Axel pressed the submachine gun firmly against Victor Zsasz's chest, eliciting a roll of Zas's eyes.
"Didn't you say you wanted me to live to see Falcone's old age? Why am I making a choice already?" Zas asked, exasperated.
"Haha, you've survived long enough. Haven't you realized it yet? Falcone's pushing seventy—he's an old ghost, Zas!" Axel pressed a little harder, drawing a muffled groan from Victor.
"Don't push so hard!" Zas grumbled, gripping the barrel of the gun.
"By the way, your little misfire earlier… running out of bullets before dying, huh?" Zas continued, smirking. "And those words about having high hopes for me—impressive, how fast you cooked that up. As for your choice, as long as Falcone's in Gotham, I belong to the Falcone Family. Understand, Axel?"
Axel nodded, satisfied, and retracted his gun.
"So, you serve Falcone as long as he's in Gotham? Fine. Once I drive him out, you can follow me. First, I handle the Dimitrov Family, then I'll deal with Falcone. Gotham's a young city; old ghosts like him can't run it forever. The tides have changed, Zas. The ocean's back waves always overturn the front—there's no ship left for Falcone. I'm here now, and so, the times have changed." Axel leaned back lazily in the backseat, crossing his legs.
Zas grinned at Axel's blood-stained, tattered clothes.
"Yes, Axel, times have changed. And chaotic bastards like you are popping up everywhere. You actually can't die? Fascinating. Can I… try?"
"What the hell do you want to try?" Axel sneered, aiming at Zas's crotch.
"No, not that! I mean… I want to kill you myself once! I don't want trouble with Falcone, especially not you, but I just want the chance to kill you my way, at my time, my place. Can you grant me that?"
"Alright," Axel replied coolly. "True gold fears no fire. You want a shot? Fine. But one condition: help me guard Yuri Dimitrov personally. I'll keep resurrecting—don't let him escape. I want to deal with him myself."
"No problem!" Zas nodded and slapped Axel's hand in agreement.
Afterward, Zas glanced at Axel's hands, smooth and uncalloused, shaking his head.
"Axel, your ability… it's insane, beyond anyone's imagination. But your skill… haha, it's like a kid riding a wild boar. Everyone fears the boar, but you might fall off and get trampled if you're not careful. Look at you—facing mere gangsters, and yet you almost died. Miserably!" He gestured at the holes riddling Axel's clothes.
"If I were you, I wouldn't waste your talent. Master your combat skills, and with your inability to die, you could become the deadliest person alive. Tsk tsk, what a waste. I bet your skills aren't even as refined as Oswald's at the Iceberg Lounge."
Axel patted Zas's shoulder, laughing.
"Zas, you don't get it. I can't die, so I live for fun, freely, fully. Endless life without boredom. I envy you—you have to be careful to survive. Hahaha!" Axel laughed, arrogance lacing every syllable.
He leaned closer, voice lowering with a hint of mischief.
"Most importantly, I'm constantly getting stronger. Tomorrow's me isn't today's me. One day, even a nuclear bomb won't kill me—my limits don't exist. Combat tactics? When I can make the Earth explode with a yawn, who needs them?"
Zas's expression shifted to thoughtful, and Axel chuckled.
"Wondering if I'm bluffing? I'm not. You'll see. When I meet someone stronger, I wait—days, years if needed. They have limits. I don't. Training won't let you lift a building, but I just enjoy life, and eventually, I'll carry the Earth on my shoulders. Why compete for a harder life? Or deal with jealous, envious stares? Hahaha!"
Axel slapped Zas's thigh just as the driver in the front seat turned his head.
"Victor, we're here."
"Then let's get to business!" Victor snapped, opening the door and spitting on the ground.
He raised his walkie-talkie, shouting orders.
"Everyone, perk up! Let this undying bastard, who grows stronger without training, witness the power of teamwork and skill! For anyone who dies today, no severance pay! Even if Falcone insists on giving the families money, I'll snatch that Death money and use it on the asses of living women! Damn it, this guy is infuriating!"
Victor Zsasz led the charge into the laundry room, twin guns blazing.
Outside, Bartel gaped at the massive Falcone Family motorcade, stunned.
"… how did Axel get mixed with Victor Zas? Boss, I just picked you up! You're not going to abandon me, right? I only changed Boss half an hour ago!"