Thus, the conversation between Doctor Lina and the servant of the Lorraine Family came to an end, and everyone turned their attention to the screen displaying the condition of the vagrants inside the purification chamber.
Time passed quickly. The vagrants began to feel drowsy and strangely at ease, eventually falling into a deep sleep inside the chamber.
As the hours went by, their total time inside reached nearly twenty-six hours.
Suddenly, the doctor's voice echoed again through the system:
"You may exit now."
Upon hearing those words, the vagrants slowly made their way out.
The captain and the palace servants were waiting at the exit, ready to escort them outside the facility.
After confirming everything had gone smoothly, the group left in silence. The captain exhaled in relief, grateful that the mission had ended without complications.
He turned to the head servant of the Lorraine Family and said formally:
"My unit's role in this mission is complete. Please convey my regards to the head of the family."
The servant nodded, then turned to the vagrants, his voice cold:
"From now on, you will follow me to the Lorraine Family estate. There, the other servants will assign you your work."
They nodded without protest.
After the group dispersed, the servant pressed a device resembling a wristwatch on his arm. A mechanical voice responded:
"Welcome, Mr. Simon. How may I assist you?"
"Send me a transport vehicle."
"Your location?"
"Near the western gate. Quickly."
"Understood, sir."
Simon turned to the vagrants:
"Wait here until the vehicle arrives."
Silence filled the air. None of them spoke or approached one another—as if isolation had become instinct.
Half an hour later, a strange vehicle appeared on the horizon—more beast than machine.
It had eight massive wheels clad in iron plates, with weapons mounted along its sides.
A young man stepped out, greeted Simon respectfully, then looked at the vagrants in disbelief—but asked no questions.
"Get in," Simon ordered.
They hesitated, staring at the metallic beast, but climbed aboard one by one.
Once seated, Rath asked cautiously:
"Sir… what is this?"
Simon replied without looking at him:
"These vehicles are designed for travel beyond the walls—fast, and built for rough terrain."
Rath understood little, and the others no more than he did, but they nodded anyway.
The vehicle began moving, and the group marveled at its polished interior filled with advanced technology.
After half an hour, they reached the gates of Henka City.
The guards stopped them, but the driver presented a badge, and they were allowed through immediately.
Inside the city, the vagrants stared in awe.
People walked freely, shops were filled with goods, and no faces looked pale or afraid.
The driver noticed their expressions and turned away with disdain.
Eventually, the vehicle stopped before a grand palace surrounded by vast gardens in one of the elite districts.
Simon stepped out and ordered them to follow.
The guards opened the gate instantly upon seeing him.
They walked through the palace halls until they reached a small building behind the main structure.
"Stay here. Your work assignments will be arranged later," Simon said, before leaving.
Only then did the vagrants finally relax.
Some even jumped in joy, unable to believe they had made it inside the Shelter.
No more hunger. No more thirst.
A large man named Crow stepped forward:
"Since we're here together, we should support each other."
The others agreed.
They began introducing themselves:
"I'm Crow, 41."
"I'm Nish, 22."
"I'm Bleed, 34."
"I'm Rath, 9."
They stared at Rath in shock—but said nothing.
"I'm Scaf, 24."
"I'm Nara, 19."
Nara was the only girl—yet her build and rough features made her seem anything but delicate.
Afterward, Crow said:
"Let's build trust. Now, we wait."
Meanwhile, Simon walked through the palace and stopped before a luxurious room.
"Enter," a voice said.
Inside sat a man with blond hair and a powerful build, surrounded by an aura like a hidden beast.
Simon bowed:
"Greetings, Head of the Family."
"Rise. Speak," the man said calmly.
"The new batch has arrived."
"Are they suitable?"
"They are physically strong… but I doubt any will survive the experiment."
The man replied coldly:
"It doesn't matter. Continue the experiments until we succeed. Take them to the laboratory."
"Yes, sir."