Word count: 2250 word
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The room froze as my words hung in the air, the weight of my presence pressing down on everyone. The Eight Fingers members stared at me, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion.
Hilma was the first to recover, her sharp eyes narrowing as she rose from her chair. "Who the hell are you?" she demanded, her voice trembling despite her attempt to sound authoritative.
I smirked, my eyes scanning the room. "Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is that you're all in my way. And I don't like obstacles."
Garrick, the hulking leader of the Security Division, stepped forward, his massive frame blocking my path. "You've got some nerve barging in here. Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?"
I tilted my head, my smirk widening. "Oh, I know exactly who I'm dealing with. A bunch of small-time criminals playing at being kings. But here's the thing, I don't have time for games. So, let's make this quick." I was used to making threats and confrontations during my life before, this much? I can handle it. I had quite a sharp tongue after all.
I turned to Makima, who was beside me, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the tension in the room. "There are two people here I don't want," I said, my voice cold and deliberate. "Cocco Doll and Mira."
Makima's lips curved into a faint smile, her golden eyes glinting with amusement. "Understood."
Before anyone could react, Makima raised her hand, pointing at Cocco Doll with her index finger shaped like a gun. She tilted her head cutely, her voice soft and almost playful.
"Bang."
Cocco Doll's head exploded in a shower of blood and bone, his body slumping to the floor before anyone could even scream. The room erupted into chaos, but Makima was already turning to Mira, her finger now aimed at the muscular woman.
"Bang."
Mira's head met the same fate, her body collapsing like a puppet with its strings cut. The room fell silent again, the remaining members of the Eight Fingers staring in horror at the two lifeless bodies on the floor.
Garrick was a fighter of the organization, maybe their strongest fighter, he immediately knew what to do. "WE HAVE INTRUDERS! EVERYONE COME TO THE MEETING ROOM, NOW!" He was ready to spring into action as well as soon as his men bombarded the room with their huge number but, something unexpected happened.
A bloodcurdling scream echoed from outside the room, followed by the sounds of chaos and shouts, the clash of steel, and the sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground. The members of the Eight Fingers froze, their eyes darting toward the door.
"What the hell is going on out there?" Roland demanded, his voice trembling.
I smirked, my tone chillingly casual. "That? That's the sound of your men being massacred. My associates are… cleaning house. You see, I don't believe in half-measures. Either you fall under my authority, or you join them. There's no running. No hiding. This is your only choice." Obviously, it was a bluff, I only had Mahito by himself doing the job. Even though he is more than enough, I don't want to be looked down upon due to the numerical difference.
Hilma's face paled, her hands gripping the edge of the table. "You're insane. Do you really think you can just walk in here and..."
Another scream cut her off, this time closer, followed by the sound of something heavy slamming against the door. Grotesque sounds of creatures not human could be heard from here.
The members flinched, their bravado crumbling as the reality of their situation sank in.
I leaned forward, my eyes locking onto Hilma's. "Let me make this clear. Your men are dead. Your defenses are gone. You have no allies, no escape, and no power. The only thing you have left is the choice to serve me or die."
I stepped forward, my boots crunching on the shattered remains of Cocco Doll's skull. "Now that we've cleared the room of unnecessary distractions," I said, my voice calm but dripping with menace, "let's talk about that compromise. You're going to hand over control of the Eight Fingers to me. And in return, I'll let you live."
Hilma's face was pale, her hands trembling as she gripped the edge of the table. "You… you can't be serious. Do you have any idea what you're doing? The nobles, the king—they'll never allow this!"
I chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "The nobles? The king? They're irrelevant. This kingdom will soon belong to me. And if you're smart, you'll fall in line."
Garrick growled, his fists clenched as he took a step toward me. "You think you can just waltz in here and take over? You're out of your depth, boy."
I didn't even flinch. "Makima."
She didn't need to be told twice. With a flick of gun-shaped hand, Garrick's body crumpled to the ground, headless...
Garrick was the strongest fighter here, seeing him defeated this easily made everyone realize that resistance was futile. Even he had no time to even react.
While this was unfolding, Makima who was standing silently beside me all the time for my safety of course, tilted her head, her crimson eyes glowing faintly as she had already manipulated their mind. Nothing crazy, just influencing them into fearing me more and engraving the fact that the moment they betray me, they die. They would also remember me as, the one who would bring them prosperity and power, which is true if they prove loyalty.
I decided to continue now. "The deaths of Cocco Doll and Mira were necessary. Their divisions drugs and smuggling are no longer needed. However, their remaining resources will be sold off, and the money generated will be distributed to the other departments to strengthen and reinforce them."
I paused, letting my words sink in. "As for the Security Division, a new leader will be appointed. Someone far more capable. I already have the perfect candidate in mind."
"The rest of you will continue your operations under my command. But make no mistake. This organization is no longer about crime. We will reshape this kingdom. And those who serve me loyally will be rewarded. Those who don't…" I glanced at the bodies on the floor, letting the implication hang in the air.
"I shall send someone later to explain the procedure of the next operations so until then continue like usual." I sat on one of the chairs, Makima always behind me.
The members nodded their expressions a mix of fear and reluctant acceptance. I could see the doubt in their eyes, but Makima's influence was already taking hold, twisting their memories and perceptions to ensure their loyalty.
"Now," I said, my tone final, "leave us. All of you, except Hilma."
The members hesitated for a moment before filing out of the room, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Hilma remained seated, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her sharp eyes fixed on me. She knew better than to speak out of turn.
'They are probably going to be met with whatever Mahito did there, but it's good. At least they would know their fate in case they try something funny. I hope he doesn't kill them though...'
As the door closed behind the last of them, I turned to Hilma, my expression unreadable. "You and I have much to discuss."
Hilma stood stiffly, her sharp eyes darting between me and Makima, her posture betraying her unease. She was trying to maintain her composure, but the weight of the situation was clearly pressing down on her. Before I could say anything, Makima's voice cut through the silence, cold and commanding.
"Kneel" Makima said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Kneel before your new master."
Hilma hesitated for only a fraction of a second before dropping to her knees, her head bowed low. The sight sent a thrill through me a sense of power and control that I hadn't realized I craved until now. 'This is what it means to rule,' I thought, my eyes gleaming with satisfaction. 'To have others kneel before you, to hold their fate in your hands.'
"How should I address you, sir?" Hilma asked, her voice steady but laced with caution.
"Meliodas..." I replied, my tone calm but firm. "My name is Meliodas."
"Understood, sir Meliodas," Hilma said, her head still bowed.
Makima's eyes narrowed, her crimson gaze piercing Hilma like a blade. The air around her seemed to grow heavier, her aura radiating a quiet menace. "It's Meliodas-sama for you," she said, her voice soft but dripping with threat. "You will address him with the respect he deserves."
Hilma flinched, her body tensing as if she could feel Makima's aura pressing down on her. "Y-yes, of course. Meliodas-sama. Please forgive me."
I couldn't help but smile. Makima's intensity was both terrifying and exhilarating. She knew exactly how to enforce my authority without me having to lift a finger. 'She's perfect.' I thought.
I stepped closer to Hilma, my gaze sweeping over her. "You're a beautiful woman, Hilma," I said, my voice smooth and deliberate. "Sharp-minded, resourceful, and ambitious. These are qualities I admire. That's why I've decided to make you my representative. The Eight Finger will be under your control, after Makima here of course."
Hilma's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of hope breaking through her fear. 'Representative?' she thought, her mind racing. 'This could be… an opportunity. But at what cost?'
"You will inform me of any attempts at betrayal," I continued, my tone hardening. "Fifty percent of the organization's profits will belong to me. The other fifty percent is yours. Use it as you see fit, invest it, spend it, whatever you choose. But remember, I expect results."
Hilma nodded her expression a mix of gratitude and apprehension. 'Fifty percent… that's more than I ever had before. But can I trust him? Can I trust myself not to make a mistake?'
"Money isn't your only reward," I added, leaning closer to her. "I can give you power. Control. And in time, I will make you a noble. You'll have everything you've ever wanted."
I reached out, gently tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to meet my gaze. "You're a beautiful and intelligent woman, Hilma. You don't want to lose that, do you? You want power, don't you?"
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she seemed to struggle with her answer. But then she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Meliodas-sama. I want power."
I smiled, releasing her chin. "Good. As long as you comply, you'll have everything you desire."
"Good, this is about it for now," I stood up to leave, but paused, glancing back at her. "Oh, and one more thing. The abolition of slavery? It's not happening. It's too lucrative to abandon. So, you can keep your business running for now."
Hilma's eyes widened again, relief washing over her. 'My business… I can keep it!'
As I walked toward the door, I added, "I'll send someone soon to explain everything in detail. Until then, prepare yourself. The Obsidian Chains will rise to new heights."
With that, I left the room, Makima following silently behind me. Hilma remained on her knees, her mind racing with a mix of anticipation, hope, and...
'Why am I blushing?' Her face felt warm, and when she touched her cheeks, they were burning, her thoughts a jumbled mess.
She walked over to the polished ebony table, her fingers trailing across its smooth surface as she replayed the conversation in her mind. The way he had tilted her chin, the way his voice had softened when he called her beautiful and intelligent… 'No one has ever spoken to me like that, no one has ever seen my potential the way he does.'
Her thoughts spiraled further, her excitement growing with each passing second. 'He promised me power. Control. Even nobility. All I have to do is serve him faithfully. I can't disappoint him. I won't disappoint him.'
Hilma's mind began to race with plans. 'I'll need to reorganize the divisions immediately. The slave trade must be expanded, he said it's too lucrative to abandon. And the profits… fifty percent is mine. I'll invest it wisely, and make the organization stronger than ever. He'll see how capable I am. He'll praise me. He'll…'
She stopped herself. 'What's wrong with me? Why am I thinking like this?' But the thoughts wouldn't stop. Meliodas-sama had awakened something in her, a hunger she hadn't realized she possessed. 'I need him,' she admitted to herself, her voice barely a whisper. 'I need his approval. His recognition. His… everything.'
She shook her head, trying to focus. 'No, I need to prove myself first. I need to show him that I'm worthy of his trust.'
'I'll start tonight. I'll gather the division leaders and explain the new structure. I'll make sure everything runs perfectly. He'll see. He'll see how much I can do for him.'
It seems that... The effects of Makima's mind control were undeniable. Hilma's loyalty, her obsession, her need for Meliodas's approval, it all felt so natural, so right. She didn't question it. She didn't want to. All she wanted was to serve him, to be the one he relied on, the one he praised.
TO BE CONTINUED --->