The next day, three sleek, black rune-cars pulled up to the grand entrance of the Hao Pavilion. One by one, eight heavily built men, all bearing the snarling wolf crest of TCW, stepped out. Their leader, a dwarf with a thick, braided beard and a greedy glint in his eyes, craned his neck back to take in the sheer scale of the thirty-story tower. He was the lieutenant, Difos. A hungry smile spread across his face. "Let's go," he grunted.
As they walked through the ornate doors, Madam Shelara was already descending the grand staircase to greet them, her posture a perfect picture of professional deference. She bowed low.
"Bring me to your boss," Difos commanded without pleasantry. "We are here from The Cardinal Wolves."
Madam Shelara simply smiled and guided them up the stairs. On the sixth floor, she handed them off to Madam Viviane, who then escorted them to the eleventh. On the eleventh, Madam Isabelle took over. The process repeated, a disorienting and impressive display of layered authority, each new Madam more elegant and each new set of floors more opulent than the last. Finally, Madam Seraphina, the overseer of the noble's floors, left them in a lavish, private lounge on the 26th floor—one of the previously unopened Imperial Suites.
"Goddamn it," Difos grumbled, looking around the ridiculously luxurious room. "Was it really necessary to go up this much?"
"Oh my," a sultry voice purred from the side of the room. "Do the men of TCW not have the stamina for a simple trip to the 26th floor?"
Difos and his men turned to see three figures waiting for them. In the center was Misela, the dark elf, looking every bit the ruthless crime lord in a stunning, form-fitting gown. To her left stood the sullen, broken form of Amanzio. And to her right, a tall, imposing man in a veiled hat stood silently, his hands clasped behind his back—the advisor.
"Mistress Misela," Difos said, his crude demeanor instantly shifting to one of oily charm. He took her hand and kissed it. "A pleasure."
She led them to a large, circular table. Difos and four of his men sat, while the other three remained standing, acting as guards. Misela snapped her fingers, and Amanzio wordlessly presented her with a long, elegant cigarette holder. She lit it, took a slow, deliberate inhale, and blew a perfect smoke ring. She could see the TCW men eyeing her courtesans, who were standing by the walls. Difos, in particular, was eyeing her. A flash of cold fury sparked deep within her, 'No one looks at me that way except Master Sebas. How dare he?' but her outward expression remained one of bored amusement.
"So," she said, her voice a low purr. "What is your first impression of our humble establishment?"
Difos chuckled. "One would think you've been in charge of this territory for decades." He glanced at Amanzio. "No offense, of course."
"None taken," Amanzio said flatly, his voice devoid of any emotion.
Several courtesans then entered, bringing trays of expensive liquor and exquisite snacks.
"Girls," Misela said, exhaling another stream of smoke. "Take good care of our guests, alright?" She then turned her gaze to Difos. "I reckon you've come here to see our sincerity, yes?"
Difos chuckled, his eyes roaming over the courtesan who was pouring his drink. "Words are not my strong suit," he said. He then reached out and crudely smacked the courtesan on her backside. "But I can say... you're all being very sincere."
Misela's smile didn't falter. She stood up. "Good," she said. "Then I can expect you to deliver a good word to Guilon." She turned her back on them, and the moment she did, her smile vanished, replaced by a mask of cold contempt. She, Sebas, and Amanzio left the TCW men to their "entertainment."
On the secret 31st floor of the Hao Pavilion, Sebas sat on a luxurious couch. Misela, a picture of adoration, brushed his short, neat beard with her fingertips while clinging to him with all her limbs. Across from them, Amanzio swirled the wine in his glass and sighed.
"Was it really necessary for me to act like such a broken man in front of them?" he grumbled.
"Like it or not," Sebas said, his voice calm, "we must ensure that everyone sees you as an unwilling participant in this scheme. It adds to your credibility."
Amanzio shuddered, the memory of the night Sebas had single-handedly destroyed his old base flashing in his mind. "Boss," he said, his tone turning serious, "just so you know, it will all be an act, okay? I might have to say some... hurtful things about you, about this organization, to sell it. But I'm loyal to you."
Misela, still clinging to Sebas, silently mouthed the word 'pussy' at Amanzio.
He ignored her. In his mind, he was still baffled at how this beautiful, terrifying woman could be so devoted to Sebas. The man was a monster, one of the scariest motherfuckers he'd ever met. 'Though,' he mused, 'I doubt she even knows what he's truly capable of.'
"No need to worry, Amanzio," Sebas said. "Just do your job. You will be our insurance policy, just in case." He then looked down at Misela. "Will you stay here? I am going to meditate."
Misela kissed his neck. "I will guard your meditating body, Master," she whispered.
Amanzio grabbed his bottle of wine. "I'll... I'll go down to the 30th floor, boss." He then left, leaving the two of them alone. Sebas closed his eyes.
…
In the Animus Hub, Sebas's form solidified to the intense stare of Soma. The chef's eyes were narrowed in suspicion.
"You're busy fucking, aren't you?" Soma accused.
Sebas chuckled, a soft, unbothered sound. "It is all a means to an end, Young Master Soma."
"I'll be watching you," Soma said, still not convinced.
"It seems we have another member," Sebas observed, turning his attention to the new clone.
The graceful figure walked forward and offered a hand. "Legolas," he introduced himself.
Sebas shook it. "Sebas," he replied. "I will help you in terms of finance for your start-up."
"Great! We're all here," Zero's voice called out. He snapped his fingers. In an instant, the empty space reconfigured, and a large, polished round table with five chairs shimmered into existence. Zero, Soma, Erwin, Sebas, and lastly, Legolas, all took their seats.
Zero looked around the table at his four brothers, a look of satisfaction on his face. "Welcome," he said, officially opening the meeting. "For our first order of business, allow me to re-introduce our newest brother. He has chosen the name Legolas for his primary card. His path will be to walk the legitimate side of our enterprise. He will combine his second card, that of the master artisan Wakana Gojo, with the peerless grace of an elf to build a luxury brand. This will serve as a much-needed front for our growing finances."
He nodded to Legolas, who returned the gesture.
"And that's it for the introductions," Zero continued. "Now, let's start our... 'monthly' report. Erwin, you're up first. Tell us about the Watchers."
Erwin stood, and as he did, he willed a holographic display to emerge from the center of the round table. An organizational chart of the 7th Precinct shimmered into existence, dozens of portraits greyed out and marked with a red 'X'.
"I started my rookie program today," he began, his voice crisp and clear. "I have been plunged into the middle of the term, but it is not proving to be a challenge. With the Animus Hub, I can review the entire legal codex and training manual in my sleep, and my Conan intellect allows me to absorb the practical lessons instantly."
He gestured to the hologram. "As you can see, Captain Dubois's purge was extensive. The precinct is operating at less than sixty percent capacity. Morale is low among the veterans who remain, and the new standards are causing friction. However, efficiency is up. Response times have improved by fifteen percent. Céline is a competent commander." He then pointed to two portraits that were now glowing a faint green. "Phase one of our plan is also proceeding. The 'rats' have taken the bait and have made contact with The Cardinal Wolves, who believe they have acquired two loyal informants."
He swiped his hand, and the hologram vanished. "That is the current situation. For future acquisitions, I have a request. My current skill set is focused on high-level strategy and deduction. However, I lack capabilities in street-level information gathering, disguise, and infiltration. A card with abilities in subterfuge or social engineering would be optimal."
Soma leaned his head on his arm, a thoughtful look on his face. "Hmmm, let's hope in our next Gacha pull we get a Tintin or a Sherlock Holmes."
"Or a Nancy Drew," Zero added. "We haven't gotten any female cards yet."
"Batman could be great," Legolas suggested, his voice smooth and graceful. "His resources and skills in stealth would be invaluable."
"L from Death Note would be more beneficial for Young Master Erwin's specific needs," Sebas countered, his suggestion focused on pure, unparalleled intellect.
"Okay, okay," Zero said, holding up a hand. "I've noted the list of cards you all want." He manifested the remaining two character cards, which hovered over the table. "But for now, we only have V and Jar Jar. Does anyone here want them?"
Erwin simply shook his head.
"My dragon blood," Sebas stated with the utmost seriousness, "refuses to be in proximity to that Gungan."
Zero shrugged, and the two cards vanished. "Well, is that all, Erwin?"
Erwin nodded. "Yes. That concludes my report."
"Thank you," Zero said, turning his attention. "Now, Sebas."
Sebas stood, and with a gesture, the organizational chart of the Watchers was replaced by another hologram. This one was a fluid, detailed map of the entire Evercrest Duchy, its criminal territories glowing in different colors.
"I have begun encroaching on the Azure Sharkfin's territory around the docks," he reported, his voice even. "The Hao Pavilion is now the dominant power in the red-light district, and we are using its influence and resources to slowly dismantle and absorb the smaller syndicates one by one. The goal for Evercrest is simple: total consolidation of the criminal underworld under our control."
"Does that mean you'll use the Hao Pavilion as your model for other territories?" Zero asked.
"I will not," Sebas replied. "We need our operations to look separate, to ensure our tracks can never be traced back to a single source."
He expanded the hologram. The map zoomed out from the duchy to reveal the entire Kingdom of Averidane. One by one, the other great domains lit up in different colors.
"In the Scorched Plains," he explained, "our front will be a mercenary company. In the Heartland, a merchant's guild. In the capital, a private security firm. They will all have different methods, different goals, and different public faces." He paused, letting the scope of his ambition settle over the table. "But..."
The entire map suddenly shifted, every disparate color turning into a single, brilliant gold.
"...eventually, they will all be under one name. One banner." He looked at Zero. "Nazarick."
A slow, satisfied smile spread across Zero's face. "Good," he said simply. "Do you have any cards you want me to look out for?"
"Yes," Sebas replied. "I require a card with abilities suited to nurturing talent. The children in the dojo have potential, but my skills are in combat, not instruction. I need a master teacher to guide their growth into our future assassins and armies."
"Maybe someone like Master Roshi?" Soma suggested. "He's a great teacher! And he's... fun."
"A military commander would be more efficient," Erwin countered. "Someone like Yang Wen-li."
"A spymaster could teach them the subtle arts," Legolas added. "Lord Varys, perhaps."
Zero nodded, taking it all in. "Is that all, Sebas?"
"Yes, Master," Sebas said, nodding as he sat back down.
"Excellent report. So, Legolas—" Zero started.
"Ahem!" Soma cut in, standing up abruptly. "What about me? I also have reports to give."
Zero looked at him, exasperated. "Okay, Soma. Go on. The floor is yours."
Soma puffed out his chest and declared, "The café is running smoothly and profits are up, because my excellent food is irresistible. That's it. Report over."
*Bonk.
Zero smack Soma on the head, forcing him to sit back down. "As I was saying," he continued, a long-suffering sigh in his voice, "Legolas. Go on. What do you need for your start-up?"
**A/N**
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**A/N**