Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 225: Shadow Reapers [2]

"Welcome, Shadow Reapers. Our journey has just begun," I declared, addressing the assembled members.

"Hey, why the hell are you acting like a boss, huh?" Kyle Thompson said as he opened his mouth.

"Kyle, don't talk to Lucas like that. After all the dungeon you all go to for training belongs to him." Jonathan stepped forward and angrily said, Kyle.

"So what? I don't care if he owns the dungeon or not." Kyle replied to Jonathan with anger in his voice.

"Kyle shut up for a moment, did you forget about why all of us are here?"Marcus Reynolds said and turned towards their boss.

"Boss after so many discussions, all of us come to an important decision."

"What decision?" Jonathan said to Marcus Reynolds, with a confused expression on his face.

Marcus Reynolds took a deep breath and looked at all the remaining members gathering here, all of them nodded their heads at Marcus.

"All of us decided that we were going to leave the Black Couleur Gang."

My eyes widened at Marcus's unexpected announcement. The room fell into a tense silence, and I exchanged a glance with Jonathan, who wore a mix of surprise and frustration.

"Leave the Black Colour Gang? Why?" Jonathan demanded, his tone edged with a hint of betrayal.

Marcus sighed, his gaze unwavering. "It's nothing personal, Jonathan. We appreciate everything you've done, but the truth is, the Black Colour Gang is hanging by a thread. We need something more stable, a chance to grow and thrive. Red wolf gang gave us a very interesting offer and we decided we would take that offer."

The other members nodded in agreement, their expressions determined.

Kyle Thompson spoke up, "We're not saying this to undermine you, Jonathan. It's just that we see more potential in joining the Red Wolf gang. A fresh start, you know?"

Jonathan clenched his fists, visibly frustrated. "After all we've been through, you're just going to abandon the gang?"

Marcus replied, "We've considered the risks, Jonathan. The Red Wolf gang might be our chance to become something greater. We hope you understand."

"And as for joining the Shadow Reapers? Forget it." Kyle said with disdain in his voice.

I look toward Kyle who just started to talk.

Kyle Thompson leaned forward, his fiery gaze meeting mine. "We joined the Black Colour Gang for different reasons. Some for power, some for survival. But becoming mercenaries? That's not what we signed up for."

I met Kyle's intense gaze, acknowledging the scepticism in his words. The tension in the room thickened as I considered their concerns.

"Kyle, I understand your reservations. But the Shadow Reapers aren't just mercenaries; we're agents of change. Our goal is to shape the world from the shadows, to be a force that transcends the limitations of any ordinary gang. This is an opportunity for all of us to rise above the constraints of the Black Colour Gang or even the Red Wolf gang," I explained, my voice calm but resolute.

Jonathan, still visibly frustrated, added, "Kyle, Marcus, you've been through a lot together. I won't force you to stay, but consider what Lucas is offering. The Black Colour Gang may be struggling, and the Red Wolf gang might seem appealing now, but there's a chance for something greater with the Shadow Reapers."

Marcus Reynolds exchanged a glance with Kyle, both deep in thought. The weight of their decision hung in the air.

After a moment of silence, Kyle spoke, "No, we don't want to join it." Kyle stood up and started to leave, with the others also starting to leave the room.

As Kyle and the others began to leave, the tension in the room heightened. Jonathan's frustration was palpable, and I felt a mixture of disappointment and determination.

"Wait," I called out, my voice cutting through the growing silence. Kyle paused, glancing back with a challenging expression.

"Leaving the Black Colour Gang may be your choice, and I respect that. But don't dismiss the opportunity to be part of something greater. The Shadow Reapers are not just mercenaries; we are a force that will shape the destiny of this world. You've faced challenges before, and together we can overcome anything," I urged, my words carrying a conviction that echoed in the dimly lit room.

Jonathan, seeing a potential turning point, added, "Kyle, Marcus, think about it. The Shadow Reapers have the potential to rise above the limitations of any ordinary gang. This is a chance for us to leave a mark on history."

The room fell into a contemplative silence as Kyle and Marcus exchanged a significant glance. The decision hung in the balance, and for a moment, it seemed as if time itself had slowed.

Finally, Kyle sighed, "Are you an idiot? I already told you the answer is no." Saying that Kyel and the others left the room.

Kyle's blunt refusal hung in the air, leaving a sense of finality in the room. The door closed behind them, and a heavy silence settled over the room.

Jonathan, though disappointed, turned to me. "Well, Lucas, it seems we don't have any members. What's our next move?"

I considered the situation, understanding that the Shadow Reapers needed to prove themselves to those who remained. "We move forward. We focus on building our reputation and taking on missions that showcase our strengths. Actions speak louder than words. As we succeed, others may see the value in joining our cause."

Jonathan nodded a determined glint in his eyes. "You're right. We'll make the Shadow Reapers a name that people respect and fear. We might have lost a few, but we'll gain others who believe in our vision."

With renewed determination, I addressed to the Jonathan. "The path ahead won't be easy, but together, we will forge a new legacy. Shadow Reapers, let's prove that we are not just another gang—we are the architects of change."

"You are right, let's prove to them we are not someone with shallow resolve. We will be the best out there in the world." Jonathan said with newfound determination.