Filed to story: A Bullied Boy Died: A Mafia King Woke Up In His Body
Equipment
None
Skills
None
Titles
Former Crime Lord
Martial Arts Expert
Murderer
Seven Snakes
“This was supposed to be an easy fight!” A meaty hand slammed down on the wooden table, causing the map made out of parchment on the table and empty mugs of ale to tremble. The same hand pointed menacingly at a group of young men, who flinched.
“All you had to do was defend against the Red Lions, and instead, you idiots turned it into an ugly fight that got one of the fodder killed for nothing. We lost control of that entire block!” The owner of the hand berated the group, chiding them for their incompetence.
“It wasn’t our fault-Riker was too strong! We need more equipment and trai-” one of the guys complained, infuriated at the one-sided scolding.
“You’re useless, Damian. I could have easily beaten him with one hand tied behind my back if I was there. Back in my heyday, I was a champion in this sector! Me, Ulon Baktar! Even the Ardent Cretins were small fries during our time.” The gang leader of the Seven Snakes smacked his chest with that same meaty hand.
Then why don’t you go there and fight them yourself, huh? Damian internally raged as Ulon Baktar went on a spiel about the good old days and how the Seven Snakes used to be a great gang, controlling more than five districts in the South Sector. Now they were a small-time racket, barely a factor in the criminal underbelly of Raktor. Damian was not even sure they truly controlled the district now, with the Red Lions moving in.
The only reason why most of the twenty gang members remained behind was that they were far too weak to join the other gangs, as well as being locals of the district. Their friends, family, and acquaintances were all here. Leaving the gang meant their relationships would be in jeopardy, which was a form of blackmail used by Ulon. Damian grimaced, shooting a glare at the man.
If only I had enough strength to kill him in a duel to become leader instead…
But it was not for lack of trying; Damian had seen braver gang members get killed. Ulon had a unique necklace made out of three green crystals that continuously healed him, causing any duel to turn into a battle of attrition.
Until I find a way to overcome that necklace…
“Don’t you know how I became the leader? I dueled the previous one as per tradition, winning easily! It is ALL of you, the useless trash, that is dragging down the reputation we once had!” Ulon accused.
Before Ulon could continue his monologue any further, the door burst wide open, causing everyone in the room to turn their heads immediately. A shocked murmur spread through the group like wildfire, their eyes not believing what they were seeing.
What?! Alvin?!
Alvin-or rather,
Kyle Hawthorn-entered, dragging the badly beaten-up Riker behind him, who was still whimpering as the rough flooring continuously cut into his wounded limbs. Kyle had Riker’s enchanted metal pipe strapped to his belt, his clothes still stained with dried blood.
Tossing Riker to the side without care, Kyle walked up to face Ulon directly, who was still sitting behind the table in shock. “You are the gang leader of the Seven Snakes?” Kyle asked stoically.
“Al-Alvin, I heard from Damian that you were badly hurt. They thought you were dead! Where did you find Riker? Was it another gang that intervened? Did we get back the block?” Ulon hardly cared about Alvin’s survival. He was far happier seeing one of Red Lions’ goons in terrible shape, focusing on Riker’s bruised face with glee. A victory was hard to come by in the Seven Snakes, even for all of Ulon’s ranting.
Kyle snapped his fingers in the air, a light but somehow extremely clear and attention-grabbing action. “Answer the question.”
Ulon was taken aback by the sheer confidence and authority that Alvin now exuded out of nowhere. Instead of replying directly, Ulon was more angered by the fact that this lowly fodder had the audacity to act like he was in charge.
“Yes, I am your leader, and I order you to get back in line before I punish you again! Seems like the fight has made you forget how things are run around here!” Ulon roared as he stood up, clearly in a furious rage. Kyle, however, did not break his gaze, staring right into Ulon’s eyes.
“I heard you killed the previous leader in a duel. As per tradition, I challenge you to a duel for the position of gang leader.”
The entire room was stunned, with some members even rubbing their ears to make sure they weren’t hearing things. Seeing Riker badly injured was one thing, but now the weak Alvin was suddenly standing up to Ulon? Damian couldn’t believe what he was witnessing, attempting to step forward to intervene and save Alvin from a premature death. “Boss, please forgive him. He may be a bit muddled from the fig-“
Ulon held up a hand, motioning for Damian to shut the fuck up, before he squinted his eyes at Kyle, completely serious. “You do know it’s a life-or-death duel?”
“Life or death only matters for you.” The arrogant reply and the nonchalant expression on Kyle’s face irked Ulon even more, pushing him over the edge.