What happens with destruction is that once it starts spreading, there's a point where violence begets more violence, becoming cyclical, like a clock that strikes twelve twice a day. Chaos reaches these states in two ways that are poorly controlled.
From shootings, fights, gangs, raids, impersonal taxes, and all kinds of dangerous activities.
However, the state's contract was not in vain. The wolf pack was reaching their destination. Kei arrived visibly exhausted and desperate in many unhealthy ways, nearing the point where the affiliates would gather to take down the revolutionary. Bondoukou was a village with a military base hidden among the sand and forest.
Numerous organizations were being hired, in what seemed like a race for a prize. He saw men with black eyes and white pupils but tried not to look in that direction. Those guys were crazy, now wearing military uniforms, a black beret with purple representing the wolf pack.
To all present, he was a wet-behind-the-ears kid walking to certain death, a sore thumb earning recognition just for being there in the military camp. But for them, it wasn't a reason to judge his actions, as they knew how rotten the world was.
-Well, we need to arm you, kid. - said Wilches, the captain of the ground unit.
-Yes, captain. - said Kei, going along, earning a smile from Wilches.
-You adapt quickly. Must spend all your time inside. Well, I think you'll need some handguns, some knives, you can use a small rifle, and maybe... some grenades. - said Wilches.
Kei thought about it but preferred to skip the handguns, feeling they were undignified for a martial artist.
-Just knives and I'd like some metal arm guards, something I can use to stop bullets, covering my forearms and knees. As a martial artist, my body is my weapon. - said Kei.
Wilches's surprise was enough to hit the mark.
-Whatever you want. Cai mentioned you'll be a kitchen helper and a military medic aide. The front line is for the experienced. For now, I'll introduce you to your two new teachers, and you better listen to them above me. It's necessary to follow their orders. Playing war only causes death. I want you safe as the future of the wolves. - said Wilches.
-Yes, captain. I'll do my best. - sighed Kei, arriving at a gigantic armory loaded with weapons to the teeth. There were even swords, and as he requested, there were knee pads, shin guards, gloves with metal palms, knives, and ropes, which he used as his attack elements.
Wilches handed him a small bag, similar to a school backpack but with a covering over it that looked like a sheet, but it was a sleeping bag usually used for camping. A canteen was tied to a chain, fixed to a lock.
-This package contains a chocolate bar, bandages, special repellent, alcohol, thread, needle, iodine, and cigarette packs, but I'll swap them for gum. You'll need it when we're in trenches or military bases. The worst smell that clings to you is the stench of rot, the flesh rotting from the core. It's good to be prepared. - said Wilches, handing over the bag.
-Thank you, captain. - said Kei, feeling part of an army.
They both walked to the entrance where Boko, the unit's military medic, greeted him but sent him to Yum, the cook, and told him to start by peeling potatoes and cooking chickens, to which Wilches responded by shrugging. They arrived in front of Yum, a chubby soldier who initially didn't notice him.
He handed Kei a small serrated knife and taught him how to peel potatoes, something Kei already knew from his mother. He spent two hours on this task, but it was enough to keep him busy all night. He collected the potatoes with a smile. Every mercenary band needs an expert cook to avoid consuming poisons, and Yum is an expert in that.
***
In the command room, the attack strategy was being planned. A very special person appeared there, an enigmatic figure with white eyes, facial tattoos, and military attire. Muteba Gizenga is a mercenary gaining recognition in the market for his blindness, brutal fighting style, and dirty tactics in battle.
He lost his sight seven years ago in a conflict in Liberia and made his comeback for the Ivory Coast. His skills are among the best, and he is considered one of the most tenacious people in the world. Despite being classified as a high-level expert, not yet a master, he hasn't reached that level.
One could say Muteba's martial art is killing. Leaning against a wall with sunglasses over his eyes, he doesn't seem so dangerous at first glance, but he is deadly sinister.
-So, let's wrap this up. - said the captain of the Ivory Coast special forces.
-Very well. - sighed Cai, intercepted by Kure Horio, a stout man who usually wears a suit but was dressed in military combat gear with a Japanese trench coat on this occasion.
-Horio, it's good to have you on our side this time. You're the Ox Demon and someone I'd prefer not to face in combat. - said Cai with a smile. With 60 years of experience, Cai is known in the mercenary world, even if he's of low rank in fighting.
-Are you thinking of recruiting the Celestial Wolves again? - asked Horio, shaking Cai's hand.
-What gave me away? - asked Cai.
Horio wanted to roll his eyes at the old man.
-The red-haired boy... he looks intense. - commented Horio. The information was good, and a future Celestial Wolf was something to consider. After all, the clan patriarch mentioned that the previous leader of the wolves was an advanced master, and it was a costly fight for Erioh Kure 50 years ago.
-Oh, that little thing is more intense. I found him in the interior. He defeated two of my men and tried to take my eye before I could recruit him. - said Cai.
-Oh, the interior. - said Horio, leaving with the members of the Kure clan. The conversation was overheard by Muteba. If the boy is strong and survives the interior, his skills are good for fighting, surviving, escaping, and killing... far beyond the norm, because Kei hasn't killed anyone yet. The simplicity of his previous life as a citizen left him with a basic morality that killing is wrong, and doing good to people.
Muteba Gizenga listened to everything from the wall, gathering information. It's a pity he can't see the red, but he can detect young ones by their scent and their smaller build compared to those who have reached maturity.
Cai lost in his thoughts, didn't notice anything. Although he must be careful of the Kure clan, he knows they won't attack during the contract, and if they have intentions, he can do something to reverse the situation.
-These guys are a headache. - murmured Cai, rubbing his head. - Well, it doesn't matter. -
Cai's rickshaw horn sounded through the military base.
...