Extra's Descent

Shortly after clearing up the misunderstandings, Brandon quickly called for Zed to come back up.

With Rachel sitting beside him, Zed sat on the opposite side.

Looking at Zed, Brandon reassured him.

"It's fine, Zed. I'll be keeping an eye on her. So you can tell her everything."

Pouting, Rachel turned her head and frowned at Brandon.

But Brandon's lips pulled up to a serene smile.

Alternating his gaze between the two, Zed skeptically raised his brow.

"The hell happened between you two?"

He shook his head.

"Nevermind. None of my business."

At that, Zed properly introduced himself.

"Greetings, Rachel Asami. My name is Zed Alistar…"

He paused and secretly met Brandon's gaze.

Brandon could more less tell what that brief look was. Since Rachel didn't have the full context, Zed introduced himself as Brandon's friend.

They shook hands. And after they did, Rachel secretly intertwined her fingers with Brandon's under the table.

How clingy.

With the introductions out of the way, the discussions began.

Apparently, the syndicate had a hand in Asami Incorporated's rise.

It was during the early phase of the company, when the syndicate had seen Rafael's potential and offered to provide assistance.

In exchange, Rafael would own half, while the syndicate owned half of the company.

There was a time when Rafael proposed to buy back the other half. But the syndicate rejected his proposal.

If he would propose it again, then…

Zed paused there.

At that, Rachel seemed to be in disbelief.

She turned her head to look at Brandon, looking for any signs of confirmation.

"I've just heard all of this now. But whatever he says is probably true."

"But how does he know all this? Even the Ashfields were kept in the dark."

Brandon turned to look at Zed.

This was the hard part.

The two nodded at each other, and Zed slid a black card on the table.

With her brows raised, Rachel grabbed the card and scanned it.

"Twilight Syndicate…?"

"I'm one of its heads."

Thump!

Immediately, Rachel stood up and smacked the table with both hands.

"So it was you…!"

She spat out.

"You're the one responsible for breaking my family apart…!"

"Rachel, calm down."

Brandon clasped her hand.

She turned her head and frowned at Brandon.

"How can I remain calm?!"

She pointed at Zed.

"This man… It's all his fault…! Why are you taking his side, Brandon?"

"Because we're working together to destroy the syndicate."

Rachel's eyes shot wide open as the revelation dawned upon her.

Slowly, she sat back down.

She grabbed Brandon's hand and clenched it tightly.

There was still a hint of disdain towards Zed. But that was understandable.

Even Zed couldn't deny that he had played a part in it.

Turning around to look at Zed, Brandon had several questions in mind.

But to better assess his character….

"Zed, how did it all start?"

At his inquiry, Zed pinched his chin and seemed to ponder.

But after a few minutes, he took out his wallet and retrieved something.

He slid it on the table for Brandon to see.

Curious, Brandon scanned its contents.

It was a photograph.

On it displayed six children.

Raising his head, Brandon asked.

"What's this?"

"Including me, those are the heads."

"I see. So it goes way back…"

Nodding his head, Zed went on to recall the details.

The syndicate was a small group formed by a bunch of orphans who never had the luxury to be taken in by orphanages.

"At first, it was fun. We considered each other as siblings."

"Then, what happened?"

"Years later, the group expanded. It all changed when 'that' person joined us."

"Who?"

"You'll find out eventually."

Brandon took in every detail that came out of Zed's mouth.

The members, including Zed, began to change. They diverted from petty thievery, into something even more.

The group grew even larger and larger by then.

It started from plain robbery and blackmail. As they got older, a man took notice of their talents, and offered to sponsor them.

Engaging in coercion, they began their shady dealings. Some members started their own factories and dens, with the assistance of their sponsor.

Zed was no exception as he partook in smuggling.

"So what happened to you? Why the change of heart…?"

That was when Zed's expressions cracked. Biting his lip, Zed yet again, slid another photograph towards Brandon.

On it, displayed Zed with two other people Brandon was unfamiliar with.

But he had an idea.

"Is this…"

Several theories emerged in Brandon's thoughts. But not jumping into conclusions, he attentively listened to Zed.

"The Heads never knew that I started a Family. But what was the point of all that?"

He smiled bitterly.

Thud!

And slammed the table.

"I made sure they were as far away from the syndicate as possible. Hiding them all the way out in Everglade."

"...."

It all clicked now.

"But ten years ago. The syndicate had an operation there…"

Zed clenched his fist. Scanning his expressions, he seemed to bite his lip forcefully as blood began to seep.

"My wife… My daughter… They killed them, Brandon."

He shook his head.

"Collateral damage or not. In the end, the syndicate was the reason why they died."

'So it's that kind of story…'

That more or less explained Zed's situation.

The plan to destroy the syndicate was his revenge. It was hypocritical of Zed to have a change of heart only when his family was involved.

But Brandon dismissed it.

He had one more thing he needed to confirm.

"I understand. But what makes you so sure I'd help you out, knowing how dangerous the syndicate is?"

"Your performance in the talent show…"

"...."

"That was for your loved one, wasn't it?"

He…

He was spot on.

"Along with my revenge, we can save Miss Asami's father. It's a mutual partnership."

"I understand. But I'm a student. I don't have the strength to back you up."

"But you have the skills and ingenuity. I've been inactive as a Head for over ten years. But you're a new face. All you have to do is build up a foundation. Gain their trust."

It seemed like a straightforward plan. But things weren't that simple.

If Brandon slips up, it would undoubtedly cost his life.

But…

"Alright."

The thought of having access to the entire continent's underground channels outweighed the cost.

Information that not even the government would know, all ripe for the taking.

His knowledge from the novel wasn't enough. If he wanted to guarantee the future, then this was another step.

He quickly recalled the visions from back then.

'Raven…. Amelia…. I'll save you both.'

Anything in his power. Just to avoid that bleak future.

Rachel was silent the whole time. Turning his head, to look at her, he opened his mouth.

"Rachel, remember what we talked about. Don't get invo—"

"I understand."

Brandon was taken aback. He had thought it would take some time to convince Rachel.

Thankfully, she had managed to calm down compared to earlier.

"But in exchange, let me take a load off your shoulders."

"What do you mean?"

"I'll help you with the shipments."

That…

He could accept it.

The first operation would start a bit later.

Since the company they would be targeting were small, then the cargo wouldn't be heavily guarded. He could more or less handle it if things go south.

And since Rachel was here with him, her assistance would be well appreciated.

All of a sudden, Rachel leaned in close. Feeling her warm breath, Brandon twitched.

It was ticklish.

Shortly after, she whispered

"In exchange, I want you to spoil me later."

"...."