This Beast-Tamer is a Little Strange

The two weeks leading up to Roman's sponsor showcase passed quickly.

Kain spent much of the time training, both alone and with his team, ensuring that they adjusted well to their new increase in strength.

After his breakthrough, all of his spiritual contracts—Bea, Queen/Eve, and Aegis—also brokethrough to green-grade. Stay tuned to empire

The location of Roman's sponsor showcase was an unassuming building on the outskirts of the city, a stark contrast to the opulence he usually surrounded himself with.

A dirty and shabby exterior, heavily guarded by security teams hidden in concealed locations. If one were to just chance upon the laboratory, they probably wouldn't even notice that they were being watched by numerous guards.

Kain couldn't help but compare the security here to the one they previously destroyed. Either the research here was more valued, or they upped their security at all of their locations following the last laboratory.

Roman, dressed in his usual sharp suit, exuded his characteristic arrogance as he arrived. Yet, his movements betrayed a flicker of excitement. Who cares how many people and children need to die during the course of research, as long as they can help him achieve great power.

Roman was not allowed to bring anyone with him into the building, preventing Kain and the others from controlling him to say that they were members of his entourage so that they could enter through the front door with him.

Once Roman entered the building, Kain continuously communicated information obtained from the split inside Roman, to Serena and Lina, building a detailed map of the lab and identifying potential points of interest.

"Second floor, southeast wing—storage for research records," Kain noted mentally, Bea transmitting the details instantly. "Underground level, heavy guard presence. Likely where they're keeping test subjects."

As Roman reached a large conference room, he was greeted by the lead scientist—a gaunt, sharp-featured man with a cold demeanor.

The room was filled with two other ordinary people—who Kain assumed were also likely sponsors or related to the research center in some way. They were all seated around a long table, each bearing an air of wealth and entitlement. Monitors lined the walls, displaying diagrams, data charts, and video feeds of the lab's operations.

"Mr. Silverhart," the scientist began with a thin smile, addressing Roman. "Welcome to the showcase. We've prepared a presentation tailored to your esteemed status as one of our most generous benefactors." Roman was led to sole chair at the end of the table, that the other two unknown men were flanking. The other two men showed clear dissatisfaction at being seated at a position inferior to Roman, but Roman seemed to revel in it.

Roman grinned cockily, reclining in his chair. "Let's see if your work is worth the investment."

The showcase began with a sterile walkthrough of theis scientific achievements since the last showcase. It was all highly technical, meant to impress the wealthy sponsors with talk of "progress" and "revolutionizing humanity."

But as the presentation progressed, the tone shifted.

"Now, we'll introduce you to the results of our latest human trials," the scientist announced. The casual nature of his words sent a chill through Kain. Roman, however, leaned forward, clearly intrigued.

The lights dimmed, and a large monitor displayed a series of video clips. The footage was horrific.

The first clip showed a group of test subjects strapped to tables, their bodies writhing as scientists injected them with glowing green liquid. The substance spread visibly through their veins, turning their skin a sickly hue. The subjects' screams were muffled, but their pain was evident.

"Subject B053," the scientist narrated. "A failure. The infusion destabilized cellular structures, resulting in a complete breakdown of biological integrity."

The video showed the subject convulsing violently before their body seemed to disintegrate into a disgusting flesh-toned puddle of goo.

"Subject B057," the scientist continued, the footage shifting. This time, the subject survived the process but had undergone grotesque transformations—elongated limbs, distorted facial features, and a constant, twitching motion.

"These subjects possess enhanced physical abilities but limited cognitive function. They serve as excellent disposable assets for high-risk operations."

Roman's expression was one of cold fascination. "Impressive. But surely you've produced more... refined results?"

The scientist nodded. "Indeed. Allow me to introduce Subject B71."

The screen switched to a live feed from a containment cell. Inside was a figure that appeared almost human—tall, lean, and radiating an unnatural aura. Its eyes glowed faintly, and its movements were smooth and deliberate. But something was chilling about its expression, a soulless malice that sent a shiver down Kain's spine.

"This subject has achieved stable integration of the genetic materials from a unique species of spiritual creature developed in an affiliated lab, resulting in significant enhancements in strength, speed, and endurance. We've also maintained higher cognitive function, making it suitable for advanced operations."

A large older man seated to Roman's left clapped slowly, clearly impressed. "Now that is what I'm paying for."

Kain transmitted this information to Serena and Lina in real time, "I think we'll need to be mentally prepared," Kain said afterwards. "Not only may we not be able to rescue most of the kidnapped civilians, we may even have to fight and kill them if they'd been turned to mindless abominations used for combat."

As the scientist continued the presentation, Kain's attention was drawn to a side monitor displaying a live feed from the underground level. Rows of cells lined the walls, each containing a single, haggard individual.

Kain's fists clenched in anger. Clearly, it was more than just the children kidnapped from Morningstar City that were being kept here. Probably civilians from multiple nearby cities were kept in the cells at this location. This laboratory was definitely of a higher level than the one at Brightstar City.

The showcase's sterile horror was a jarring juxtaposition to the nonchalance with which the scientist continued. The presentation transitioned seamlessly into a live demonstration as armed guards escorted Subject B71 with thick metal cuffs encasing all of its limbs, onto a stage separated from the meeting room with a glass wall.

A set of humanoid dummies rose from the floor of the stage area at the side of the room, equipped with defences and equipment meant to simulate the average 4-star beast tamer. Without hesitation, the moment its chains released B71 sprang into action.

Its speed was breathtaking, crossing the space in a blur. One dummy was reduced to fragments with a single swipe of its elongated claws. Another, fortified with a metal frame, crumpled under the force of a powerful kick.

Roman leaned forward in his seat, enthralled. "Impressive. What would its strength be comparable to?"

"A green-grade spiritual creature, Mr. Silverhart," the scientist replied. "We've stabilized its energy output at this level for now, but we believe it has potential for further advancement."

Roman's lips curled into a smirk. Even if it took time for the research to reach a level where he could awaken an affinity himself, he should be able to solidify his status and get rid of any obstacles with these humanoid weapons. The other two sponsors also likely had similar thoughts.

Applause from the satisfied sponsors rang throughout the room.