Chapter 201: Ground Rules There was a reason why every empire, no matter how strong, eventually crumbled. It wasn’t always because of enemies or lack of power. Most of the time, it was because they spread themselves too thin. Grew too fast. Reached too far. And when they did, they lost control of the outer edges, the cracks formed, and betrayal seeped through. Max knew this. And that was exactly what weighed on his mind now. Sure, the sight of all those students kneeling before him, asking to join the Billion Bloodline, was satisfying. It validated the strength he’d shown. The name he had built. But that didn’t mean saying yes was simple. Just accepting anyone into the group was dangerous. Where would their loyalty truly lie when push came to shove? Would they really be a part of the group in the way Max needed them to be? If he gave them a direct order, something specific and demanding, would they obey? Would they follow without hesitation? Or would they turn their backs when things got tough? Maybe he could pay them, offer cash incentives. That would buy short-term loyalty. But that wasn’t sustainable, not for the kind of empire he was trying to build. He didn’t want mercenaries. He wanted soldiers. Devoted members. People who believed in the group, not just in the perks. That was the whole point behind the Rangers, the inner circle of the Billion Bloodline. The ones close to him. The ones on the payroll. The ones who had proven themselves. Still, he couldn’t help but reflect. He had done something similar before, back when he was with the White Tiger Gang. Back then, he’d created the Cubs, young, upcoming fighters hand-picked to grow under him. And that hadn’t exactly ended well. Was he making the same mistake again? But maybe... just maybe... he didn’t need everyone in the group to be blindly loyal. Maybe just being part of something big was enough for most of them. Maybe the fear of what would happen if they left, if they betrayed the group, would be enough to keep them in line. "All of you..." Max finally said, stepping forward. "I guess I have a few ground rules." There was a hush among the delinquents, both the leaders and their followers. Max’s voice wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be. Every single person was locked onto him. "First," Max continued, "I want to make something clear. Those in the Billion Bloodline don’t do alliances." Murmurs broke out immediately, but Max raised his hand to silence them. "I’m not saying don’t help each other out. I’m not saying you shouldn’t work together. But from this point forward, there are no more borders between schools. There are no separate factions. No more alliances or rivalries between groups." He paused, letting it sink in. "Instead, everyone here is part of the same group, The Billion Bloodline. And you all follow the same hierarchy. Not the one that’s been set by your schools. Not the one your previous leaders enforced. The Bloodline’s hierarchy." The leaders, Print, Erik, Rick, all stood with token members of their groups, each watching Max closely. But the moment he said that, several of their members turned to them. Concerned expressions on their faces. The implication was obvious. Accepting Max’s rule would mean giving up power. For the leaders, that wasn’t just pride, that was control. Delinquents aren’t always known for loyalty, but they do follow strength. Right now, they were checking to see if their leaders truly meant to hand the reins over. Print broke the silence first. "That’s not an issue," he said. "Some people are born to lead. Others are born to follow. And I think everyone who was there that day saw which one you are." Max gave a small nod of approval. But then he raised his voice again. "Hold on. We’re not done yet." He stared at them, eyes sharp. "We need to talk about the rest of the requirements if I’m going to allow you in. There are a few more conditions. And if any of them are dealbreakers for you, then you won’t be part of the Billion Bloodline. Simple as that." Print stepped back into place, nodding respectfully, ready to listen. "The first condition," Max began, "is that all of you must join the Bloodline Gyms. Every member from every group before you has done the same." There was a short pause. "I’m not helping with the fees. No discounts. No handouts. This has to come out of your own pocket. The Billion Bloodline is made up of people who train, who fight, who work. Not freeloaders." To Max’s surprise, the reaction wasn’t negative. In fact, many of the students seemed... excited. To them, this was a good thing. It explained why the group was so strong, why its members dominated every fight they were in. It had to be the gyms. The training. The discipline. And if joining meant access to that, then it was something they were more than willing to pay for. Most delinquents already trained somewhere. Going to the gym was part of their routine, a way to vent, a place to bond with others. Switching gyms wasn’t a big deal. If anything, joining the Bloodline gyms felt like an upgrade. "Next," Max continued, "I’m sure you’ve already noticed around Brinhurst, but every member of the Bloodline wears a uniform." He gestured to his own. "It’s purchased directly from the gyms. It represents who you are. It’s a symbol of the group, and it’s a small price to pay to be part of something like this." Print and Erik exchanged a look. The conditions weren’t what they expected. But they weren’t unreasonable either. "Lastly," Max said. "There’s one more thing." He looked over at Jay and Joe as he said it, this was something new, even for them. "Everyone who wears the uniform, whether they’re officially part of the group or not, must be protected. As long as it doesn’t put you in direct danger, you protect them." A new ripple of surprise moved through the crowd. This wasn’t about power or status. This was something else. Max was playing into the rumors, building a legend. If students believed that even wearing the merch would keep them safe, they’d buy it. And that meant more eyes, more influence, and yes... more money. He continued. "Make this message clear to everyone in your schools. If someone refuses to wear the uniform, they’re not part of the group. You can target them. Pressure them. Let them know." A few jaws dropped. "But don’t go too far," Max warned. "There are boundaries. We don’t cross certain lines. If you do... someone will get hurt in a way that can’t be undone." He let the silence settle. And then, finally: "Alright. I accept. You can all join the Billion Bloodline group, as long as you follow these rules." The moment the words left his mouth, the crowd erupted in cheers. Students stood, fists raised. The once-divided schools now felt like one. Max turned his back, walking away slowly. A grin tugged at the corner of his lips, hidden from the rest. "Heh... this is perfect. This is too perfect. All the schools joining the group... It’s time to make some money."