chapter 7

Chapter 7: Power Struggles

The adrenaline from the mission still pulsed through Xander's veins as he stood in the heart of the warehouse that served as his base of operations. The Shadow Gaze clan had been eliminated, and with that, his status within the mafia world had risen. Yet, the weight of his actions lingered, gnawing at the edges of his mind. He had crossed a line he never thought he would, and there was no going back.

The Mafia System had been eerily silent since the mission's completion, giving Xander space to process his victory—and the blood it had cost. But there was no time for reflection in this world. His rise to power had only begun, and already, the cracks were starting to show.

"Xander," Selene's voice broke through his thoughts. She stood at the edge of the room, her arms crossed and her expression guarded. "We need to talk."

He nodded, gesturing for her to approach. "What's going on?"

Selene stepped closer, her eyes scanning the room before settling on Xander's. "There's unrest among the ranks. Some of the newer recruits are questioning your leadership. They think you got lucky with the Shadow Gaze mission, that it was too easy."

Xander frowned, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. "I knew this wouldn't be easy, but I didn't expect dissent so soon."

"It's not just the new recruits," Selene continued, her voice low. "There's someone stirring the pot, someone who thinks they should be in charge."

Xander's jaw clenched. He had expected challenges from rival clans, but internal betrayal was something he hadn't prepared for. "Who?"

"Marco," Selene said, her tone sharp. "He's been with us since the beginning, but he's always had his eye on the top spot. Now, with your quick rise, he sees an opportunity to take what he thinks is his."

Xander exhaled slowly, trying to keep his anger in check. Marco had been one of the more ambitious members of his group, but Xander had trusted him—at least, enough to keep him close. "I'll deal with him."

"Be careful," Selene warned. "Marco's dangerous. He's got a few loyalists on his side, and he's not afraid to play dirty."

Xander nodded, determination hardening his features. "I won't let him undermine what we've built. This is my family now, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect it."

---

Later that evening, Xander found Marco in one of the back rooms of the warehouse, surrounded by a small group of his loyal followers. The air was thick with tension as Xander entered, his presence commanding attention.

"Marco," Xander said, his voice steady but firm. "We need to talk."

Marco turned to face him, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Ah, the new boss himself. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Xander stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Marco's. "I hear you've been stirring up trouble, questioning my leadership."

Marco chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "Is that what you've heard? I've simply been pointing out the obvious. You're new to this world, Xander. You got lucky with the Shadow Gaze mission, but luck doesn't last forever."

Xander's fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to stay calm. "This isn't about luck, Marco. It's about loyalty. If you have a problem with my leadership, we settle it here and now."

Marco's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "Is that a challenge, Xander? Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Xander's heart pounded in his chest, but he refused to back down. "I'm not just ready. I'm demanding it."

The room fell into a tense silence, the other members watching with bated breath. Marco's smile faded, replaced by a more calculating expression. "Very well, Xander. If you want to prove yourself, let's see if you can handle it."

Without warning, Marco lunged forward, his fist aiming for Xander's face. Xander dodged, his reflexes sharpened by the training he had undergone. The two men circled each other, the tension crackling like electricity.

Marco was fast, but Xander was faster. He ducked under another swing, landing a solid punch to Marco's side. The older man grunted in pain but didn't falter. He came at Xander again, this time with a knife that gleamed in the dim light.

Xander's mind raced. He hadn't expected the fight to escalate this quickly, but he knew he couldn't back down. He had to end this, now.

Summoning the strength he had gained from the Mafia System, Xander caught Marco's wrist mid-swing, twisting it until the knife clattered to the floor. With a swift motion, he knocked Marco to the ground, pinning him down with his knee.

The room was silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the two men. Xander stared down at Marco, his eyes hard and unforgiving. "This is my family, Marco. If you ever question my leadership again, I won't be so merciful."

Marco glared up at him, his pride wounded, but he nodded reluctantly. "Understood."

Xander stood, his chest heaving as he turned to face the rest of the group. "Anyone else have a problem with my leadership?"

The room remained silent, the members exchanging uneasy glances but saying nothing. Xander's gaze swept over them, making it clear that he was in charge now, and any further dissent would not be tolerated.

As the crowd dispersed, Selene approached him, her expression unreadable. "You handled that well. But be careful, Xander. Power struggles like this are just the beginning."

Xander nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. He had won this battle, but the war for power in the mafia world was far from over. Betrayal ran deep, and he would have to stay vigilant if he wanted to survive.

As he walked back to his quarters, Xander couldn't shake the feeling that more challenges lay ahead. The path to power was treacherous, but he was determined to navigate it, no matter the cost.

He had come too far to turn back now.