Read Novel Full Chapter 456 456: Power Shuffle
Chapter 456 456: Power Shuffle
Gabriel adjusted the bar one last time and placed it back on the rack. The metal frame shook slightly before settling. He rolled his shoulders once and looked around the gym again.
"There is nothing here that can push me," he said in a dissatisfied tone.
The manager swallowed, a look of embarrassment flashing across his face. This facility was built with the strongest awakened in mind. Even Dominic, the strongest person here, trained in this place regularly.
And even someone as strong as Dominic struggled with the equipment. But somehow, this new lord, who did not even look half as old as Dominic or Henry, handled the equipment as though it were made of paper.
Gabriel walked toward another machine, tested the resistance with one hand, and released it almost immediately, disappointed. The gauge jumped high and stopped near its limit again.
Seraphina stepped closer, her heels making a soft sound against the reinforced floor. She observed him carefully, her eyes lingering longer than necessary.
"You are wasting your time here," she said again. "If you truly want to push yourself, then the manufacturers of this equipment will have to build something far heavier."
Gabriel nodded, then glanced at the manager. "Prepare better equipment if possible. Reinforce the structure again."
The manager hurriedly answered, "Yes, My Lord. I will look into it immediately."
Gabriel did not stay any longer. He walked toward the exit, and Seraphina followed behind him without another word. The maid who had guided them earlier quickly stepped aside to let them pass, still staring at him with obvious admiration.
Once they stepped back into the hallway, the atmosphere felt lighter compared to the heavy air of the gym.
As they moved forward, a familiar veiled figure approached from the opposite direction.
"Gabriel."
Sophie walked toward him with steady steps. She wore her usual composed expression, though her eyes softened slightly through the veil when they met his. She gave a respectful low bow before continuing.
"The battlefield has been completely cleaned," she reported. "All bodies have been disposed of properly. However, the residual blood attracted monsters from the outskirts. They were dealt with before causing significant damage."
Gabriel nodded slowly. "How many?"
"Small groups at first. Then a larger wave," Sophie replied. "Nothing the otherworlders could not handle. There were no major casualties."
Seraphina crossed her arms lightly and commented in a voice only he could hear. "They came late. I expected them to appear during the battle."
Without responding, Gabriel looked at Sophie. "Increase patrols near the outer perimeter for the next few days. The scent will not fade immediately."
"It has already been arranged," she answered confidently. "Scouting units are rotating in shifts."
Gabriel gave a faint approving look. "Good."
He had already considered this outcome the moment Dominic started flooding the battlefield with blood. Even if the bodies were removed, the scent would linger and attract creatures roaming nearby. It was predictable.
Sophie stepped slightly closer. "There is something else. The camp is stable for now, but the officials who used to manage internal affairs are uncertain about their positions. They are waiting for instructions."
Gabriel stopped walking. He had completely forgotten about these people.
"Call them," he said, his tone firm. "I want a meeting. Invite those who held important posts before. Administrators. Supply managers. Logistics heads. Anyone who kept this camp running."
Sophie nodded immediately. "Understood. I will gather them in the main conference hall."
"Make sure they all attend," Gabriel added. "I do not want any excuses."
"They will be there," she replied confidently.
Seraphina glanced at Sophie for a brief moment, noticing the way her tone softened slightly when addressing him. She said nothing and followed quietly beside him.
Within a short time, messages were delivered across the entire base. One by one, individuals began moving toward the large meeting room located near the central wing of the mansion.
Inside the hall, several long tables had been arranged in a rectangular formation. Chairs lined both sides. The atmosphere was tense even before everyone arrived.
Men and women in luxurious attire, clearly different from the ones worn by the refugees, sat stiffly, exchanging low whispers.
"Do we know what kind of person he is?"
"I only heard that he killed Henry and Dominic without hesitation."
"Do you think he will remove us from our posts?"
"Keep your voice down."
They spoke in hushed tones, careful not to let their fear show too openly.
These individuals were not hero ranks. None of them possessed overwhelming combat power. In fact, most were ordinary awakened or even normal humans. However, they were competent. They managed food distribution, resource allocation, construction schedules, medical supplies, and daily operations. Without them, the camp would fall into chaos regardless of who held power.
Among them, one man stood out.
He was overweight, wearing round spectacles that rested low on his nose. Unlike the others, he did not whisper nervously. He sat upright, fingers interlocked on the table, observing the room with calm eyes. While others exchanged worried looks, he remained composed, as if already prepared for whatever decision would come.
The door to the hall remained closed for several minutes as the room slowly filled.
More chairs scraped lightly against the floor as the last officials took their seats.
After a few more minutes, which felt like hours, the large doors opened.
Gabriel stepped inside first, his expression calm and unreadable. Sophie walked slightly behind him on his right, composed as always. Seraphina followed quietly on his left.
The sound of the doors closing echoed clearly across the hall.
All whispers stopped immediately. Conversations were cut off mid sentence as every pair of eyes turned toward the entrance.
Gabriel walked forward without rushing, his footsteps steady against the polished floor.
Silence filled the entire room as he reached the center and took his seat, while Sophie stood on his right and Seraphina on his left.
Not a single person dared to speak. Most were even afraid to breathe, as if the slightest sound would draw his attention and decide their fate.