Ultimate Mafia System

Chapter 47 - The Family

Matteo, seated at the center of the room, addressed his assembled companions with a solemn yet determined tone.

"Good morning, my friends," he began, his gaze sweeping over each of them in turn. "I'm sure we're all aware of the purpose behind our gathering, but allow me to reiterate it once more."

"I understand that each of us harbors our own aspirations," Matteo started, his voice steady and unwavering.

"Whether it's seeking vengeance," he nodded towards Lysander, who met his gaze with a steely resolve, "protecting a loved one," his eyes shifted to Luca, who returned the glance with a nod of acknowledgment, "or proving oneself and seeking redemption," now he turned to Ludovica, whose expression betrayed a mixture of determination and uncertainty, "or perhaps even the pursuit of power for its own sake."

"We all require assistance—support from formidable allies to realize our ambitions," Matteo explained, "But allies can't always be trusted—as some of us know through experience. So I am proposing that we forge a unified force—a family, if you may—where each of our goals becomes collectively embraced as our own."

"A force so powerful that it can challenge even the most entrenched organizations," Matteo declared, his voice resonating with purpose. "An organization with shared goals and shared enemies. A chance for redemption, retribution, and freedom. But for this, I need capable individuals. I need you by my side."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, before delivering his final invitation.

"Will you stand with me?" Matteo asked, his gaze locking onto each of them in turn. "This is the final opportunity to decline."

Ludovica smiled "I am with you as I have told you already."

"Me too" Luca chimed in.

"I have already pledged my fealty to you." Lysander.

Matteo nodded in acknowledgment as each of his companions affirmed their commitment to his cause.

"Great. Just so you know, I would have asked you to leave if you had hesitated even for a moment," Matteo remarked with a hint of amusement, his tone lightening the weight of their previous discussion.

"Now that we're past the heavy business, let's delve into the finer details," Matteo continued, shifting the focus to the practical matters at hand. "Well we don't have a name for our organization as of yet, so suggestions are welcome."

"But first and foremost of all, are you all familiar with the Shadows' Covenant?" Matteo inquired, his gaze sweeping over his companions expectantly.

Matteo observed as each of his companions nodded in agreement.

With a sense of solemnity, he proceeded to invoke the first edict of the Shadows' Covenant, laying the groundwork for their organization's structure and hierarchy.

"In accordance with the first edict of the Shadows' Covenant," Matteo began, his voice resonating with authority, "do you find favor in entrusting me, Matteo Marchesi, with the mantle of leadership, confident that I will guide us with integrity, cunning, and resilience?"

As he posed the question, Matteo observed as each member raised their left hand in agreement - a silent affirmation.

"Very well," Matteo acknowledged, "Your assent signifies not only your trust in me but also your dedication to our collective prosperity. Now, let us proceed with the allocation of powers within our family."

"In accordance with the second edict - as we convene to discuss the allocation of powers within our family," Matteo continued, his tone measured and deliberate, "I invite each esteemed member, including myself, to favor the powers that should be entrusted to the leader. These powers should serve to strengthen our operations, safeguard our interests, and propel us towards our shared goals."

With unanimous agreement, Matteo proceeded to enumerate the powers to be allocated:

"The Power of Absolute Delegation," Matteo declared, raising his own hand in agreement, followed by each member mirroring the gesture as a sign of unity and consensus.

"The Power of Sovereign Decision," he continued, each member affirming their agreement with a raised hand.

"The Power of Response Dominance," Matteo announced, his companions nodding in agreement as they raised their hands in unison.

"The Power of Resource Dominion," he stated, each member signaling their agreement with a solemn gesture.

"The Power of Negotiation Prowess," Matteo declared, observing as each member raised their hand in assent.

"And finally The Power of Punitive Authority," he continued, his voice carrying a weight of authority as each member affirmed their agreement with a raised hand.

With each power allocated and agreed upon, Matteo felt a sense of pride and determination wash over him.

"In accordance with the third edict," Matteo began again, "as we gather to forge the foundational principles of our organization, I invite each of us to contribute your wisdom and vision to this crucial endeavor."

"Our principles will serve as the compass guiding our actions," he continued, his gaze sweeping over his companions, "the code shaping our conduct, and the bedrock upon which our family stands."

He paused, allowing a moment for the significance of their task to sink in, before proceeding to articulate his own principle.

"Power is earned, never given freely," Matteo declared, his words resonating with conviction. "Ascendancy comes through cunning strategies or decisive actions."

Next, Luca offered his principle, his voice carrying a tone of steadfast determination.

"Loyalty is the currency of trust," Luca asserted, his words ringing with clarity. "Those who pledge allegiance reap the rewards, while traitors face the harshest consequences."

Ludovica followed suit, her principle steeped in the wisdom of discretion and caution.

"Silence is our shield," Ludovica proclaimed, her voice a solemn echo in the room. "Within our ranks, discretion is sacred. Loose tongues endanger us all."

Lastly, Lysander offered his principle, his words imbued with the weight of experience and insight.

"Knowledge is the ultimate leverage," Lysander declared, his gaze piercing as he spoke. "Keep your eyes and ears open, for information is the key to maintaining control and outmaneuvering our adversaries."

With each principle articulated, each of them felt a sense of unity and purpose settle over their gathering.

"Now, as the leader I invoke the power of Absolute Delegation-"