The Hotel of Hands was slowly becoming THE spot for criminals who had nowhere else to go.
They came in as enemies, got their asses kicked, and left as loyal customers.
But not everyone was laughing.
In the shadows, someone was watching.
---
Meanwhile, in the Obsidian Syndicate's Headquarters…
A tall, well-dressed man sat at the head of a long, dark table. His golden rings shimmered as he tapped his fingers against the polished wood.
This was Victor Kane, one of the seven leaders of the Obsidian Syndicate—the most feared criminal organization in the city.
Victor: "Explain to me why a random hotel is attracting our men."
A nervous underling cleared his throat.
Underling: "Sir, it's a high schooler. He… um… beats people up and forces them to stay at his hotel."
Victor: "…"
Victor: "A high schooler?"
Underling: "Y-Yes, sir."
Victor: "One kid is stealing from the Obsidian Syndicate? What is this, a bad anime?"
Underling: "…Sir, he also roasts people mercilessly while fighting."
Victor's eyebrow twitched.
Victor: "Send someone to investigate."
---
Back at the Hotel of Hands
Max was chilling behind the front desk, watching his "employees" sweep the floors.
Suddenly, the hotel doors swung open.
A mysterious figure in a dark cloak stepped in.
Their eyes scanned the room.
They gave off serious assassin vibes.
Max: "Lemme guess. Either you're here for a room, or you're here to kill me."
???: "I'm here for both."
Max:
"Well, at least you're honest. Let me guess, Obsidian Syndicate?"
The figure paused before smirking.
???: "So, you know who I am?"
Max: "I know that outfit. I also know you're trying too hard to look cool. Seriously, you're indoors, bro. Take off the hood."
The figure scoffed and pulled back their hood, revealing short black hair and sharp violet eyes.
???: "My name is Rika. I'm here on orders."
Max:
"Cool, Rika. Let me guess—'Oh no, the scary Syndicate is mad at me!' You think I care? Do you know how many morons I beat up before breakfast?"
Rika's eye twitched.
This little bastard was way too confident.
---
Max vs. Rika – Verbal Warfare Begins!
Rika: "You think you're untouchable?"
Max: "No, I know I am. Also, your eyeliner is smudged."
Rika:
"…"
"…"
"WHAT?!"
The gang members watching from the corner winced.
Gang Member #1: "Damn. That was a fatal hit."
Rika: "YOU—"
Max: "Also, do they give all Obsidian Syndicate members the same edgy backstory, or do you guys have a form to fill out?"
Rika: "…"
Rika: "Fine. You wanna talk? Let's talk with our fists."
Max grinned.
Max: "Finally. I was getting bored."