When Max woke up the next day, he immediately realized he'd been right, his body felt like it had been pulled apart, every inch of it aching. His muscles were sore, bruises flared with heat, and even the smallest movement sent waves of pain through him.
Thankfully, even though it was a school day, he had the day off. That was the first task he'd given to Aron after their new understanding, he had instructed him to inform the school that Max wouldn't be attending. Judging by how wrecked his body felt now, it was clear he wouldn't be going back for at least a few days.
Groaning, Max finally forced himself to sit up, placing a hand against his head as if to stop the spinning.
'What was that whole thing yesterday… things got out of control,' he thought. 'Being ambushed, chased by an entire mob of students, ending up at that tiny medical clinic, running into Abby, and finally that talk with Aron. What was with him yesterday?'
He could still hear Aron's voice in his head, replaying over and over, intense and unwavering.
"Who do you need me to kill?" Max muttered aloud, mimicking Aron's expression, his tone deadpan and flat.
'I could tell, he meant it. Every single word. Based on his background, it's probably something he's already done before… and at a young age too. But he doesn't need to go that far. Not against these guys. Still… it's good to have someone like that on my side.'
A small, almost reluctant smile tugged at the corner of Max's lips.
'When it comes time to face the White Tigers… he might be someone I'll really need.'
Max knew that a man like Aron was worth more than gold, far more than anything his wealth could buy. In the right hands, a person like that was priceless.
And now, with their relationship reshaped into something new, they'd started putting a few things in motion.
Aron had warned him that the other Stern family members might still be watching closely, waiting for a slip-up. That was all the reason Max needed to act cautiously, and he'd asked Aron to handle a few important things before leaving.
One of the top priorities? Setting up a security team near where Abby lived.
Technically, she wasn't his responsibility. Not really. Not this Max, anyway. But knowing that his presence, his actions could endanger someone else was something Max wasn't about to ignore. Especially when he could do something about it.
For now, they were using the small number of men Aron had under his command. There were only three at most, barely a squad but they were discreet, well-trained, and enough for temporary protection.
'Before I make a move, I'll hire a proper private security team to keep her safe,' Max thought, already mentally running through the costs and logistics. 'That should be more than enough. Dipter is the one most likely to be sent after her, but by the time that happens… he'll no longer be a problem. Still, the team needs to be there in case the Sterns try something else, or send someone worse.'
The plan was shaping up, bit by bit.
Sitting upright in bed, Max pulled out his phone and opened the notes app. He began jotting things down, organizing his thoughts, turning ideas into strategies. Every bullet point, every detail mattered. Because this wasn't just about revenge or surviving high school.
'The biggest issue is using the money,' Max started to think. 'I've already used some here and there, but that's not what triggered their response.
'It's likely the family still doesn't know I've touched the money, unless it's something they can see. So if someone spots a full-blown security team around Abby, then they'll know.
'And if a high school kid suddenly hires top-tier private security for himself too, then my opponent, whoever they are, will catch on and do the same.
'So… is there a way to use the money without them knowing? In bits and pieces like I've been doing?'
An idea sparked in Max's mind.
To the other Stern family members, he was just a kid. A teenager. A student who'd never set foot in the real world. That's why they were even using other school bullies to handle their dirty work.
If something serious happened to Max, something blatant, they'd risk Dennis, the family head, stepping in. That risk was the only reason they were still holding back.
'They won't expect Max to act smart... they won't expect him to play like this. It might actually work, but it's dangerous. I'm going to need help. Help of my own.'
Stretching out his limbs, Max winced at the soreness still aching through his muscles. He had to keep moving. Staying still only made it worse.
'I'll stay out of school until the weekend hits,' Max thought, his eyes narrowing with determination. 'And then I'll get rid of Dipter, I'll make sure of it. After him, comes the real enemy. Then I can finally start using this money like it's actually mine.'
While walking, Max pulled out his phone and began firing off a few messages. His footsteps echoed softly against the pavement as he made his way to a familiar point on the street. Midday sun warmed his back as he stood there, waiting.
Eventually, a man in a red tracksuit appeared, jogging toward him with a slightly rushed expression.
"Sorry I'm a bit late," Steven said, slightly out of breath. "Wasn't expecting you around this time. But, uh… shouldn't you be in school?"
"Does that matter?" Max replied, his tone cool and dismissive. "I've got something important to do today anyway."
Steven opened the metal gate that led into the gym, hesitating slightly before entering. He was about to close it behind Max until Max signaled him to leave it open. Steven gave him a look but didn't argue.
It was the first time Steven really took in Max's condition, he looked like he'd been run over by a truck. Still, Max walked in like he owned the place.
Not long after, the gym door opened again. Aron stepped inside, tall and silent as ever.
Steven tensed at the sight of him. "This guy again?" he muttered under his breath, rubbing the spot where he remembered getting hit the last time Aron had visited.
"You're not going to make the two of us fight again, are you?" Steven asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because if you are, I'm going to have to ask that he doesn't use any weapons this time."
Aron just smiled, saying nothing as he strolled past Steven and stopped in front of Max.
Then, the door creaked open once more, and someone else walked in.
"Is this the right place?" a young voice called out.
"Oh! A new customer!" Steven exclaimed, dashing across the room. "Finally! Finally! Do you want to learn boxing? Do you want me to make you a world champion? I can see it, right there in your eyes, you've got the skills to become a world champ!"
"It was me," Max said, cutting him off. "I invited him here. Green, come over."
"My name's Joe," the boy muttered with a grunt as he made his way over.
"Steven, you too. Come here. All of you, line up," Max ordered.
There was a pause. It felt like they were being bossed around, but due to their connection with Max, they begrudgingly followed his lead and stood side by side.
"The three of you," Max said, a grin spreading across his face, "are going to be my Rangers. And together, we're going to take down Dipter."
A heavy silence filled the room, until Steven finally broke it.
"Who?"