The Mafia Empire

So, like a pilgrim kneeling before a bishop, he kissed Julian's hand.

It was the most respectful gesture he knew.

"You take a few people and find Wood. Don't act recklessly, and if you face danger, leave immediately," Julian said, looking at the boy who was so moved that he cried. He felt a bit emotional himself and patted Eirlys on the shoulder. "You've earned this. Out of everyone here, you've got the most wounds, so this promotion is yours!"

Eirlys nodded fervently, wiping away his tears. "Don't worry, I'll find Wood, even if he's hiding in the sewers!"

Julian tossed him a cigarette and lit it for him. Eirlys had never smoked—poverty hadn't allowed him to afford it. After taking one puff, he started coughing, making the other boys laugh, easing the tension in the room. Julian smiled, pocketed his lighter, and patted his shoulder again. "What are you waiting for? Go!"

After Dave and Eirlys chose their team and left, there were only six boys and four girls remaining in the room. The boys stayed behind to handle any emergencies, while the girls were tasked with cleaning up the newly renovated but now wrecked space.

Julian gave them some instructions before returning to his office. Sitting in the boss's chair and looking out the window, he felt a bit uneasy.

According to the plan, assassinating Wood's right-hand man would infuriate him, making him lose his composure and come for Julian himself. Julian believed that Wood wouldn't retaliate against Graf's mother and brother, as doing so would make him appear weak—a perception that could be fatal for someone like Wood. Even if he had the idea, anyone level-headed in his ranks would stop him.

If your trusted ally gets killed, and you take it out on women and children?

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Can you still call yourself a "big shot"?

The desire for revenge would force Wood to confront Julian directly, since he knew exactly where Julian was.

Everything had gone as Julian expected, except he didn't foresee Graf taking two boys and running off. It was clear to Julian that Graf had gone to save his mother and brother.

Julian didn't blame him. After all, they were his family and were in danger. It was the natural thing for a son to do. But by doing so, he had ruined today's plan to deliver a fatal blow to Wood. If Graf had stayed, Robin wouldn't have had the chance to get into the car. Though the boys were ruthless, they still lacked the strength of grown men.

Whether Graf stopped Robin or Wood, the outcome would have been the same.

Julian stared out the window at the misty clouds floating in the sky, his expression blank as he shook his head.

...

Wood drove his car frantically, racing to the other side of the city.

In Ternell city, a small place hidden from sight, there were strict rules and territories. The entire city's underworld was controlled by two and a half gangs. It was called two and a half because one of the gangs was barely surviving. That half gang still existed thanks to the influence of the big shots shaping the layout of Ternell city.

The mayor, the council members, and heads of various departments, they sat in the light, designing the rules for the city. Every "world" had to ensure a certain level of "competition," but also maintain stability as much as possible.

Simply put, the big shots wanted the gangs and factions to hate each other, but at the same time, they needed to restrain themselves. Moreover, they ensured that no business or channel could ever be completely unified. These big shots understood well that if one gang or force unified the entire city, it wouldn't be good for them.

Once that happened, the unified force would gain the power to challenge them. They had no desire to see their position shaken, much less to become losers. So, they established the most favorable rules for themselves and played the game. Whenever a faction showed signs of overpowering the rest, they would support its enemies to strike back.

The big shots carefully maintained the city's balance. Maybe it wasn't the best system, but for Ternell city, it was the most suitable one—at least, for now.

The underworld of Ternell city was divided into two large areas and one small one. The southwest part of the city and half of the central district were the turf of Tiger, leader of the "Flaming Skull" gang. His main businesses included smuggling contraband and running brothels disguised as community service centers.

Occasionally, he dabbled in human trafficking, either buying girls from other regions or selling them abroad.

Tiger was ruthless and extremely cold hearted, but he had one redeeming trait: he strictly adhered to the rules and never crossed the line. He was also very generous.

Or perhaps it was better to say he loved to splurge.

He treated his men fairly well, using money as a way to greet people. This drew around him a group of people willing to do anything for money.

The other half of the central district and all of the eastern district belonged to Gador, leader of the "Lizardmen." He had around 200 men under his command, making him the most powerful and wealthiest in Ternell. People spoke of him as a very clever leader. Many believed that in the next five to ten years, he would rise from being a second rate gang leader to one of the city's tycoons.

He barely engaged in illegal activities. His income came primarily from running entertainment venues, such as bars, dance halls, and small theaters. He was smart, something everyone recognized when they spoke of him.

Besides selling some bootleg liquor in the bars, arranging provocative dances in the dance halls, and putting on risqué performances in the theaters, he hadn't done anything else illegal. Of course, brawls and making certain people disappear didn't count those were just gang activities.