Chapter 4: The Banca Gang

On the way to the target, Sheriff Burke filled Keloat and the other cops in on the operation's target and key points.

The Banca Gang: a notorious criminal outfit that had run wild in Duras Port for the past two years. Its early members were just jobless drifters and petty thugs, starting out by extorting protection money everywhere. The garrison was swamped with other issues, so they initially ignored this gang.

Who'd have guessed that after about two years, this gang got some mysterious financial backing and grew into a major force in the area? They gobbled up small gangs, beefed up their numbers, and got even bolder.

They were into all sorts of illegal stuff: gambling, robbery, drug - trafficking, and the ever - present port smuggling. The garrison had nabbed many of their members, but instead of being crushed, these gangsters got guns and openly fought the government forces.

The Duras government wouldn't stand for a gang that challenged its authority. So, a while back, they ordered the Duras Port garrison to wipe them out, leading to today's operation.

"Our informant says this gang bought a batch of guns recently... Not a huge amount, 'cause the arms dealers don't want to push it too far. So, we've definitely got the firepower edge. Don't be scared when the fight starts. We're in control."

Seeing some of his so - called elite officers get nervous at the mention of the gang having guns, not to mention the regular ones, Burke tried to calm them down. But inside, he sighed and felt disappointed in his subordinates.

When he looked at Keloat, though, the young man showed no reaction. That impressed Burke. He secretly decided to recruit Keloat into the garrison to help him out. The garrison desperately needed fearless fighters!

In fact, how could Keloat not be afraid of death? He was just figuring out how to use his special ability to protect his vital parts without being noticed.

The target was in a rough neighborhood near Duras Port. The number of violent incidents here each quarter was as high as the total of several neighboring streets combined. It was a hooligan hangout, and the Banca Gang was in charge.

The Banca Gang ran several taverns and nightclubs here, their front businesses. Intelligence said there was a gang leaders' meeting tonight. Most members would be there, including the big boss, Banca.

"Once we're in, don't hold back. There aren't many good guys in there. As long as you don't shoot your own mates, you can take out anyone who acts hostile. With the garrison's support, the government's promised to cover up any accidental civilian deaths today."

Burke walked beside Keloat, telling him there were no rules for today's operation. The garrison officers were sick of this gang. They ran big businesses but didn't share profits with the government and even dared to challenge its authority. They deserved to be wiped out!

Keloat nodded. A few seconds later, he feigned surprise, as if shocked that the garrison didn't care about civilians. In reality, even without Burke's reminder, Keloat wouldn't have given a damn.

Once the fight started, he wouldn't care if the troublemakers were a threat. Anyone in his way would feel the swing of his short - handled axe!

This was the wild Duras Port! A few civilian deaths meant nothing. The garrison could easily hush it up. All the ordinary folks would know was that another gang had been taken down by the "just" government.

As they neared the gang's meeting place, a two - story tavern came into sight. Three or four guards were outside, puffing on cigarettes. This operation was top - secret. To avoid suspicion, they'd split into three groups when entering the street and hidden their guns under their clothes.

Carrying long swords and shields was okay. After all, people coming here at night for fun often carried weapons for self - defense.

The plan was for Keloat and Burke's group to take out the door guards first. When they saw the other two groups catch up, Keloat didn't hesitate and headed straight for the tavern's main entrance.

"Friend, you can't bring weapons in today. Leave that shield and this thing outside. Same for your friends behind you. Put 'em all over there. We guarantee they'll be safe. The Banca Gang's trustworthy."

As soon as Keloat reached the door, a guard stopped him. The guard put his hand on Keloat's chest and patted his shield and the short - handled axe at his waist. The other guards lifted their shirts, showing their black guns.

"Why? I thought it was okay to bring weapons in before."

Keloat glanced at Burke and then turned around. In front of the four guards, he reached for his shield with his left hand and touched his axe with his right.

Maybe because they thought they'd made a tough guy like Keloat back down, the four guards got excited. Two of them even whistled lewdly as they sized Keloat up.

"Wait... My axe seems stuck in my belt. Brother, could you help me out? It's a bit dark and I can't see."

"What? Alright, let me check... Ah!!"

The guard closest to Keloat bent down to help. He was stupid and unlucky. As he leaned in, a gray axe blade flashed under the tavern sign!

Keloat's intermediate - level Burning Skill shined in this simple move. With a wild swing, the axe sliced through the guard's head. Blood and brains splashed on the two guards beside him, leaving them frozen.

Without missing a beat, Keloat's axe, after cutting through the first guard's neck, swung at the guard on his left. It made a long gash from the guard's forehead down. The injured man dropped dead without a sound.

By then, though Keloat still had energy, he pretended to be exhausted and stopped. He knew his two quick kills had impressed Burke. It was enough for his public display of strength to be a bit better than the elite officers. Showing too much would mess up his plan to hide his true identity later.

Gain 2 points of bloodline energy. The system is not activated... The energy dissipates!

As for the two guards who finally reacted and tried to draw their guns, Burke and the others took care of them. At such close range, before they could even pull their guns out, several long swords hit their heads, and the ground was soon soaked in blood.

"Great work! Quit being a bouncer at the Deep Harbor Tavern and work for me. I won't let you down. As long as I get a cut, you'll get yours. What do you say? Think about it."

Seeing Keloat's quick and brutal kills, Burke couldn't hide his admiration. After dealing with the last two guards, he immediately invited Keloat, not caring about the timing.

"Really! Sounds great! I've heard the garrison pays well and has a good reputation. From now on, I'm with you, Big Brother Burke."

"Good! Good! Since you're calling me Big Brother, I'll take good care of you. After this job, I'll handle your paperwork myself!"

Burke, already pumped up from killing, was even more excited when his recruitment worked. He slapped Keloat on the shoulder, showing he'd handle everything and Keloat just had to follow.

Of course, they had to finish the main job first. Since the tavern's music was so loud, the outside killings hadn't caught the attention of the people inside. Burke waved to the other two groups, telling them to follow. He also told them to toss the four corpses at the door into the tavern's nearby weeds so passers - by wouldn't see.

They pushed open the tavern door, and a wall of sound hit them. The tavern was a mess. There were a few scattered stages in the middle, where some women were doing very sexy dances. Below the stages were a bunch of shouting men.

They split into three groups again and headed for the stairs to the second floor. On the way, Keloat saw three men who clearly had higher status walking up the stairs and entering a room on the second floor.

During this, Keloat also noticed a very strong - looking man at the stairway. He was playing with a silver dagger and seemed to be a bodyguard.