Chapter 10: Guardians and Eradicators
With the help of the advanced AI, Kyle was finally freed from the mountain of paperwork that used to take up most of his time.
"Red Queen, I'll compile the next phases of the plan into a document. Please proceed according to that order."
"Also, I'm planning to renovate the estate so you can function better. And stop calling me 'Creator'—just call me Boss."
Due to Kyle's parents' traditional preferences, the estate had retained a medieval style and lacked any real modernisation.
Transforming it into something akin to Tony Stark's high-tech mansion would undoubtedly require a hefty investment.
But compared to the safety and efficiency Red Queen could provide, the renovation cost was nothing.
"Understood, Boss."
Right after settling things with Red Queen, Valen returned.
"Young Master, they've agreed to loan us a total of 65 million. The funds will be transferred in batches later this afternoon."
Valen reported upon entering the hall, where Kyle was resting with his eyes closed.
Earlier, Kyle had tasked him with contacting the shareholders to ask for funds. After years of collecting hefty dividends, those old men were flush with cash.
Vought Corporation had been in decline for years, largely due to Kyle's father indulging in booze and women, with the shareholders turning a blind eye. The lack of innovation or R&D led to consumers turning to cheaper, more effective alternatives.
At its peak, Vought was valued near 10 billion.
"Seven of them contributed that much? Guess they are rich."
Kyle opened his eyes, a little stunned by the report. He had expected them to cough up maybe 20 million—this was triple his estimate.
"Mr. West alone contributed 55 million. He also left a message for you."
"What message?"
West was the old man who had been the first to yield to Kyle at the last shareholder meeting. He owned 10% of Vought and held shares in several smaller companies.
A grim-faced, no-nonsense man who had long lost any ambition, he mostly sat at home, clinging to his wealth.
"He said, you don't need to pay the money back. He sees this as an investment—his final one. He hopes you'll create a miracle."
Even Valen was surprised by such a bold move. It was like West had thrown in his entire retirement fund on a gamble, without asking for returns.
If this investment failed, bankruptcy would be inevitable.
"Interesting... Seems the old man still has some sharp instincts. Put him on the candidate list for Crystal No. 7 implantation. Let's give him a shot at rebirth."
Kyle held sole authority over who received the superpower-giving Crystal No. 7. Allowing West to undergo implantation was within his power.
Of course, whether West could survive the implantation process was another matter entirely.
One crystal could be used for around ten people and cost about 700 million dollars—a serious money sink.
"By the way, Master, the hundred candidates you requested have been screened. They're currently stationed at a remote base. Would you like to inspect them?"
As if just remembering, Valen clapped his hands.
"All done? Let's go now!"
Kyle sprang to his feet, energised. These people would be vital to his plans.
He'd ordered Valen to start recruiting two months ago. The screening process had been gruelling—only now had they finally gathered the hundred men he needed.
One hour later.
The car stopped in front of a nondescript three-story building on the outskirts of New York.
Kyle and Valen exited the vehicle and went straight inside.
The first floor was a spacious hall filled with exercise equipment. At that moment, it was bustling with men in training.
"The boss is here!"
Someone shouted. The men quickly stopped and formed a perfectly aligned formation.
"Young Master, these are the hundred we selected. Every one of them is capable of taking on ten men alone. All are retired from elite military units across the world."
Valen was pleased with the recruits. Though none of them could beat him alone, they were now the backbone of Kyle's private force.
Kyle smiled as he watched. These men were highly disciplined with strong military backgrounds—they were ready.
Time to recoup his hefty investments. The capitalist grind was about to begin.
"Ahem. Gentlemen, I am Kyle Vought. You likely already know who I am, but not why you were gathered here."
"I know many of you came because of the high salary, and now I'll explain what your roles will be."
"You'll be split into two teams, fifty members each—Guardians and Eradicators."
"As the names imply, Guardians will be in charge of defending the company from external threats, like spies, agents, or data thieves."
"The Eradicators will be responsible for off-the-record operations: neutralising enemies, eliminating traitors, and performing... less public duties when necessary."
"I'll let you sort yourselves into whichever group you feel more suited for. Once done, report back for registration."
Kyle kept the introduction brief. This had been part of his plan all along. He didn't want his company to become some open playground.
That's what these men were for—intercepting intrusions by groups like Hydra, S.H.I.E.L.D., and agents like Black Widow or Winter Soldier. For those types, Red Queen and Valen would be deployed.
These men could easily handle regular agents or hitmen.
Kyle's next move was to launch the speciality stomach medication and cosmetics. Through this, he would formally introduce Umbrella Corporation to the world, announcing their breakthrough in biotech.
This would draw major attention and drastically increase his points income and profit margins.
Were it not for the massive benefits, Kyle would've kept a low profile and waited until he had produced at least seven or eight superpowered individuals.
(End of Chapter 10)
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