Chapter 149: 145th Adversary: Choices
At the criminal den called Jungle, a large crowd of thugs and outlaws were gathered together in front of a stage. They all gathered to meet the one responsible for crushing all of the major gangs and criminal organizations in the capital. After waiting for a while, someone literally appeared out of nowhere on the stage. This was Miko.
"Yo."
He left his hand and greeted everyone.
"I'll keep this short. I'm Mikel Roca, the man who will now be writing your cheques."
"Cheques? Is that his way of saying he's our boss?"
"That kid? He looks soft."
"Maybe it's someone just posing as the boss?"
"A figurehead, huh?"
The criminals started mumbling among themselves. It was obvious they didn't take Miko seriously. Despite that, Miko showed no signs of anger and smiled brightly at them.
"It seems you all are confused about what I meant."
"We're confused about why someone like you is acting as our boss!"
Someone in the crowd shouted.
"Hey kid, tell the real boss to step up! We have no time for a figurehead!"
Another shouted.
"It seems that you're indeed confused. I'm no figurehead but the real deal."
"Then answer this! What did you do with the old bosses?!"
"I paid them off. They're probably on vacation somewhere."
"Hahaha! Then you just bought your position!"
"We won't take orders from a rich kid! You're not a real boss!"
More insults came from the crowd, yet Miko still looked as happy as ever. This made the criminals look down on him more. Some were testing to see if he had the backbone and personality fitting of a boss. The fact he hasn't defended himself means that he failed.
"Shh…"
Miko placed his hand on his sides to stop Ishma and Regis who were rattling in their sword forms. With his usually smile, he scanned the crowd with his bright blue eyes.
"Haa…"
That's when he exhaled.
"Hm?"
Those close to the stage could see something like azure fog coming out of his mouth. They also noticed the vibe of his smile had significantly changed. It seemed like a smile that you'd see on a Jester or a clown.
A painted smile of madness.
"From the look on your faces, it seems I've failed to impress you."
He lifted a finger.
"I'll allow anyone who wants to leave the opportunity to do so. If you're still here in the next minute then I'll take it you've accepted me as your boss."
"What, a minute? That's too long! I'm leaving now!"
"Screw this."
"I'm gonna start my own gang."
"What a stupid brat."
People started leaving by the dozen after making all kinds of comments. Miko patiently stood there as the crowd got smaller and smaller. After the time had passed, he brought his hands to his waist. In front of him was a mere quarter of those who had originally gathered. "Coincidentally", most of those who remained were those who were directly under his gaze. Their faces were paled and their bodies were trembling.
"You, why did you stay behind?"
Miko pointed at a random person and asked.
"I…I just felt that was the only way to survive."
The smile on Miko's face turned into a wide grin. It was a grin that looked as if it belonged to the devil himself.
"Good. You all are very observant and knows how to read the mood."
Miko sat down on the stage.
"Rejoice, your choice was the right one."
That's when Ishma and Regis appeared beside him.
"Don't kill them, but make them wish they were dead. Ah, feel free to cut off a limb or two off those who were just being obnoxious."
The two turned into lights and shot forward towards where the thugs that left went. Soon, screams of agony rung in the ears of those who stayed back, which caused them to flinch. They looked up and stared into Miko's cold yet attractive eyes. They were like the bluest gems in the world.
"Don't worry, for staying behind you'll be the bosses of those screaming after they're all dragged back here."
Miko gave them a thumbs up.
"Welcome to the Team."
*********
"You want help to open up a security firm?"
"That's right."
Miko's was currently sitting in front of Gary Braun. Just to note, he had interrupted his meal again.
"So your plan was to open a security firm?"
"No, it's just one of the fields I'm planning on venturing in. It's the first of many in Roca Enterprise."
"Roca Enterprise?"
"It's the name of the company I'm building. Do you like it?"
"What you name your company is not my concern. I'm curious as to why you chose a security firm."
"Well, I've got some new employees recently and a lot of them seemed like they would do good in jobs that uses muscle and aggression. Rather, it's pretty much all they can do. I'm also planning on creating a bodyguard company too."
"New employees?"
"Yeah. I already have a target market too."
Miko handed Braun a list of places, which he slowly looked over.
"All of these places are being protected by gangs. You should give up."
"Oh, that's fine. They were already customers of the guys, whose businesses I took over."
"Wait….You, don't tell me the one who has been causing a stir in the Jungle was you?!"
"Yup."
"Then the employees you just got are criminals! And the security firm is just a front so that you can legally extort the local businesses."
"A pretty good idea, don't you think?"
"The hell it is!"
Braun shouted.
"Do you think that they'll let a criminal into the council?!"
"Hey, I'm only using ex-convicts and people who aren't on the law enforcement's radar. There's nothing wrong with employing people like that."
"That's true but…"
Miko stopped smiling.
"Gary, all you need to do is to get me a meeting with the rest of the council. I'll take care of the rest."
"What are you planning?"
Braun felt that Miko's demeanor had changed.
"I don't have time to slowly gain power to join the council nor do I have the time to fight in a political and financial battle to become its leader. I do things with more flare and excitement."
Braun could tell from his words Miko was planning something devious. There's now the question of what should he do.
(He's already told me what's in it for me if I help him, but is it really worth tumbling the country? If he obtains the Council of Hermès then he'll rule Dale's economy. He already extended his hand in the crime world here. If he obtains the council as well then….He'll really become this country's shadow leader.)
"Not even the government will be able to lay a hand on me."
"….How can you tell what I'm thinking all the time?"
"That's a secret."
Miko placed his finger on his lips and said.
"Anyway, I'm not from this country and I always cover my tracks no matter what I do. I'm like a ghost. So the government can't really do anything to me if I obtain the council. In fact, I got so many dirt on them that I can turn the public against them and they'll lose power. This is the major drawback of a Democracy. The government's power is dependent on the people. In this world where strength is all that matters, democracies will never last."
Miko placed his finger on a salt shaker.
"All it takes is one tyrant."
He pushed the shaker and caused all the salt to spill.
"And everything comes crashing down."
A bright grin appeared on his face.
"You're staring at the face of a tyrant. Will you side with me and rob your people of their power or will you become one of the countless corpses that'll be left on my path?"
Miko placed his hand on Braun's shoulder.
"It's your decision."
At the same time in Dale's maximum security facility. There was a prison cell that was isolated from the rest of the cells. Inside this cell, a vile criminal was spending his time awaiting his trial. This vile criminal was the fashion designer who tried to kill the First Lady to get a chance at working for a huge empire.
"..."
He was covered in wounds and had his limbs chained to the floor causing him to stare at the ceiling.
*Flash!*
Suddenly, the dark cell became illuminated causing him to close his eyes. When he reopened them he saw a familiar face.
"Hello, Lucio Silva."
The fashion designer, Lucio was shocked to see the sudden beauty in front of him.
"A-Are you here to silence me?"
He asked Tiamat.
"Oh, no. I'm here on his request."
"His…?"
Miko's face popped up in his head.
"After some thought, we agreed it would be a waste to have you die like this when you're such a talented person. I'm really pleased with your clothes after all. So, We're going to bust you out."
*Bam!*
A loud sound reached Lucio's ears. He looked up and saw a piece of his cell's door on the ground. From what he could see, the thick metal door had been cut. Two familiar girls walked in with their arms in the form of swords.
"We were able to silence the guards in the area but we should still move before someone discover us."
Regis said. Ishma walked up to Lucio and cut his shackles. She threw him a guard's uniform.
"Stop spacing out. The old you is now dead. You've officially been reborn as a member of Miko's new country. Your old employees will be coming as well."
Lucio stood up and looked at Tia who smiled at him.
"Lucio Silva, welcome to the Dragna empire."
********
While everyone had their minds on Miko, they completely ignored someone that was crucial for the continual existence of the Dragna Clan.
All but one.
Alec appeared in a vast world with purple skies and no signs of civilization in sight.
"So, this is the infamous Illusionary Beast Valley created by Augustus to be his personal training space?"
He saw skeletons of gigantic monsters next to rotting corpses along with fresh ones.
"I was wondering who it was."
He turned around and saw Krow dragging the corpse of a mile long beast.
"I'm surprised you came to see me, Alec."
"Yo, Krow. How've you been?"
"You're as rude as usual. I'm the Grand Elder you know?"
"I don't really see positions."
Krow didn't argue and dropped the beast's corpse.
"What do you want?"
"I'm just curious of when you're coming back. Everyone misses you."
"Hahaha! Your sense of humor is still the same. They miss me as much as I miss them."
Krow then thought about it for a bit before speaking again.
"Did something happen?"
"Something is an understatement."
"Let me guess, Miko is in the center of everything."
Alec nodded.
"So what do you want from me?"
"Nothing really. I just want you to stay put a while longer."
"I see. When you asked how long I was staying, you just wanted to make sure I stay busy for a while. Well, you can rejoice. I'm not leaving here until I'm satisfied with my strength."
"You're already the strongest person in the clan. What's not there to be satisfied about?"
"I don't care if I'm the strongest here. I have my eyes on a much larger target."
"The heavens huh?"
Alec nodded with an understanding expression.
"Krow, what do you think of Miko?"
"What a weird question."
Krow sat on the corpse.
"I'm just curious. By the way, Miko hates your guts."
"As it should be."
Krow laughed a bit.
"Since you're one of the few from this clan that I can tolerate, I'll answer."
"I'm flattered."
Alec bowed jokingly.
"Honestly, I didn't think much of him when he was just born. It's true that his body houses unbelievable power, but that power is too great for him to control, so I didn't consider him a threat. I lost even more interest in him when he gave up on life….Maybe I was disappointed. Anyway, when he became Tiamat's proxy I didn't think about him but that Nero would gain more power."
"Meaning, you expected for Nero to control him."
"Of course. Nero's current goal is to free Falkon and Ravel, his siblings. Having Miko on his side would cause the power balance to crumble and he'll be able to free them."
Alec nodded.
"But your impression of him is different now?"
"Of course. He's grown, marvelously if I must add. When I saw him at the trial, I knew Nero would never be able to contain him for too long. If I were to be honest, I see him as a rival."
Alec's eyes widened.
"Even though, he's far weaker than you?"
"So? I was once weak as well and I still consider myself weak, yet is there anyone here who can dare stop me from doing what I want? Strength isn't everything, it's all about the heart and will that one possesses."
"…..I'm speechless. You're more complex than I thought. People really have several sides to them."
Krow shook his head.
"I'm simple. I just want to see the world burn, that's all. A simple villain with simple motives. I'm not special in the least."
Krow stood up and pointed at the corpse behind him.
"I'm gonna cook this guy up. Do you want some?"
"Sure."
Krow then turned his back and was preparing to cook his meal.
"Hey, Krow. Is there any way for you to reconcile with everyone. I mean, you're a hated enemy but I'm sure you'd be a great ally."
"That's impossible. I've committed too many sins, both sides have."
Krow drew his golden sword and lifted it in the air. He smiled when he saw the blood-colored glare coming off it.
"There'll only be peace when I'm 6ft under. Remember that."
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