Adam was patiently waiting, giving Alex all the time he needed to prepare himself. Finally, Alex began to speak.
"I haven't told you anything about my life, Adam. When our parents died, Ava and I were in pretty bad shape. Around that time, I got a notification from the system, became a player, and started fighting in this arena."
Adam was listening to Alex's story with full focus. He had met Alex recently, and that too was because they had similar goals, but in the short time they had spent together, Adam had gotten really close to him.
"When I started fighting here, our life was finally good. I was winning every match, and we finally didn't have to sleep with empty stomachs."
As Alex continued, he was trying his best to speak, but the pain was obvious on his face.
"Ava used to come and watch my matches, and during that time, she started dating James. He was the son of that old man you just killed." As Alex said that, Adam's eyes widened as he realized where this was going.
"Ava was really in love with him. She was also trying to find an escape, so she did everything he asked her to. During that time, I was happy that she found someone she loved. But one day, I came home earlier and..." Alex stopped, his body shaking. Adam held his hand, trying to calm him down.
"When I came home, she was on the floor, naked, begging James to give her drugs. She was rolling around the floor like a dog."
Adam stopped Alex.
"I know enough now, Alex. I understand you were trying to protect your sister, but what you should have done is killed that bastard on the spot." Adam's voice grew louder.
"I fucking hate guys who use drugs to ruin people's lives!" Adam said, practically shouting.
"I understand your situation, but just tell me, why didn't you want to come here?" Adam asked, glaring at Alex.
"It was hard for Ava to leave drugs and James, but she did it for me. I left the ring because I wanted to protect Ava better. But when I was leaving, the old man told me if I left, he would completely break Ava," Alex said, finally calming down a bit, seeing how deeply Adam felt about him and Ava.
"Well, after a month of working for him, the old man got really ill. Some people even said he passed away, so I left, finally thinking I was free."
"Oh, I understand that. Why were you scared of coming here?" Adam asked, looking puzzled.
"Well, I didn't really know he was still alive. I never expected to meet him in the first place. I just didn't want to come here because of the past. I really hate how this place makes me feel," Alex said, looking disgusted.
"Well, sorry you had to deal with all this just for a stupid task," Adam said, looking disappointed.
"No, I'll tell you something. Do you think I am trying to kill Jacob's dad just for my task? This place is mostly funded by Spender Corporation. You see, this old man is also affiliated with Spender Corporation." As Alex said it, it clicked for Adam.
"So basically, Jacob's dad is the problem," Adam quickly replied.
"Not only that. Do you see how much crime is in this city, and the police just turn a blind eye to it? That's also because Spender Corporation pays them to look the other way," Alex said, looking Adam in the eyes.
"If we take down Jacob's dad, it wouldn't just help us; it would help everyone in this city." As Alex said that, Adam's eyes lit up with determination.
"Damn, you just made me feel like a hero," Adam said, trying to lighten the mood.
"You are the hero to me, Adam," Alex said, gently touching Adam's back before finally exiting the room.
Adam was taken aback by Alex's words. He smiled it off and left the room too.
"So, wanna go home?" Alex asked, nudging Adam.
"Nah. Do you know where James lives?" Adam asked with a devilish grin on his face.
"Yes, but why? We don't have to worry; he doesn't know where I live," Alex said, confused by what Adam was planning.
"No, just let me handle it. Also, before getting to his house, we have to buy ropes, some sharp blades, and oil," Adam said, rubbing his hand and stump together.
"I really don't like that look on your face, and those items are really weird," Alex said, getting nervous.
"Just believe me. Let's go," Adam said, slapping Alex's back.
Both of them started moving toward the exit, but as they were leaving, the man behind the counter quickly approached them.
"I didn't think your match would generate that much money. Everyone wants to see Adrenaline, the Dick-Biter, so if you fight another round, I'll pay you 20k. How does that sound?" he said, trying to make sure Adam became a regular.
Adam and Alex both looked at each other and began laughing.
"You might have to find a new job in a month or so," Alex said, turning the offer down.
Both of them exited the arena while the man stood there, confused about what they had just said to him.
After exiting the arena, Alex quickly started the bike, and Adam sat behind him.
"So, are you sure you're going to James' house? He might have guards and stuff. Let's just go home," Alex said, trying his best to make Adam drop the plan.
"Nah, we aren't going to James' house—" As Adam was speaking, he was cut off by Alex.
"Thank God you were joking. Let's just go home. I don't want anything to do with that sick bastard," Alex said, exhaling with relief.
"Let me finish. Who said I was joking? We are going to the shops first to buy ropes, blades, and oil. And why are you so scared? We both can handle it. It's not like he's as strong as Victor," Adam said, shutting Alex down.
Alex didn't want to follow the plan, but Adam was persistent, so Alex just followed whatever Adam was planning quietly.
*Please God, hope this doesn't end in a bad way,* Alex thought, driving to a shop that wasn't far from the arena.
Adam jumped off the bike and entered the shop. Alex just sat on the bike, waiting for Adam. The sun was beginning to rise, and Alex quietly enjoyed the view.
A few minutes later, Adam exited the shop with bags in his one hand, screaming, "Start the bike, we have to get away!"
Alex was jump-scared by Adam's screaming, but he quickly started the bike. Adam sat on it, and they began to drive away.
"What the fuck was that?" Alex asked, looking back at the shop, seeing the shop owner rushing out. "Why was he coming after you?"
"I didn't have money, so I might have come out without paying," Adam said, laughing with a shameful face.
"WTF! You're even stealing stuff now? I take back what I said, you're not a hero, you're a villain!" Alex shouted at Adam.
"Yeah, I promise I won't do anything like that again. I just did it this time because these things were important. Now, let's head straight to James' house," Adam said, shrugging Alex off.
Alex smacked his forehead in disbelief, increasing the speed of the bike as they started heading towards James' house.