Victor had to know. “How did they do it?”

“Started with a police raid on an underground casino in Maddy’s territory. He showed up and chased the police off. A local hero group just ‘happened’ to be in the area and showed up to help the police. They fought and the heroes were losing when another hero group came to back them up. Maddy’s gang came to back him up, and it escalated from there. When word spread about the big fight, more heroes appeared. The local gangs took Maddy’s cue and began fighting back. Maddy and the original two groups of heroes made sure to do a lot of property damage. Viewership went through the roof that night.”

“They were filming it?”

“They were streaming it. Lower-tier heroes from all over the city flooded into the Kings as Maddy and the heroes were pretending to duke it out. Most of them have cameras which in turn led to lower-tier villains appearing to get on television.”

“And to earn money by appearing on the hero channels.”

Victor was beginning to understand how the Game works in the current era. He wasn’t sure he liked it.

“That’s right.” Bar replied. “That led to more property damage. Red Maddy got paid, the two groups of heroes got a reputation boost for running him out of town, and the heroes and villains that showed up got money for telecasting their fights. A cascading effect that benefited everyone.”

“Except for the people whose property got damage. Let me guess what happened next. The corporations that set this up appeared and offered to buy the property at low prices.” Bar nodded, and Victor continued. “Some people sold, but most didn’t. The corporations then exerted pressure on City Hall to slow down reconstruction work, the local police force budget was cut, and the Kings went on a downward spiral.”

“Then you showed up.”

“I’m no hero.”

“No, you’re better. Heroes comes and goes; you are a villain who want to take over the territory. You can bring order to the lawlessness. The city’s underworld is just waiting for a guy like you.”

“That’s what I don’t get.” Victor admitted. “Velocity is a Named City. It may not be the biggest city on Nexus, but it is famous. Even if Red Maddy sold out, there should be other guys waiting to take over. Are there no other crime lords in the city?”

“Crime lords?”

“Crime lords, Kingpins, Boss, Masterminds; whatever they are called nowadays.”

Bar just chuckled. “Those were the days. To answer your question; the answer is no. Red Maddy was the only one with a territory in the city, and no one has stepped up since.”

“That makes no sense.”

“It does. Nowadays, villains are like freelance entertainers. They make money not by robbing banks, but by getting views. You don’t need a territory. Having a territory just make you a target, and not just to Thundersky and his Protectors.”

“What do you mean?”

“Champions are there to protect the city from outside threats. Things like an alien invasion, or a big Gap. Most of them don’t care about C-listers like you. Besides, villains are now entertainers. But, so are heroes.” Victor was confused, and Bar explained. “Think about it. You are a hero signed to a hero company and have a camera drone with you as you go on patrol. You can go on a normal patrol and hope something will happen. Or …”

“Or you go straight into a villain’s territory where the chances of something happening are much higher.”

“That’s right. Having a territory just makes you a target nowadays.”

“Hold up. Bar, are you saying I shouldn’t get a territory?”

“I am telling you the reason why no villains own any territory in Velocity City. When I said the city’s underworld is just waiting for a guy like you, I meant exactly that. You have a chance to take the whole city.”

Victor’s eyes widened. “Why haven’t someone else tried yet? It has been six months since Red Maddy ran off. There must be some villains out there who notice the void.”

“I never said it will be easy. Besides, locals don’t like it when outsiders come in and take over.”

“I’m an outsider.”

“You have ties to the community. By the way, good choice making your daughter an assistant. She will make things easier.”

“Actually, she kind of made that decision on her own. I’m still not sure about that.”

It was then that Bar realized Victor was having the same problem he had. What is it with villainous fathers and their kids? Bar shook his head in resignation and decided. He opened his storage ring and handed Victor a file. Victor opened the file and began reading. He frowned.

“You don’t want your daughter in The Game?” Bar asked. “Maybe it’s time you show her what villains actually do for a living.”