I, the slave boy, awaken with the most potent seed!!

Chapter 123: Brother in arms

In the darkness of his home, a massive figure lumbered about, his heavy footsteps echoing through the house.

The man, tall and heavily built, clutched a huge chunk of meat in one hand, tearing into it with gusto. His deep voice boomed through the rooms as he sang at the top of his lungs:

"Oh, my meat is so sweet,

It makes my toes tap to the beat!

Juicy and tender, it's my dinner,

Who needs veggies? I'm no beginner!

Chomp chomp chomp, I'm a happy chump!"

Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted his ridiculous serenade.

The big man paused, his hand grazing his brown beard as his brown eyes narrowed suspiciously. When the knock came again without a word, he muttered under his breath, "That's definitely a thief."

Rising to his full, intimidating height, he strode to a nearby table, dropped his meat and grabbed an enormous wood-cutting machine.

Despite its size, it looked almost toy-like in his massive hands. He flipped the switch, and the machine roared to life, its blade whirring menacingly.

As he approached the door, ready to confront the intruder, a familiar voice called out from the other side:

"Open up, Thanatos, it's me."

The big man, Thanatos, froze in his tracks, the wood-cutter still humming in his grip. Recognition flashed across his face, mingled with surprise and a hint of wariness.

Thanatos lowered his voice, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Is that... Gustavo?"

But doubt quickly overshadowed his hope. He shook his head, convincing himself, "No, it can't be. These thieves must have stepped up their game, copying people's voices now. Gustavo wouldn't be back."

Raising his voice, he shouted through the door, "I know you're a thief! Flee now before I butcher you with my wood-cutting machine!"

Gustavo's voice persisted, knocking again. "Thanatos, open up. It's me, Gustavo."

'These fuckers,' Thanatos thought as he yanked the door open and charged out, the wood-cutter roaring in his hands. He stopped abruptly, nearly stumbling, as he came face to face with Gustavo.

The machine still whirred menacingly as Thanatos stared, mouth agape. "I-Is this really you, Gustavo?" he stammered.

Gustavo smiled and nodded. "Yes, old friend. It's me."

The man with the machine looked dumbfounded for a bit there.

But he wasn't ready to let his guard down just yet. His eyes narrowed, and he growled, "No! Prove it. What's the secret word?"

Gustavo's smile widened, a glint of nostalgia in his eyes. He spoke softly but clearly, "Come on, Thanatos, I am still the ghost in the night."

The tension in Thanatos's massive frame melted away instantly. He switched off the wood-cutter, the sudden silence almost deafening.

A broad grin split his bearded face as he engulfed Gustavo in a bear hug, his earlier suspicion replaced with genuine joy.

"By the gods, it really is you! Thanatos's eyes widened as he looked at Gustavo with concern. "What are you doing here? You know you're still a wanted man, right?"

Gustavo nodded solemnly. "Yes, I'm aware. I'm back in search of some fortune, and I need your help. Could you provide us shelter in your large warehouse behind the house?"

Thanatos frowned, confused. "Why can't you just stay inside the house? It's big enough for both of us."

Gustavo lowered his head, his voice dropping. "I... didn't come alone. I brought some help." He turned and called out, "Mordred!"

Suddenly, men began emerging from behind walls and bushes around the property. Thanatos's jaw dropped as he saw the sheer number of people Gustavo had brought.

"You're still together with these guys? This is fucking unacceptable!" Thanatos exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and anger.

"I could handle one trouble, but this number? You all are wanted men. This is too much! People might notice and report to the Enforcers! I can't get involved in that, no!"

Gustavo however pleaded, his voice urgent but low. "Please, old friend. We'll maintain a low profile and won't cause any trouble. We won't be here long, I promise."

He continued to try and persuade Thanatos, emphasizing their long friendship and the dire need for assistance. "We have nowhere else to go, and I trusted you above all others. We'll be as quiet as shadows, you won't even know we're here."

Thanatos's expression wavered between concern and sympathy. He ran a hand through his brown beard, clearly conflicted.

"Gustavo, this is a huge risk. Not just for you, but for me as well. How can you guarantee my safety?"

Gustavo placed a hand on Thanatos's massive shoulder. "I give you my word as your brother-in-arms. If any trouble comes, we'll be gone before it reaches your doorstep. Please, Thanatos. We need this."

The big man's resolve was clearly crumbling under the weight of Gustavo's earnest plea. He looked from Gustavo to the group of men waiting silently, then back to his old friend, indecision written across his face.

Thanatos sighed heavily, finally relenting. "Fine, I'm doing this for you, Gustavo. Not for them." He emphasized the last word, casting a wary glance at the group.

He disappeared into his house briefly.

Thanatos had been a close friend of Gustavo for years, though he was never a part of the brotherhood that carried out the failed assassination. He was more of a brother-in-arms, someone who could be relied upon in times of need.

However, unlike Gustavo, Thanatos always made an effort to avoid trouble. His involvement in the dangerous lifestyle wasn't driven by ambition or loyalty to any cause, but purely by a desire to protect himself from thieves and other unwanted visitors. Can't beat them? Well, join them.

He quickly returned from his room with a large bunch of keys and a torch. Gesturing for them to follow, he led the way behind his house, grumbling as they walked.

"I don't like this, Gustavo. These men... they could bring trouble."

Gustavo placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "There won't be any trouble, I promise you."

They arrived at a large warehouse. Thanatos unlocked the heavy door, pushing it open with a creak. The interior was mostly dirty, with a few clean patches here and there.

"You can stay here until you're done with whatever brought you," Thanatos said gruffly. "Just don't cause any trouble." With that, he turned and left, shaking his head.

Mordred approached Gustavo, his face etched with concern. The dimly lit warehouse cast long shadows across the room, mirroring the doubt in Mordred's mind.

"Gustavo, we need to talk," Mordred said, his voice low and urgent. "It's about Thanatos."

Gustavo looked and asked. "What about him?"

Mordred glanced around, his eyes boring on Thanatos's back as he walked away. "I don't trust him. What if he's planning to turn us in? The bounty on our heads would set him up for life."

Gustavo leaned back, considering Mordred's words. "Don't worry he's a good friend of mine, I trust him."

Mordred shook his head, unconvinced. "People change, Gustavo. Especially when there's a fortune at stake."

"Listen," Gustavo said, his tone firm but understanding. "I appreciate your concern. But Thanatos... he's different. He's one of us. He's also a brother-in-arms.

He'd never side with the Enforcers."

Mordred sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I hope you're right. But if you're wrong..."

"If I'm wrong," Gustavo interrupted, "then I'll deal with him myself..... my way."

With that, Gustavo faced the other men, his voice low but commanding. "We're safe here tonight. Get ready to start patrolling this night. You all remember Matilda's face from the bounty picture drawn, right?"

The men nodded silently.

"Good. Go out in pairs, groups, or however you see fit. Cover as much ground as possible, but be discreet. Avoid places where you might be recognized. Understood?"

Another round of nods.

"Alright then, move out."

With that, the men began to disperse, slipping out of the warehouse in small groups. As they merged into the streets of Drakoria, they blended in with the local population, their eyes scanning for any sign of their target.