Chapter 408: Slave Contract (Second Update)

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"Please, have a seat. No need to be nervous."

With a wave of George's hand, five chairs materialized in front of the desk, drawing a brief flicker of surprise from the five guests.

This kind of conjuring ability—creating objects out of thin air—was something even they hadn't seen in the vastness of the galaxy.

"What would you like to drink? Tea, soda, or…"

"Cola. It's been a while—I mean, I stopped drinking it because carbonated drinks make you gain weight," Star-Lord started to answer, but quickly realized the slip in his words and tried to cover it up.

"Cola."

"Cola."

"Cola."

"I am Groot!"

Aside from Star-Lord, who was a native of Earth, the other four weren't familiar with Earth's beverages, so they just followed his lead and picked the same thing.

The intelligence they had gathered over the past few days mostly consisted of confidential and strategic data—how many nations existed on Earth, how many power centers, how many languages, and what kind of forged identities would blend in best.

There wasn't exactly time to study the local food and drink, let alone memorize the names and flavors.

George smiled knowingly but didn't call them out. With another wave of his hand, five glasses of cola appeared midair and floated to each of them.

"I've reviewed your application materials, and you all meet the recruitment standards of the Superpower Academy. Professor Xavier should have already explained your pay and benefits. Do you have any questions?"

"None. I'm satisfied with the conditions Professor Xavier described," Gamora said first.

Her true goal was simply to remain on the floating island—even if just for one night. After all, she no longer needed any instruments to track the location of the Cosmic Cube. She had already sensed it.

So she couldn't care less about salary or benefits.

In recent days, she had attempted to sneak onto the floating island several times. But no matter what methods or equipment she used—even devices that could directly track the Cube—she still couldn't get close.

"We're good too," Yondu added, flashing a grin that didn't exactly scream 'trustworthy.'

Rocket Raccoon glanced at the Cosmic Cube sitting on the desk. Suppressing his usual foul-mouthed instincts, he silently nodded alongside Groot.

George gave a slight nod and waved his hand again. Five contracts appeared on the desk.

"If there's no issue, please place your handprint here."

Due to Rocket and Groot's special physiology, George had thoughtfully switched from signatures to handprints.

But just as the five were about to press their hands onto the contracts, George spoke again.

"One special reminder—take a look at the final clause before deciding.

Once you become staff members of the Superpower Academy, if you ever commit an act that endangers the Academy, the school reserves the right to carry out capital punishment without seeking approval from any government.

If the offense is minor—say, theft—you may be spared the death penalty. However, you'll be forced to work for the Academy for the rest of your life, without pay or benefits."

"Wouldn't that make us slaves?" Star-Lord couldn't help blurting out.

George replied with a "friendly" smile:

"Exactly. Slaves. That's why I'm advising you to read the contract carefully. If you can't accept it, you're free to walk away.

Governments these days are much more accommodating toward powered individuals. You can always choose to work for them instead."

His smile sent an ominous chill down their spines. But after a brief, tense pause and a few nervous gulps, they each pressed their handprints down.

After all, they weren't really here to become teachers. As long as they got their hands on the Cosmic Cube tonight, they planned to escape this planet immediately. Would George really chase them across the universe?

"Excellent. From this moment on, you're officially on staff."

George gathered up the five contracts and smiled faintly.

"Professor Logan will give you a tour of the school, assign your dorms, and explain how to enter and leave the floating island.

Once you've settled in, your actual work will begin."

With that, George dismissed them from his office.

He leaned back in his chair, smirking as the door closed behind them.

"Perfect. Five freshly minted little slaves."

"Newcomers, follow me. I'll show you to your dorms first, then give you a quick tour of the school."

Summoned by George's telepathy, Wolverine puffed on his cigar as he waved at the five newcomers exiting the office.

Gamora swayed her hips as she walked up and ran a hand across Logan's chest with a teasing smile.

"Thank you kindly, Professor Logan."

As the galaxy's top-tier spy, using her beauty to charm and extract intel from men was second nature to her.

Besides, this Professor Logan wasn't bad at all—rugged, masculine, right up her alley.

"Oh wow, it's getting kinda warm today, huh?"

Not to be outdone, Star-Lord dramatically stripped off his jacket, revealing a tank top and a reasonably toned physique.

"Lovely Miss Gamora, once we're done with the tour, would you mind joining me for lunch in the cafeteria?"

"Sorry. Not my type."

Gamora shut him down cold without a hint of hesitation, then immediately moved to walk beside Logan instead.

The others who came to "apply" as teachers weren't useful for gathering intel—no need to waste time on them. School veterans, on the other hand, were much more valuable sources of information.

"Hahahahahaha! Oh man, that was brutal! The man's a Greek god and you're one bowl of rice away from a dad bod!"

Rocket couldn't resist laughing at the stunned and awkward Star-Lord.

Star-Lord growled, yanking up his tank top and pointing at his abs in fury.

"Abs! Look at that—eight-pack! You blind little panda!"

"He's not a panda. He's a raccoon," Logan said without turning around, correcting him calmly. Then he glanced over at Gamora and added,

"If you've heard of me, you probably know I'm older than your grandfather."

Meanwhile, Yondu strolled over, yanked the still-arguing Star-Lord away from Rocket, and threw an arm around his shoulders.

"Kid, focus. That newcomer won't get us anywhere. If you're gonna flirt, at least use your head and find someone who might spill useful info. Like her—she looks promising."

He pointed at a woman not far away—a teacher in a sleek black uniform with striking red curls.

Star-Lord's eyes lit up the moment he saw her. He stepped forward immediately, throwing on his best smile.

"Hey there, gorgeous. I'm Peter, new around here. Maybe you could show me around—and maybe we grab lunch together?"

"Natasha. Logan will give you the tour. I have class. We all eat in the cafeteria at noon."

Black Widow gave him a polite smile before walking off, completely unfazed by the pickup attempt.

That afternoon, George received a message from Natasha:

"That new guy, Peter, and the blue one—Yondu—they're suspicious."

At lunch, Peter had pretended to flirt, but in reality, he was fishing for intel. As one of the best spies in the universe, Natasha spotted his game instantly.

George simply replied:

"It's fine. I know they're shady. All five of them are. You don't need to do anything—they're already under control."

After all, this floating island was his creation. Every magical formation was hand-inscribed by him. Once his mind synced with the island's runic systems, nothing could escape his perception.

(End of Chapter)