Lawrence glanced out the corner of his eye towards his boss, while keeping his head lowered. Due to the stunning performance of the cold blooded monster that he, himself, had brought before his boss, Lawrence could not fathom the mixed emotions and ambition flowing through Jay's head currently.
'God, I hope I didn't just make a huge mistake!'
Upon hearing the heartless youth's proclamation, Jay felt an uncertain dread seeping in through the back of his mind as he gauged the benefits and conflicts that would arise from the youth's wake. While money and glory would certainly befall upon the organization, on the other hand they would have to deal with this youth and his monstrous power along with his keen insight.
'It is as if the messenger of death has personally greeted us today. Not only has he alluded to the possible fortunes and success he could bring, but has showed how resolute his standing would be in the organization. It would even not be impossible that the youth before him could threaten his own position. This is truly a double-edged sword!'
After further deliberation, Jay finally caved into his greed, while disregarding his previous ominous intuitions.
"After personally witnessing the concise orchestration of your skills (and since you just killed our number one operative), I believe it is only befitting to bestow upon you the highest rank among our operatives in the organization. Since Lawrence has already described you to me as a reaper, I deem you worthy of this title along with its benefits."
After finishing the formal remarks, Jay gestured for Leon to follow him back to his office, while simultaneously placing a call for "The Pit" to be cleaned up.
Once again entering the all glass elevator, Leon chuckled slightly to himself as he noticed Lawrence positioning himself as far away as possible from the youth.
However, as the ghost operative brushed past him to enter the elevator and situate himself, Leon slyly grabbed the knife strapped to his leg without suspicion. He then leaned against the wall of the elevator and continued to chuckle to himself while assessing his new position.
'I wanted to impose my strength upon this organization, but except for Jay, it seems I've already instilled respect from fear. Now I can slowly usurp the top position and control this new asset from the shadows.'
When the elevator doors opened Jay gestured towards Lawrence to leave himself and the youth alone, and proceeded to walk over towards his chair. After taking his seat and slowly sighing he turned his cautious gaze back to the dangerous new operative and asked him a simple question.
"Alright, now that is just the two of us what are your plans within this organization and what information did you have on that bastard that sold us out?"
While speaking Jay continuously glanced over the reaper before him with a different set of eyes compared to their first encounter.
Leon calculatingly dodged the first question and transferred the attention to the surprise of where their operative was located.
"It seems you really are qualified to run this organization if you believe I have hidden motives for joining. Regarding your "friend" that has gone into hiding, he is currently hiding out within the BloodyTears' organization headquarters."
Shrugging after saying the location as if it wasn't a concern, Leon slowly approached his "boss" and continued.
"Of course this is no longer your concern, but rest assured he will suffer a painful death once I infiltrate their HQ eventually."
While talking Leon continued to walk towards Jay and slowly crossed his arms while grasping the stolen knife hidden in his sleeve.
"As for why I joined your insignificant "gang" that would be for influence, power, and convenience."
Remaining calm and cautious, Jay became more curious as the reaper continued talking, and interjected.
"And what would joining have to do with your convenience?"
Leon revealed a devilish smile as he heard his words and let out a small chuckle.
"tch... of course it will be convenient for me to run a secretive organization from the shadows while you act as my surrogate."
Leon's smile became more apparent as he noticed the bead of sweat slowly dripping down from the corner of Jay's forehead that betrayed his calm composure.
"What makes you believe you can control this organization and I without any resistance? If it were that easy someone else would already be running this organization with my blessings."
Loosening his tie slightly, Jay anxiously looked at the demon standing a couple paces in front of him.
"Oh, I won't be asking for any blessings... just pure obedience on behalf of my requests. I will also demand absolute anonymity since I have no need for anyone understanding my position or connection to the organization from the outside."
After finishing this statement Leon abruptly used his concealed step footwork to arrive behind Jay, and revealed the knife from his sleeve to Jay's neck.
"Tell your sniper you position outside to stand down and take apart his weapon."
After aggressively stating his command, Jay complied and motioned for the sniper to stand down.
Jay nervously began to question Leon's intentions as he pressed a button, signaling to Lawrence of his predicament, that was located under the side of his chair.
"So now that you have me captive how are you going to utilize my position without me?"
Noticing Jay's movements and the elevator door beginning to open, Leon quickly poked through the man's back, damaging his internal organs and meridians, before expertly hurtling the knife into a non-vital point in Lawrence's ribs as he came out the elevator.
Once the situation seemed to be under control, Leon walked over to the elevator passing by Lawrence, causing the wounded man to flinch.
"I'm sure you can understand what I've just done to you, but let me explain in case you don't. The points I have touched on inflict internal injuries that cannot be undone unless a specific concoction is consumed.
Only I have the knowledge and understanding to create this remedy as of date, and unless my orders are followed you will not be healed.
If any harm is done to me or anyone I associate with, then consider yourself a cripple. Await contact from me and continue the operations within the organization."
Leon grabbed the jacket he had hung next to the elevator and mercilessly left without another glance to the scene behind him.
After Leon departed from the room Lawrence wrenched the lodged knife out from his side and looked towards his boss for further instruction. However, Jay could only stare at the ceiling while inwardly laughing to himself.
'What the hell did I just bring upon myself?'
He had attempted to play with fire but was burned before even lighting the flame.
Once Leon hailed down a cab and began his route back to his house, he thought about the new asset he had obtained while laid his head against the back seat.
'I've grasped the first successful step towards my revenge, but it will only get more complicated from here.'
Remembering he still had school the next day, caused him another headache as he realized the new responsibilities he had to bear.
'I definitely can't let my other operations hinder my progression to a top university, but luckily high school subjects aren't very taxing. If only the people there weren't as well.'
Leon rested the side of his head against his hand, as he stared out the window, preparing for the onslaught his previous actions would bring him at school the next day.
When he finally arrived at his house, Leon greeted his family and then proceeded up to his room to continue training. After closing his door he sat on his bed, crossed his legs, leaned against the wall, and began to meditate to clear his mind of unnecessary thoughts.
'In order to get stronger I cannot just rely on my concealed steps and agility. I need to increase my strength and internal martial arts output. Luckily there are not many masters of internal strength in the city as of now, but I still need to be wary and prepare.'
According to the memories of his past life Leon could only remember three internal strength masters in his city ranked from first to third respectively, Master Xavier, Chen, and Galleon. To his knowledge Galleon was an experienced muay thai fighter while Chen focused on tai chi, but the deadliest was Xavier since he used a mix of different martial art forms creating his own irregular style.
Leon was similar to Xavier in that regard, but was a lot more vicious when facing his enemies. Having ties to the underground and being betrayed by the ones closest to him created this persona, and given his new title as "reaper" was not a far cry from this image.
As he began to continue his strengthening training, Leon decided that immediately after school tomorrow he would go to one of the hidden districts in order to buy herbs to increase his inner strength.