Substantial Step

Ciel's expression did not shift upon hearing such a revelation. After all, it perfectly aligned with his expectations. From the moment they began their verbal clash, Ciel was pondering over the man's identity, quickly arriving at a likely conjecture. 

Until it had been confirmed by the man himself, Ciel's only proof was based entirely upon a single factor. Back when he was suddenly attacked in The Royal Casino's expanse, Ciel had not only received a fatal blow laced with powerful strength but he also experienced an electric burst ravage his flesh. 

It was an effect similar to that of the TM-9's charge blasts and also a common way in which Second Stage Espers engaged in close combat. 

From what Ciel knew of The Red Tiger Gang command structure all of The 12 Tiger Heads are equals in both rank and authority. It was not unreasonable then to assume that all 12 Tiger Heads would be at the same stage. And Ciel had already confirmed one as being a First Stage Esper. If he followed that logic forward and a figure appeared which stood at a stage beyond The 12 Heads then it aligned with their command structure which saw the boss stand with the highest authority. 

To Ciel, it all made sense. However, even had it not done so his expression would have failed to reflect his shock. 

The man, Wilson Francis, silently studied Ciel's calm state for a moment before he added with a lingering amusement etched to his voice. 

"Are you not surprised? Could it be that you already knew from the start?" 

"Perhaps."

Ciel said simply. Wilson made his skepticism clear to discern.

"You sure like to act ignorant don't you kid?" 

Ciel donned an eerie smile. 

"I could say the same about you. Why even bother asking for my name again when you already heard my exchange with your Tiger Head? If you had been completely unaware of that conversation then you wouldn't be here wasting time interrogating a brat who killed your men. Your timing was too perfect after all." 

Ciel had to count himself as lucky, had he not bothered to probe just how ignorant The Red Tiger Gang was in regards to espers, and expose some of his knowledge as a result, then Wilson Francis would have killed him without hesitation the instant he attempted to flee.

Within his past memories, Ciel learned the names of The 12 Tiger Heads within his final days as a member of the gang. Back then, he had just been promoted to The Royal Division and he used his newly acquired resources to flee not just The Red Tiger Gang, but the entire eleventh district. 

That was why Ciel knew nothing of the aloof Red Tiger Boss. Until today that was… 

From what he had seen so far, the simple fact that Wilson hid himself as a dealer already told Ciel that he probably liked observing from a distance and only took action when absolutely necessary. 

Tonight, Ciel had exposed them to their ignorance and it cost Wilson one of his Tiger Heads. If Wilson allowed that ignorance to remain, then perhaps more of his Tiger Heads would suffer a similar fate. 

It was because Wilson was a smart man that Ciel was still alive. Wilson was hungry for knowledge while Ciel possessed plenty of it. That simple desire was what allowed Ciel to be so disrespectful upon this exchange of theirs despite all which he had already done to deserve Wilson's wrath. 

Before Wilson could confirm or deny Ciel's accusation. Ciel moved on. 

"Mr. Francis, did The Red Tiger Gang develop the esper technology yourselves? I doubt that you have the means for that. Could it be that someone from the NSRA has assisted you?"

Ciel chuckled, one which he tinged with ridicule. 

"Whoever they are, they have really taken you for a fool. It is clear that they left out a lot of important information regarding espers. I wonder, are you merely being used? Are you a man capable of allowing someone to step upon you as they please?" 

Wilson sighed. 

"Enough with the provocations, just state what you want already." 

Witnessing Wilson's irritated expression, his previous mirth now entirely absent, Ciel at last made his move. 

"I want to make a deal. One of mutual benefits and acceptable conditions." 

Wilson raised a brow. 

"Oh? Was that the reason you approached us then?" 

Ciel shook his head.

"Actually I had come originally just to join the gang. However, I met a Red Tiger whom I knew before. He and I don't exactly get along so he tried to murder me." 

Wilson scoffed. 

"What a convenient excuse. Was the killing all in self defence then? Am I really just meant to believe that?" 

"Convenient or not it is the truth. He tried to kill me but I killed him first, Then… Well you already know. Putting the slaughter aside, if you can't trust my words due to me being an unknown, then you can place conditions which guard against me within our deal."

Wilson fell into silence. Then after a dozen seconds of contemplation he asked. 

"Tell me what you have in mind first, I'll decide if I'm interested based on that." 

'If' huh…

"I will provide you with all the knowledge that I know of in regards to espers. In exchange, I want you to let me join The Red Tiger Gang and to provide me with any weaponry that I request. That is the core of the deal with my conditions being that you do not try to investigate where all my knowledge comes from and that I be given free reign to handle personal matters from time to time. So what do you say?"

Wilson chuckled slightly. 

"Kid, you have some nerve… If I accept this then it will be no different than rewarding you for slaughtering my men." 

Ciel merely shrugged. 

"Yes I suppose so, however, if you reject it then your ignorance will remain. What's worth more: a few worthless lives or the strength of your future espers?" 

Seeing that Wilson remained conflicted, for a moment, Ciel considered using the 'Fool' card ability, its reversal application. However, he quickly discarded the thought. Wilson was a Second Stage Esper, one who was currently on guard. He would likely sense the power creep into him, even if he would have no way of realizing what that power was. 

If that occurred, then Ciel would fail to gain anything beyond death upon this night. 

It was as Ciel's mind churned silently that Wilson at last spoke once more. 

"Alright kid I'm willing to accept this deal, but with a few conditions of my own…" 

He raised his index finger. 

"Firstly, you will answer a question that I have in person right now then write down a large portion of your knowledge regarding espers before you leave this casino. If it turns out that you deceived me, I will spare no resources in having you hunted down."

He raised his middle finger.

"Secondly, I will allow you to join my gang and give you the weaponry you want but what you have done tonight can not be easily overlooked. You will pay it back with the blood of our enemy gangs, and from that slaughter, you will need to kill one of their heads as penance for taking one of my own."

He raised his ring finger.

"Lastly, when I need something from you, regardless of the task, time, or place, you will obey. If you don't I'll consider it your way of rebelling and take action accordingly. If I'm going to take the risk of keeping you alive then I at least want an obedient dog… Those are my terms. Now decide if they are more bearable than death."

Ciel pretended to ponder the matter over, however he knew full well that this was the best deal he could receive. After all, while Ciel could use his knowledge as a bargaining chip, it was all which he had. Wilson meanwhile, possessed far more things which Ciel needed. If he pressed for more then Wilson might just choose to let go of this opportunity in favor of avoiding an unknown risk. 

Still— Ciel had to keep up appearances and not show eagerness. Doing so would only expose his disadvantage within this deal. 

After a while, he nodded. 

"Okay, that sounds acceptable." 

Hearing such, the previous amused smile resurfaced upon Wilson's lips.

"Don't bother acting as though it was something to be pondered. Doing so now is only a waste of time." 

Wilson said, his tone that of slight mockery.

"Now then, let's test this supposed knowledge and see if it is actually worth the risk of letting you join."

"What do you want to know?"

Ciel asked. 

"I was told that espers only have one weak spot, their heads…" 

Wilson did not need to say anything further as Ciel immediately understood what he wished to know. As per their agreement he did not linger to answer.

"Whoever told you such was not lying, but they were misleading you if that is all they said. Only Fourth Stage Espers and above don't have to fear any injuries apart from the head. Their healing is that potent. However, First, Second, and Third Stage Espers can't heal fast enough to survive a simple shot to the heart. Moreover, First Stage Espers are unable to even heal fast enough to survive an organ rupture. Though all this only applies when their Spirituality Fields are activated. Even a Sixth Stage Esper can die from a simple bullet if they are caught off guard and the circumstances are right." 

Though that is very unlikely… 

Ciel added silently before continuing. 

"That 12 Tiger Head was a First Stage right? He was too fixated with his strength to see me as a proper threat. His Spirituality Field was fully activated so he probably noticed me bringing down the gun yet chose not to react immediately. Overconfidence can also become a critical weakness."

Wilson listened calmly before nodding with a complicated expression. 

"I see…"

Ciel could tell that a lot was processing within Wilson's head. Perhaps he at last realized just how deeply he had been deceived by his investor. Soon Wilson snapped out of his thoughts and continued further down the topic. 

"How can you tell that he was a First Stage Esper?" 

Ciel pointed at his head. 

"He protected his head by thickening his skull but his skin was burst open easily by the two bullets. First Stage Espers can't alter their skin so that was how I knew. Then again there was also the possibility that he was a Second Stage Esper who was merely ignorant of the many applications available to him, but that possibility turned unlikely when you appeared…"

Wilson gently began stroking his beard as he smiled with slight mirth once more. 

"You really do know a lot. Just who the hell are you kid?" 

Although he asked, Wilson's tone exposed the fact that he did not actually desire an answer. Instead he merely continued. 

"You mentioned skin bursting open easily, do tell, how can I prevent that as a Second Stage Esper?"

"Simple really, you just need to exaggerate and alter the carbon atoms in your skin to create an effect akin to that of carbon fiber. Do that and you will find it hard for any Regular-Grade weaponry to easily penetrate your skin." 

Wilson continued his leisure motion of stroking his beard as he entered into some pondering. Then his already curled lips widened even further, exposing his white teeth. 

"This deal might just be even more beneficial than I thought."

With his immediate curiosity quenched, Wilson did not inquire more. Instead he stood up and leisurely discarded his chair to the side before approaching Ciel. He then extended a hand. 

"Let us see where this deal of ours takes us… Ciel Adams, welcome to The Red Tiger Gang." 

Ciel did not hesitate to take the hung hand with that of his own. They both shook firmly, solidifying an alliance which promised to bring bloodshed. Not that Ciel cared. He had at last taken his first substantial step towards his ultimate goals. 

Regardless of what awaited him, he would march forth without hesitation or mercy. Such was his only purpose, one driven by a dead but remembered desire. 

End of Part 1 – Chaotic Entry