Chapter 126 Appreciation

Losing track of time and continuing to fire away, the unit leaders of the Outlaw Gang all tried their best to even rival Xavier in accuracy. However, no matter how hard they tried, there was just an insurmountable gap. Their actual skill level couldn't be fully tested at the firing range with slow-moving targets, and one could never truly know how they would act when the pressure was on and in the heat of the moment. However, it was clear that Xavier wouldn't struggle to hit any target, no matter how far.

It was as if he had the eyes of a hawk and absolute concentration that allowed him to never make even the slightest mistake. Combined with his precise control over his body, he was incredibly accurate, even at things outside of firing weapons.

They even tried out axe throwing and tried to get things into a trashcan from different ranges. However, each time, although he may struggle to make it on his first attempts, he always dominated them all. And once he found his bearings, replicating something he had done previously seemed easy.

'This Expert Precision truly is incredible. I can't wait to spar with the others again. I'll be even more deadly in a fight now. And maybe I should get myself some throwing knives,' thought Xavier to himself, as he started making his way out of the firing range with the others.

They headed over to a nearby park together and sat down together before having a deep and serious conversation with each other. Providing updates on everything that had happened, they all reached a mutual understanding that things were starting to get intense.

Xavier then handed them some files that Zack had collated, which would benefit them all. He wanted them to be on top of things and prepared for what was ahead of them.

And just like always, they didn't let him down, and all seemed to be up for any challenge.

Smiling to himself, Xavier couldn't shake the feeling that he had forgotten something. Then, after locking eyes with Sam, he remembered that he wanted to ask him something.

As all of them started heading off, Xavier pulled Sam to the side and as he did, he could clearly feel that the reserved individual was on edge.

"Is everything alright Sam? You know you can talk to and trust us, right? So if there's anything we can help you with, just..."

"I'm fine," he assured Xavier, but it didn't seem like he was.

There didn't appear to be an issue with his health or in his day-to-day life, but something was bothering him and also bothered Xavier. The ominous and unusual aura that Sam exuded while holding a gun, despite being faint, didn't get past Xavier who was very sharp and sensitive to his surroundings.

Meanwhile, after looking into it, he knew that Sam also had his fair share of struggles, but even with Zack's research skills, he couldn't find everything about Sam. That wasn't to say he was some sort of secret spy, but simply because there was a period when he didn't exist in the eyes of the government.

A time when he had no identity before he was taken in.

-

Seeing that Sam didn't really want to talk about it yet, Xavier decided to let it go and didn't want to press him too hard.

"Xavier, I won't let you down, so you don't have to worry about me," the slender figure mumbled.

As soon as he did, Xavier struck him in the stomach with incredible speed and explosive power. Despite being incredibly fast and relying on speed as his strong suit, Sam was barely able to react in time. All he was able to do was lean back slightly, just enough to reduce the impact of the blow.

"I don't care if you let me down, idiot. Just take care of yourself, Sam. And if there's something on your mind, you can always tell me. It's the same with the others and..."

Before Xavier could finish, Sam, who quickly recovered from the blow he endured, swung a first of his own with speed that rivalled or even surpassed that of Xavier.

It was so rapid that even Xavier struggled to avoid it and had no choice but to swing his head back as hard as he could. By leaning so far back to avoid the punch, Xavier ended up on the verge of falling backwards and flipped backwards to recover.

Amazed by Xavier's speed, flexibility and combat prowess, Sam was dazed for a moment before stating plainly, "I appreciate it."

Xavier simply smiled and didn't expect Sam to be able to unleash such speed.

"It seems as though you've been holding back in our sparring sessions," he commented as he returned to his jovial self and wrapped his arm around Sam's neck.

Sam merely shrugged with a slight smile on his face, truly appreciating Xavier worrying about him.

And as they started making their way out of the park together, they saw Karim, Achara, Connor, and Zack waiting for them at the gate.

"That was quicker than expected. Everything sorted?" asked Connor.

Seeing them all there, Xavier and Sam simply nodded their heads before they all set off together.

Despite remaining silent, they were all in a pleasant mood. There was a mutual feeling of trust and appreciation that they all cherished as they all headed back to their units.

-

Spending the rest of the day roaming around the units, training and checking up on things Xavier didn't have much else to do. He was awaiting a response from the supplier he wanted to work with, and until he received it, he couldn't move forward with his plans.

He needed them to respond soon, as if they didn't, he'd have to proceed with his second option. Although this would still get him what he needed, it could cause him a lot of trouble in the long run. Such a powerful organisation that claimed to be neutral but was still revered and dealt with all sorts of other powerful gangs would not be the most ideal organisation to work with.

The Outlaw Gang was yet to establish itself. That's not to say he was afraid or that working with the mysterious supplier was any better, but Xavier trusted his gut and decided to stick with it.

Thankfully, they got back to Zack, who contacted them on behalf of Xavier.

The only issue was that they responded in the middle of the night.

And Xavier was only able to wake up because Zack had called him so many times that he was on the verge of breaking his phone...