The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Lost in deep contemplation, Kael found himself reflecting on the countless benevolent acts his master had bestowed upon him and their comrades. As memories began to resurface, his closed eyes abruptly snapped open, yet his expression remained unchanged.

While the abominable experiment conducted by their master had been an unforgivable transgression, it had not completely eroded their humanity. Even in their monstrous state, they had relinquished their ambitions and physical forms, their resistance fueled solely by a desire for personal gain.

From the moment their master collected their blood, they had suspected something was amiss. They were not fools, especially after witnessing the sight of their mightiest member, Felix, rendered unconscious with his garments in tatters. But slaughtering innocent people? That was a line they couldn't cross.

Meanwhile, Kael, his head lowered in contemplation, raised his gaze to meet the conflicted eyes of his comrades. It was a silent exchange, a wordless gesture filled with unwavering courage and resolute determination. His piercing stare reminded them of their shared purpose—to guide their master back onto the righteous path.

One by one, the subordinates locked eyes, conveying a tacit agreement before redirecting their collective focus towards their master. They had no qualms about dispatching bandits, murderers, or soldiers who posed a threat with their weapons.

But it was an entirely different matter when confronted with common folk wielding tools like hoes and hammers, individuals striving to provide for their families and live a modest, content life.

On the other side, as Desmond observed their expressions and exchanged glances, his furrowed eyebrows relaxed, and he let out a fleeting sigh. "Sigh... Very well, a mere glance at you now is enough to dispel any further deliberation."

Desmond's words puzzled them, and in the very next instant, an overwhelming weight bore down on their bodies, as if ten men were pressing them forcefully against the icy ground. The pressure was suffocating, causing even the frozen surface beneath them to emit an ominous creak, ultimately compelling them to lie flat on the ground, faces flushed and gasping for breath.

"What—"

"What in the name of all that's holy?!" Their voices trailed off, gradually stifled by the oppressive force before their heads were forcibly submerged beneath the icy shards scattered on the ground.

Gritting their teeth, the subordinates struggled against the mounting pressure, their attempts to resist met with futility. It felt as if invisible shackles had bound their muscles, effectively suppressing their powers and leaving them defenseless. Thus, they could do nothing but lay there, their heads straining to rise, their gazes directed at Desmond, a profound inquiry etched in their eyes.

"YOUNG MASTER? WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" Kael, the one who had dared to challenge Desmond and provoke him, managed to lift his head, his bloodshot eyes tinged with a crimson hue due to the oxygen deprivation.

Upon witnessing Desmond's impassive stance, Kael's perception of him as a savior and master instantaneously shattered. In its place, he beheld a chilling and sinister countenance, a malicious smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Confusion and a deluge of questions swirled within Kael's mind. What was happening? Why? These inquiries consumed him, unaware that his actions had goaded Desmond. Moreover, Kael remained oblivious to the true nature of Desmond's character, having spent the past few months secluded within his laboratory.

Meanwhile, as Desmond fixed his gaze upon Kael, the coldness in his eyes transformed into an elusive shadow, dark and foreboding, piercing through the very core of Kael's consciousness.

"Beasts, devour them," Desmond's command resonated through the air, prompting Kael to emit a primal roar. His body underwent a gradual transformation, morphing into the formidable figure of the Husk King—a half-beast manifestation. Simultaneously, the oppressive pressure that burdened the other subordinates vanished the moment Kael assumed his half-beast form.

The wounds inflicted upon them by resisting Desmond's force began to heal as Kael, now with a tail protruding from his backside and fur covering his skin, stood tall. "Yes, my king," Kael declared, leaving the rest of the subordinates bewildered. However, their shock only intensified as they witnessed the metamorphosis continue.

Kael's human form gradually shifted, assuming the likeness of a wolf standing on all fours. Thick fur enveloped his body, while his mouth elongated into an oval shape, revealing a set of formidable teeth. No longer bearing a human appearance, Kael had transformed into a complete Husk King beast, towering at 2 meters (6.5 feet) with piercing blue eyes radiating a lethal aura.

"K-Kael?" one of the subordinates, who stood closest to him, stammered. But their attempts to comprehend the situation were swiftly disrupted by the palpable change in Kael's aura. " *growl* He's dead," the beastly form snarled, its words striking fear into the hearts of the subordinates. "Also, don't call me that name again. I am the most loyal subordinate of my master, and my name is Regynar!"

Regynar's words barely registered in their petrified minds, their thoughts in disarray as they struggled to grasp the shocking reality of witnessing the demise of one of their comrades. Their disbelief clouded their judgment.

ROAR!

Suddenly, one of the subordinates pounced towards Desmond, his half-beast transformation empowering him with long, sharp claws poised to tear into Desmond's handsome face. The assailant glared at Desmond, baring his menacing teeth, ready to bite if his claws were repelled.

Swift as the wind, a powerful gust sliced through the air, intercepting the attacker's trajectory. In an instant, a shadowy figure emerged, effortlessly seizing hold of the razor-sharp claws and...

Crash!

A resounding shatter echoed through the vicinity. The lethal claws, each measuring 500 mm (19 inches) in length—capable of rending through human armor as if it were paper—disintegrated, reduced to fragments scattered upon the ground. "A disgrace!" A disdainful snort accompanied the destruction, revealing Felix in his half-beast form.

His hands had transformed into robust dragon claws, far superior in strength and sturdiness compared to their previous state.

"ARGHH!" Pain coursed through the attacker's hands, crimson blood staining his fingertips. He glared at the shadowy figure, contemplating a hasty retreat. However, Felix had no intention of letting him off so easily.

Swoosh!

Felix swiftly aimed his still-human hand at the assailant's neck, gripping it firmly. He hoisted the attacker's body into the air, lifting it twice his own height, locking eyes with his adversary, a mix of emotions flickering within his gaze.

The disparity between them was glaringly evident. Felix stood as a 4th class swordsman, while the attacker—a former subordinate—barely possessed the strength of an upper stage 2nd class swordsman. Even with the augmentation from his bloodline, the assailant stood no chance against Felix in a one-on-one confrontation.

"In the past, I accepted you to follow me. *cough* I trusted all of you, treated you like my sons," Felix spoke, his gaze sweeping across the rest of his former subordinates, only to be met with a sea of glares and even a spitting gesture directed his way.

"Tch! Old man, if you care about us, then why do you follow that brat?!" one of them erupted angrily, pointing accusingly at Desmond, who stood with an air of authority. Though his words dripped with anger, a pang of pain resonated within him as he uttered those words.

In the past, their singular goal had been to eradicate the nefarious organization, alongside Felix and their comrades. Even after their master had changed, they remained loyal to Felix because he had been their true savior.

To think that all of this was because of that brat?! The man's fury surged through his veins.

Desmond and his family held no significance to them; their sole desire was to be reunited with their comrades, to heal the wounds left by the loss of their loved ones. Their fear of experiencing that pain again now fueled the conflict within them.

However, as they witnessed the death of one of their own, their doubts dissolved, replaced by a resolute determination.

"You are all blinded by Kael's words," Desmond interjected, his voice laced with a mix of disappointment and concern. "Do you truly believe yourselves to be innocent seekers of justice and a peaceful environment? Each of you bears hands stained with blood, living lives fraught with danger. Without a young master guiding you, I have no doubt that most of you would have devolved into bandits by now!"

The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, forcing them to confront their own actions and the consequences they had wrought.