Just before the host had made his way over to the three of them, Max looked at his phone. On his account, it displayed a single balance of all of his earnings, and he was quite depressed when he looked at it.
Recently he had made some big purchases and had lost money to this very Black Hound group he was with now. When he thought about everything, he knew he was weaker now than when he fought against Dud.
This was the downside to his Vow. The constant use of his powers required money, and the subsequent recovery meant his physical strength wasn’t what it once was. So if he was to get in a fight today, he wouldn’t be able to do much, not unless they made a bunch of money first.
What it meant was for now he had to rely on the people around him, but Max didn’t want to do that. Which was why he was going through with this entire high-risk plan in the first place, rather than relying on the rest of the Billion Bloodline group to get stronger and protect him.
’I can’t do that again, I have to be the one that gets my hands dirty,’ Max thought, his mind racing back to past mistakes. ’I already made that mistake before. I was a strong fighter but then I became complacent. I gathered those that were even stronger and better at fighting than me around me, and maybe that was my downfall. I can’t make that same mistake again.’ Max knew he needed his own power restored, and quickly.
The host came over and immediately bowed down to the three of them, recognizing them as important guests.
"We have been expecting you. You are from the Bloodline group correct? How would you like me to address you?" the man asked politely.
"Just call me Mr. Blood," Max replied, which made him sound like some type of vampire, but it was the first thing he could think of to match the ’Bloodline’ name.
"Interesting," the host said. "Well please let me show you around the place, and let you know the rules, as I’m not sure if you have or have not been here before."
Max was wondering if they had used those words intentionally, implying they knew who he was or not. Because if they knew he was Max Stern they would have known he had come along with his family member once before. Although the Billion Bloodline gang had attacked the Hounds at their other venues, there was no way for the Hounds to tell if Max, the leader, was there either.
The host began the tour, explaining how the first floor was mostly for relaxation purposes. Everything while they were on the ship was free, a luxury treat for their guests, and if they wanted to get away from the main fighting venue and just relax this was the place to be.
The second floor was much more of a party venue atmosphere. There was a dance floor in the center as well as a band, which would be playing all night. There were also TV and screens hooked up on the first and second floor. These screens showed the third floor, which had several cameras that were pointed at what was at the very top. There was a bar and a restaurant on the disco floor as well, and the place already looked rather busy or full.
Lastly, the very top floor, this was the floor for VIP guests as well as the floor that the fighters were allowed on. It was the open top of the ship where one could feel the fresh air. There were also four bar areas located on the ship, each with neon lights as well as music blaring out from them. There were also screens on these parts of the ship as well, all of them pointing toward the center.
The center of the top deck was a flooring that looked like it would usually be used for dancing, but today, it was the fighting arena. There was no cage, no ring, just the flooring space where people were to fight on.
Surrounding the top floor, there were sofa seats, and high-rise tables, that were spread out across the area. The wealthiest, or at least the most flashy of individuals, seemed to be sitting at the current places, but that’s when Max noticed something else as well: nearly on every cushioned sofa, there was one individual that looked out of place.
That’s when the host sat Max down with the other two by his side as well.
"Today’s event is a little different," the host revealed, settling them into their spot. "You see you are not the only person that has brought in a fighter. We have asked the spectators to bring in whoever they wish as well, to be a participant. And that’s who is sitting by their side." The host explained that the out-of-place individuals were the fighters. "So for now your fighter can relax by your side. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening, and if there are any questions please let me know."
When the host left, the group finally thought they could get some peace, get some food and drinks at least before the nerve-wracking event had started.
Until they saw something that immediately killed the relaxed atmosphere: all of the staff members were stood straight and looked nervous, completely rigid, as they saw someone walk up the stairs to the top floor.
When Darno turned around along with Stephen and Max, they knew who it was straight away.
"Jett," Max confirmed, his voice low.
****
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