"Impossible. There is no way they managed to get a mage of that caliber on their side; there must be some mistake."

"There is no mistake. You best think about who you are questioning. The judgments of the Bloody Blades are final. You will do well to remember the consequences of going against us."

Rohann could only stew in anger as Cavan limped beside him. Ayda's small smile walking back told us all we needed to know. I still couldn't be sure if they had any connection with each other. At the very least, the threat had been dealt with for the next few weeks.

"Of course, Rohann, you can't leave without handing over the deeds for this lovely establishment."

Sammy decided to use this small victory to dig an even deeper hatred, even if none existed before.

Rohann's scowl became even more pronounced as he stared at us across the building. His fat jiggled as he began to make his way towards us—each step obvious labor.

Sammy's grin only widened beside me. He was genuinely delighted with this turn of events. Of course, that was more euphoria over being alive. There were only a few things that would be a boon of the area we won.

The Bloody Blades representative decided it would be good for him to walk towards us as well. It would seem they were interested in the rising power of Sammy.

It was challenging to believe that he could get a Mage at the level of Ayda on his side. They also couldn't miss the two knights flanking him either. That force would be more than enough to make him a local powerhouse.

Of course, it meant nothing in the long term. But nobody else knew that. Or at least I hope they didn't

Unsurprisingly the Representative managed to arrive long before Rohann had huffed his way over to us. His gaze remained on Ayda a hint too long. He was making his interest in coming over here obvious.

"Congratulations, Sammy. The rewards are surely not worth the mobilization of two Mages, but here we are. I hope you can find some use in this run-down shack."

"I believe I will representative. Would you give us your name? It's getting a little tiresome calling you Representative all the time."

"My, my, you are a bold one. I think I will wait for your friend to join us before I introduce myself."

It took a few more seconds for Rohann to finally make his way over to the group. Sending each of us a glare before turning to the Bloody Blades members.

"I trust my Mage didn't make too bad a showing. He just faced a far superior foe. I, for one, was not expecting a nature Mage appearing in the Outer Rings. It was quite the surprise."

That allowed the Representative to attack as well, his eyes lighting up slightly. It was clear he wasn't going to take the win away from us. That didn't stop his interest in our borrowed forces.

"Yes, it indeed was. Sammy, would you mind explaining how you managed to get a Nature Mage of all things on your side. Such a person would be highly sought after even by the Bloody Blades."

It seemed Ayda would bring us even more trouble before the end of the day. Sammy decided to go as courteous as possible.

"Oh, course Representative. I would be glad to tell you, but truthfully I don't know myself—my previous Champion. Ganley here managed to procure all this new manpower by himself. He has left me in the dark thus far. I was afraid for my life. I wasn't going to question such things."

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Rohann decided to illuminate the situation a little more before the Representative managed to get a word in. With a deranged snort, his voice filled with condescension.

"We wouldn't have killed you, you fool. We don't care for you or your gang. It is only the land we need."

That was news to me. I had left Sammy to find new about why the Orots were trying to steal our territory. He had made it seem more and more like a personal vendetta against one of us.

Considering the value of the streets we had. It made the most sense to me. Surely we were more valuable than the streets we owned.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me that. I nearly went up to your headquarters asking what it was all about, and nobody would tell me nothing. Now you are just saying that you only wanted the land. What the fuck for."

The Representative looked to calm a little after hearing that. Making it even more clear he was in on it. On what, was the only thing I didn't know.

"That's not for the likes of you to know. Just know that soon the Outer Rings will be changed forever. Now that you have the deeds, we will be leaving. We have quite a few other challenges tonight."

With another snort, he left. Leaving us all behind a little speechless.

That was when it finally clicked in my head. I knew why they wanted the land. I was surprised at how stupid I had been. I had forgotten about one of the significant changes to the Outer Ring.

The princess project as it became known. An initiative by one of the capital princesses. With the intent to increase the Outer Ring's wealth and improve all the citizen's lives along with it.

A complete remodeling of one of the Sectors of the Outer Ring. Making it the home to half the foreign markets in the Capital and making it a big piece of pie for many gangs to try to get ahold of.

"So can you explain what the hell Rohann meant? I don't have much of an idea about the rest of the Capital, but I know for sure that my little piece is not worth all the effort."

Sammy decided to take the initiative before the members of the Bloody Blades left. Not that I thought they would until they found out about Ayda's origins.

" I am afraid I can't explain why any rival gangs would be interested in your territory. But know that this is only the first of several bouts that the Orots will be partaking in today."

"A sector takeover."

Sammy was quick on the uptake. I was surprised he hadn't heard of that from any of the rival gangs. I would have thought such a thing would be more widely known.

"Exactly, Young Sammy, now if you don't mind, would your friend be so kind as to explain the origin of this newfound power?"

It seemed I wasn't going to get out of it. The truth would be for the best, as I did not doubt that Ayda would be more than forthcoming after I had spoken.

"Ah well, This power is only temporary for us, I'm afraid. I recently entered a deal with the Cilka family to protect me for the next two weeks. These three are my new bodyguards."

"Ah, so you guys are from the Cilka clan."

His gaze went straight towards Ayda, seeing her reaction. She just nodded in affirmation. That seemed to please the Representative as he turned around with a smile.

"Very well, please do send my regards to the Grandmaster. I hear he is quite happy these days."

Those were his final words as he left the warehouses. On his way to ensure the next few matches between the Orots and the various gangs went a lot more smoothly for their faction.

I could guess that the two were working together. There were quite a few factions in the Bloody Blades. Any one of them would want the big windfall that was sure to come in a year or two.

"We did it, Gan, we are safe. For the next while, at least. Though if they are heading for a sector takeover, I think all our work will be for nothing."

"Don't worry about that Sammy, they are less interested in our land and more so focused on what we are connected to. As long as we remain civil and don't try to antagonize them, we might have a chance to build up some level of power. We have enough land now to build up a decent crew."

"What are you talking about, Gan? Even with your new friends' help, there is no way we would be able to stand against the Orots in only two weeks."

"Just leave it to me, my friend. Try to get our new buildings repaired a bit in the next few days. We need someplace to keep our forces after all."

He could only stare at me in wonder as we turned around and left. Leaving him to sort out all the details of the renovations.

"So where to next Ganley. How can we help you now? You still have us sticking around for two weeks after all."

That would be troublesome. It looks like I would have to go back and discuss with the Grandmaster tomorrow. Without the threat of the Orots hanging over my head. I was in a much better position.

"For now, my dear Ayda, I think some sleep is in order. It's been a long day after all."