Kalran: Tales of the four nations/Penance center

"To destroy a tree. You must purge both it's roots, and it's seeds."

-The first edict of the Ouroboros first governess

To those suspected conspiring against the government and arrested their lives, and those of their family, are forfeited, for the governess edict sees no use in redeeming criminals and must purge the tree to prevent future crimes.

Once sent to the prison the lucky ones are sent to forced labor, the rest are turned into the penitent legion. Where the prisoners' skin and organs were grafted and integrated into armored diving suits, to become one functional unit. The subjects were then placed in large vats special liquid, a core ingredient being Devil blood, making it so that the prisoner doesn't have to eat or drink any more, or feel anything. Ending with the prisoner now getting a lobotomy, erasing everything but their crime, to ensure obedience. This process is a one way street.

Through magic and devil blood splicing, the people inside the heavy suits were given enhanced strength and durability. Their suit exoskeletons contained the life support machinery needed to keep them alive during their duties, allowing the penitent legion to lift heavy loads and do other strenuous tasks, as well as resist the cold and pressure of the deep ocean. Serving the government as penitence for their past crimes.

And ever they serve the government for the hope of release. But in reality its a great lie, for the governess edict never forgives, especially since the government lied to them that they can undo the procedure that turned them into these soldiers. And for years, thanks to the process making them immortal, they may fight for that pipe dream, being lobotomized so with the illusion that their release will be in a few more years, until they finally die, and freed, in battle.