Cooperation

"You can study this machine. The Hound plans to use it to integrate the abilities of the two people," Max handed the device to Viper for examination before turning his attention to Esme.

With her blonde hair and striking facial features, Esme, though slightly smaller in stature, possessed a figure proportional enough to be considered attractive.

Esme, now feeling dizzy and unable to utilize her abilities, questioned weakly, "Why?"

Max remained silent, gently caressing Esme's body, causing her to instinctively tremble. The touch was ordinary, devoid of any peculiarities. In this world, unlike in comics, perhaps it wasn't a clone? Still, a clone wasn't a bionic robot; it had originally been a human being.

"Is the family you mentioned part of the Trinity, sisters?" Max asked unexpectedly, leaving Esme puzzled. How did he know?

Though surprised and confused, Esme answered honestly. "Yes, that's right."

"Tell me about your plans," Max requested with a smile.

Max noticed Esme's slight awkwardness and encouraged her to speak. "I know there's a Mutant underground organization, so I rushed in, hoping to find people from the underground organization. I thought they might help me rescue my family."

"Just that? What about after they are rescued?" Max pressed further.

Esme shook her head, admitting, "I haven't thought about it. Since they were captured, my sole focus has been on their rescue. You know the location. I can't let them become hunting Hounds. After their rescue, I might find a way to dismantle the Hound Project, as long as it still exists, we can't truly be safe."

"I even considered seeking your help, but I couldn't contact you!"

"I have no ill intentions; I just want to rescue my family," Esme affirmed sincerely towards Max, her eyes clear and genuine, devoid of any deception.

"You mentioned wanting revenge earlier, right? Our goals align. I know their location, and we can work together. While you seek revenge, I'll be saving people," Esme declared, desperate for Max's cooperation.

"Revenge? What happened?" The viper, engrossed in studying the machine, looked up and inquired.

"Blink's adoptive parents were killed by the Hound Project," Esme explained.

"Oh." Viper acknowledged with a nod, resuming his work. However, he added, "Tell me when you need me."

"You can resist mental abilities, right? I've tried, and I can't read your thoughts at all. If you let me go, we can collaborate. I'll follow you so you don't have to worry. Even if the Hound Project people see you fleeing or sacrificing the hounds without fighting, they won't be afraid of me, right?" Esme pleaded with Max, her desperation evident as the other two remained in custody.

"It's a viable arrangement. I can allow you to work with us. But, as you mentioned, you can't leave my sight and use your ability without my permission," Max stated.

"And if you fail, for any reason, I will kill you!"

"Trust me, I'm not saying this to intimidate you."

"Even if I fail, I can still locate them."

"I understand." Esme assured repeatedly.

Max untied Esme, who sat up awkwardly, still a bit dizzy. "How long until you recover?" she asked the viper.

"Tomorrow," Viper replied without raising her head. 

....

Bringing Esme outside, Max didn't provide introductions but asked Yukio to arrange accommodation for her.

Esme needed a day to recover, coinciding with Blink's much-needed rest.

If all goes according to plan, tomorrow will be the end. The Hound Project should be dismantled.

Max wasn't overly concerned about the Hound Project. The real threat lay in the Sentinel Project.

That was the apocalyptic weapon designed to annihilate the world!

In the evening, Blink returned with Lauren. Max updated them on Esme's situation and informed them of tomorrow's plan, urging them to rest well.

This time, the team didn't require too many members, so Max decided not to involve Lorna.

With himself, Esme, Blink, and Lauren, it was sufficient.

Early the next morning, Max prepared the truck.

He assigned Blink to travel with Lauren in the car, while he took charge of driving with Esme.

"You drive," Max said, pulling Esme's arm.

Esme had no objection, taking the driver's seat, and they set off into a different space.

An hour later, the car was parked in a protected area in the suburbs.

Surrounded by high-voltage power grids, soldiers patrolled every inch, and a building, comparable in size to the Mutant underground base, emanated a gloomy and cold atmosphere.

"We're here!" Esme exclaimed.

Max got out of the car and opened the door for Blink and Lauren to exit. Then, he spoke, "This mission has two objectives: to rescue people and to dismantle this facility."

"Esme, stick with me. The two of you, team up. See that room over there? Head back and gather there." Max pointed to the leftmost room in the building. From his different space perspective, the room appeared empty.

"Understood!" Lauren nodded, standing beside Blink.

"Then let's go."

After Max spoke, he led them into the building. In the empty corridor, a door materialized out of nowhere.

Esme followed Max closely, while Blink and Lauren went to the other side, preparing for the mission ahead.

 ....

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