Knox hovered high above the barn where the remnants of the Steel Fang Syndicate stood, their eyes wide with fear and awe. Smoke still rose from the charred remains of their former leader, Jack. Knox's cape fluttered in the wind as he addressed them with a commanding voice.
"I am your new leader," he declared, his gaze scanning the crowd. "If anyone has anything to say about that, step up now."
The gang members exchanged nervous glances, but no one moved a muscle. They had all seen what Knox had done to Jack and knew better than to challenge him.
"Good," Knox said, smirking. "From this moment on, we are no longer the Steel Fang Syndicate. That name died with your last leader. We are now The Nexus Syndicate-an organization that will not stoop to petty crimes. We will aim bigger, think smarter, and operate on a scale this city-and this country-has never seen."
The gang members murmured amongst themselves, unsure of what Knox'x words would mean for them
"There will be ranks in this organization," Knox continued. "From Rookie to Commander. Above Rookie, there will be three more ranks: Operative, Elite, and Lieutenant. You will rise though the ranks based on skill, loyalty, and results.
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. Then he asked, "Is there anyone here with a power related to building or construction?"
Kaelina's voice echoed in his mind. "Why would you need someone like that?"
Knox grinned. "Just wait and watch."
The crowd shifted nervously until a brown-haired man stepped forward, trembling slightly. He raised his hand.
"What's your name?" Knox asked, his piercing gaze fixed on the man.
"Maximus, sire," the man replied, his voice shaky.
"And what's your power?"
Maximus swallowed hard. "I can... I can build anything I visualize, but I need the materials to make it."
Knox's grin widened. "Good. You're going to build us a massive underground base."
Knox descended to the ground standing face to face with Maximus. He pointed to the barn behind them.
"We'll use this barn as a cover," he explained. "In the middle of the floor, I want an iron vault door that leads to an elevator. That elevator will take us deep underground. At the bottom, there will be a secure door that requires a special card to open.
Maximus nodded nervously, already beginning to visualize the structure in his mind.
"When you enter," Knox continued, it's going to open up into a massive base. It will have a training ground, a cafeteria, a medical room, armories, meeting halls, and anything else you can think of to keep and organization of this scale running smoothly. And one more thing..."
Knox's voice dropped slightly, taking on a tone of authority. "I want a personal room for myself. Make it the best living space you can imagine—state-of-the-art bed, entertainment system, luxurious bathroom, everything. And ensure the base has electricity and internet."
Maximus hesitated before asking, "How deep underground are we talking, sir?"
Knox thought for a moment. "Deep enough that no one can find it without my permission. At least fifty feet."
Maximus nodded. "Understood."
"And how long will this take?"
Maximus ran a hand through his hair, calculating. "If I work alone, a project of this size will take at least a year. But with help... I could finish it in five months, sir."
Knox smirked. "Then get help. Gather whoever you need."
Knox turned back to the rest of the gang. "Listen up," he barked, his voice echoing through the barn. "In this organization, there will be no weaklings. Every single one of you will train until you drop. We will not stop until we are a force to be reckoned with. We'll lay low for now while the base is being built, but make no mistake—when we're ready, the world will know the name of The Nexus Syndicate.
He paused, letting his words hang in the air like a storm cloud. "If any of you even think about betraying me or running, I will hunt you down and kill you. And then, I will find your family and kill them too."
The gang members stiffened, their fear palpable. They quickly dispersed to begin gathering the materials Maximus would need for the base.
Maximus, along with four others, gathered around a workbench in the barn. They began sketching out plans, their nervous energy tempered by a growing sense of determination.
Knox stood in the center of it all, a menacing figure cloaked in authority. He watched as the first steps of his vision came to life, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Kaelina," he said, his voice low.
"Yes?"
"This is just the beginning."
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