Zero felt a twinge of unease. Every visit to the bio-lab came with a thorough inspection—both at the cellular level and the mental one. While he could refuse the probing hands of certain bio-alchemists and genetic savants within the facility, he could not refuse Maya Hansen. Her demands were always "reasonable," and she had played a pivotal role in his creation. Without her tireless research into gene modification, the Praetorian project would have remained a distant dream. The examination took some time, but Zero completed his final task before the black bell of the Eternal City chimed the hour of midnight.
"I'll make sure she's well cared for. She'll be raised among the Sisterhood and grow up healthy."
Though caught off guard, Tita firmly caught the girl Zero handed over—the daughter of Hellstrom. The little one, separated from her mother and unaware of what was happening, gazed wide-eyed at Tita's face. The Sisterhood had long sourced their ranks from victims of trafficking, but not every rescued woman was suited for combat or high-intensity roles. Those who weren't were given support roles, forming the civilian arm of the Sisterhood—an all-female community that would ensure the girl's care and safety.
Tita snapped her fingers, and a few women stepped from the shadows of the spire. Barefoot, dressed in plain black robes, they moved across the cold stone floor with nervous, almost paranoid demeanor. Hunched shoulders and wary movements marked their approach as they gently took the girl and immediately retreated into the shadows, never once glancing at Zero.
"No one but me will know her identity," Tita said, standing at the gate of the convent with her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. It was the very command blade the Master himself had forged—something she only wore in battle. Its presence made her status unmistakably clear. "Though we are all created by the Master, that doesn't mean you, as a Praetorian, have authority over the Sisterhood."
They were all his servants—equal under his will. But Tita knew that wasn't entirely true.
The Master cherished the Sisterhood, yes, but Zero was still his most perfect creation. The boy bore the Master's bestowed strength. He could operate for days without sleep or food, wield heavy weapons with superhuman power, and process and react with frightening speed. No Sisterhood member, whose enhancements came only from base alchemical treatments, could match that. Zero—and the future Praetorians like him—were the Master's sharpest weapons.
Many of the artificial beings knew this. Whispers about the Praetorian Project often circulated in the corners of the citadel.
There was unease that they would be replaced—that the boy, and those like him, would become the Master's favored ones. Even the manufacturing queues in the Martian Foundry showed signs of bias. Though the Sisterhood boasted three sky-carriers and multiple elite mortal squads, many newly developed weapons and armor were clearly meant for the Praetorians alone.
Tita knew she shouldn't be so narrow-minded. She shut down internal speculation, drowning doubt in relentless training, sermons, and discipline. She reignited zeal in the newly joined—those who hadn't yet seen the Master's essence. She believed He had plans for them, that they were His daughters, and that He loved them just as they loved Him.
"He loves you all," Zero said calmly. "The Master sees everything, even the things you pretend not to show. Excessive devotion clouds your vision. He doesn't want submissive cowards bowing under a baton. He wants leaders of humanity—those who understand Him, not merely obey."
"You don't know what you're talking about!" Tita clenched her sword. Her bio-engine rumbled in her chest, nearly overheating from the anxiety. The idea that the Master knew everything yet remained silent gnawed at her core. She tasted bitterness on her tongue. "Your task is done. I'll explain the rest to Him myself."
"Relax. I'm not here to scold. Just reflecting." Zero raised his hand casually. "Don't squander His favor. He gives freely. But what He truly values is your success in fulfilling the mission."
"We don't need reminders from you, boy. We are closest to Him."
"Maybe. But remember your place. We are meant to carry out His will—not to bicker like spoiled pets over attention. The Master wants completion, not affection. He sees Himself as a tool too, not just us."
"When you get a real name, maybe then you'll be more than a wrench, little boy."
————————————
"You want to learn how to raise children?"
Athena and Vanessa exchanged amused glances. Especially Vanessa—being Athena's genuine mortal friend, she had encountered her fair share of mysteries. Though she never brought them up, she treated Athena and Solomon as ordinary people, and the war goddess adored her for it.
Solomon sighed. "I've been having some issues in that area lately. Like two equally close children fighting, and I can't take sides…"
"Fairness is important in parenting," Vanessa nodded. "But you came to a gathering of female artists and rich wives to find answers? Bad call. Their parenting strategy is usually hiring nannies and throwing money at the kids until they rot into useless brats. You won't learn much here. And as far as I know, you and your girlfriend aren't planning kids any time soon. Isn't this a little early to worry?"
"Well, of everyone I know, Minerva has the most child-rearing experience. Athena's orphanage on Mount Parnassus never produces failures, and that's all thanks to her teachings. I wouldn't be who I am without her."
Athena smiled proudly and raised a glass in silent toast. Her favorite hobby lately was bragging about her foster son to her mortal friends.
"…and anyway, Vanessa Mariana, you're not far from needing this advice yourself. I heard you've got a new boyfriend—Wilson Fisk, right?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enjoying the story? Support the author and get early access to chapters by joining my Patre@n!Find me at: patre@n*com/Mutter
You can read each novel for $5 or get them all for just $15.
I Am Zeus, KING OF GODS (Chapter 120)
Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 391)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 471)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 677)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 1059)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1418)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1422)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1452)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1504)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld!(Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 703)
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter][+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]