Mavis groggily opened his eyes. His body is still hurting all over, especially his head and the leg that he got shot on. He inspected his body of his injuries and noticed his still bleeding thigh, now covered in gauze. 'At least they patched me up, although, I can still feel the bullet stuck inside my thigh.'

He tried to reach up to his head but he noticed that he currently couldn't move his hands. They appeared to be tightly bound behind his back. He struggled for quite a while, trying to free them, but this proved to be a difficult endeavor. "Where am I, even?" He asked himself as he looked around him.

The place is too dark to see where exactly he is, he could only rely on the moon's natural lighting, peeking through the broken roof to discern his location. It took a while but his eyes had finally gotten used to the darkness. The place looks like one the those abandoned storage facilities that they used whenever the gang was conducting some shady and illegal activities.

"A pretty effective place to torture someone. The victims can scream all they want, and no one could still hear them." He quipped, trying to make light of his situation.

He probably passed out for only a couple of hours if it was still this dark outside. He looked around some more but the only things that were currently present were him sitting in a chair and another empty chair in front of him.

'No torture device or anything that could give me some hard time. I say that's a good sign. The boss probably thinks that he could convince me to rejoin the group or whatever.' While trying to think of some excuses that he could say. He heard footsteps coming behind him. He quickly perked up, waiting for "that" someone to enter his line of vision.

He already expected who it was but deep inside him, he hoped that it wasn't the man he thought it was but all hope had vanished when the man finally showed in his peripherals. Mavis couldn't still see his face but he could recognize that silhouette wherever he went.

The man was a little bit hunched with a very average build and appeared to be aged. However, he still exuded a strong and intimidating aura. He was wearing a dirty brown fedora hat, coupled with his black long coat and vest, like one of those old films about mafias.

Every step of his echoed in Mavis's ears while he patiently waited for the man to sit in front of him. When the man finally sat, Mavis struggled to keep his posture up. He knew impressions always matter when negotiating, although he probably isn't in the right situation to do that.

Now that they see eye to eye. The aura the man exudes seems to be amplified by his piercing gaze, which makes Mavis feel more nervous as he involuntarily swallows his saliva. Mavis waited patiently for the man to initiate the conversation, partially because he was slightly scared of him, and mainly because he didn't know what to say.

Mavis could tell that he was being observed by the man, looking him up and down and focusing on his wounds and injuries. And when he was done with his evaluation, the man finally spoke. A deep voice rings out in Mavis's ears.

"Looks like the boys roughed you up pretty badly. Although, I could already tell that most of the reason had something to do with you riling them up." The man said. His voice has no tinge of concern, merely stating the fact.

To which Mavis responded. "It isn't as bad as to what I did to one of them at least."

Which got a chuckle in return. "That's what I've always liked about you Mavis, despite your current state, your calm disposition still brings out the confidence in you." He said.

"Thanks for the compliments Mr. Vilfredo, but I don't need you to tell me about that. I know myself very well. Which by the way. The guy you replaced me with? Isn't up to par." Mavis emphasized.

"I know he isn't. That's why it is such a shame to let you "go" just because of your previous transgressions. But alas, if I let it pass, it would only create more holes in the organization that I am trying to create. And in the future, more and more people will try to imitate your... little act of disobedience."

Mavis tried not to react toward his previous boss's belittlement because he could tell that it was also his way of telling Mavis that all his actions had no importance to him. He was merely a goon in his eyes, the same way Mavis thought of the guys under him. But in the end, his ego prevailed and spoke what was on his mind.

"This little disobedience that you spoke of has progressed your agenda more than anyone could ever do. The fact that you needed me had proved that anything I do is not something that you could easily say "little". Mavis retorted in anger.

Mavis didn't want to explode like this and show that his calm disposition could be broken. However, he also couldn't just let this old man belittle his talents and achievements.

Mr. Vilfredo waited for him to say more of his piece then spoke. "Ahh.. yes. You are indeed very talented. At first, I thought that you were a mere baggage that Julian has brought just like any goon that I took under me. But you have greatly surprised me. Mavis." He said then he slowly stood up from his chair and faced Mavis. "Not only have you proved your worth. You have also managed to slip something under my nose. That is something very commendable, coming from me..."

Vilfredo rambled. "Unfortunately, that's the only thing that you will amount to. You do not have the charisma or drive to become something greater. That's why I chose Julian as my successor instead." Mr.Vilfredo then signaled to someone behind him.

Mavis heard another step behind his back closing in on him. Just thinking about who this person is, is already making Mavis's blood boil. He thought he could control himself if he saw Julian after what he did, but reality itself has proven him wrong otherwise.

Mavis freezes up and just stares down to his feet, as he tries not to acknowledge the person beside him.

"Hello, Mavis." Julian greeted. However, no matter how long he waited, Mavis didn't respond to him. "I know you can hear me. I'm not here to explain myself to you or beg for forgiveness, and I know just how much you hate me right now." Julian explained lowly then continued. "But, my decision is still the same. I don't regret that I betrayed you nor do I have any intention to retract my actions. What happened has already happened."

Just hearing him talk about him not regretting his action felt like stabs directly to his heart. He thought he could face him but reality is truly different.

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Mr. Vilfredo then stepped up again and spoke to Mavis with a new proposition. "How about this Mavis? If you return the money that you stole, I'll make it seem like none of this had ever happened. I'll even let you back into the fold."

This finally put a crack in Mavis's silence. He smiled and cackled like a maniac would. "I would never go back under your thumbs, no matter what offer you would give me, old man."

This put a frown on Mr.Vilfredo's face. "That's unfortunate, Mavis. Even though I truly value your talents. The disrespect that you have incurred me today will not go unpunished. Now, if you just tell me where the money is, maybe I'll be a lot more lenient towards you." Vilfredo asked.

Mavis knew the reason why they hadn't killed him yet. Despite how much Mr. Vilfredo belittled his action. The blow he had given the gang by stealing and funneling funds straight from their accounts has caused a massive problem for them. 'I mean, how would you be able to mobilize a whole lot of crooks and felons to get up their asses and obey your commands? Yes, Influence is important, though nothing is as important as money.' He thought to himself.

Mavis, with courage, finally looked Mr.Vilfredo in his eyes. "I don't care what your plans are for me, old man. I'll never give the money back no matter what method you'll use. I'll only consider it if you get down on your knees and beg me for it." He said.

Mavis had planned to give the money back to the innocent people he had wronged throughout his years of being a gang member. However, now that he couldn't see any way out of his situation, he would rather die and carry all that money to his grave.

Mr.Vilfredo stared at him back, but Julian was the one who spoke this time. "Please, Mavis. If you just tell us where the money is, we'll let you go. I give you my word and as a promise from your long-time friend."

Mavic couldn't help but chuckle at Julian's naivety. Even if he did convince Mr.Vilfredo. The old man would still find a way to kill him even before he could walk away from this place. "You mean my long-time best friend who betrayed me just because he found himself a new father he could finally look up to?" Mavis knew his words cut Julian right where he wanted to when he suddenly grabbed him by his collar and positioned himself to throw a punch.

"Relax kid." Mr. Vilfredo intervened. "Don't let him get to your head. We all know that's the only thing he's good at."

That seemed to calm Julian down, but Mavis wouldn't miss a chance to get back on his ex-best friend, no matter how pitiful it was. Mavis continued his petty tirade.

"Aww.. did stepdaddy's consoling feel great? I bet your real daddy is crying in heaven right now.. or wherever the fuck he is... probably hell." Mavis's words finally made Julian snap, and he suddenly kicked him in his chest. Causing him to fall along with the chair he was bound on. He could easily tell that Julian's attack carried more weight than any of Cecilios.

"Don't you ever mention that son of a bitch again, or I'll kill you in the most painful way you could ever imagine!" Julian snarled. If not for Mr.Vilfredo holding him back. He might have done a lot more to Mavis than just kicking him in his chest.

Meanwhile, Mavis gasped for air while he laughed at Julian's reaction. After a few mouthfuls, he continued his barrage of insults toward Julian. "Your real father is probably twisting and turning in his grave right now, knowing that you have replaced him with a more venomous snake!"

Julian felt his sanity blink out of existence. He had been holding back this entire time, but the moment his vision went dark, he just let himself go wild.

Julian pushed Mr.Vilfredo away and directly leaped above Mavis. As Mavis is currently tied, he couldn't defend himself properly. He could only helplessly take all the attacks that Julian threw at him. He was kicked, punched, and elbowed all over his body. But the place that hurts the most is when Julian aims at his fresh gunshot wounds, bearing in mind that the bullet is still lodged in his flesh.

Mr.Vilfredo alone couldn't stop Julian from killing Mavis anymore. So he called some of his men who are currently on patrols outside of the facility. A few seconds later, they finally arrived and finally held Julian down while Mr.Vilfredo tried to look over toward Mavis.

Even if only a few seconds have passed. The damage Julian has incurred on Mavis has been gravely alarming. His face was beaten black and blue, to the point of being unrecognizable. Almost all of his teeth have fallen out, and his limbs are broken and rearranged in places that Mr.Vilfredo couldn't believe to be possible.

Even after all the beatings that Mavis got. He still tried to eke out insults towards Julian. However, the only sound that came out of his mouth was the gurgling sound of his blood.

"I've given you a chance Mavis. But alas, your stubbornness and pride won over your ability to think rationally." Mr.Vilfredo tried to talk to him, but he couldn't discern any of the words he was uttering.

Mr.Vilfredo realized that there was no use in talking to him. Now that he was in this state, any words he said wouldn't be comprehensible to Mavis.

"Let me ask you one last time. MONEY. WHERE?" he dumbed down his question so Mavis could understand.

Mavis laughed inwardly at his attempt and raised his broken but bound-free arms. He struggled a bit, but he managed to move them, then flipped him off in response.

Mr.Vilfredo shook his head and sighed.

He finally gave up trying to convince the suicidal fool. So instead, he reaches for his gun underneath his coat.

"Be thankful that I'm still being merciful towards you. After all, you had still helped me move up my plans by a wide margin. Consider this as me thanking you for the services that you have provided." Mr.Vilfredo took his gun and aimed it at Mavis.

"Wait!" Julian screamed. "Let me do it. I have lost myself a bit there, but I've recovered now." Julian insisted, his words still have a taste of fury in them.

Mr. Vilfredo looked him directly in the eye trying to probe him, if he was truly in his right mind. After a few scrutinizing stares. Mr.Vilfredo commanded his men. Only then did they let go of Julian when they had his confirmation.

"Let him free." Vilfredo commanded. "It's good that you have managed to take hold of your self Julian, but let me warn you. DO NOT. EVER DO THAT AGAIN!" Julian took Mr.Vilfredo's threat to heart and reached out for the gun.

He walked up to Mavis again and sat him up. The other parts of the chair were broken so he transferred Mavis's broken body to the other one. He did this to at least give Mavis a chance to die with dignity.

"I truly did treasure our brotherhood, Mavis. Too bad your determination didn't suit my tastes anymore after you proposed to leave the gang. Seriously... what would make you believe that after all the shit we've been through that, I would give up my hard-earned position just like that!" Julian let out his frustration towards Mavis. He can tell that the one he once called his brother is on the precipice of his life. He felt a trickle of guilt pass his heart but he washed it immediately with his rage.

Julian sighed. "But it matters not anymore. I can only promise you that if I ever encounter your uncle. I'd do you one last favor and kill him for you." After Julian says his piece, he aims the barrel of the gun towards Mavis's forehead. "Goodbye, my friend. " Julian said then pulled the trigger a moment later.

Mavis felt the coldness of the gun barrel on his forehead, and when he heard the shot. He had realized that this was finally it. Time seemed to slow down as the bullet dug through his skull and into his brain. 'Is this what they said about time slowing down as your whole life flashes before you? Pretty rad to be honest. Although, where is the supposedly "whole life flashing before your eyes"? The only thing flashing before me is the light of the moon.'

He waited for a couple more seconds but death didn't seem to come to him. 'Is this supposed to take this long? By the way, I could still feel the bullet making its way through my head. Have I skipped the "flashing before your eyes" part and went straight to hell? Cause that's what it felt like.'

He waited and waited but time was still stopped. 'Well, not fully stopped. I say, super slowed down.' He looked up into the night sky, as that was the only thing he could do. 'Is it normal to have the sky have cracks on it? It looks like a glass breaking in slow-mo. Although it is still faster than me right now.'

He watched as the sky collapsed in front of his eyes. The moon and the stars breaking apart and hidden behind them is endless darkness that has been dotted with stars that are brighter than he had ever seen before...

When everything encompassing him has turned white. A blue translucent screen popped up in front of his eyes. 'What's this supposed to be?' He asked inwardly, but no one answered.

'A t.v. screen? Didn't think the afterlife would be more advanced than Earth.'

[Congratulations Denizens of the 2317th Galaxy]

[Your galaxy's essence core has now been fully saturated]

[All intelligent races will now be transported to their assigned tutorial]

[As your world will undergo its synchronization with the rest of the universe....]

Screen after screen kept popping up in front of Mavis's eyes. He could not relate to any of the words that were being presented to him. 'Essence? Tutorial? What does any of this mean? Is this my mind trying to cope with the fact that I was dying?' He thought.

[1 of the 7 sapient races has been detected]

[The system will now start commencing the transportation]

[Initializing in....]

[10]

[9]

[8]

'Uh... what's happening? What is this ominous countdown?' Mavis tried to move his body, but the only thing that responded were his eyes.

[7]

[6]

[5]

[4]

They moved slowly toward his best friend's face. And he noticed how Julian was also looking at him. And just like him, his eyes are tinge with questions, as they wait for answers. However, the countdown didn’t stop for them as it continued its purpose.

[3]

[2]

[1]

Just before he could construct another thought. He felt his body "fall" upwards, as they separated piece by piece until he completely vanished from this world.