The boss continued to cover the latent abilities that the leader of the Spheks possessed. He dragged Mark into the discussion, wracking the poor young man's mind to further his knowledge about the Blessed.
It was a humbling experience. Having thought about so many things, and exposed to ideas that seem far-fetched yet understandable, the line of reasoning thinned until even its existence was questionable.
To his relief, the boss finally stopped his relentless questioning, the inquisition was almost at its end. Mark felt his mind snap out of a subconscious dullness.
He saw the boss smile.
"Anyway, you have done a good job so far. Excellent even. From what I've heard, you already became close to the people you were partnered with. Maybe it has to do with your ability, but that would make things even better."
A warmness buzzed in Mark's chest.
'Thank you, Looney A, B, and C. Your contributions will be remembered for a few days.'
Before he could fully swallow the mellow feeling, the boss continued.
"What do you think brings this gang together?"
Mark was taken aback. He thought that the questioning had finally ended, yet this man threw one more out of the blue. His mind cried in protest, yet he eventually forced it to think up a response.
"Leadership- probably. If this gang didn't have you at the top, I don't think it would have been so successful."
The boss raised a brow.
"Are you trying to flatter me?"
Maybe that was a mistake.
"No no no- I'm serious. A good leader will bring benefits, and with benefits, a group can prosper. If there was someone unfit at the top then the gang would have probably collapsed a long time ago."
Laughter echoed through the warehouse. The boss seemed to find his panic to be amusing.
"Well, my work probably does have something to do with it. But no, a good leader alone isn't enough. You see the people I surround myself with. Billy, Aaron, and many more capable fellows. If it weren't for them, this gang would have collapsed."
He clasped his hands.
"The only reason why they are here is because of sociability. That, the connections made between powerful figures, is what builds a group. Whether it be a gang, a business, or even government, it is the ability to link competent people together that grants strength to us. For example, if it weren't for Aaron, you wouldn't have been brought here. A perfectly able person who is even a Blessed."
Mark could tell what the man was trying to get at. He knew the concept for himself, but not from the position of an overseer, but rather someone who could take advantage of it.
"So it's about the ability to form connections with others?"
The boss raised his hand.
"Let me finish. In your case, to get into a higher position of the gang you need to go around and get to know everyone. Only then will people be comfortable with seeing you on a pedestal. Not just that, but it might even serve to strengthen our morale."
It seemed weird to see someone talk so passionately. It felt as if a spotlight fell on Mark.
He knew that it was probably one of the boss' tricks. Making him feel special just so that he would be willing to be used.
And yet, why did it feel so reasonable? Everything made sense, but he was still being smothered with light compliments, rationally, the sickly sweetness being sound.
"Then... what do you want me to do?"
The boss stayed silent for a second, his face once again turning ponderous.
"My original plan was to have you shift positions throughout our territory and slowly become acquainted with the job. Two things happened. First, you turned out to be much more familiar with this line of work than I originally thought. Second... well, the Spheks started moving way earlier than predicted. There isn't enough time to train you up before the clashes begin."
He stood up and began walking around his chair.
"That's why I'm going to speed up the process. You can now go wherever you want, whether it be one of our factories or this warehouse. But use this wisely. I need you to know everyone and then become acquainted. By the time our conflict starts with the Spheks, you need to be one of the pillars of the gang."
Mark had no problem with that. Even though fighting against the Spheks was dangerous, and could end up with his death, he was willing to participate.
After all, those bloodthirsty wretches were blocking him from getting jobs in the central district!
But there was still one thing he wanted to know.
"Why are you spending all your resources on me? Even before verifying that I was Blessed, you said that you were going to put me through some training."
The boss chuckled.
"Remember the fights I made you go through?"
Mark frowned.
"Yes, the bruises are all over my face."
And they still hurt. That beating wasn't exactly one of the most pleasant things to remember. No, it was a terrible souvenir of his life. He would throw it away if he could.
Though, the boss didn't seem to mind his discontent, or just didn't care.
"You probably know the main reason behind why I put that into place. To see how resilient people are. I can guarantee that after watching hundreds of these, the skill came to me."
He regarded Mark with pride.
"And you, you had the look of a man who bathed in failures, yet still looked forward. Even if the goal is unattainable, you still would reach for it. Of course, many others had the same type of willpower, but not with your level of talent."
The answer was satisfying enough.
"Thanks."
They both smiled.
"Alright, now get out. I've spent enough time on you."
Mark did so with haste.
He stood up and bowed.
"Yes, boss."
As he walked to the door, the familiarly loud and low voice called.
"One more thing."
Turning his head, Mark saw the boss smile.
"You'll be coming into the higher ranks soon enough, so just call me Dean."
He nodded.
"Of course."
Then he left.
It didn't take long before the warehouse room was behind him, and the open streets were exposed once more.
Up above, the fog thinned to the point where the blueness behind it was almost visible.
In the distance, thick, gray clouds swelled.