From Bullets To Billions

The Rejected Corps hadn't made any major moves against the Chalkline Boys lately.

There was a reason for that, one known only to those closer to the top. The truth was, the Chalkline Boys had recently proposed holding a proper discussion, an official sit-down. A talk like that was no small matter in their world. And for the Rejected Corps, it was exactly the opening they'd been waiting for.

Still, this was just the beginning. If the talks didn't end favorably, if things didn't go the way they needed them to, then they'd have to strike again, harder this time. Target more critical areas. The kind of places that would force the Chalkline Boys to see the writing on the wall.

They had to make the consequences clear, what would happen if the war continued, and what the ultimate outcome would be. It had to be obvious that the best move, the only logical move, would be for the Chalkline Boys to fold and be absorbed into the Rejected Corps.

The upcoming discussions were for the finer details. Who would run what. How the money would flow. What would change, and what wouldn't. Despite the promising outlook, tension still ran high. Everyone in the gang was on edge, ready for anything.

Across the board, members were training relentlessly, sharpening their skills, and prepping for large-scale conflict. If this played out the way they hoped, it would mark a turning point. A moment that would signal their rise to the top of the food chain. For the first time, they could finally see a way forward.

At his desk, Chrono stared at the screen of his phone as it buzzed. There was a grim expression on his face, one that said everything. He didn't want to take this call, but he had to. He couldn't afford to ignore it.

Answering, Chrono spoke politely throughout the conversation. But when the call ended, he placed the phone down a little too heavily, his features tightening.

"I don't know if they're doing this to keep us in check," he muttered, tapping the side of his temple, "or if they're just trying to maintain the relationship as it stands. What worries me is that they haven't mentioned anything about our recent actions... nothing at all."

With a deep sigh, Chrono picked up the phone once again and dialed another number. A short while later, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway. Dud entered the room, pulling on a pair of gloves, stretching his fingers like he was getting ready for a fight.

"I just got a call from the Black Hounds," Chrono said, his tone calm but serious. "They're planning to host one of their events in a few days. They want us to send a representative."

"And you're picking me this time?" Dud replied with a sly grin. It was hard to tell if he was excited or annoyed.

"You know I alternate between you and Na for these events," Chrono said, leaning back in his chair. "And it's because of that, because of those experiences, that the two of you have grown exponentially. It's made you both stronger."

Chrono narrowed his eyes. "But this time, when you go, I want you to show them. I want you to prove your strength, Dud. Make them hesitate. Make them think twice about ever trying to push us around."

The Black Hounds had to know the Rejected Corps were in the middle of something with the Chalkline Boys. This request might have been a subtle reminder, one meant to establish dominance, to let them know who was still on top.

But Chrono had other plans.

He wanted to use the event against them, to show the power of the Rejected Corps. If the conversation with the Chalkline Boys went well, they wouldn't just gain territory or cash, they'd gain soldiers. Manpower. Loyal ones.

They'd become strong enough that even the Black Hounds would hesitate before crossing them. Strong enough to break free from the invisible chains that had always bound street gangs like theirs.

"But be careful, Dud," Chrono warned, raising a finger. "Don't go overboard. If you do, it could ruin everything. We need to shake them, not provoke them. Make them wary, not hostile. Until we've wrapped up our business with the Chalkline Boys, we can't afford to start anything else."

"Other groups will be watching too," he added. "So the Black Hounds won't act unless they absolutely have to."

Dud nodded, absorbing every word.

"I get it," he said. "I'll make sure they feel the pressure. But I'll hold my tongue, just in case they try something pushy."

That last line earned a second look from Chrono. It was the faint chuckle at the end of Dud's sentence that gave him pause.

For a moment, he reconsidered. Was it wise to send Dud this time?

He'd always alternated between Na and Dud to keep things balanced, but there had been incidents, bad ones. One time, Na had returned with a serious injury. He'd been out of commission for weeks.

These events hosted by the Black Hounds were dangerous, no doubt about it. But they were also valuable lessons. If he sent anyone else, there was a real chance they wouldn't make it back alive.

Chrono had even thought about sending Max or Wolf. The two of them were incredibly talented, and surviving something like this would only make them stronger.

But that idea was out of the question. Their loyalty wasn't with the Rejected Corps, not yet. And Chrono could tell, especially after what had happened recently. If the Black Hounds saw their potential, there was a high chance they'd try to snatch them up. That risk was too great.

"If that's everything," Dud said, cracking his knuckles, "then I'll make sure I'm in peak condition for the event."

"Wait," Chrono said, raising his hand once more. "I've been thinking about Max again."

Dud raised an eyebrow. "You still consider him one of us? After what he said?"

"His reaction was expected," Chrono replied. "If he hadn't reacted like that, I'd be more concerned. That would've meant something was seriously wrong with him."

He folded his hands together.

"Max is valuable. Anyone can see it. He's going to become someone important, so we need to make sure he becomes that someone under our banner."

Chrono leaned forward.

"Did you manage to dig anything up on him? Anything we can use?"

Dud's smile turned wicked, stretching wider with amusement.

"Actually, I almost forgot," he said. "I think I did. Rumor has it... Max has a girlfriend."

His grin sharpened as he continued.

"And I've seen her. I know exactly what she looks like. I think... she might be of use to us."