From Bullets To Billions

When Dud stepped into the venue, his eyes did what they always did first, swept across the room. Each location run by the Black Hounds was different. He never knew exactly what to expect, since he didn't always participate in the same place. The organization owned multiple venues, and Dud had fought in more than a few of them.

But his real reason for scanning the room wasn't to appreciate the setup, it was to identify who else from the Black Hounds was present.

Based on how Chrono had been speaking earlier, Dud figured there was a good chance someone high-ranking would be watching tonight's event. Yet, as his gaze passed over the crowd, he saw no familiar top-level faces.

What he did see, however, made him pause.

His eyes landed immediately on a familiar figure, Chad. It wasn't just the blond hair that gave it away. It was the wolf mask worn by the person beside him. That same distinctive wolf mask that had been worn during previous events.

That's Max. It has to be, Dud thought.

The connection between the Rejected Corps and the Black Hounds was no secret, and Dud had dealt with Chad Stern before. It didn't take a genius to realize that the person placing high-stake bets, the one the Corps had been asked to assist occasionally, was indeed Chad. That confirmed it.

What's he doing back here? Didn't he lose everything? Dud wondered. Maybe the Black Hounds gave him one more night of indulgence before they decide what to do with him for good.

His gaze shifted slightly.

Next to Chad, the red-haired young man caught his attention. He was muscular but not fully filled out, young, still growing. But it wasn't the build that stood out.

It was the hair.

Red. Just like Max's.

Dud had paid close attention to Max's file and appearance, and not many kids around here shared that trait. There was something unmistakable about him.

No way… it really is him? What would Max be doing at a place like this? And why is he sitting next to Chad? Dud's thoughts were racing. Didn't Max take over Chad's business? Or Dipter's? Weren't those separate events?

And didn't the Black Hounds meet with Max recently… is all of this connected?

The more Dud considered it, the more curious he became. If there was even a slight chance that was Max, he needed to confirm it. So he made his way toward the VIP section, pretending his reason was to greet the manager.

If that is Max, what's he doing here? Is he trying to ally himself with the Black Hounds? Trying to erase the Rejected Corps from the picture? But he shouldn't have that kind of influence... right?

Across the room, Max was caught in his own spiral of worry.

Why… why of all people does it have to be Dud? he thought, recognizing the man as soon as he entered. Why is a member of the Rejected Corps at this event? If he finds out who I really am and reports back, they'll come after me. Just like the Black Hounds, they'll force my hand, try to strip me of everything.

As Dud reached the manager, the two exchanged brief pleasantries.

"It's good to see you again," the manager said with a knowing smile. "Hope you're in shape to put on another solid performance tonight."

"When have I not put on a show?" Dud replied with a half-grin. "Though I've noticed the matches are getting tougher. Feels like you're making me work harder every time."

The manager chuckled. "That's how we keep things interesting. And as you can see," he said, glancing subtly over his shoulder, "we have some returning VIPs tonight."

Dud followed his gaze.

"Looks like they've come into some new funds," the manager added.

With that, Dud moved forward. The manager made no move to stop him, he knew well the history between Dud and Chad. This wasn't his business.

"I never thought I'd see you in a place like this again," Dud said, opening his arms as he approached the table. "You're not going to make the same mistake of betting against me again, are you?"

Chad immediately dropped his gaze and shifted in his seat. The bravado he'd shown earlier, especially around Max, was nowhere to be found. In front of Dud, he looked like a kicked dog, tail between his legs.

Dud's eyes turned toward Max.

"And is that… Max?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief. "I never imagined you'd show up here. What exactly is going on to bring you to a place like this?"

Max's mind scrambled. He needed to respond, fast.

"I was brought here by the Black Hounds," he said quickly. "I don't even know how they found me. Honestly, I thought maybe this was your doing… punishment for what I said to Chrono the last time."

Chad's brows furrowed. The conversation didn't sit right with him. He glanced between Max and Dud, confused. Catch the formatted version at M|V|LEM_PYR.

They were talking like they knew each other.

Why would Dud know Max? Chad thought. Or vice versa?

Dud raised a curious brow, then gave a dry smile.

"Well, if you're here just to make some money, then let me give you a little advice." He turned his body to leave, pausing for just a moment. "Place your bet on me. Because I don't plan on following the rules tonight."

And just like that, he walked away.

Max sat stunned, staring after him.

Was that a hint? he wondered. Is he warning me about something? Or giving me insight into how this place really works?

If Dud believed the lie about Max being brought here against his will, then maybe he didn't see him as a threat. Maybe they were on the same side… at least for now.

"What's going on?" Chad asked, eyes narrowing. "How do you know him?"

"I don't," Max replied quickly. "He's just… been stalking me. Maybe it has something to do with you?"

Chad seemed to consider it for a moment and said nothing more.

As Dud made his way back down the aisle, the manager kept a careful eye on the exchange. His expression tightened.

"I'm surprised," the manager muttered aloud, mostly to himself. "I knew you were close to one of them… but I didn't realize you were this close with the Sterns."

Dud froze in his tracks.

"Did you just say… the Sterns?" he asked, his voice suddenly sharp.