“Let’s get started on the important details first.” The man’s voice filled the room.

Right now, I’m standing before the entire Black Market body. The buyers, the sellers… The brokers, the intermediaries, the mercenaries. Everyone and everything that is relevant in the secret underground society and it’s structure has been laid before my sight.

“This man here is your new Ruler! He is to be given the same regard you all show me. No, even more! He is, and will only be the essence of law and authority in this entire structure…”

“He is your Ruler!!!” 

The man who is speaking is the one they call Borgos. He is, or should I say was, the Ruler of the Arita Black Market. However, since I basically dismantled his most elite force and revealed myself to be the orchestrator of everything that happened, he became docile and subservient toward me.

In exchange for his life, he gave me everything he had. His authority within the Black Market as well as the goods exclusive to his production. A form of aphrodisiac drug that is addictive to the user.

According to him, it seems to be the trend in brothels and slave management, making it a stable and profitable stream of income. Also considering dues and royalties received from buyers and sellers alike, I am guaranteed a very high amount of money for every second the Black market operates.

This is the use I have for this establishment. No one may claim to be in control of a place if they do not have free reign over the dark parts as well. The so-called leaders in this world are merely frauds. Their authority only lies in the light. In the nooks and crannies, in the underworld… Once they fail to control that essential aspect of civilization, then their power is incomplete and will crumble eventually. Even those idiot gods understand this concept.

My goal is to be in complete monopoly of both the legal and illegal parts of this city. Doing that will mean having complete and total control in the correct sense. 

“Great job Borgos.” I said to the man who seems nervous at my every word and trembled.

The Members of the market fixed their gaze on me. They had confused, yet expectant looks on their faces. Borgos is known as a merciless and greedy man within the Black Market. That much I can tell. For someone with so much influence and authority to cower in my presence is none other than intimidating and surprising to anyone who witnesses it. This alone makes sure I have their undivided attention.

“All of you are scum. No, you are even lower than scum.” I started in my address to them.

“That is why you are down there, and they are up there. However, it is scum like you that rake in more profit and are more useful.”

Everyone paid rapt attention to my words.

“Make no mistake, I intend to fully ensure that this market runs as smoothly as possible. That will be for my own ends. You are mostly to continue what you have been doing. However, I will be making slight changes. I presume no one has any complaints… Do they?” I asked them.

There was silence and a bit of murmur.

“Do not be afraid to mention your opinion. We are in a civilized society after all. This establishment is to the achievement of our mutual goals, isn’t that so?” I added.

Suddenly, one hand was raised. The man stepped forward and with a hesitant expression, he finally spoke up.

“My name is Jared, I run the Medicine store around here. I was just wondering about the ‘little changes’ you intend to implement here… That is all…” He said before silencing himself.

I smiled when I heard this.

“Interesting question. Well then…” I said.

I raised my hand slightly and snapped it.

Immediately the man called Jared had his head blown to smithereens. Within a moment, without warning, I destroyed his central body part as it scattered throughout the place where the crowd stood. Blood splattered around and sprayed on even the rest of the audience who were there.

Their faces expressed shock and despair as they saw the gory sight I showed them.

“Anyone else has questions?” I asked the crowd.

“Like I said… Do not be afraid…” I said to them with an intimidating smile.

They gulped and shook, maintaining their position. At this point they partly understood just what I meant by changes.

Not everything needs to be explained with words. With the correct actions, people can read meaning to one’s intentions. That is, if they are not stupid.

“It looks like none of these ones are stupid” I smiled.

No one dared to speak or move unnecessary. Even as blood oozed on the ground and the blood which splattered on them dripped down, even as their body itched and every fiber of their being shook, even as they felt great fear and pain … The despair and intimidation far surpassed whatever discomfort they experienced.

However, just one example isn’t enough… To engrain this sight into their memory, they must experience even greater despair.

I snapped my fingers once again and another’s head exploded.

He was a random person I chose in the crowd. Someone who didn’t do anything necessarily wrong. But, even this sends another message.

In this world of lawlessness and selfishness, every man for their interests, only binded by the common goal of profit and bridled by the authority of a Ruler, a greater existence is necessary for absolute control to be enforced.

An existence greater than the Ruler and even more fearsome and merciless in comparison. This way, my image will always remain in their minds. I can kill anyone I want, anytime I want. Their lives are in my hands. With thoughts like these in their heads, they will never turn against me.

Maybe one more.

I snapped again and yet another died.

The remaining trembled and didn’t utter a word. Making unnecessary movements and trying to escape only means death. I’m sure everyone has enough common sense to grasp tha-

“Eeek…. Yahhhhh” A man suddenly burst out screaming.

It looks like I was too early to judge.

The scared man rose and swiftly took to his heels, running as far and as fast as his legs could take him.

“I can’t take it anymore! I could be next, I don’t wanna dieee!!!” He let out.

I grinned widely.

This is perfect. One needs to have scenes like this as well.

My eyes glowed purple as suddenly, the man stopped dead on his tracks and was unable to move anymore. Using my mind to control him, I raised his body high until he began to float.

“Guahhh… Please, I didn’t… Oh God… Oh… Uarghhh…” He let out as he cried, unable to control his body.

I manipulated his body and placed it above the crowd beneath him, he remained suspended in the air above them in the middle of the crowd.

“Be crushed” I smiled.

Immediately his entire body, from his internal organs and bones even to the outer flesh were all forcefully squeezed and crushed, causing blood to spray out, raining down on the people.

They shook and trembled as the red rain dripped on them. No one uttered a word as they all bowed and allowed the bloodbath to run its course.

The ones that remained all knew… They were not in control of the situation. The only one in control is me. Using these sacrifices, I have achieved my aim.

This isn’t a civilized society. This isn’t a fair world. This isn’t a selfish world. This isn’t a lawless place.

Here, I am the law and order, their every deeds are for my satisfaction and purpose, their entire reason for trade and livelihood is dictated by me. That is the change I have brought.

Everyone here has come to understand that, and so no one is able to object.

“It appears we have come to an understanding… That’s excellent. Well then, let us continue about our businesses. I expect great things from everyone.” I smiled as I exited the center stage and left with Borgos, who also trembled at the sight before him.

“Just so you know, Borgos…” I said as I walked past him.

“This little display wasn’t just for the people down there…” I whispered.

He shrieked silently as my voice rang through his head.

“… Remember that” I said and walked away.

Borgos nodded vehemently as he shook in fright. He followed behind me as we both exited the blood stained arena where the people gathered.

He turned back at everyone and said to them in a hiss.

“Clean up this mess!”

He glared at them as they hurriedly went about the cleanup. After seeing this, he quickly ran to catch up with my back.

After all…. He also doesn’t want to end up like the others.