From Bullets To Billions Chapter 643: New Colours

The journey to Blitsber was a long and introspective trip, carrying Max away from the vibrant, neon-lit cityscape of Notsburg and into the more subdued, desolate countryside. It had required two weeks of relentless effort to finally stabilize the absorption of the Gilt Rats’ extensive empire. Between divesting non-essential businesses, liquidating stagnant assets, and ensuring their own people reinforced the new territorial borders, the transition presented a monumental logistical challenge. Now, for the very first time since the war commenced, Max could finally pause.

However, a "pause" for Max did not signify idleness or leisure at a resort destination. It merely meant he was not presently consumed by the acquisition of another's assets or preparing for an imminent life-or-death confrontation in the streets. Even during periods of respite, his forward momentum never ceased, his mind perpetually calculating the subsequent five steps toward his ultimate objectives.

As the vehicle hummed along the highway, Max's thoughts gravitated towards his team. The remainder of the group was presently back at the main headquarters, devising strategies to leverage their war spoils. Several salvaged exoskeleton components, armor pieces, and advanced servos were available for integration into their existing equipment. Max had urged them to discover methods for synchronizing this technology with their Vows. Instead of attempting to grasp the mechanics amidst a fierce engagement, they were training to make the technology a seamless extension of their inherent power. Utilizing the gear before combat, incorporating it into their ritual, would guarantee their readiness for any future challenges.

Max gazed out the car window at the passing trees. Today, his accompaniment was not solely Aron; Na was also present within the vehicle, serving as part of the security detail. They had already traversed beyond the urban confines of Notsburg, heading towards the specialized detention facility situated in the town of Blitsber.

’They are close,’ Max mused, his thoughts turning to his expanding syndicate. ’They have not yet reached the apex of the food chain, but with all that I have provided—the training, the equipment, the financial backing—they ought to be capable of holding their own against the Cubs, should the situation arise. I remain uncertain whether propelling them into that conflict at this juncture is the most prudent course for the long term.’

Casting a glance at Na in the rearview mirror, Max found himself recalling a particular discussion with Wolf back in the office. Now that the Billion Bloodline group had formally transitioned into a syndicate, their name was destined to be widely recognized. Such a swift ascent inevitably attracted significant attention, and it was Wolf who had initially proposed a permanent relocation for the Pit.

"So, you actually trust me then?" Wolf inquired, a playful smirk gracing his features, though a flicker of genuine curiosity danced in his eyes. "You were initially brought on as a temporary addition," Max confessed, a faint smile touching his lips. "However, following that entire ordeal with Abby and the infiltration of the Rejected Corps, we were compelled to place our lives entirely in each other's hands. It was imperative that we depended on one another to escape that den of vipers. That level of reliance is sufficient for me to regard you as a core member." Wolf's smile broadened, clearly relishing the sense of camaraderie. A part of him couldn't help but ponder the alternative path their lives might have taken had they remained a humble street gang in Mancuar, squabbling over mere blocks instead of colossal corporate empires. "I understand. The Rangers represent the pinnacle of your trust. I have a strong suspicion that you've experienced betrayal before, perhaps on multiple occasions." Wolf's gaze softened infinitesimally, his tone shifting towards a more philosophical bent. "It's a perfectly natural inclination to wish to safeguard oneself. Much like a tumultuous relationship, individuals often carry the emotional residue of past betrayals, burdening any new person they encounter with that weight. But is it truly equitable to impose those old anxieties and perceived dangers onto someone new who has yet to commit any offense? You possess ample justification for your guarded nature, Max, yet trust is a reciprocal sentiment." He left Max with a final, resonant thought: "To you, it's a symbol. But it serves as a symbol for them as well. If you were to bring Na and Darno into the Rangers, their allegiance would transcend a mere paycheck or a standard employer-employee dynamic. It would become something far more profound. It would transform into an integral part of their identity. Therefore, contemplate this carefully." And precisely that was occupying Max's mind as the vehicle veered off the main thoroughfare, navigating its way onto a private, heavily secured driveway. He was meticulously evaluating the potential consequences of expanding his inner circle against the undeniable advantages of cultivating absolute, symbolic loyalty. He recognized the escalating peril of the world, acknowledging that his solitary efforts could not suffice indefinitely. He required individuals who felt intrinsically connected to the unfolding legend, not merely as salaried employees. "Alright, we have arrived," Aron's voice intruded upon his introspection, the car smoothly decelerating to a stop before a stark, imposing gray edifice. "We've reached the prison."