After the “gang raid” event that just happened, they cleaned up the mess around the place.

It didn't take long, as the raid only lasted for about 2 minutes.

He was a bit concerned that the police might arrive in the scene, but he was reassured by some of the gang members that they won't go deep into the ghetto unless it's something big like a drug bust.

Surprisingly, none of the thugs died. They only got shot receiving injuries but nothing critical. Which was suspiciously weird, but they were taken to a nearby clinic. They don't seem to care who was brought to their facility, just as long as they pay, then it's fine.

They gathered the corpses of the rival gang that attacked them and loaded them onto a truck, burying them somewhere far and isolated from civilization.

“So… aside from going around town and harassing old women for their belongings, is there anything else I should know?”

The thug shrugged his shoulders. “Eh, not much. The guys you saw that harassed the old lady were new, and the others thought that you provoked them so what happened before was probably a small misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?” He growled, making everyone present flinch.

He would have asked the boss of the gang, but he was too busy handling something, so he went to Mark. He would have gone and asked the guy who failed to punch him, David, but he was knocked out too hard unconscious. So he asked a nearby gangster instead named Mark. An old-time member of the Red Serpents gang.

“Before you say anything, I will say that the Red Serpent may not be a people’s favorite, but we don't bully the weak. Thugs we may be, but we have standards.” He said firmly.

“...That is yet to be seen as of now.” He said skeptically as he crossed his arms. “So what do you do to get finance then? Robbery?”

The thug nodded. “One of our methods, yes, but we don't kill, only when it's necessary. That's why I have my boys trained to the bone in discipline… Aside from those 3 newbloods trying to show off, I had them taking a punishment for breaking the standards.” His face expressed disgust.

“Training didn't do so well to them huh?”

“Not just that, we were lacking in more men as well. Our territory is getting taken by other gangs. That was when we decided to reform our gang to be low profile and avoid making unnecessary trouble, and grab some new blood.”

“But those three…?” He frowned.

“Lack of training time I suppose. Even most of the guys were thinking about changing the standards a bit higher.”

“That or you just suck at training them.” He scoffs.

The thug sighs. “To be fair, that seems to be the case. But we weren't able to completely train them due to those punks harassing us, and kept on hitting our supply lines so that we can't get our cash properly without losing some. And almost every month, our turf is getting pushed back.”

“Why not just attack back?”

He shook his head. “Cant, too much heat will be made. And our boss won't take such risks. Their location is the East side of town, and we’re the opposite of it. Distance is long, but going back would be tricky because we have to deal with ambushes along the way. They got several hotspots that would block off the main sections of the town’s intersection, meaning it's almost impossible to pull off the heat off our backs.”

“Biggest gang in town then?” He assumed.

Mark nodded. “Became about a few months ago. Rumors had it that their new boss was one cunning yet ruthless motherfucker. I'm not ignorant to the stuff that the Mexican gangs also did to those who betrayed them but more brutal.”

“So the other gangs were afraid and did their best to avoid the wrath of the new boss?” He concluded.

“Right on the spot.” He nodded. “Some of the other gangs tried to make a ‘temporary alliance’ against the East Green, but did not work well. There are talks that the bastard has known about it, we don't know how, but the gangs that tried to take it down got wiped out. So everyone else is staying out of their way after that.”

“So East Green is the top dog in the city then?” He hummed.

“Yeah, even the police wouldn't want to mess with them.”

“Hmmm…” Since he is now a member of a gang, although he could just switch his appearance to something else, it would give more attention than lessen it.

“Don't you have any informants around?”

“Yeah we do, but the last 2 guys that tried to get some info out from the East Green got clocked. So the Boss didn't want to take any chances in losing more boys anymore.” Mark reminisced about the news of two boys that got into the East Green gang, they didn't take any prisoners on spies.

“I see… By the way, would the Boss give me more money if I were to wipe the East Green out?”

“Well I don't see any- wait, say what again?” Mark double-takes, thinking that he may have misheard what the Meta Human said.

“I said that would the Boss give me a raise if I were to wipe out East Green from history?”

“I…” Mark was speechless before he chuckled. Not mockingly, but almost amused. “I wouldn't say that is possible man. I dont think you’ve heard what I said; East Green has more manpower than all the gangs combined!”

“Yes, and?” Jason raised a brow.

“And? And? And!? You’ll get yourself killed, you arrogant dumbass!” He exclaimed in disbelief. “They got heavy arsenal in their shit, and fucking Meta Humans in their ranks! You won't be able to take them out on your own!”

Jason laughed, amused by the concern of his recent acquaintance.

“Wanna bet on that?” He grinned.

Mark wanted to retort but held his tongue. Remembering what had recently happened in their home turf, the failed raid of the East Green. They were lucky that the newcomer was able to stop it with his… he doesn't know what kind of power, but they died with the man not even lifting a single finger.

They wouldn't be able to survive with few men around their base, with almost all the other boys defending their still owned gang’s hotspots.

They are low in manpower, and getting new people in their ranks is difficult with the heat getting high…

It was common sense to avoid treading on the tail of a wild beast, which was East Green.

And now this person is claiming that he would be able to wipe the whole gang. Just because he wants a high pay!?

This day has certainly gotten interesting.

“You’re really not from around here aren't you?” He asked, it was for sure. A person who didn't know about East Green is certainly not from around here. Plus, the hobo look that the man is showing verifies that. It looked like he just hitched a ride going to this city without knowing the situation.

“No I wouldn't be, and I aint even sure if I know where the hell this world is at. Oh well, better make my life enjoyable before I die in action of grace!” The meta human smiled crazily.

. . .

East of San Angelo City. . .

The east part of town was surprisingly clean. People come and go, walking around as if there is nothing going on.

Despite the east part of town being owned by a gang, they were unexpectedly not making any trouble whatsoever.

The Boss of East Green made it clear that they won't make any trouble. Police don't mess with them, and the gang will do the same. But if someone messes up with them, then they better hope they will find themselves a quick end.

“Hail to the king… Hail to the one... Kneel to the crown… Stand in the sun…”

Jason was humming to a song of a famous rock band that was around in the 21st century back in his world as he walked around the streets.

He had been eyeing out the ‘hotspots’ of the East Green that acted like an outpost for the gang. He had some made up thinking whether the gang he had joined was the right one or not. But morality is not the issue, it's where he would be able to take shelter; eat; and make home at.

And also clothes, he couldn't use the ones from YGGDRASIL. It would mistake him as a ‘hero’ or rather a villain.

Laying low is the best choice for him until he would figure out which choice of action he would make next.

And right now, he is heading to one of the hotspots of East Green and asking for a talk with the boss.

As he walked towards the very noticeable gangsters wearing various green clothes idling around nearby a drugstore.

“Hey boys! Mind if I ask some questions?” He called out to them, catching their attention.

The boys in green then looked at him warily and with an expression of a ‘thug’.

“Whatcha want? You popo?” A small man with a flaming tattoo on his face stepped up.

“Me a cop? Nah, would a cop walk up to a bunch of thugs like you while wearing something like this?” He gestured at the worn out military clothes he was wearing.

The thugs looked at each other before turning full face back to Jason.

“True, but how do we know you aint working for them as well eh?”

‘They aren't clumsy.’ He pulled out his shirt, showing his stomach. “I ain't got no wire on me if you're wondering. Too cliche.” He said before covering it up. “Mind if I talk to the Boss?”

“And what makes you think we're gonna take you to him?”

With that said, the thugs of East Green slowly circled around him. Weapons shown, but not drawn. It was enough to scare a normal person, but Jason was not normal. Nor they did expect him to be.

“Because, I have something that involves making him a deal.”

“Hah, what kind of deal?”

“Why should I tell that to you?” He frowned. “For all I know is that you might be a rat from another gang. I’m not stupid enough to say my deal for the Boss out in the open.”

They murmured. He had a point. Speaking about something important out in the open is stupid. They’d known that considering the incident within the gang, having dealt with… A couple of rats.

“You got a point…” The thug said in thought before looking at him with a sneer. “But we’re not stupid enough to bring you to him ya shit.”

“Then you are the one responsible for removing the opportunity for your Boss to make.” He smirked. “Who knows what will happen when he finds out that you're the one who made a big mistake.”

The thug’s face was sweating bullets. It didn't take long for him to make his decision.

“...Wait here.” He said before turning around and pulling a phone from their pockets.

“Take your time.” He commented before eyeing around the streets. “Waiting don't hurt nobody.”

Though he managed to eye some people glancing at the scene, no doubt concerned about what was going to happen.

He wondered if they were worried for him, since he could see that several were making phone calls. No doubt calling for 911.

The Police might just be on standby and would only intercept when tensions are high. But not any of those are needed when he can literally take care of his own.

“Hey, the Boss wants to talk to you.” The thug said as he handed the phone over to him.

He raised a brow. He didn't expect this, but it was welcome. He didn't know what was spoken between the two since he didn't overheard the conversation. Not that it was of any importance anyways.

Taking the phone, he then held it by his ear.

“This the Boss of East Green?” He asked. Doesn't hurt to confirm.

“I hear from Mr Hart that you are procuring a deal with me that would… Benefit East Green you say?” The voice on the phone distorted, sounding like a male. So the Boss’s identity is unknown huh, also to his own men.

“Yes, and you’ll learn more when I meet you. It's rather risky telling out in the open.”

“Agreed. Then you don't mind if my men would bring you to the… agreed location?”

“Heh, I haven't even agreed on nothing yet.” He smirked. ‘Sly. Fuck, Leon or Lordez could have handled something like this. I'm not good with fucking words.’

“Then we wouldn't have a deal on your… proposal.” The voice said with a hinge of irritation and mild disappointment.

“Heh, what about somewhere public then?” He suggested. “Not too noisy, not too crowded. Just enough that we both wouldn't be… having unexpected interruptions from afar.”

“...I’ll agree to your terms. Tomorrow, Plaza Park, 1:30pm. Be there or the deal is off. Any tricks I’d sense and it’s...”

“Yeah yeah, I know the drill. You’ll either kill me on the spot, or torture me until you are satisfied. Either way, you might be able to do that.” He said carelessly.

“Hmph!” The voice huffed before the call ended.

“Your boss hung up.” He lazily said as he tossed the phone back to the now named ‘Mr Hart’.

“Then he spoke of the appointment then,” Hart replied with a glare. “if you are late and bringin’ anyone else, your gonna regret on tricking us off.”

“Yea yea,” He turned his back around and walked away, waving his hand lazily. “Just make sure that you wouldn't fuck up the deal or you’d probably be the one responsible for ruining it.”

“Grk!”

He smirked at the sound and did not need to turn around and look at the man’s face on that. He had his fun.

. . .

He didn’t immediately go back to Red Serpents’ Den as he knew that he was being followed.

In dealing with the gangs, there is bound to have someone following the messenger to scout where they would go afterwards.

He really likes to se their faces when they are following someone else instead of him. Oh man, the jukes!

After triple checking that he is absolutely not being followed, as being the following of his habit of being backstabbed when he thought that he is free from danger.

“Oh, dude’s back!” Guard Thug said to someone inside the base as he noticed him.

“Which dude?” Someone called back.

“The “Shoot-him-then-your-dead” dude!”

“That's a lame callout.” Jason commented as he closed the door behind him.

“Yeah well, until you told us your name or what you call yourself or somethin’, then we wouldn't have ai problem on which nickname to giv ya do we?”

“...You. I like you.”

The man grimaced in disgust as he glared at him with widen eyes. “Ey now, I aint to that sort of stuff-”

“I meant your damn attitude you dumbass,” He retorted angrily. “I’m not into gay shit. I like women, the bumps are the best part about them!”

“Oh re’lly?” The man looked at him as a whole new person. “You preferred them melons?”

“Oh great, we got another pervert at hand.” Thug 1 said, on which many groaned in frustration.

“We do not need another Franco damn it!” Thug 2 exclaimed dramatically.

“But hey, at least he’s got taste.” Thug 3, to which the others agreed to his sentiment.

“Yeah- Hey wait a minute, last time you said you preferred the ass!” Thug 4 stared at him.

“I didn’t say that!” Thug 3 retorted.

“I’m pretty sure you did say that literally two days ago when we went to collect some cash-” Thug 1 said almost as-a-matter-of-fact basis.

“Shut the fuck up!”

Jason smirked at the lively atmosphere as the thugs argued on which part was the best: boobs or ass, he liked this kind of a vibe. It has a homey feel to it. Reminds him of the crazy shit that of the fucked-up clan he was in before. They were the only ones who knew how to welcome someone like him.

He wondered if the clan-boss was someone like him before. Too bad he didn’t ask that as it wasn’t in his mind before.

Not that he cares anyway, but he hoped they were somewhere else than in the Old World. That place is shit compared to this one.

“Hey, what the fuck is with all the noise out here?” Bellowed an annoyed and very familiar voice coming from the second floor.

“The fucks are on it again, cap!” A rough-tone Thug shouted back loudly as his voice could due to being drowned out by the voices of the ones arguing on boobs or ass. “With the ass and the boobs!”

“This shit again!?” He was very certain the man facepalmed, and that this was no doubt a regular occasion. “How many god damn times do I have to say that shit wont fucking matter!”

He really won't lie, but as much as he wanted the vibe to stay, it felt like the place was getting a little bit more noisy than usual.

“Alright!” He bellowed, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. “I got news from the East Green!”

“Oh shit!”

“Damn he serious?”

“Dude must be…”

“What the hell are you on about?” David, a bruise on his face very noticeable. “While I don’t believe that you should still be in our gang, how the hell do we know your telling the truth?”

“Because lying is beneath me and I got no time to fuck around with silly high-tighty ass words when I just made an appointment deal with the East Green.” He smiled proudly.

That got the people in the room, very much shocked on the news.

“What the hell do you mean you set up an appointment?” David glared, his fists clenching.

“Just told them something that would benefit East Green as a whole. Nothing to do with the Red Serpents if that's what you're worried about.” He shrugged.

“Did the boss set you up on this?” The right-hand man replied.

He shook his head. “Nope, all on me.”

“Are you fucking insane!?” Thug #2 shouted. “Your gonna bring in the whole gang on top of us! Thats not what we fucking need right now!”

“Where’s the place set up?” David sighed as he facepalmed in frustration.

“Tomorrow on Plaza Park, 1:30pm if you're wondering about the time. And no, none of y'all galls don’t need to be going with me, I’m heading up there alone.”

“Ok now, while I don’t doubt how freaking dangerous your powers are, my dude,” Thug #3 frowned. “But the East Green got some metahumans on their paycheck, and I don’t think you can take them on!”

“What kind of fuckers think that they can go through my ability that reflects anything that harms me? Have you forgotten about it?” Jason smirked at the thug.

“...Oh. Kinda forgot about that one.”

“Can you even reflect drowning?” One of the thugs piped up curiously. “What about explosions?”

Jason shrugged without any care. “Dunno, I just walked through a hellfire storm once, didn’t have a scratch on me.” He stated like it was a fact.

“...While I am somewhat doubting that.” David sighed in resignation. “I was told by Mark on what had happened during the fucking bastards raiding us…” And that he had been defeated without any effort at all. “Fine, you go to the meeting.”

“Oh~? Trusting me already when I knocked your ass off unconscious?” He smirked.

One of the thugs chuckled at that before they were silenced by a glare from David, immediately shutting his lips up.

“Because I know when someone is bullshitting or just being an absolute dumbass in your case.” He growled irritatingly. “And I wouldn't want to waste anymore men in the Red Serpent against this… stupid ass plan of yours.”

“Whoa, whoa.” He held his hands defensively. “Now there's your problem, you lack faith for it to work.”

“What are you going to be dealing with them anyways?” Thug #4 questioned, all eyes on the said man. “I-I mean, the Greenies got everything they needed from cash; turf; men and power. What the hell are you going to give them that benefits from that?”

“...” The man frowned, everyone was anticipating the next words on which their latest recruit who-had-forced-boss-to-hire-him would speak out…

“...I’ll make do when it comes to that.” He shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck nervously in shame.

And everyone double-taked on that very seriously.

“”””ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?!?””””

. . .

The next day, he didn’t wait long and headed straight to the destined meeting place.

The Plaza Park is a decent area to hold a meeting, he thinks. Public place, no one can easily eavesdrop on a conversation without letting them know. Lots of ground to cover as well.

He waited on a nearby table and quietly inspected the scenery of the place. It was beautiful and refreshing to take in the fresh air and hear the joyful laughter of children playing around.

Something that calms him despite his reckless behavior.

Even for someone like him deserves some rest in a place that is peaceful and quiet.

Though he felt like having a beer silently celebrating his arrival on this new yet strange world.

It would be boring if he had known that he’d be transported into another world afterall.

“So,” A voice cut his thoughts from the side. “I take it you are the man who’s proposing a deal for the East Green?”

The voice spoken was a bald man in question. His appearance was something of a semi-casual wear, though his face was hardened plus with the fact that he has scars on his face, though the glasses did little to hide them properly. He certainly fits like an old mafia boss. He had looked through the internet of the old world when he was bored.

There were alot of things he had read about whenever he was bored. Aside from playing YGGDRASIL for a release, it can't be helped whenever he was curious about something he wanted to know about.

“You must be the one in the phone then.” Jason let out a smile. “Nice to meet ya…”

“Hansel, call me Hansel.” He offered a hand, to which Jason immediately shook it.

“Name’s Stown.” He lied through his teeth smooth as a baby’s bottom. “With a W and no E on the name.”

“Unusual name.” Hansel commented with a raised brow.

“Parents named me that, blame them.” He shrugged without care. “Unless you wanna have me do small talk on the reason, I’d feel like we’d hate to sidetrack on the topic before we would head for the main course of interest.” Jason said, taking in those drama series to the count.

And who said that watching series that involves talking wouldn't do shit!? He’d laugh at them wrong.

“Straight to the point.” Hansel noted as he looked at him with a glint on his eye. “Very well, what is your proposal?”

“Even though you are not the one whom I was talking to on the phone?” Taking a fuck all of a guess as he glanced at the man, whom seemed to react to that but quickly hid it.

An obvious professional.

“And what makes you so certain of such… accusations?” The man frowned.

“Because, if one decides to distort their voice to become unrecognizable in a phone call for an example, they wouldn't come face to face for a simple business meeting, such as this we are having right now, and talk ball.” He looked at the man, who seemed to be frowning more deeply and noticing a small sweat seeming to appear on his face. “Is that enough for an explanation?”

“...I commend your perception in taking notice, even if it is quite obvious to those who uses their brain,” The man sighed before chuckling. “indeed I am not East Green’s Boss. Rather, I am the Negotiator of the East Green.” He admitted.

“Gang is still a gang is it not?” He raised a brow. ‘Damn, that sounds badass.’ “And what makes you be called as “The Negotiator” of such?”

“It has become more than a simple gang of rowdy bunch. Our Boss has turned it into a successful organization than it has before during its early days.” He shrugged. “And to your second question; I handle talks such as this. Obviously it has taken my Boss interest in… what such a deal you are willing to propose to us.”

“Interesting… While I would like to hear more on the history lesson, might I ask if your Boss is listening with us at the moment?”

“...” The man didn’t say, though the silence was more than enough for it to be the answer. “It is obvious that you are not from around here.”

“Of course not,” He scoffed. “If you did, then you’d know the wild shit that will no doubt happen if I was from here.”

“Then-”

“I’m here to ask for an alliance.”

“...And why should we do that?” Hansel frowned, clearly not amused by the ‘proposal’. “You are a ‘nobody’, we don’t know you, you're not even from around here lest you’d known about us and how things are working around here, and you are most certainly not even in a faction. Yet you somehow have the guts to speak on having a beneficial alliance with the East Green. On someone we don’t know anything about.” He narrowed his eyes on the man.

“You must have some kind of a death wish.”

“Maybe,” He shrugged. “But I am more than meets the eye.” He smirked. “I have something that you could lose such an opportunity to have, and much more if you disconnect any relations with me. Hell, I can even cut you a condition if you are so curious.”

“And that is?” Hansel prodded.

Jason didn’t say anything as he pulled something out from his pocket and slid it on the table towards him, something that Hansel almost showed his shocked expression.

A large gold coin.

“...May I?” Hansel inquired, pointing at the coin with curious permission.

“You may.” Jason nodded without care.

Picking it up, he couldn’t help but feel surprised at how light it is despite its size that would feel like a comparison of a heavy pocket watch. Examining closely, the art on a single coin is quite flawless that he couldn’t find any error on it.

He knew how gold should weigh, and to his instance, this doesn't feel like gold at all.

‘Is he playing with me?’ Hansel frowned, but kept his expression well hidden.

“A small token of my word.” He shrugged his shoulders. “True you wouldn't gain much interest on a ‘nobody’ like me, but I have my uses in destroying your organization that has no doubt been built from the ground up smashed into dust and ash. Or, I would help you.”

Hansel let out a short laugh as he placed down the coin. “And pray tell how? How can one single man such as you could even possibly let East Green gain from-”

“Two snipers on my 4 o’clock, a couple of cars ready at the go-signal if shit goes awry, and you have something on your person.” He stated like it was normal, though he found himself smirking at the sight of the man’s eyes turning wide as dinner plates.

“...So it seems that you did not come along unprepared.” Hansel sternly said, his amused expression exchanged with a not-very amused one.

“Nah,” He shook his head. “I’m just a very perceptive guy when it comes to noticing some details.”

Which was totally not a lie, as it was an obvious possibility that the meeting would go somewhat awry. But he wouldn't care anyhow, as he knows he cannot be harmed whatsoever.

Not that he’d known anyone around this town would be able to harm him.

“...And what favor would you help us with? Even if you can tell that I have backup in the waiting should any interruption occur or this meeting go awry, a very-trained person would be able to do the same as you do, so what makes me conclude the result of you to be very beneficial to my organization?”

“Simple, you get to live.” He answered simply.

“...” Hansel stared at him for the longest time before he burst into laughter.

Jason joined in the laughter, though his was much more of a chuckle than a full-blown laughter like Hansel, who seems to be losing his marbles from what he ears just picked up.

“Hahahahah! You must be joking!” Hansel gritted his teeth in anger and ceased his laughter. “Please do not mock me.”

“Would you like me to illustrate my capabilities then?” Jason said in a bored tone.

The bald man went quiet, understandably quiet. The man’s tone would have been seen as arrogance, that he is overconfident in such a very dangerous situation.

He met people like these before, they always have a trick up in their sleeves, an ace in the hole. Sometimes they would work, and sometimes it wouldn't.

A 50-50 chance to see if they were bullshitting or not.

Such people were cunning and tricky to counter against.

“...I think it is not needed,” He sighed. “But if you are joking-”

“Like I said to your boss on the phone before; ‘I know, I just don’t care.’ “ He shrugged once more. “All I want is to see if your boss agrees to my proposition, or not. Afterwards, we will discuss more.”

“Oh? So you have more things to say?”

“Yes, but only if your Boss decides on their decision. Hopefully, that your Boss would give their answer within this week-”

“And you say you are alone on this one, yes?”

“Yes.” Jason nodded. “I am alone on this saying. One man asking for an alliance with the East Green.”

“I see…” He hummed, his brain working on how this would go and how a single man can bring benefits for the organization.

He had brought up quick Intel on this person, and to his frustrated disappointment, he found none. Absolutely nothing. Not a word, not a speck of rumor, nothing.

Something he would keep wary about and needed to be known more.

“Oh, and you can keep the coin. Like I said before, a small token of generosity on my part.”

“I thank you for that.” He nodded. He made a mental note to check on the coin whether it is gilded or not. And how much it weighs in value.

“Welp!” Jason stood up as he hefted up his limbs and cracked his neck, making a popping sound as he did so. “I’ll be heading out now. I got things to do and places to be, and wouldn't want to waste time since there’s nothing else for me to say other than asking for an alliance with you.”

Hansel stood up. “A pleasure meeting with you then, Stown. We will meet in this place again next week once we have settled in a decision.”

“Gotcha, see ya then.” He waved a hand as he turned and walked away as if without any care in the world.

The man’s sudden… change of attitude was something to be noted of. At one moment he was serious, and then the next thing he acted as if he cared nothing at all. Like he is playing a game.

He would have thought that he was dealing with a foolish man with a brain of a child, but he felt that there is something more there that is from dealing with the man.

After seeing the man is fairly further away from hearing distance, Hansel spoke quietly.

“Did you get that ma’am?”

*...It appears that things are getting interesting within time… Find out more on this ‘Stown’ figure.* A female voice spoke at the side of his earplug.

“What about the alliance deal ma’am? Should we accept?”

*The proposal is too sudden to make a final say. As he said before; we were given a week’s time to make a decision. We will settle on it once we know more about him. See to it.*

“Roger that ma’am.” And with that, he departed.