Elektra's eyes, which had just faded from crimson, now reflected William's image.
They were filled with the primal wariness of a Beast facing an incomprehensible predator.
Her muscles were taut, like a fully drawn bow.
William's heart, at this moment, was enjoying a grand celebration.
Evolution through adversity not only brought about the healing of wounds but also a comprehensive sublimation, starting at the cellular level.
He could clearly feel that his bone density, muscle strength, and even nerve reaction speed had all received a permanent, albeit subtle, increase after being 'pierced'.
This feeling was like playing a game, where a passive skill was successfully triggered, and a series of notifications like'Strength +0.01', 'Constitution +0.01', 'Mental Resistance +0.02' popped up in the status bar.
This was not poison; this was clearly an experience package!
Lady Ophelia was, and this Murakami in front of him was too.
They used their lives to contribute to his growth.
This selfless spirit of HYDRA and The Hand almost moved him to tears.
His business logic was incredibly clear at this moment: the higher the risk, the greater the reward.
His unique 'personal insurance' premium was being beaten, and the payout was getting stronger!
What a business!
"It seems you're much calmer."
William took another step forward.
She involuntarily recoiled half a step.
Elektra tried to reawaken the violent power within her, but found that it was like a venomous snake encountering its natural enemy, coiling deep within her soul and refusing to show itself.
Just at this tense moment, the medical room door was pushed open from the outside.
"So, you got stabbed straight through, and your first reaction is to continue flirting with this beautiful woman who's on the verge of a mental breakdown?"
Jessica Jones leaned against the doorframe, speaking with a tone mixed with mockery and a hint of concern, "William, sometimes I really suspect that what flows in your veins isn't blood, but ice water mixed with U.S. dollars."
Her appearance broke the suffocating atmosphere in the room.
William looked back at her, shrugging: "Client emotional management is also part of after-sales service. Besides, don't you think she's much calmer now than before?"
Jessica rolled her eyes, but when her gaze fell on William's chest, a hint of alarm still flashed.
She had seen clearly in the command center how that knife had pierced his body.
And now, this man stood here as if nothing had happened, even having the presence of mind to joke.
This guy's 'monster' level seemed to have refreshed her understanding again.
"Boss!"
A more hurried figure rushed in; it was Dr. Connors.
The geneticist was completely free of his previous haggardness, his eyes shining.
He didn't even glance at Elektra, whom he considered a 'precious sample,' but instead rushed directly to William, his eyes as fanatical as if he had seen a miracle.
"Cell activity exceeds the threshold! Tissue regeneration speed violates the law of conservation of energy!"
"Your body... no, your genetic sequence, it underwent active optimized recombination after being damaged!"
"This isn't simple recovery; this is evolution!"
Dr. Connors's voice trembled slightly with excitement.
"This is simply... a masterpiece of God! I must get your latest blood sample! Immediately! Right now!"
William looked at the scientist, who was like a madman, with no ripples in his heart.
He knew that Dr. Connors's extreme pursuit of science was exactly what he needed.
A genius without moral shackles, who only pursued results, could create the greatest value for him.
"Dr., calm down."
William raised his hand and gently pressed down on Connors's hand, which was almost poking his face.
"Your research samples are not just me. That one over there, and this one, will keep you busy for a while. As for mine, it's a lower priority."
"Lei Ling, how are the 'team building' activities in Area B coming along?"
"Reporting, Boss!"
Lei Ling's voice was filled with the pleasure of triumph.
"Mr. Bronski's work efficiency is extremely high! All twelve Shadow Ninjas have been 'physically persuaded' and have lost their ability to resist."
"Very good."
William nodded with satisfaction.
"Dr. Connors."
William's gaze returned to the scientist.
"I want you to analyze these ninjas, from their genetic level to their energy composition, in clear detail. Especially their infiltration ability that defies physical rules, and the energy-like secret art that Murakami used at the end."
"I also want you to research the 'black sky'." He pointed to Elektra, who was still on alert, "I want to know the essence of the power within her, how it's activated, and how it's suppressed. I need a detailed, actionable 'user manual'."
Dr. Connors adjusted his glasses excitedly and nodded heavily: "No problem! Boss! Leave it to me! This is ten thousand times more interesting than studying the limb regeneration of lizards!"
William greatly enjoyed the feeling of giving orders and having everything proceed according to his script.
He dealt with the invaders, deterred new 'assets', motivated his employees, and incidentally tested and strengthened his own abilities.
All risks were converted into tangible benefits.
This was perfect risk management.
Finally, he looked at Elektra, the last and most crucial link in his plan.
"Miss Elektra Natchios, or black sky."
William's voice became gentle again.
"As you can see, it's very safe here. The Hand can't find you, nor do they have the ability to take you away from me. You now have two choices."
He extended a finger: "One, continue to be your unstable 'container,' confined in this isolation room, becoming Dr. Connors's primary research subject until we thoroughly study you inside and out."
"Two."
William extended his second finger, his smile becoming incredibly sincere.
"Sign a contract and become an employee of our 'Rodriguez Risk Management Company.' We will provide you with the most professional security, top-tier logistical support, and can even help you find ways to control the power within you."
He pushed a projection of a virtual contract in front of Elektra.
"Of course, in return, you will need to perform some... high-risk'special missions' for the company."
Elektra stared intently at the contract he pulled from his pocket, then looked at the man in front of her, who wore a gentle smile but was more terrifying than the 'Beast' within her.
She was silent for a very long time.
"...What if I die during a mission?"
"Oh, that would be even better."
William's smile grew even brighter.
"Our company also operates funeral services, a one-stop service, guaranteed to give you a dignified departure. And the severance pay is absolutely the highest standard in the industry."
This answer, which was nothing short of devilish, completely shattered Elektra's last psychological defense.
She looked at William's extremely sincere face and suddenly felt a deep, bone-chilling sense of powerlessness.
Resist? Meaningless.
Escape? Even more impossible.
She had no choice.
"Alright."
-------------------------------
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