466 A New Altered in the Howlers (Part 1)
After a tense ride back, the group’s destination in Slough was unsurprisingly the Wolf’s Pool Club. Although it was rather late, there were still more than a dozen people around the pool tables, though none of them were teens.While the business continued to be a very popular hangout spot for teenage delinquents, during the evening it had turned into a bit of a meeting spot for university students and young adults.
Austin’s three friends who would earn some extra cash as waiters during the day had already clocked in, though they were now playing a round free of charge. Meanwhile, the ever popular hostess White continued doing her job, helped by Miss Degrace who would often chip in during the evenings and act as a bartender.
Although she had started selling alcohol there had yet to be a fight breaking out. Then again, it was considered common knowledge for the locals that the pool club was connected to the the Howlers. Of course, nobody knew that this place was used as the defacto headquarters by the gang members.
“Make sure no one follows us downstairs.” Kai asked Miss Degrace as the rest followed him. “Tyler, you’ve done a great job. Here’s some extra. Feel free to take a drink and get home. I’ll call you when we’ll need your services again.”
When they reached the refurbished office room in the downstairs club, everyone sat on the sofa seats that had been placed apart from Kai who sat at the table and placed the Altered solution out in front of everyone.
“Now that we don’t have any Altered Hunters on our heels, we should resume our earlier discussion about who gets the solution.” Kai began. “Do consider that becoming an Altered will definitely place a giant target on your back, so you should do your best to grow in strength as much as possible.
“Of course, that also applies for those of you who don’t get the solution this time. Aside from the Altered Hunters, there will be other groups who will be out to get us. They might be from the lower tier towns, higher tier cities, and heck, there are still those gangs and the mayor here in Slough.”
For a second, Kai glanced at a few letters that had been placed on his table, most likely left there by the lawyer that used to be part of the Pincer’s gang but was now part of the Howlers.
There were a lot of tasks that Kai had given him, and he was keen to look through them. However, this was more important.
“Originally, the plan was to hand the Altered solution to the one it suits best, but seeing that we had to purchase a mystery solution that’s not really a choice. Since we don't know what type of Altered solution will be inside, we have to come up with something else. I feel silly asking this since we have no idea when we’ll be able to get another one, but would one of you voluntarily pass this time around?”
The room was dead silent, with eyes darting around the room everywhere. Everyone was just looking at each other constantly.
‘Come on, guys, just give up! Didn't we talk about this before, I was the first to join the gang so I should get to be the first one to pick!’ Innu thought in his head.
‘I could really do with the Altered DNA. However, we don’t know if it's a strong or a weak one, but whatever the case with it, I could improve my strength, but then what about the gang?’
“It should go to the strongest.” Austin said out loud with his arms folded. “This group needs to get stronger. It's not about making everyone at an equal level. So I think it should go to the strongest, which is clearly me.”
It was the most words they had heard come out of Austin in a while, so it was clear that he wanted the solution quite badly. Just as it looked like everyone was getting ready to fight over it, Marie raised her hand.
“I’ll pass.” The teenage girl stated her desire. “Like Austin said, it’s in the gang’s interest to make sure we’re the strongest we can be. Giving me a mystery solution won’t accomplish that. I have been practising using the the Anti-Altered daggers that we received from the Underdogs every day, so I don’t mind waiting a bit longer.
“I have even practised how to use ranged weapons like their crossbow. I can help out in my own way, but if possible I’d prefer supporting you from the back rather than from the frontline, so I think you guys deserve it more.” She said with a sweet smile.
“In that case, don’t mind if I do!” Austin was ready to grab the solution.
“Oi, you oaf, did you forget about me?!” Innu stood up, and grabbed the other boy’s hand before he could reach the desired item.
While the two of them bickered, Marie felt a hand on her shoulder. “Thank you for being a lot more sensible than those two idiots. Don’t worry, Marie, I’ll do my best to make sure your kindness gets repaid some day soon. In the meantime, you can be sure that all three of us will do our best to protect you.”
“As for you two overgrown children.” Kai clapped his hands to get their attention. “It’s obvious that neither one of you will budge so let’s do it the good old fashioned way. One match, no rules, winner gets all.”
——
Suddenly the two of them were outside. Since they had just come back from the Tier-1 city it was late at night and the dark sky was already out. At the same time, they weren't the only two that were outside.
All the customers, Austin’s friends who had been called over, along with White and Miss Degrace were outside. In total, there were around 25 people who had formed a circle and were ready to watch what was about to go on.
“Alright everyone!” Kai shouted out loud. “These two have a little dispute that they would like to solve, and since neither one is a talker, this is the way it goes.
“On the left side, our dark skinned friend is a Muay Thai street fighter who has won a number of underground fights. On the right side, the giant fellow used to be the leader of the few schools in the area, able to blow away most of his enemies in a single punch. This will be a close match, so please place your bets now.”
Since there was an opportunity to make some money, Kai wouldn't miss the chance and he started to gather bets from the onlookers. As a nice bonus, it might help spread the word about the pool club and earn them a few more customers.
“What the hell! Why are my odds that much worse than Austin’s? Are you saying I'm going to lose this?!” Innu shouted in protest.
“Don’t blame me. The general consensus is just that most people here believe in Austin, making you the underdog of this fight. It’s on you to prove them wrong, Innu. If you need any extra motivation… well, you know what’s on the line.”
****
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