Twenty minutes later, Axel haphazardly parked the borrowed car at the bank's entrance. He straightened his clothes, gave a confident smile to the security guard, and walked in.
The bank was small, barely bigger than a shop, with only three counters. That was exactly why Axel liked it. He had calculated his operational capabilities: one person alone could handle a small bank, but a large one would force him into multiple Deaths. Each Death, though recoverable, caused delays—and delays meant the police could surround the building before he even finished.
He wasn't here to kill indiscriminately, just to take cash efficiently. This bank's modest size and light security were perfect.
Axel joined the queue, pretending to be another customer. Manager Lyne, scrutinizing Axel's attire, immediately approached. Wealthy or well-dressed clients always caught his eye. Axel's outfit, at least five thousand Dollars, marked him as well-off—a young lawyer, dentist, or executive. Customers like him were the easiest to manipulate: wealthy enough to have disposable income, but not enough to have advisors shielding them from scams or sales pitches. Lyne could subtly steer such clients into investments, channeling money into the bank with little resistance.
"Hello," Lyne said, extending a hand. "Lyne Bernard. Vice President of this branch. A gentleman like yourself doesn't need to queue unless you wish to experience a different kind of life."
Axel smirked. "No queue? Nice eyes, Buddy."
"You flatter me. A man like you should stand out in any environment." Lyne gestured toward the VIP lounge.
As they walked, Axel chatted. "Your bank isn't huge, but busy enough. Lots of people waiting."
Lyne nodded. "Compared to Gotham banks like Wayne or Kane, we haven't fully penetrated the local market. But competition drives us to offer higher-quality service, which draws users who want more than a family-run bank."
Inside the lounge, Lyne brewed coffee and brought light desserts. Sitting across from Axel, he asked, "What service can I provide?"
"I'm here to withdraw cash."
"Ah, a loyal customer! But… you're not local to Gotham, correct? Otherwise, I would remember you."
"That's right," Axel said, giving a thumbs-up. "Seems I blend in well here. Until now, you're the only one who noticed I just arrived in Gotham."
Lyne smiled. "How much would you like to withdraw? Please provide your account."
Axel shrugged. "What account? What savings? I don't have any."
Lyne froze. Before he could react, Axel pulled a pistol from his lower back. As he entered the lounge, he had already located the monitor and disabled it with a shot.
The gunshot froze the room. Axel leveled the weapon at Lyne, who instinctively reached for his own gun.
"Don't move, Buddy," Axel warned. "You said you'd accommodate me. A man must keep his word."
Lyne swallowed, realizing words wouldn't save him. Axel pressed the gun against his lower back, then pushed the lounge door open, exposing the bank's stunned customers.
"Shit! It's a robber!" someone shouted. "And he's dressed like that? No mask?"
Four security guards raised their weapons. Axel put a hand around Lyne's shoulder. "How much do you make a month? Why risk your life for that little cash? I'm not here to rob—you're just lending me convenience."
He gestured at the VIP lounge. "One person. How much can I take? Small loss for a bank this size, right?"
Axel nudged Lyne with the gun. Lyne nodded frantically. "Didn't you hear? Turn off the surveillance, or my head's next!"
Facing the guards, Lyne pretended to shout, "Are you stupid? Turn off the surveillance! NOW!"
"Uh, this…" one security guard stammered.
"Turner, shut down all cameras," Lyne commanded over the walkie-talkie. The room went dark. Lyne exhaled.
"Whose subordinate are you?" he asked Axel cautiously.
"No one's. Lone wolf," Axel replied.
Lyne's expression hardened. "This is Maroni Family territory. Our bank and the family have a tacit agreement. Robbers won't survive here—the guards are enforcers. They'll hunt you until Death. Far more dangerous than police."
Axel smiled faintly. "Good to know."
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