Filed to story: A Bullied Boy Died: A Mafia King Woke Up In His Body
“YES, SIR! ARES IS THE STRONGEST IN THE SOUTH!” the Ardent Cretins chanted in response, having practiced it often.
“Damn right I am.” Ares nodded with satisfaction. “Now, work is important, but I order you to eat with us!”
Sebastian begrudgingly dragged his feet to an open seat, plopping down on the bench while the others feasted on the scrumptious food before them.
However, the notebook was still open on his lap, with Sebastian glancing at it occasionally. A log near the end caught his eye.
Seven Snakes has a new leader, and he beat up a dozen Red Lions alone, with no arctech equipment. Further observations will be needed. Perhaps a talk is necessary to soothe ambitions.
“This will be a problem.”
Red Lion
“S
EVEN SNAKES! COME OUT!” a man clad in reddish armor bellowed outside the Seven Snakes’ base, attracting the attention of many passersby. He was flanked by a dozen lightly armored individuals, all bearing the insignia of the Red Lions.
Many of the onlookers watched intently from a safe distance. It had been barely a day since the battle in the alleyway, but the word of Kyle’s prowess had already spread through the district. It was no surprise that the Red Lions would come to harass the Seven Snakes after such a harrowing defeat.
The man continued yelling. “COME OUT! OR ARE YOU TOO SCARED TO DEFEND YOUR OWN TURF?”
Suddenly, the entrance to the base swung open, revealing a disgruntled Kyle who had just woken up, his eyes partially closed. “Who are you?” he asked.
The man was stumped for only a brief moment before cackling loudly. Every movement of his seemed to be geared toward showmanship, showing off his equipment and his dominance over the ordinarily dressed Kyle.
Kyle squinted.
He’s putting on a performance for reputation and rumors. Typical.
“Don’t you know? I am the great Wrent, Left Paw of the Red Lions! It seems you’ve been taking good care of my boys.”
“And?”
“And?” Wrent’s eyebrows twitched at the defiant tone, but he resumed his haughty attitude. “I believe you are keeping them prisoner, and we would like them back. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to cause an incident on this fine day, would you?”
“How much?”
“What?”
“How much would it cost in rakels to buy your members?”
Wrent’s expression darkened. “Are you implying that we, the honorable Red Lions, would ever be willing to sell our-” A dark-yellow potion sailed through the air, with Wrent stumbling to catch it.
Just as he was about to berate Kyle for tossing random objects at him, he took another look at the item in question, staring intently. “This is… a Stamina Potion!” Wrent was no fool-he had already heard rumors of the Seven Snakes selling them through the brothel.
“There’s more where that came from. How many would suffice?”
Wrent coughed, his eyes darting around. “Perhaps it would be best if we discussed this inside, away from prying eyes.”
“Of course.” Kyle gestured toward the base, and Wrent followed his lead, leaving the other Red Lions outside.
At the T-junction near the entrance, Damian glared at Wrent, knowing that the man had been responsible for the injuries and deaths of many Seven Snakes. He moved forward to disarm Wrent’s sword, but Kyle stopped him.
“I can handle myself,” Kyle whispered, while patting Damian on the shoulder.
It was but a short walk to the office, and the two of them entered alone as Damian stood guard.
“I didn’t expect Ulon to fall so soon,” Wrent remarked. He glanced around the room and saw most of the usual ornaments that Ulon had loved to flaunt were missing. “Did you come from another gang? I don’t recall seeing anyone like you around.”
“No, I have been in the gang for a while now. I just felt I could do better,” Kyle replied, his back exposed to Wrent, who was eyeing him like a predator.
“Are you not afraid I would kill you right here? Maybe Damian was right.” Wrent sneered, his right hand rubbing the pommel of an engraved, ruby-encrusted sword with a wide grin.