In a dense forest, a child sat behind a bandit, both dressed in gray cloaks. The horse galloped with determination, swiftly cutting through the path. The wind whispered through the trees, and the sound of hooves echoed through the surroundings, creating an aura of mystery and urgency.
External observers could easily interpret the scene as a sign of imminent danger for the child. However, the truth was quite different.
Johnny, after a long journey, had finally reached the depths of the forest, where the bandits had their hideout. The thick vegetation and rugged terrain made the camp nearly imperceptible to those who didn't know the exact location.
As he approached, he noticed a hidden and deserted camp among the trees. There were no burning fires, no sounds of bandit chatter. The silence of the forest reigned, interrupted only by the gentle rustling of the wind through the leaves and the songs of night birds.
The camp consisted of huts skillfully camouflaged among the trees and foliage, almost blending in with nature itself. The terrain was filled with ingeniously constructed traps to ward off unwanted intruders.
Upon reaching the camp, Luiz respectfully bowed his head and said, "Welcome to our home, Alexandre! From now on, you are my new leader!"
With a voice filled with reverence and a gaze laden with fear and apprehension, Luiz stared at the child. The previous scene of his former leader's death was deeply etched in his memory.
"Not bad!" Johnny remarked, his eyes scanning the camp. The huts, made of tree logs and intertwined leaves, were harmoniously arranged amidst the dense forest vegetation. Each one had a rustic touch, with wooden walls and thatched roofs that seamlessly blended into the surrounding landscape.
The paths between the huts were narrow but well-maintained, marked by small oil lanterns that illuminated the way at night. The camp was a blend of nature and improvised civilization, with designated areas for cooking, campfires, and a water well that supplied the bandit group.
Despite being a hidden location far from civilization, Johnny noticed the presence of decorative touches denoting a certain sense of aesthetics. Some huts had colorful cloths hanging at their entrances, while others displayed simple wooden sculptures decorating the surroundings.
"I want you to bring me all the objects that can be used as weapons, as well as all the treasures!" Johnny commanded with authority.
Immediately, Luiz understood the order and hurried to obey the new leader. He ran from hut to hut, collecting everything that could be used as a weapon: knives, rudimentary spears, bows and arrows, and even some sharpened stones.
After completing this task, he headed to where the camp's treasures were stored. They were coins, jewels, valuable items looted from unsuspecting travelers. Luiz gathered them into a sturdy bag and brought it back to Johnny, delivering it with respect.
Johnny smiled wickedly as he observed the new resources at his disposal. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of determination and malice. He picked up a bronze dagger among the collected items and held it firmly. With an almost affectionate gesture, he ran his left hand, which had been ragged and bloody before.
Thanks to Luiz's talent, his hand was now completely healed, with no trace of the previous wounds. Johnny could feel strength returning to his body, and the sensation of power coursing through his veins was intoxicating.
The bronze dagger gleamed with a sinister glow. Luiz was taken aback when, suddenly, the dagger disappeared abruptly before his eyes, as if swallowed by an invisible force, leaving Luiz gaping and even more puzzled about the young boy's abilities.
Johnny, accustomed to a simple life as a peasant, rarely had the opportunity to touch metal objects. Thus, laying his hands on a bronze dagger represented a significant advancement in his arsenal. For him, that simple metal object was a revelation of military power and a new dimension of possibilities.
Then the dagger reappeared, flying towards his left hand, stabbing it, and then disappearing again, revealing his tendons and muscles.
Luiz watched the unsettling scene, his mind clearing as he began to understand how the boy's talent worked. However, he was still shocked. After all, what kind of child was willing to harm themselves to increase their own personal power?
Johnny fixed an impatient and demanding gaze on Luiz, his words filled with impatience. "What the hell are you waiting for? Heal me now, you idiot!"
Johnny recognized the importance of Luiz's talent, realizing that the healing ability was incredibly valuable. As he watched his arm being restored to health, the boy realized the potential of this skill. He could use Luiz to heal the injuries resulting from his throws, thus preserving the kinetic energy he had in the previous shot. This would serve as a multiplier for the next throw, significantly increasing the object's speed.
Johnny was beginning to grasp the immense potential of this combination. He calculated that he could withstand at least five times the throws on his arm before it became non-existent. After all, Luiz needed his arm to still exist to apply his healing talent, as there were some inherent limitations.
Luiz, still shocked by what he had witnessed, swallowed hard and shook his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. After a moment of hesitation, he approached the boy with trembling hands, ready to use his healing ability, and said, "As you wish!"
Johnny's eyes shone with a mix of excitement and ambition. He knew his talent was already impressive when using simple objects like stones, but now, with the ability to wield sharp metal objects, his destructive power was about to reach new heights. It was as if a new dimension of possibilities had opened before him, and he couldn't wait to fully explore it.
"How many bronze daggers do we have left?" Johnny inquired as his hand was enveloped in a green healing aura.