A Regressed Villain: Heroines, Villainesses and Me?

"I—It's impossible—" Freddie wanted to clearly state how difficult it was to gather so many men and brainwash them within such a short amount of time.

The problem was not that he couldn't brainwash them, but the issue was the time limit; six months was just barely 25 weeks, which itself was an impossible time frame to make so many people loyal.

"You don't need to make them blindly follow me; instead, instill an image of me as their savior while continuing to feed them enhancement drugs," Avendial stated once again. His words in that silent, struck room were enough to send turmoil among those who heard it, leaving them confused about what he wanted.

'N-No, it can't be,' Aecilia thought, feeling all the puzzle pieces coming together, causing her eyes to widen before looking towards Avendial. 'Don't tell me he is preparing a private army to go against the royal family?'

"E-Enhancement drugs?!" Freddie was slightly taken aback when he heard Avendial mention that, in addition to brainwashing, he needed to administer enhancement drugs like steroids, growth hormones, and protein supplements to those people.

These substances were prohibited due to their long-term side effects on the human body, such as arthritis and weak bone density in old age.

Naturally, these drugs were used by heavy weightlifters or individuals in fields where they worked extensively.

In the short term, these substances could enhance the body, allowing an individual to be in peak condition for two or three years.

However, as time passed, the side effects would take their toll, resulting in decreased bone density and an eventual decline of the body.

"Yes, now tell me, what have I assigned as your task?" Avendial continued, unconcerned about the long-term side effects of these enhancement drugs, as he believed it would likely be possible to heal all wounds and alleviate side effects once the principles and laws of this world changed with the arrival of the Tower. Therefore, he needed to make preparations now.

"Y-Yes, sir," Dr. Freddie seemed to grasp the situation, repeating the task assigned to him: "You want me to train people with AB+ blood type so that they can become loyal super soldiers."

"....Somewhat similar," Avendial replied. Although some corrections were needed, the essence of the task was indeed as Freddie had stated.

Avendial knew how to awaken individuals without relying on an awakening stone possessed by a royal family. Before awakening these individuals, they needed to be in top physical shape to maximize the probability of awakening the strongest abilities.

Just like the Empyreals under the royal family, who were mostly soldiers and veterans in their respective fields, though of course only a handful survived the whole process.

'Super soldiers?' Aecilia pondered for a moment before tightly clenching her fist, wondering if she really needed to inform him about the royal involved in yesterday's aphrodisiac event.

After all, she could clearly see that things were taking a wrong turn, going from hiring a military strategist to recruiting and training 20,000 people using drugs. It was as if Avendial was plotting a coup or committing treason.

This was all confusing for her, but it was more likely that it was just her hollow guess. One thing was certain—her mood for sleep had vanished completely.

With a composed expression to avoid revealing any vulnerabilities, she remained seated with her eyes closed as she listened, although the frown and flinch of her body at every word he spoke had already been noticed by Avendial.

"I-I will do it, Marquess," Freddie wanted to express how impossible it seemed, but after realizing he only needed to make these individuals somewhat loyal—like normal patriotic soldiers—he nodded, already contemplating his priorities on developing or underdeveloped countries where he could find the most impoverished people.

After all, it is much easier to manipulate such individuals who have been waiting for a hand to be extended towards them, even if that hand belongs to the devil.

"I want 20,000 of them by mid-July, or you will need to replace them," Avendial clearly stated, causing Freddie to tremble before he nodded and quickly moved out of the room, knowing he had little time to make preparations and announce free healthcare campaigns all over the world.

"Oh, Sir Freddie, what—huh?" The director and the other two professors were about to ask him what the Marquess had said, but they were ignored as he passed by them.

"Call the board of directors; it's urgent!" The CEO of the pharmaceutical corporation moved as he ordered his secretary, who instantly dialed the number before following behind him.

"He seems in a hurry," Feeling awkward once again, the Director of Elite Academy tried to turn towards the last remaining CEO, a bulky man with a white mustache, but he did not say anything.

'....Am I really going to become a strategist for a real military?' On the other hand, Rihane, who stood near the door, kept blinking, contemplating whether she was going to become a military strategist for the Marquess, given that he was hiring 20,000 people for the positions of soldiers.

One thing for certain was that she had an A- blood type, so she was definitely not the chosen one.

"Send Mr. Carlos in," As Avendial observed Freddie exit the room, he leaned back in his chair with his hands folded over his chest. He stole a glance at Aecilia, already aware of her indifferent and vacant reaction, but it was evident to him that her mind was racing with thoughts.

In the end, there was a reason why he let Rihane and Aecilia hear what he intended to accomplish.

"Yes," Rihane replied before letting the other CEO, belonging to the construction companies under the Marquess, inside. She noticed that he had summoned this man's name and not the others, glancing in the man's direction and observing that he appeared slightly older, well-built like a construction worker rather than a CEO.

"Greetings, Sir. How can I help you?" The bulky man greeted. He appeared to be in the latter part of middle age, possessing a good amount of muscles built from hard work on construction sites rather than from steroids in the gym. He bowed before lifting his gaze to meet the Marquess.

Although he had been part of this company for a long time, unlike the other two CEOs who were established during the current Marquess's reign, he was personally appointed by the previous Marquess, who was the father of the man seated in front of him.

"Mr. Carlos, how is the steel manufacturing and other works going on?" Avendial inquired, looking towards the man who had a positive image for him in the previous life since he was one of those few people who supported him in his difficult times.

Though, of course, he didn't trust anyone blindly, even if they had saved his life, but he wasn't ungrateful to not show them the respect they deserved.

"Sir, we entered that market seven years ago, and we can most likely be considered one of the top 3 within the Empire," Carlos informed while remaining calm enough not to reveal too many details given that in this room was also present someone from the Sertsul family, who were widely known for selling information.