Rebuilding

Instead of relying on others, Jack had always believed in trusting himself. He had learned not to place his hopes on politicians who could easily break their promises. Jack was a realist from the beginning, never expecting help from the government. If assistance came, it would be welcome, but he knew not to depend on it.

After Anderson agreed to contact the Minister of Defense, Jack left the luxurious villa. He removed the Ethan's headgear, revealing his determined face, and made his way back to the former Assassin Brotherhood Headquarters, which had now become the temporary stronghold for the Templars.

Jack couldn't let such a valuable territory go to waste. Besides, the Knights Templar didn't have a fixed stronghold yet, and many of its members were former assassins. Moreover, the magical loom within the headquarters held the potential for gathering crucial information in the future. Taking all these factors into account, Jack and his companions decided to claim the headquarters as their own.

Jack shared this decision with Anderson, who readily approved.

"We might as well make use of this place," Anderson said. "And if we can still do the small things, why not?"

Upon returning to the stronghold, Jack noticed the assassins looking at him with a mixture of awe and respect in their eyes. Curious about this newfound reverence, he confronted Carlos and the others.

"Did you go around publicizing my identity?" Jack asked.

Carlos chuckled and replied, "We may have made a few modifications, but rest assured, we didn't reveal your alien origins. Everything else, well, we made it known."

"Fate no longer trusts assassins. She has chosen the Templars, and we, in turn, have put our hope in you. We believe you can bring order back to the world. What do you say?" Wesley, spoke up.

Jack nodded, acknowledging the weight of their trust.

"Not much has changed," he admitted. "Since we now have our own stronghold as the Knights Templar, it's time for us to rebuild."

Fox was eager for clarification. "What do you mean by 'rebuild'?" she asked.

Jack raised his hand, revealing a cross, a symbol of the Templars.

"For now, we are merely preparing to become Templars," he explained. "But it's time to change our course and start spreading the fire!" he declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Fox's curiosity grew. "Spreading fire? What does that mean exactly?"

Jack grinned, knowing that his words were both sensible and nonsensical.

"It means conveying the fire of hope for civilization, the light of order," he replied enigmatically.

...

"Okay, that's about it," Jack said with a satisfied nod, closing his small notebook.

"...That's it?" Wick couldn't help but blurt out, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Jack looked at him quizzically and replied, "What else do you want?"

Wick's eyes twitched as he spoke, "I mean, shouldn't there be some branding or ceremony? This is the entrance to the majestic Templars, the organization that brings order to the world. Isn't it a bit underwhelming?"

Jack chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ah, my friend, we're in a new era now. It's all about a different atmosphere. We don't need all those bells and whistles anymore."

Wick was taken aback by Jack's response. He couldn't believe that the entrance ceremony to such a powerful organization could be so simple.

"Oh, but wait!" Jack suddenly remembered something and pulled out another piece of paper. He handed it to Wick and said, "Here, circle it around. This is the creed of the Templar Knights. It's essential that you remember it. It would be even better if you could copy it down. I'll check it later."

Wick took the paper, still bewildered, and glanced at it. He couldn't help but mutter, "Is this really it? This hasty entry ceremony seems so... anticlimactic."

Jack sighed and revealed a bit of the truth, "I understand it may seem lacking, but believe me, once we've dealt with the high table, I promise I'll make it up to you. It will be something grand!"

But there was another, more personal reason for Jack's decision to keep it simple. He didn't want to endure any more embarrassment than necessary. He had reached his limit during the previous training sessions, and he had resolved not to put himself in any more awkward situations if he could help it.

Thus, this intimate entrance ceremony with only a handful of people present was a deliberate choice to avoid any unnecessary embarrassment.

"Wick, what did Winston say?" Jack swiftly changed the subject, noticing that everyone was still grappling with the unconventional ceremony.

Wick replied, "Winston said we can meet and discuss. He's currently at the Continental Hotel in New York. You decide the time, and he'll be available."

Jack nodded and responded, "Alright, let's meet tomorrow morning then."

"Now, let's focus on repairing the first stronghold of our Knights Templar..." Jack declared with determination in his voice, eager to move forward with their mission.

....

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