The Bet

Time seemed to rewind as Gaius slowly emerged from his coma, groaning as his chaotic consciousness settled into clarity. As he blinked, the pain in the back of his head reminded him that his memories were indeed real.

"Are you awake?" a voice startled Gaius, causing him to sit up, instinctively protecting himself.

"What the heck? Why are you lurking around like that?" Gaius blurted out, eyeing the person holding a mirror, who turned out to be none other than Jack.

Jack set the mirror down and grinned mischievously, "Well, believe it or not, now I can be you!" He wore Gaius' headgear, revealing that he had knocked Gaius out earlier to copy his face using equipment from the IRS. His intention was to show off his successful disguise when Gaius woke up and make a convincing argument for a deal.

Gaius' eyes widened as he saw a mirror image of himself. The resemblance was uncanny, except for their clothing and hands. "Wait, how is this even possible?"

"Don't worry, I just want to prove a point. I can completely imitate your appearance," Jack explained gleefully. "Imagine if I pretend to be you and take out the incoming judge. It'll be quite the thrill, don't you think?"

Gaius tried to find a flaw in Jack's plan. "But they will search the place thoroughly, and they'll find out it's not really me!"

Jack smirked and placed his hand on the table beside him. The table vanished into thin air, leaving Gaius bewildered.

"See, making a living person disappear is a piece of cake for me," Jack said confidently.

Gaius was at a loss for words, unable to find a counter-argument. He resignedly sat down, asking, "What do you want from me?"

"As I mentioned, I want you to work for me," Jack said, looking directly at Gaius. "Join the Knights Templar and fight against the High Table."

Gaius was skeptical at first, stating, "That's impossible! What's the difference between dying now or later?"

Jack then slyly revealed his involvement in the legendary event in New York, where 500 High Table elites were annihilated in a storm of lightning. "You were responsible for that?!" Gaius asked in astonishment.

Jack merely smiled in response, neither confirming nor denying it.

Gaius pondered for a moment and finally relented, "Alright, I'll join!"

He figured there was little difference between agreeing and not agreeing. Besides, joining the Templars might increase his chances of survival. However, he couldn't help but harbor a slight doubt about whether Jack would keep his end of the bargain.

Unbeknownst to Gaius, Jack had already read his thoughts like an open book. What he wants is that Gaius is willing to join the Templars wholeheartedly and serve the Templars!

"Just a verbal promise is not safe, Mr. Gaius," Jack declared, dramatically tearing off the hood that was barely worthy of his good looks. He'd been wearing it for a while now, and he couldn't help feeling a bit wronged by it.

Gaius immediately raised his guard, wondering what Jack had in mind. "What... do you want?"

Jack chuckled, seemingly reading Gaius's thoughts. "Ah, I understand your concern. A verbal promise can be easily broken, right? But fear not, my friend, I have something more intriguing in store."

Gaius looked intrigued yet skeptical, curious about the mysterious proposition that Jack was about to reveal.

"You see," Jack continued, "I know you don't want to be stuck in your current position forever. And, well, the High Table doesn't have the right to demand that you give up your ownership of the Continental Hotel."

Gaius seemed to ponder Jack's words, realizing that the man had a point. His desire for something greater was undeniable.

"So, I'm here to offer you a chance—a chance to rise higher than you've ever imagined. I'm talking about becoming an [Elder] within the ranks of the Templar Knights," Jack announced with a touch of mystery.

"But... there's only one Elder in the Templar Knights, right?" Gaius questioned, remembering that Jack had bestowed that position upon Winston before.

Jack smiled enigmatically. "Ah, but who said there's only one [Elder]? And who said that the [Elder] of the Knights holds the same power as the [Elder] of the High Table? These are just cleverly woven tales to mislead."

Gaius found himself intrigued and drawn in by Jack's offer. He was tempted by the possibilities, but still, he couldn't entirely trust it. "The conditions you present sound enticing, but I find it hard to believe."

Jack nodded knowingly. "Of course, a leap of faith requires trust, and trust is earned. So, let's make it interesting. How about a bet?"

"A bet?" Gaius raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, a simple one," Jack explained. "I'll knock you unconscious without harming you, and when you wake up, you bet whether the High Table will take away your power. I think they will, but you bet that they won't. If I succeed in predicting the outcome, you'll join the Templars."

Gaius considered this offer, realizing that it could be an exciting way to settle the matter. "And what happens if you lose?"

Jack's expression turned deadly serious. "Then I will have no choice but to end your journey."

Gaius was taken aback by the starkness of Jack's response. "But if you promise to let me go if you lose, why should I believe you?"

Jack replied with sincerity, "Because I stand by my word, Mr. Gaius. If I say I will let you go, I will do just that."

Gaius hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Fine, let's do it."

Jack cracked a smile, and as he did, he heard footsteps approaching from outside. "Ah, it seems our bet is about to begin, Mr. Gaius," he remarked, his excitement palpable.

He conjured a wrench in his right hand and a dazzling sword crackling with electric arcs in his left. "So, which one would you prefer—the fast one or the slow one?"

Gaius, caught up in the thrilling atmosphere, couldn't help but grin. "Oh, I'll take the wrench, please!"

....  

Back in the present, the air shimmered, and Jack materialized beside Gaius' bed with a flourish. "Happy cooperation, Mr. Gaius," he said, extending his hand with a playful twinkle in his eyes.

Gaius grinned, taking his hand, "Happy cooperation indeed."

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