Karim, Achara, Zack, Connor and Sam all sat around Xavier and they were already in awe of him after all they had heard from him moments before, but he seemed to still want to talk to them privately.

As he had said, they were all going to have essential roles in the Outlaw Gang. Despite it being slightly overwhelming, they were clearly eager and ready to take on the responsibility.

Even Zack, who at first was a nerdy kid who was used to being pushed around and bullied by none other than the youth beside him, along with quite a few others, had become much stronger and more determined.

He finally had someone that recognised his abilities, Xavier, who also gave him an opportunity to have the exciting and fulfilling life he always wanted.

Struggling to find his path in life, Xavier was a new light in his life and it was similar for the others who felt greatly indebted to him without even seeing what was to come.

But with all that in mind, they were unsure what exactly he wanted to speak to them about, since so far everything appeared pretty clear to them.

-

"Before I start, I didn't choose the 5 of you because you were the first members of the Outlaw Gang, but simply because I see the most potential and ability in the 5 of you. And also because I want the 5 of you to be my representatives," Xavier stated, surprising them all.

"As of right now we are in the early stages of the formation of the gang, but as time goes on, I want my position to become more and more passive," he continued before pausing to gauge their reactions to what he had just said.

But they didn't seem particularly bothered by his words.

A lot of what he had been saying and foreseeing was extremely unrealistic, but so far, he had always been able to surpass their expectations and give them an immense sense of security.

And willing to believe in him, they trusted in his words and judgement.

Despite all of that, they were still curious about what his reasoning was, and if he truly believed in his ambitions would become reality, why did he choose them to become his representatives?

-

"A phantom leader, that's what I wish to become. I will place my absolute trust in the 5 of you and work from the sidelines to make sure everything runs smoothly and all operations are in order, but the 5 of you will be the foundations of the gang," he explained before turning to Karim.

"Karim, you are ambitious, crafty, and determined. Because of that, I'm sure that I can trust you to deal with trade and business. Your drive is so great that I'm also sure that when it comes to it, we can all rely on you and when it comes to money and connections, you have got great potential."

Then, turning to Zack, Xavier told the youth what he saw in him and did the same for the rest of the 5 he had recognised as his greatest assets.

"Zack, your smarts are not all that made me recognise you. It's your out-of-the-box thinking and ideas, as well as your analytical and management skills, which will be essential for our growth. And under you, I will find suitable aids, as well as a suitable space to work from."

"Next is you, Sam. Your speed and combat capabilities are impressive, but that's the obvious thing. Why I chose you for your position is your level-headedness and calmness, that is like no other. And I'm sure when it comes to it, we can all put our trust in your decisions in heated situations."

"And when it comes to fighting, Achara and Connor, it's the same for the both of you. You're both incredible fighters, with Achara having great perception and technique, while Connor you have unbelievable strength and durability. But there are other qualities that stood out to me."

"Of course, your fighting abilities were a factor, but they can always be developed. Connor, your strong, steadfast and charismatic nature will make you a great force, not only in combat, but in increasing morale and recruiting members. As for you Achara, your teaching skills and battle IQ are some of the greatest I have come across."

Taking a breath, Xavier could see that they were all flattered by his compliments, and even Karim and Sam struggled to hide the joy they felt after being praised so highly.

But Xavier's intention wasn't to flatter them.

It was to make one thing clear.

-

"My reason for telling you all this is simple. All of you have qualities that complement each other that are also essential to the gang. Despite it seeming as though Connor, Achara and Sam have the most active roles as leaders of combat units, without the information and legal abilities of Zack's team, and the connections and monetary streams of Karim's unit, the gang wouldn't be able to function..."

"So for us to be able to develop and do as well as I foresee, I need you all to be able to act in harmony with each other and also keep each other in check. Disputes are inevitable, but if there is ever a time that you can't agree on something, that's when I will step in. And although I see you all as friends, there is one thing to make clear. My instructions should be followed to the best of your abilities at all times," he stated sternly, with a blazing gaze that was both mesmerising and frightening.

But quickly, just like he always did, Xavier returned to his jolly and relaxed self.

"Now that all that's clear, make sure you rest well and if I'm not around much the next couple of days, I'm just busy. I'll be around to train at some time every day and will be in touch," Xavier said, as he got up to leave.

-

Everything was quickly becoming more and more real to the 5 individuals that were sitting on the ground and deep in contemplation, both excited and anxious about what was to come.

However, they quickly snapped out of it after being slapped in the back of the head by Xavier one by one.

"I said get some rest, guys. Are you going to sit there all night staring into space?"

"And there's no need to worry. As long as we have each other, we will be able to overcome every obstacle and become the greatest gang. One that creates a safe and happy environment for those we care about and shakes the entire criminal underworld."

They all nodded their heads with determined looks on their faces as they all made sure they had each other's phone numbers before dispersing.

Forming one group chat for the 5 of them and Xavier, as well as another with all the members, they all recognised each other as peers and were itching to see how everything unfolded.

Of course, Achara didn't leave and stayed in the dojo that she lived in, while Connor headed back with Xavier to pick up his little sisters...