Chapter 22: A Simple Method

When Jasper had discussed future plans with Russell earlier, he had thought Russell was a young man with a clear vision and a sharp mind.

But Russell's current performance in the hall had completely blindsided Jasper.

Was this really how recruitment worked?

Did Russell really think he could poach talent from HYDRA with just this?

Jasper couldn't help but wonder if Russell had been reading too many third-rate web novels from that country across the Pacific...

Did he really think that by spouting a few words, he could exude some kind of 'Kingly Aura' and have everyone bow down to him?

This had to be a joke... An unfunny one at that...

If Russell continued like this, Jasper would absolutely refuse to return to HYDRA as a spy. No way.

Russell didn't know what Jasper was thinking at the moment, but he also didn't expect that a few words from him would make the researchers and soldiers below abandon HYDRA and choose to follow him.

Even if you're looking to latch onto someone, you'd want to latch onto a strong leg.

Right now, no matter how you looked at it, HYDRA was the stronger leg.

A squad leader of the HYDRA soldiers, after carefully looking at Russell and Dr. Wilson, was the first to speak up, "Sir, are you joking? Defecting from HYDRA will have serious consequences. You might not worry about HYDRA's retaliation, but we can't afford to!"

Once one person spoke, others followed.

"That's right! We're just ordinary people. We're not superhumans like you, sir. We can't handle HYDRA's retaliation!"

"Exactly! Those who betray HYDRA never end well!"

...

The researchers and soldiers below voiced their opinions, and just as Jasper had predicted, not a single one chose to follow Russell.

This was the normal course of events. Trying to lure these people with double the benefits was nothing short of a joke.

Even if it were ten times the benefits, they'd still need to be alive to enjoy them.

Moreover, not everyone was like Russell who had no family to worry about.

If they betrayed HYDRA today, HYDRA could find their families the very next day, and then...

"I understand everything you've said. So, I won't force any of you. I don't know why you joined HYDRA. Some of you might have joined for better pay, some to pursue your research, and some might have joined because you agreed with HYDRA's ideology..."

"Whatever your reasons for joining, I believe you all joined voluntarily. I can't promise you that if you join me, I'll definitely protect your families, because that's unrealistic. All I can do is, within my capabilities, try my best to protect your safety and the safety of your families..."

"If you choose to join today, then in the future, if you ever want to leave, you can do so voluntarily, without harm, and without any lingering concerns. This is the only guarantee I can give you. Well... no, two guarantees. The double pay counts as one..."

After saying this, Russell pointed to Dr. Wilson beside him and continued, "If you're willing to join, report to the doctor before midnight tonight. If you're not willing, that's fine too. When we leave tomorrow, the doctor will give those who don't want to join a sedative that will put you to sleep for 24 hours. Just take the sedative when the time comes. Also, starting now, the base will be completely cut off from the outside world until we leave tomorrow..."

After saying this, Russell didn't say anything more. He simply watched the researchers and soldiers below in silence.

After a period of silence, a nearly two-meter-tall white man shouted loudly, "How do we know you're really giving us sedatives and not some deadly poison? We can't trust you!"

And after this man spoke, many others expressed similar concerns.

"Regarding this, you'll just have to trust me. If you're not willing to join and also not willing to take the sedative, then I'll simply end your lives... This is non-negotiable. I have to be responsible for those who choose to join..."

"Also, let me remind you again... if you don't want to join, that's fine. I won't harm you as long as you cooperate. But if anyone pretends to join and then secretly leaks information to HYDRA, I'll make sure they understand what true cruelty is. Not joining is fine. But if anyone joins and then betrays us to gain HYDRA's favor or rewards, I won't just harm you, I'll harm your families. I'll even wipe out your neighbor's dog. Do you understand?!"

If Russell had seemed harmless and easygoing earlier, now he looked like a blood-soaked super butcher, radiating an astonishing killing intent.

After saying this, Russell left the hall and returned to the conference room.

When he returned, Jasper looked at him with an incredibly complicated expression.

"Should I call you reckless or meticulous?"

Jasper had initially thought Russell had read too many web novels and believed he had some kind of 'Kingly Aura' or talent bonus.

But after hearing Russell's later words, he couldn't make a clear judgment.

If you said his method was stupid, he had taken complete control of the situation and left the researchers and soldiers stunned.

But if you said his method was brilliant, it wasn't, because he couldn't guarantee the loyalty of those he recruited or even if anyone would join at all.

After struggling for a while, Jasper finally asked his question, "What exactly are you thinking?"

"It's simple. Don't take them too seriously," Was Russell's answer.

Hearing that, Jasper finally understood and slowly said, "I really underestimated you."

The reason Russell had taken this approach was simple...

He didn't care too much whether these people would join him or not, so he hadn't even considered how to recruit them.

These researchers and soldiers, while professionals, weren't indispensable.

'Without them, I can still carry out my plans smoothly. If you're willing to join, that'll save me some trouble.'

As for things like loyalty and trust, Russell hadn't even considered them.

Three-legged frogs are hard to find, but two-legged people are everywhere. That's why he used such a simple and crude method.

In short, if you want to join, join. If not, get lost. Why complicate things?

As for the consequences, everyone here is an adult. You make your own choices and bear the consequences. That's common sense...

...

{T/N:By the way, I'm also TRANSLATING a Multiverse fic(first world is 'No Game No Life') along with this one. Click on my Profile and you'll see it.}