Looking at Wild Dog's conflicted expression, Marcus smiled slightly. This guy seemed to be hungry for power, which would provide some entertainment. Since these guys were all scum anyway, it didn't matter what happened to them.
Marcus released void energy, transforming it into a phantom that entered Wild Dog's body.
"Perfect—now I can see just how crazy someone becomes when affected by the void."
The void energy spread throughout Wild Dog's body, making him lose consciousness. He vomited blood and collapsed straight to the ground.
"Boss Wild Dog!!!"
Accompanied by his lieutenant's exclamation, everyone in the bar looked over to see Wild Dog fallen on the ground, his clothes stained red with blood.
"What's going on?"
Hyena, supported by his mechanical tentacles, walked over. He was quite satisfied with the man who'd stolen the mechanical tentacles for him, so this was concerning.
"Check if he's still breathing and has a heartbeat," Hyena commanded.
His lieutenant put a hand in front of Wild Dog's nose, then checked his pulse.
"Boss Hyena, Wild Dog's still alive."
Hyena nodded. "Take him to the back room to rest."
Under Hyena's command, Wild Dog's crew looked confused and lost as they carried him away.
Meanwhile, in Wild Dog's spiritual world, he was trembling with extreme fear as he knelt before a towering figure.
"Praise you, Great God!"
Wild Dog muttered. He had no idea that the giant before him was nowhere near a god—though maybe the entity really was divine.
Even Marcus found Wild Dog's reaction interesting. He'd only planned to twist the man's spirit and turn him into a complete lunatic, but now it looked like he could have some real fun.
"My name is Lotus. Offer treasures containing energy to Lotus, and you will receive everything you desire."
Marcus's voice became hollow and distant under the distortion of void energy, which made Wild Dog even more certain of his thoughts. This giant was definitely a god.
Wild Dog secretly looked up at the giant, and a massive lotus came into view. Suddenly, he felt a warm current flow through his body—his body seemed to be changing.
After a long time, Wild Dog woke up in the back room. He was alone, while the others were still partying in the bar.
"My power!"
Wild Dog's palm was surrounded by a faint layer of energy.
"I'm not dreaming—the Lotus God really gave me power!"
Wild Dog looked at his hands in amazement. He'd actually gained abilities. Although he had very little energy now, as long as he offered treasures containing energy to the Lotus God, he would become stronger.
Listening to the thumping music outside the room, a seed called ambition took root in his heart.
"Of course—only I am the chosen one! I am the king of New York!"
At this moment, he was no longer the person who'd fought to become Hyena's lieutenant. He wanted to defeat Hyena and replace him.
Meanwhile, Marcus in void mode was sitting on the bar's sofa, quietly watching this scum whose mind had been consumed by power.
Actually, it couldn't be said he was consumed by power alone. After all, Marcus had embedded a small trick in that power—along with giving Wild Dog abilities, the energy would continuously consume Wild Dog's body, his flesh, his organs, and even his soul would all become fuel for that power.
The more powerful Wild Dog became, the more terrifying the side effects would be. He might be able to unleash force far beyond ordinary people, but he would also die from constant fighting.
"Let me see what entertainment you can provide."
As he spoke, void energy flashed from Marcus's fingertips, and though Wild Dog didn't notice it, his eyes suddenly lit up with ambition.
Wild Dog walked out of the back room and headed straight toward Hyena. Since he wanted to replace Hyena, he had to test the power of the mechanical tentacles.
The blood-stained Wild Dog stopped all the partying gangsters he passed. As bottom-tier criminals, they might not be as powerful as the bosses, but they were still very sensitive to danger.
The Wild Dog walking past them gave off a very dangerous feeling.
"Is it just me, or has Wild Dog boss changed a lot?"
"Maybe it's the blood on Wild Dog—looks like he just chopped someone up."
The gangsters talked among themselves, trying to explain Wild Dog's transformation. Meanwhile, Wild Dog—the subject of their conversation—showed a sinister smile as he looked at the mechanical tentacles on Hyena's back.
"Boss Hyena, can these mechanical claws really help us defeat the other gangs?"
Wild Dog asked thoughtfully. Although he'd gained power, he still needed to know the mechanical tentacles' limits.
"Of course." Hyena leaned back and sat on the mechanical tentacles. "These four mechanical arms are part of my body—they can do whatever I want."
While talking, a mechanical tentacle curled around Hyena and handed him a double whiskey.
Looking at the flexible mechanical tentacles, Wild Dog clenched his fists. Those things could only be his!
"Good. Tonight we'll attack the Pier Ghost Gang in the next block. I've been wanting their pier business for a long time."
With the mechanical tentacles as support, Hyena could safely and boldly attack the surrounding gangs.
Wild Dog's heart, already twisted by the void, became even more ecstatic. Gang warfare would be the perfect time to make his move.
"Absolutely! With you leading us, Boss Hyena, we'll definitely be able to take the Pier Ghost Gang's territory!"
Wild Dog said this aloud, while thinking to himself: "And then I'll become the new boss and the king of New York!"
Wild Dog reached out and touched one of the mechanical tentacles. He studied it carefully, but found that he couldn't sense any of its power, which only made him more determined—such powerful equipment was meant for him to use.
Seeing this, Marcus looked forward to the night's events. He really wanted to know what kind of surprises Wild Dog would bring him.
They stayed in the bar until nightfall. The bar, which should have been more active, was now extremely quiet. Everyone was fully armed, and in front of them stood Hyena—also fully armed—floating in the air with a rifle in his hand.
"Listen up! Use your weapons to suppress the Pier Ghost with everything you've got, and leave the rest to me!"
Hyena was very confident with his mechanical tentacles. These mechanical arms were his deadliest weapons, and the gun in his hand could deliver fatal blows to those Pier Ghost Gang members.