There were many underground cities across the kingdom, yet most ringleaders kept to their own areas, their network usually being limited to the city they were settled in. Though some did pursue business across multiple cities, it was rare. 

As Jackal, there were only a few ringleaders I had contact with in this underground city—some more due obligation than anything else. 

Lor, the eternal fourth place.

Fredo, ranked seventh.

Nikke, the second ranker.

Rain, a new leader who was climbing the ranks fast—last time I checked, they were ranked 23th.

Among them, only Nikke and Lor had seen me in person. And only Nikke had seen me without a mask, and knew my real name.

“Can I get you anything to drink?”

“I’m good.”

I entered the house with low, reluctant steps. With all windows closed, without being able to see the grim and desolate landscape of the underground, anyone would believe it if Nikke told them they were in the heart of the citadel, above ground.

Chairs made of high-quality dragon’s leather, fur rugs and fancy tapestries, quartz crystals hanging from the ceiling with mana pouring from them, illuminating the entire space.

Even the way he dressed reeked of money and power, elegance even. I wouldn’t doubt it if even his underwear had been tailored for him, his vest a blend of pearl-white and gold with only a hint of the shirt showing from beneath. Nikke had his hair combed back; a hair so white it was blinding.

That man’s real name was Angus Quennin. He was born and raised in the slums.

And no one could even tell.

“I watched your race today. It was Emrys’ last, isn’t that so?”

I nodded once, still feeling a bit out of place. Every time I visited Angus’ place, it felt like I was in the upper city. And I hated that.

“I still think you shouldn’t have accepted this proposal. Who knows, maybe I will finally steal Jackal’s first place now that you don’t have your ace anymore.” An amused smile touched Angus’ lips as he poured a red liquor into a crystal chalice, the light reflecting it for a brief second.

Making it look scarlet red.

“You say this only because you wanted me to sell Emrys to you.” And even after sealing the contract and receiving the money, Nikke was still making me counteroffers and trying to convince me to give Emrys to him instead.

I was more surprised he hadn’t contacted me before the race than to see him invite me for a meal.

The man laughed, taking one long sip of his drink. “Well, I still think I would’ve been a better choice. The boy will be wasting his talents in that place.”

“He will grow in that place. Say what you want about the regulated races—the academies are second to none when it comes to raising and molding high-rank riders. With their resources, the kid can easily become a Diamond Wing.”

A glimpse of disgust crossed Nikke’s golden eyes, his lips curling in distaste before he replied.

“Let bygones be bygones, now. Nothing to be done, after things were settled.” He sat on the chair, signaling me to take a seat as well. After a few seconds, I complied. “So, how are you faring these days? Any ascending stars stealing your attention?”

I shrugged. “King has promise. I think I will invest in her for the championship. I will open some free runs next month to see if I spot any new talent.”

The smile on Angus’ face did not fade.

“She placed second today, right? Hm…yes, I can see why you like her.” He took one more sip, his eyes wandering through the room before they met my gaze. “I’ve been thinking of expanding my business. Managing a couple more Blocks, planning more races. What does the great Jackal think about this?”

His question caught me by surprise. I wasn’t sure why he was asking me. As leaders, our approaches were vastly different.

I managed only five Blocks, four which made one long run. The only solitary Block I had was 64, one considerably bigger in scale when compared to others.

Nikke, however, did not own two Blocks close to each other. He only set eyes on big Blocks with lots of structures, his races a strange blend of a Royale Rush with a scavenger hunt. They were insanely popular, and quite entertaining to watch.

Certainly he wasn’t looking for my advice on this.

“How many do you manage already? Seven?”

“Nine.”

I slightly raised my eyebrow, still trying to understand where Angus wanted to go with that conversation. Managing Blocks was not easy, much less cheap.

Leaders had to pay commission to the organization that owned the Block; it usually varied between 15% and 35% of the gross profit. Then, we had to hire construction firms after every single race to reform the structures and clean up the streets.

If we managed Blocks that were too close to residential areas—such as Blocks α, β or Ω—ringleaders had to make sure residents would be evacuated to safer zones, and in case there were any damages to their houses, the ringleaders had to pay for repair damages.

Some Blocks were easier to access than others or were more frequented. So there were a lot ringleaders had to consider regarding managing a Block.

Nikke already managed nine, and he had maintained his position at the top for six years. What was he expecting by getting more? Did he want to remove Jackal from the top one?

But then why ask for my opinion?

“Why bother getting more Blocks? Your business is profiting as it is, shouldn’t you be glad the great Nikke’s races are so famous and sought after?”

It was almost as if he hadn’t heard me when he spoke again. As if he hadn’t paid an ounce of attention to my words.

“I was thinking about buying one of yours. Block 64. Would you sell it to me?”

I furrowed, not managing to hide the shock in my eyes or the annoyance in my voice. “Why would I ever sell one of my Blocks? Especially to you.”

Angus leaned closer to me, his hands grasping the crystal chalice as he stared down at the red liquid.

“I had a curious dream this week. But I’m not sure what to make of it.”

It took all my self-control to contain my laughter.

Angus and his odd dreams.

He would swear with his life that the reason he was successful was because his dreams were blessed by some sort of winged goddess. As if they were prophecies, or divine messages. Funny enough, his strange dreams had never failed him, and usually brought great results whenever he “trusted” them.

Or so Angus claimed.

“What, did this dream show you buying Blocks from me? Or other leaders?”

“…not quite.” It took him a few moments to reply, his voice distant and cold.

For some reason, it made me shiver.

“What? Don’t tell me you want me to help you find some meaning in this dream of yours.”

The golden eyes met my own, their glow fierce and grim. “Do you consider us to be friends, Vex?”

Hearing him say my name while gazing so deep into my eyes, it made me avert my gaze for some reason.

It was a word with a strange taste to me. One I could hardly recognize. 

When young Vex found himself homeless in this underground city, desperate to make a living somehow, it was Angus who first recognized Jackal’s shadow. The one who connected me with the right people so I could contact the right investors, choose the right workers.

Thanks to Angus, Vex became the great Jackal and even stole Nikke’s position as the top ranker after a few years. Yet deep down, I always wondered what Nikke had in mind for Jackal. 

What could Angus possibly want from Vex to have offered his support all those years ago.

And when he was going to demand me to pay him back.

“Vex and Angus may be on friendly terms; Jackal and Nikke are business rivals,” I spoke in a low tone, these memories making me uncomfortable in a way.

The white-haired man smiled, a glimpse of relief crossing his face.

“I share the same belief. Which is why I’m meeting you today not as ringleader Nikke, but your friendly neighbor Angus.”

He finished his drink, placing the chalice on the table in front of us. The next time our eyes met, a chill went down my spine. There was something dark lurking in those clear, golden eyes.

Something foul.

“Sell me Block 64. You rarely use it, so it would not impact your races. I’m not asking because I want it—I’m suggesting it because I believe you may need it.”

A nervous laughter found its way out of my mouth, managing to hide the unsettling feeling that kept growing within me.

“Why would I even need it? No, better yet—how would selling you one of my Blocks benefit me in any way? Why, don’t tell me you had a bad dream with me and now you are worried.”

Angus stood up, startling me for a second. He walked around the living room, turning his back to me.

“In my dream, I saw a wounded animal in the woods. It was bleeding and limping, yet it never approached me for help. Then, it got struck by an arrow, right in its heart, dying right where it stood. Soon after, the Winged Goddess appeared from above and placed a crown on my head.”

For some reason my voice shook a bit when I asked, even though I was smiling.

“You think this animal was me?”

Angus turned his head slightly, just so he could meet my gaze.

“It had purple eyes, like yours. It left a bad impression on me, which is why I messaged you.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms. “Yeah, sorry, no offense, but don’t expect me to believe in this dream nonsense like you.”

He turned around, standing beside the window for a few moments, without saying anything. Angus didn’t appear sad or angry about my comment, rather, it was as if he was deep in thought.

When he opened his mouth to speak, however, there was a faint chiming sound that echoed through the house. The man glanced toward the kitchen, his face once again a clean and handsome mask I could never crack open.

“Our meal is ready, it seems. I hope you are hungry, for I am famished.”

Apart from some pleasantries and small talk, we finished our meals in silence. And as soon as I was done, I left without ever looking back.

Although that night I couldn’t stop thinking about Angus’ dream, as the days passed by and my planning for the championship went on, I soon forgot all about Nikke’s strange proposal and odd dream.

This was my second biggest mistake.