Elijah and Kai (1)

The Next Day

Everything was finally ready.

The place now looked like a proper bar. Elijah and the others were busy polishing the furniture, making sure everything was in perfect condition.

After finishing up, Elijah let out a deep sigh and said,

"Yeah, we're finally done. That was exhausting. So, are we opening tonight?"

Kai shook his head and replied,

"Yes, but don't forget—we're also going on a recruitment run. So if you have any other plans, cancel them."

Elijah chuckled. "Yeah, I know. I'm free all day anyway. But do you know how much money we'll be making from this place?"

He asked because his money had completely run out.

He could still make some cash from underground fights, but it wasn't nearly enough to lift the financial burden off his mother.

Kai understood Elijah's concern and answered, "Well, for the most part, we're not going to be making anything from this place."

Before Elijah could react, Kai continued,

"Most of the money earned here will go into improving the business. Whatever's left will go to Mia and her mother.

They invested the most money, and since they'll be running the bar, it's only fair that they take the profits. Unless you object."

Elijah shook his head. "It's fine."

Kai grinned and playfully shoved Elijah.

"Until we're strong enough to take down Mike, we won't be taking any money from here.

But in the meantime, let's focus on growing our gang. The plan is simple. I heard Jack will be at this place tonight."

Before they could go any further, Lucas raised a brow and asked, "Wait… do you mean Jack, the top dog at our school?"

Kai smirked. "Yeah, the top dog from Cabi School. And we're heading there because Elijah is going to fight Ray, the top dog from Malivia School."

Elijah frowned, looking confused. "Isn't Malivia our school?"

Kai nodded. "Yeah, and I want you to become the new top dog."

Elijah questioned, "Why? I thought we were targeting the gang from the west side."

Kai crossed his arms. "Who do you think owns that pool club?" He smirked. "It's Jack."

Elijah nodded but still asked, "Then why don't we just go straight for Jack instead of dealing with Ray first?"

Kai shook his head. "The reason Jack is even there in the first place is because of Ray. If you beat Ray, you'll get Jack's attention. And with your charm, you can make him join our gang."

Elijah was dumbfounded by the logic but sighed, accepting whatever plan Kai had.

Kai smiled. "The other person we need is Kevin, the new student at your school." He pointed at Lucas, who simply nodded, understanding his role.

"But why do I need to become the top dog again?" Elijah asked.

Kai slapped the back of his head, making Mia chuckle while Lucas grinned.

"Because," Kai explained, "if we build your reputation, it'll be much easier to recruit students from our school."

Mai then entered the conversation. "Alright, let me prepare everything. And Lucas, you're our bodyguard, so keep us safe."

"Who made you the leader?" Lucas retorted.

Mia smirked. "The moment your stupid face started following orders."

Lucas frowned but didn't argue.

He knew himself—he wasn't the type to follow orders, yet here he was.

When Kai defeated him, he begrudgingly followed, but he still didn't like Kai's decision to make Elijah the leader.

However, when Elijah also beat him, Lucas completely lowered his pride and accepted his place.

But Mai understood one thing—Lucas never bowed to someone he didn't respect.

This meant he truly acknowledged both Elijah and Kai as his leaders.

"Kai is basically the vice leader," Lucas muttered, looking to the side, clearly annoyed by Mai's teasing.

Meanwhile, Kai and Elijah were already in a playful scuffle.

"Stop, stop, stop! Okay!" Kai shouted as Elijah pushed him aside.

"Get ready, you have a big fight today," Kai said, fixing his clothes.

"At the very least, you learned to never slap my head again," Elijah said with a smirk.

Kai smiled before looking at Mia, who was already on a call with her mother.

"Oh yeah, before I forget, Mia and her mother will be living here."

Slap!

Kai felt a sharp sting on his head. "What was that for?!"

Elijah laughed. "How does that feel?"

"You little idiot!" Kai snapped.

And just like that, the playful fight resumed.

Lucas watched the chaos unfold with a small smile. "You guys are good friends."

"Okay, okay, I have a big fight to prepare for," Elijah said, straightening his clothes.

Kai did the same. "Alright, we're leaving in 30 minutes."

Elijah nodded and walked toward a nearby room with stairs leading both upstairs and downstairs.

As he left, Lucas, who was still holding onto a chair that almost fell during the earlier scuffle, turned to Kai. "So, are you going to fight too?"

Kai shook his head. "No, our leader still has room to grow."

Lucas chuckled. "If he beats one of the top dogs, does that mean his strength is finally at your level?"

Underground

Elijah sat in a lotus position, absorbing Ki from his cells before finally stopping.

"I need to train harder," he muttered.

[Status]

Name: Elijah Havor

Cultivation: Beginner Stage

Level: 7

{Stats}

Strength: 14

Agility: 13

Endurance: 13

Defense: 15

Senses: 12

Free Stat Points: 10

"Put 4 in strength, 4 in agility, and 2 in endurance," Elijah commanded.

[Updated Stats]

Strength: 14 → 18Agility: 13 → 17Endurance: 13 → 15

He felt his body becoming stronger—his muscles tightening, his senses sharpening.

But then, a wave of intense hunger suddenly washed over him.