Filed to story: A Bullied Boy Died: A Mafia King Woke Up In His Body
Kyle remained in his office, calculating the total profit. The bulk purchase of ingredients and flasks made the potions exceedingly cheap. It only cost about twenty-seven rakels per potion at current market rates, which meant that even if he sold them for half the price of what Haui had charged, his profit margin would be tenfold.
He could sell them for way lower at a profit margin of twofold, but that would draw unwarranted attention and bring him into direct conflict with Haui and perhaps the Alchemists’ Guild.
I’m still laying the foundations for my own cartel. We’ll have to play it slow for a while; moving too fast can backfire and deteriorate my standing rapidly.
Instead of selling the potions outright, they were only provided to brothel clientele. Repeat customers could purchase them through the loyalty program, with quantity limited by the number of times they visited. This ensured that the number of possible leaks would be controlled at the start, allowing him to carefully build up his supply chain with minimal interruptions.
Kyle glanced at the office table, noting the district map with the gangs’ territories marked out.
The Red Lions are our closest neighbor. Hmm…
Kyle called Damian into his office. “It’s been more than two weeks since I took over. I think it is about time.”
“Time for what?”
“Expect a few small skirmishes with the Red Lions soon. With the roaring success and rumors of our brothel, it would be surprising for them to take no action. Post two associates on rotation to watch for any movements or advances. Should any issues arise, report back to me immediately. Do not fight without me.”
*****
Night soon came around again, and this time the brothel’s queue of customers extended all the way into the alley, with dozens of regulars willing to wait half an hour to get their fix. No one in the queue talked with one another; they were far too focused on getting to the counter.
Niko was present, having waited about fifteen minutes. His leg continuously shifted as he rubbed his hands, a slight jitter visible in his eyes, which darted around. He scratched his neck feverishly, feeling that constant numb feeling that permeated his jawline and gums as he continuously slackened his jaw.
He soon made it to the front, meeting Slavin for the second time. “Oh, Niko! Back so soon?”
Niko scratched the back of his neck and laughed nervously. “Yeah. Haha… Is Ellie around? I would like to have her again-if possible.”
“Sorry, dear. She’s currently occupied. If you don’t mind waiting a little longer, she’ll be available in… maybe an hour?”
“That’s fine. I can wait…” Niko’s eyes darted to the Stamina Potions on display behind the counter.
Slavin caught on, a grin appearing on his face. “The first two were on the house since you were a newcomer. You’ll have to buy the potions through the loyalty program now.” He proceeded to explain the loyalty program.
Niko instinctively got it-the more one visited, the more they could buy. “This is my second visit, right? So, I can only buy one, right?”
“Yes, you can. It’s three hundred rakels. Want one?”
The price was high, but less extravagant than some of the other alchemist shops in nearby districts. Niko had done his research, and he knew that buying the potion right now would tank his savings tremendously. However, his first time in the brothel was nothing short of a life-changing experience. Slavin could even visibly see that Niko was beginning to radiate more confidence.
Niko was about to hand over the money when a large commotion broke out at the brothel entrance. An expression of annoyance and anger replaced Slavin’s grin. “Sorry, Niko. I have some ruffians to deal with.” He cracked his knuckles, grabbed a bat from behind the counter, and headed outside.
Curious about what was unfolding, Niko returned to the stairwell, only noticing that the alleyway had been blocked by more than a dozen men wearing red armbands with the crest of a roaring lion on them. They were split into two groups, covering both ends of the alley.
“Been hearing all about your good business, pimp!” The captain of the Red Lion’s crew spat on the ground, fiddling with a hammer that had neon red arctech engraving along the head and handle. He was the only one wearing some kind of arctech-infused armor; the rest had basic metal pipes and sticks.
“It’d be a real shame if some hooligans were to break down and scare away your loyal customers. Perhaps you need protection from someone strong, like me. Name’s Lionel.” A sinister smirk erupted on his face while he performed a mocking bow.
Niko noticed the queue had thinned. Most of the customers had fled in fear of getting beaten up. Though that was a kink for some, they still preferred to be conscious when it happened. Those who remained were hoping to be compensated with free potions for the inconvenience brought about by the hooligans parading through the alley.
He contemplated leaving, but it was already too late-he and a few other customers were trapped inside, with Slavin protecting them. Niko felt useless, weak, and incompetent in the face of the Red Lions.
What the fuck have I been doing with my life? Working in a dumb factory all day, only to get caught in a fight with no real skills to defend myself with.
“Indeed, a real shame. However, we’re already protected and covered under the Seven Snakes. My apologies,
Lionel,
” Slavin said eloquently with a tinge of sarcasm, crossing his arms. He was at least a head taller than most of the gang members, but he didn’t intimidate them in the slightest.
“Seven Snakes? That old, fat pig, Ulon? Bah! He hasn’t left his den in years! Looks like you need a lesson on who calls the shots ’round here,” Lionel scoffed.
Slavin remained stoic as their staredown continued. However, deep down, he knew he could not fend off this many fighters from raiding the brothel.