"I shouldn't have studied forbidden techniques."
"I shouldn't have sacrificed innocent lives."
"I won't cover up the truth by silencing those who've found out."
"I've killed too many people for selfish reasons."
"I was wrong."
"Please execute me."
"Damn me."
If he had managed to escape, Oster might have convinced himself that he didn't deserve to die. But now that he was captured—thrown into this secret underground cell and forced to witness the overwhelming power of high-level Nen—he had no choice but to accept his fate.
Even if he was filled with regret and resentment, Oster knew the outcome was set.
Still, if he had the chance to go back... he wouldn't change his decisions.
He'd simply be more careful.
His so-called confession now was nothing more than going through the motions before execution. There was no true remorse in his heart. He didn't believe what he'd done was wrong.
Sarona could see right through that.
But instead of getting angry, he actually smiled faintly, satisfied.
"This is what a personality looks like."
"Even in a situation like this, you're still not repentant. That's what makes you useful."
Oster froze, not quite sure how to respond.
Sarona's tone shifted.
"Still... you've messed up. Badly."
His expression turned cold.
"You talk about taboos? Taboos are rules meant for average people."
"You achieved real results in your parasite research. That in itself isn't the issue."
"The problem is, first—you failed to keep it under wraps, and now the secret's out."
"Second—you fumbled the moment the leak happened."
"Third—and this is the biggest issue—you clearly don't understand the standing of the Royal Family of the United States of Saherta."
"When the information broke loose and you couldn't contain it, why didn't you report it directly to us?"
"We—the royal family—were the last to find out."
"Fiora, Mimbo, even the Hunter Association... they all knew before I did."
"That's something I can't forgive."
"Do you understand the consequences of that?"
"Now Fiora, Mimbo .... and even the Hunter Association will have access to your lab. Your materials and research data will be shared with them."
"This work, which should have belonged to the United States of Saherta, is now practically public property."
"You think we didn't know what you were doing?"
"You think we didn't know civilians were dying because of you?"
"You think we didn't know you were manipulating the king like a puppet?"
"Of course we knew."
"We just didn't care."
"You still don't even know what your real mistake was."
"If you truly felt guilty over something so petty, I would've executed you myself."
"People like that don't deserve to live."
"But... the fact that you don't feel guilt—that makes you valuable."
"So here's what's going to happen. Officially, I'll announce your death to the outside world."
"But you'll stay alive."
"I'll bring all your materials here. We'll build you a lab right in this facility."
"You'll even be allowed to bring in your key personnel."
"But I want results—before any of the other V5 nations get their hands on them."
...
Oster remained silent, stunned.
Sarona's decision was nothing like he expected. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
If Sarona truly cared about the lives lost... Oster wouldn't still be breathing.
The only reason he was alive now was because Sarona and the others treated the whole thing like a game. A performance. And Oster was just one of the many clowns on stage.
The civilians who died? Props.
"Alright. Then let me make my request."
"Go ahead," Sarona said.
"Before that... I have two questions."
"What are they?"
"What's Kaizen's true identity? And what happened to Ravik?"
Oster had already reported everything he knew about the Four Beasts and the Three Dogs. Otherwise, the Six Fiends would never have been deployed.
"His full name is Kaizen Zoldyck. Despite his young age, he's already mastered A-rank aura. And among A-rank users, he's one of the best."
"He's a genius—no surprise, coming from the Zoldyck family."
"The Four Beasts and Three Dogs losing to him? That was to be expected."
"As for the Six Fiends... they're all dead."
"The rest of the Zoldyck family is now involved. That's why the Hunter Association and several of the V5 countries reacted so quickly—they trust the Zoldycks."
"From what I hear, Kaizen has a strong relationship with the Hunter Association, and he's also on good terms with Fiora's royal family."
Oster fell silent.
"Sarona-sama... if I produce results, will you kill Kaizen for me?"
"No."
Sarona shook his head.
"The Zoldycks have S-rank assassins. We're not going to risk starting a war with them for your sake."
"We have no reason to act."
Sarona didn't like Kaizen either—Oster could hear that in his voice. But on the surface, Kaizen was the victim in this whole affair.
If the United States of Saherta made a move against him, Maha Zoldyck's revenge would be swift and deadly.
And they wouldn't even fight directly—that wasn't the Zoldyck style.
Why wage war when one well-placed assassination gets the job done?
"But," Sarona continued, "if your research produces results... I will grant you freedom."
"You mean... I can leave?"
"That's right."
Oster nodded slowly.
"Understood. Thank you. I'll do my best."
"Don't disappoint me again, Oster. If you have any further requests, think carefully. I'll return tomorrow."
With that, Sarona turned and left.
The cell fell silent again, with only the sound of Oster's own breath and heartbeat filling the space.
A bitter smirk twisted the corners of his lips.
"Freedom?"
"If you really wanted results, the first thing you'd do is kill me."
"I thought I was scum."
"Turns out you're just like me."
"Maybe this is what Saherta really is."
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (1047 chapters in total)