DARK GANG

Chapter 143: Crest

[CREST]

EAGLE'S P. O. V.

I stood before the six knights on my front, who were my allies: Mr. Wang of China, Mr. Müller of Germany, Mr. Sato of Japan, Mr. Al-Fahad of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Patel of India, and Mr. Rossi of Italy. I called a meeting as I was alarmed when I heard something from Mr. Patel. He told me he had received an email about the existence of the crest. I was the first person he informed because he knew how this information could either be a huge help or a major obstacle to my domination. My initial plan to dominate is to claim the position of the 12th knight and revise its duties, powers, and limitations.

"If that crest is real, the Twelfth Knight will no longer be needed as it was also written on the rule book. As we all know, he was just a substitute," ani Mr. Wang. Naguguluhang napatingin ako sa kaniya. He was infamous for his cunning ways, always finding an advantage, always ready to deceive. He was the most treacherous of all the knights.

"That's exactly what's going to happen," dagdag ni Mr. Rossi. He was the expert when it came to technology, owning a top-tier tech company with the highest revenue in the field.

"Sabi-" I shut my eyes. Hindi pala nakakaintindi ng Tagalog ang mga 'to. I opened my eyes. "Tell me more about this crest and its holder. I don't know much," I admitted, trying to keep my voice steady. The crest had long vanished from the council's affairs, so I never bothered to learn about it in detail.

Mr. Al-Fahad, the youngest knight at twenty-two and currently in law school, toyed with his pen before speaking. "The crest has long been absent from the council, which is why it faded into obscurity. The last time it was seen was during the tragic plane crash of its holder. While the body was recovered, the crest itself was lost—believed to be lying at the bottom of the ocean."

A heavy sigh escaped Mr. Patel, who held the widest influence in the council. "After the loss of the crest holder, the council established the role of the Twelfth Knight, a temporary substitute chosen by majority vote. But to prevent the Twelfth knight from wielding too much power like the crest holder, something this council greatly feared, the knights severely limited his authority. His role is to guide the knights in decision-making. He can propose laws like us but still subjected to voting. His words are not the law. His main purpose was just to ensure we had a leader, as our council book dictates: 'A council must have a leader to be official and valid.'"

Mr. Sato, who rarely spoke but whose words were always sharp and to the point, leaned forward. "You don't want to challenge him. If that crest is real, my advice is to give up on your dreams of becoming the Twelfth Knight."

Mr. Müller, the council's sharpest mind and someone who had sworn loyalty to me, nodded in agreement. "The crest could stand in your way if the holder sees you as a threat. He could easily demand your removal from the council if he deems you and your dream a big insult in his position."

"What makes him different from twelfth knight? Gaano ba kalakas ang kapangyarihan ng crest?" Nagtataka kong tanong.

"A crest represents the law," Mr. Müller explained. "Unlike the Twelfth Knight, the crest holder doesn't need a majority vote to enforce new rules. His mere presence allows him to dictate law—unless it interferes with the affairs of two or more gangs, which is forbidden. Like the Twelfth Knight, the crest holder must remain neutral in all disputes. If he involves himself in any war in any way, his powers will be revoked, and the council will vote to determine the next crest holder."

"The powers of the crest holder are similar to those of the Twelfth knight—he cannot be removed from his position unless he breaks this only rule written in the Rule book of the Council. His influence and connections are far-reaching and his support is crucial. Like the Twelfth Knight, his responsibility is to oversee and guide the knights in their decision-making. But unlike the Twelfth knight, whose words are still subjected to voting, the crest holder's words are the law." Dagdag ni Mr. Sato.