Templars

Jack shook his head in disbelief. "No, I'm not talking about that. It seems like your Brotherhood of Assassins has been hiding the existence of the Knights Templar from you."

Carlos's eyes widened in surprise. "What? I had no idea. Please, enlighten me."

Jack grinned, excited to share his knowledge. "Well, it all started in the 12th century when a group of knights formed an order to protect...."

Carlos listened intently as Jack recounted the history of the Knights Templar, detailing their rise to power, their wealth and influence, and ultimately, their downfall due to the betrayal by the Brotherhood of Assasins.

•••

"Wait, what you're saying is true?" Carlos asked incredulously after Jack explained the origins of the Knights Templar and the Brotherhood of Assassins.

"The Knights Templar fell into decline because of the 'loom of fate' possessed by the assassin," Jack explained, shrugging.

"Imagine that the person marked by the loom of fate is the one the assassin wants to kill. If someone controls it, then the entire Brotherhood of Assassins will become their plaything."

"The loom of fate is Controlled?" Carlos' eyes widened.

"Yes, the name it produces can be actively manipulated," Jack continued.

"Once the Assassins started using this loophole, they broke the code and began attacking the Templars without restraint."

"Without restraint? But that makes us killers!" Carlos protested.

"Exactly! After tampering with the loom, they became killers instead of Assassins," Jack agreed.

"And that's why I'm here. As the last Templar in this world, I came to find you."

"But I'm an Assassin," Carlos said uncertainly.

"Assassin? No, you're not. Once the Assassins started using the loom for their own gain, they lost their moral compass and became killers," Jack clarified.

"And that's the difference between you and them."

Carlos sat in silence for a while, taking it all in. "Wow, I had no idea," he finally said.

"That's why I'm here, to help you understand," Jack said with a smile. "Now, let's have that drink!"

"Listen up, Carlos," Jack said with a serious tone, "Assassins exist due to faith, while killers are there for profit. There's a big difference between the two."

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Jack leaned in. "The current so-called Brotherhood of Assassins might as well be called the League of Killers."

"But don't take my word for it. When you get back, get your hands on the assassination list of all recent assassins and send it to me. I'll investigate what kind of interest entanglements are behind these lists." Jack added.

"Are you saying the evidence can be falsified?" Carlos asked skeptically.

Jack shook his head. "I trust my own eyesight and judgment, but the question is, who is controlling the operation of the loom of fate in the Assassin Brotherhood? Think about it, Carlos. If everything I said is true, then who is pulling the strings?"

Carlos felt a chill run down his spine. "Sloan."

"Exactly," Jack said.

"And that's why I don't want you to investigate. If you get caught, Sloan will send you straight to the list on the so-called 'loom of fate.'"

Carlos frowned. "So what should I do?"

"Let me worry about that," Jack said with a grin.

"I'm far stronger than you think. But if you're ever discovered, don't worry about me. Worry about the ones who were ordered to come and kill me."

Carlos nodded slowly. "Got it."

Jack leaned back in his chair. "And one more thing, Carlos. My name is Jack."

Carlos chuckled. "Got it, Jack."

"Listen, Carlos," Jack said, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial level.

"I have a mission that goes beyond simply taking down the Assassins. I want to fix the world's problems and bring balance to the chaos."

Carlos raised an eyebrow skeptically. "That sounds like something a religious fanatic would say."

Jack shook his head. "I'm not a religious fanatic. I just want to restore order and bring balance back to the world. The Assassins and other killers have been trampling the law and ignoring order for too long. It's time to set things straight. And I need your help for that."

Carlos still looked unconvinced. "And what should I do?"

"Simple join the Templars," Jack said confidently.

Carlos nodded slowly, considering Jack's words. "And what about my son? Wesley?"

Jack's expression softened. "I want you to meet him, Carlos. I want you to make amends for your mistakes and be there for him. I know it won't be easy, but it's something you need to do."

"What do you want to do?" Carlos immediately raised his guard. "You want to recruit me into the Knights Templar? I might consider it, but my son Wesley is off-limits!"

"It's not about what I want," Jack said, swirling his drink. "Do you really think Sloan doesn't know about your son? If you betrayed them and joined us, do you think he won't use your son as leverage against you?"

Carlos' face paled at the thought. "What would he do?"

"He might bring your son back to the Brotherhood of Assassins and train him to turn against you. And then, he'll have your son deal with you." Jack's voice was low and serious.

"What would you do if you were facing your own flesh and blood?" Jack challenged him.

Carlos hesitated, imagining the heart-wrenching scenario. "I couldn't betray the Brotherhood of Assassins."

"Let's not be naive here, Carlos. You're a seasoned assassin. I know what kind of person you are, and that's why I'm talking to you. You believe in the creed of 'kill one to save a thousand.'"

Jack leaned in closer. "When you find out about Sloan's dark dealings, whether I'm here or not, and whether you consider Wesley or not, you'll stand up against him. You'll become a 'traitor' to the Brotherhood, facing off against Sloan, who controls the loom. And that's where I come in."

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"