As Axel's voice faded, Zas fell silent, the weight of his new reality pressing down. Both he and Alfred were still adjusting to serving Axel, a man whose temperament demanded more than they had ever encountered. In just two days, they had witnessed enough to know he would not be easy to handle. For a moment, they both sighed in unison, sharing a rare feeling of mutual misery.
Zas followed Alfred into Axel's manor, where the young boss was having his hair styled. The barber was finishing the final touches on Axel's sleek, distinguished, slicked-back look.
"Master, your hair is exceptionally tough. I only trimmed stray strands, yet broke two pairs of scissors. It's clear your body is extraordinarily strong," the barber said.
Axel grinned. "Haha, you talk too much. But I have to admit, this is the most comfortable haircut I've ever had. No memberships, no upselling, and you praise me like I'm some genius idiot. I'm practically floating. Hey Alfred, how much cash do we have left? Remember to give this Buddy a generous tip."
Alfred sighed. "Master, Young Master Bruce has already begun his counterattack. All manor accounts for daily expenses are frozen. To be honest, there's barely two hundred thousand Dollars in the safe, not enough to cover a week's wages for the staff."
Axel pouted. "Damn, life is too frugal. But it's fine—it'll get better soon. For now, Zas, did you bring any money? Give some to the barber if you did."
"Me…?!" Zas froze, then reluctantly dug into his chest. "I didn't bring cash, but I have this—a Kimber 1911, pure silver, first edition collectible!" He shoved the pistol into the barber's hands.
The barber's eyes lit up. "Master, this is the best gift I've ever received! You knew I loved antique guns? Incredible!"
"Heh, I didn't know, but now I do. What man doesn't like guns?" Axel laughed, playfully kicking the barber. He waved to Alfred.
"Take care of the manor. If you miss Bruce, go see him, chat, and gather intel. For now, Zas, take me to my future territory. Soon, I can tell our butler that I've conquered all of Gotham. Haha! Wait… why am I saying that to a butler?" Axel shook his head at Alfred, then left with Zas.
As the car sped toward the Iceberg Lounge, Zas briefed him.
"Boss, Falcone's departure cannot stay secret—Gotham rarely hides anything. In the last hour, assets Falcone couldn't transfer were attacked. Fish was cornered at Big Fish Bar by the Osad Family and the Akahara Yakuza. The two sides exchanged fire for ten minutes before Fish fled with her key personnel, hiding in Evanston High School, taking students as shields. This cannot continue—it tarnishes the Axel Family reputation!"
Maroni had refrained from intervening, keeping his own agenda. Chief Savage was under his control, while police and Moksen Family forces dragged their feet in the Diamond District. Gunfights raged over an hour, fewer than ten casualties, all waiting for you to act. Blackgate Penitentiary was also attacked—our jailed Buddies were scattered in fear."
Axel nodded knowingly. "Of course, those in jail need protection. If trouble finds them, who cleans it up? Not you—no, not like me. Even with bounties, you wouldn't die. You need scapegoats. But… damn, so much chaos. I almost regret playing this gang game. Still, it's fun—let's hit Blackgate next!"
"Wait," Zas warned. "Before that, there's more. Liv tried to assassinate Falcone, but Oswald intervened, shooting her twice. Falcone and Oswald identified her as a Court of Owls member. She should have survived, but after being unconscious, she started bleeding heavily. When I arrived, Oswald had a family doctor trying to save her. I can't promise you'll see her alive."
Axel's eyes widened in faux shock. "Holy crap, Liv's an Owl? I actually… slept with an Owl? Haha, interesting. But why the bleeding? Some countermeasure left in her body by the Court? Step on it, Buddy! I haven't even seen a living Owl—I should've shot her more times! And she tried to assassinate Falcone? Impulsive woman! Go, go! Red light? Who cares, accelerate!"
He slapped Zas's thigh for emphasis, and Zas grinned with excitement. Falcone had always been the mountain to climb, but now, with Axel in charge, Zas felt his second spring had arrived.
"Boss, hold on!" Zas growled, flooring the Aston Martin's accelerator. The car roared to life, drifting elegantly around corners as Axel grabbed a submachine gun stored in the vehicle. Kicking the car door off, he smashed it into a Lexus, then fired a volley into the sky. The wind rushed in, music blared at maximum volume, and Gotham itself seemed to bend under Axel's chaotic joyride.
"Boss, you all look incredible! Could you lend your Buddy some money to spend?" Zas laughed, reveling in the madness.