Chapter 10. Leaving the LaGraine

Xavier sat in Victor's office, nursing his whiskey, his mind reeling from the failed rescue mission. The dim lighting and soft hum of the air conditioner couldn't calm his frustration. He still couldn't believe the fact that Marco played him and got away with it again. Now what was he to do about his mother. He couldn't begin to imagine what his Mother would be going through at the hands of Marco and rest of the Hale family.

Victor's expression was grim, his eyes reflecting the weight of their failure. "Xavier, I'm sorry. We underestimated Marco's preparations."

Xavier's gaze drifted toward the cityscape outside, his voice laced with frustration. "It's not your fault, Victor. I knew the risks. But I won't give up." Of course he won't give up. He couldn't tell Victor the real reason for his determination.

Victor leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. "We'll regroup, plan again. We won't let Marco win."

Regroup and plan again? Not a chance. Xavier had already received a message from the System that he needed to build up his own force as soon as possible, or else taking down the Hale family, rescuing his Mother, becoming the Mafia Lord. All will be nothing but a pipe dream.

Xavier turned back to Victor, his eyes narrowing. "I've been thinking... We can't take on the Hale family head-on, not even with the LaGraine family's strength."

Victor's brow furrowed. "What are you suggesting?"

Xavier leaned forward, his eyes locked on Victor's. "We need to change our strategy. I've been thinking about this nonstop since we got back. We can't match the Hale family's manpower or resources, not yet."

Victor nodded thoughtfully. "Go on."

Xavier took a deep breath. "I think it's time for me to build my own force, separate from the LaGraine family. A private army, loyal only to me."

Victor's expression turned skeptical. "Xavier, that's a bold move. You're talking about going up against one of the most powerful families in the city. Do you have any idea how much resources and manpower that would require?"

Xavier nodded. "I do. And I'm willing to take that risk. I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I believe it's the only way to take down Marco and the Hale family."

Victor leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "I understand your determination, Xavier. But have you thought this through? Building a private army takes time, money, and connections. And what about loyalty? How can you ensure these mercenaries will stay loyal to you?"

Xavier smiled, a hint of confidence in his voice. "That's the beauty of it, Victor. I've been thinking about that too. I have a plan to ensure loyalty, and it doesn't involve just throwing money at them."

Victor raised an eyebrow. "I'm intrigued. Tell me more."

Xavier leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with intensity. "I'll offer them something more valuable than money. I'll offer them a purpose. A chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. And I'll make sure they know I'll do whatever it takes to protect them, just like they'll protect me."

Victor nodded slowly, a small smile on his face. "You've been thinking about this a lot, haven't you?"

Xavier nodded. "I have. And I'm convinced this is the only way to take down Marco and the Hale family."

Victor stood, his expression serious. "Alright, Xavier. I'll support you. But you need to promise me one thing."

Xavier stood, meeting Victor's gaze. "What's that?"

Victor's voice was low and urgent. "Be careful. Marco won't hesitate to crush anyone who opposes him. And if he finds out you're building a private army..."

Xavier's jaw clenched. "I'll be careful, Victor. I promise."

Victor's expression turned thoughtful as he paced the room. "Xavier, I understand your determination, but I have to express my concerns. Building a private army is a massive undertaking. Are you prepared for the risks involved?"

Xavier nodded. "I've thought it through, Victor. I know the risks, but I believe it's the only way to take down Marco and the Hale family."

Victor stopped pacing and faced Xavier. "And what about the morality of it all? You're talking about creating a force that will potentially harm others, maybe even innocents."

Xavier's expression turned somber. "I know, Victor. But I'm not naive. I know the world we operate in. Sometimes, difficult choices need to be made to achieve a greater good."

Victor sighed. "I'm not questioning your conviction, Xavier. But what about the loyalty of these mercenaries? How can you trust them?"

Xavier leaned forward. "That's where my plan comes in. I'll handpick each member, ensure they share my vision. And I'll make sure they know I'll do whatever it takes to protect them."

Victor raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think they'll stay loyal? Money and power can be great motivators, but they can also turn people against you."

Xavier smiled wryly. "That's where my... let's call it 'insurance policy' comes in. I have something that will ensure their loyalty, something beyond just money or power."

Victor's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

Xavier hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Let's just say I have a way to guarantee their loyalty. Something that will make it more beneficial for them to stay with me than to betray me." He didn't plan on telling Victor that the system has a soul contract that ensures that the mercenaries won't betray him. As soon as they even think of betraying him, they will die an excruciating death.

Victor's eyes narrowed. "Xavier, I hope you know what you're doing. This sounds like a delicate balancing act."

Victor sighed. "Alright, Xavier. I'll support you, but please be cautious. The stakes are higher than ever."

Xavier smiled, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Victor. I won't let you down."

As Victor nodded, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation.

"Enter," Victor called out.

A loyal guard stepped in. "Sir, we've received intel that Marco is mobilizing his forces. It seems he's planning something big."

Victor's expression turned grim. "Xavier, it seems your plan just got a lot more urgent."