After leaving AJ Entertainment, Gary unexpectedly found himself back in Slough, his hometown he hadn't anticipated returning to so soon. However, a series of events had led him back.
When Ash had called for the Howlers' help, Kai had already been on his way after informing Gary, just in case anything happened, or more specifically in case there was a need to cleaning up the aftermath. After all, Kai knew how messy things could get.
With the situation resolved, the two of them decided to head back to Slough and return to the Wolf's Pool Club for a little chat.
"So, tell me, how did you enjoy your week as a star?" Kai asked with a broad smile, sitting in his comfortable chair. "Of course, none of what happened at the end will be released to the public, but I heard they’ve filmed enough to go ahead with the program after the editing is complete."
Gary gave Kai a look that somewhat explained the feelings he currently felt. "Why didn't you tell me that you had bought the majority of AJ Entertainment and mainly used my name?" Gary slapped his forehead.
He imagined that with that information, things would have been way easier to deal with on the inside.
For one, he would have easily been able to have the producer fired without having to take any action.
"It was a deal with someone I barely knew. I had a good feeling from Ash, but their gang isn’t the same as ours, and from what I found it they were divided. I didn’t want to risk that information falling in the wrong hands, and what’s better than having a spy on the inside who doesn’t even know he’s a spy?" Kai explained with a chuckle.
Shaking his head, Gary didn’t approve of being used in this way, but he knew that part of the reason Kai kept quiet was because he trusted him. The most important thing was that everything turned out mostly okay. Some people were hurt by these events, but Gary also felt that him taking action should be for the best. If these things hadn't been uncovered, who knows what would have happened.
"Fine, but in the future I think I would prefer knowing these things. Speaking of, what's your next step in all of this? You seem to be doing a lot, and my time in the AFA is almost up," Gary asked.
"Could it be... you think I was waiting for your return to do something big?" Kai asked. "If so, I have to disappoint you. We have been very busy in the background, and a lot of it is thanks to you. There’s a lot of business in Nottsburg, though it’s being handled by Midwak.
"We’ve also have entered alliances with your friends in the AFA, and even the deal made with the Ashen Gang and Ash. The Howlers' power is growing by the day. Truth be told, we might have grown a bit too much too fast, so it's best that we don't get involved in any more trouble and focus on increasinf our gang's strength for now.
"On that topic, what do you think about us working with a company like NIRV?"
Hearing that name, all sorts of thoughts were brought up in Gary's head. He remembered how he had ended the lesson on the wrong foot. At the same time, there was the contract where he had to help out whenever they requested.
"As the gang leader, I’m strongly against. There's something strange about them. If you want anything from them, I think it's best if we talked to Tom, even though I don't want to put him in that situation," Gary replied.
"I thought you might have some issues, but fortunately there are more organizations than just NIRV alone. I agree with your assessment, a company that has ties to most if not all Tier-1 gangs is definitely suspicious. Then again, I have also picked out rumours that claim that NIRV has been set up by the Kings. Either way, getting involved with them would mean unnecessary trouble.
"Still, with the remaining funds, I have asked the others to bring forward the most loyal members of the Howlers. At the next Dark Guild auction, we will be buying as many Altered solutions as we can, improving the strength of the Howlers once again.
Gary was finding it hard to believe; the Howlers certainly had come a long way.
"And I have to thank you for something else as well. The Altered won't just be cannon fodder, either, thanks to your teacher, Crowley. Right now, his only Altered student is Austin, but from the way things are looking, he's sure to have more soon."
Gary had considered visiting his old teacher to see how he was doing, but was happy to hear that he had found a place in Slough. He decided to wait until after his debut match in the AFA before paying him a visit.
"I guess if that's the case, then it should be my time to leave, and I'll be back after my debut match in the AFA," Gary stated. "But before I go, what about Marie and Innu? I haven't seen them around much."
"Marie is doing well. She has been training directly under Olivia and attending some of Crowley's classes. She's been coming back with fewer wounds on her body, as I've noticed. I think even you might be
impressed by the progress she has made."
Being a Werewolf, one did have exceptional growth compared to Altered, but Gary's growth with the system was always beyond what others thought. Even through the small interactions and the Quest he had completed back at AJ Entertainment, his skills had grown.
[5 Pawn Points have been awarded]
[25 Pawn points in total]
"As for Innu, I haven't seen him much. I did check in on him. I gave him funds to set up a new Black Rock Orphanage, sponsored by Business Tycoon Gary Dem, of course.
"When I went around, I met up with Kevin, who said Innu had been coming home late. He hasn't been at the Wolf's Pool Club or hanging around with any of the others, so I'm a little concerned about him. Before you go, I would appreciate if you could meet up with him."
Gary thought it wasn't a bad idea; it wouldn't take long just to drop by. But just as he was about to, his phone vibrated with a ping, receiving a text message.
"What is it?" Kai asked, seeing the look on Gary's face.
"It's the AFA. They said my debut match has been set... but the date is two days from the next full moon," Gary answered.
Resting his elbows on the desk and his head in his hands, Kai thought something like this would happen. Fight dates were quite hard to change due to the number of people and money involved.
"We can't keep running from this situation forever. I've been meaning to do this for a while, but I think it's time that we have another serious talk with Midwak. As someone who belonged to a Pack of Werewolves, I’m sure he has to have a way to stop this transformation."