Some time ago, after Amy's departure, Ray had dedicated all his time to the realization of his plans. Now, he and a group of his comrades-in-arms were in the planning headquarters — this was the first generation of the "Crimson Devils" grouping, which was to be born very soon and shake the entire world.
The majority of this group consisted of retired military personnel from various corners of the world. Ray had spent considerable money and effort to gather here those who shared his views and were ready to lay down their lives to instill fear in the souls of the scum hiding among people.
Now, a wolf mask covered Ray's face. Among this group, only Sergei Gromov — the old man in a wheelchair, Ray's right hand — knew who was concealed beneath that mask.
Surveying everyone with his gaze, Ray said:
"A difficult path lies ahead of us. We have gathered to shake the criminal world. For many of us, this will be a one-way ticket. But if we do everything right, the world will never be the same. I, like you, am ready to give my life so that future generations get a chance at a decent life. One day, everyone will forget about us. To most, we will only be a legend. But it is we who will lay the foundation of a future just world — through blood, fear, and death."
Almost no one knew who was hidden under the mask, but none present doubted the seriousness of this person's intentions. Everyone in that room had lost loved ones and shared his pain.
The day when the "Devils" would emerge from the shadows was approaching. Now, they were at the final stage of preparation.
"Our next target is William Tarly. He trades weapons with everyone: from small street gangs to the terrorist groups of third-world countries."
Looking at an elegant, middle-aged man in glasses, he addressed him:
"Bruce, is everything ready on your end?"
"The poison is ready and tested on our rabbits. I guarantee there will be no issues."
"Good work. I never doubted you."
Ray's voice was altered by a modulator, but even so, everyone understood — his praise was worth a great deal.
"Boss, are you sure we have no other way?" asked a girl from the psychological corps. She helped victims of violence and the fighters.
Ray answered calmly:
"You must understand: the 'Devils' are not murderers. We make people suppress their demons out of fear. In six months of our work, the crime rate has sharply decreased. Pedophiles are running to prisons themselves, police officers are afraid to take bribes. Do you know why?"
"I have guesses, but I want to hear your opinion," the girl replied.
"Because we kill them very brutally. Now, before raping someone, they remember our broadcasts on TV. But to the big players, we are still children. We are not curing the disease, only removing the symptoms. To win, we need people ready to give their lives for a new world. Tarly is just a stepping stone. If he behaves correctly, his family will not suffer. But are they truly so innocent, living on money earned from the lives of others?"
"He will become our arms supplier and a conduit to the terrorists. In choosing you, I thought you would become part of the pack, but perhaps I was mistaken. You may leave. But remember: if you blab about us, we will slaughter everyone dear to you. No one wants the death of innocents. But the pack is family. And family comes first. We share the pain of losses. Your sister's rapists were imprisoned, but that didn't help her. Perhaps if she had finished them off herself, she would be with us now. I rarely make mistakes, but perhaps you are not ready for this. Innocents will die — you must be ready for that."
When Ray finished, everyone looked at Ellie with condemnation. Each person here had lost family.
"Don't look at the kid like that," Sergei said. "Compared to you hopeless bastards, she's still a child. But the boss is right: if you can't handle it — leave. You still have a chance at a normal life."
Ellie, feeling a surge of shame, said firmly:
"Forgive me. I give my word — whatever happens, I will stay with you."
Ray used a text-to-speech program — the same one he had used for the "Devils'" manifesto. He had had to work hard: no one could know that the leader of the organization was mute. It was too conspicuous a detail. Out of the entire group, only Sergei knew the truth. He had been the first person Ray recruited.