members on the opponent's side spoke to the youth quietly. The young man then calmed down, and everyone went back to their own business.
...
"Don't worry about them, John. Let me introduce some others," Allen said, noticing the interaction and trying to keep things smooth.
"No big deal. Allen, keep going," John replied with a casual smile, thinking, 'I'm not a kid -- two lifetimes and almost fifty years old. I'm not about to get riled up over a little gesture.'
"Over there, are the organizers, the people of the gambling king, Kirk Kerkorian. This farm is one of his properties. The organizers tonight are his henchmen."
Hearing about Kirk, John's mind stirred. Kirk Kerkorian was a renowned name -- he had heard about him both in his previous life and now.
In the past, John learned of the gambling magnate through MGM studios. Later, he found out Kirk was a world-class gambling tycoon, a Las Vegas mogul, legendary gambling king.
Of course, anyone who rose through gambling can't do it without underground backing -- otherwise, no one would believe it.
...
Allen then added that the private boxes around the ring likely held Hollywood celebrities, famous directors, or wealthy corporate tycoons. Many high-profile people loved watching these underground fights in secret.
After all, this was Hollywood, and Kirk usually lived here. MGM was Kirk's own company.
The so-called celebrities preferred staying in the boxes, probably for privacy since these people had reputations to uphold -- not wanting anyone to see their crass behavior.
The organizers reportedly invited special guests and even set up betting pools for everyone to place wagers.
...
Listening to Allen's rundown, John couldn't help but feel amazed at how complicated the world was.
While everyday folks worry about paying bills and making ends meet, somewhere in the shadows, a group of well-fed, restless people indulged in a brutal bloodsport frenzy.
*****
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