Filed to story: A Bullied Boy Died: A Mafia King Woke Up In His Body
Kyle’s modus operandi for the Seven Snakes was vastly different from the Red Lions’. His former life as a galactic crime lord had taught him an important lesson in fostering loyalty among even the lowest of members.
He did not do it because he was nice. Conversely, he had identified this method as the most secure in preventing betrayals. Something he did not do very well in his former life.
Performing a small beneficial action that is ultimately meaningless to me will mean a great deal to the recipient and will build loyalty over time. A minute cost for a great benefit. Kyle gently smiled as he noticed the expressions on their faces.
“There is a war with the Red Lions coming in about ten to thirteen days. If anyone wants to back out now, this is your last chance,” Kyle said, his eyes cold and serious.
None of them backed out, standing firmly. All of them knew of the conflict. For some, it was why they had signed up in the first place. It meant a chance to get into a good position with the winning side, and everyone here knew exactly who was about to win.
“Good. Keith will now induct you. At the end, I will present each of you with an armband as associates.” Kyle showed them the Seven Snakes armband bearing an elaborate crest.
A clear wave of excitement rippled through the ten men.
Formal ceremonies to make them feel important are also critical to retaining loyalty.
The men left the office with Keith in the lead to give them a tour of the base. Kyle headed to the kitchen again, this time staring at the strength potion that now had its full description.
Strength Potion (Basic)
Boost muscle strength for a short duration. Good for short battles.
Recommended Usage:
Drink the entire flask in one go. Active for five minutes.
Consuming another within a day will result in diminishing effects May experience side effects after main effect wears off.
Ingredients:
Greis Powder, Olio Roots, Yul’s Tears, Water
Cooldown:
30 seconds
He sent two members to collect the required materials-Olio Roots and Yul’s Tears-which came separately in a sack and pot.
Kyle’s face scrunched at the reported price of the Yul’s Tears. A five kilogram pot was more than ten thousand rakels.
I only hope the recipe isn’t too intensive on the percentage of Yul’s Tears used…
He internally cursed the Alchemists’ Guild and Haui for not providing the recipe. However, Kyle was cognizant that he would have done the same. Recipes and methods of production were far too precious to be freely distributed in this kind of city.
The same brute-force method was employed as the last time, but with more than four ingredients in the mix, the number of potential combinations was a lot higher. Kyle brought in a few helpers to speed up the process, utilizing the numerous arcite stoves to iterate continually.
At one point, he had more than ten flasks going. He wrote down combinations on parchment, and crossed them out when he had failed.
Keith soon peeked his head in. “Sir, they’re ready for the ceremony.”
Instead of being irritated at being interrupted during the process, he put everything down and moved to the common area, where the men were already lined up.
They had already seen Kyle hard at work, so the action of him immediately stopping just for them made them feel even more valued.
The ceremony was a simple oath to the gang, and Kyle personally fastened their armbands onto their sleeves. “You are now official members of the Seven Snakes and under my protection. I will fight through Hell and back to ensure your safety, and I only ask you to do the same for your comrades-and me.”
The men bowed with true respect. “Yes, sir!”
The loyalty will take a few days to truly instill
, but it’s a start.
Keith showed them to their bunks while Kyle continued trying to figure out the recipe.