Gabriel observed in silence every movement of the most dangerous enemy. One who moved with supreme confidence.

The recent fights had worn him down, worsening his previous state. His entire body burned in protest.

But he had to ignore it.

He had no idea what reasoning had led Charles to capture him alive. Of all possible people, Charles was the most unlikely. After all, it had been him who had guided him directly toward the dump trap.

"You don’t need to fight," said Charles in his characteristic mocking tone, extending his hands in a peaceful gesture. "We are not uncivilized. You just need to listen."

"You tricked me," replied Gabriel directly, in a cutting tone.

Charles’s expression changed for a fraction of a second. A shadow crossed his eyes.

"You are quite biting with your words... You should be an orator, not a pathetic jester."

His words provoked a wave of group mockery among the remaining men who had not received his fury. Charles raised a hand and silence returned instantly.

"Accompany me. We will talk properly."

Charles began to walk without looking back, with contagious confidence.

He was beginning to understand how a simple man managed to command so many idiot men. You just had to be a great idiot.

But even so, he had to doubt his possible responses. In his current state, escaping safe and sound was impossible.

Much to his own displeasure, he walked past the numerous members who observed him with uncertainty.

He had managed to crush them. But he was still too weak.

Finally he ended up following him to a personal office. In the depths of what seemed to be a barracks.

Charles sat comfortably behind a dark wooden desk, observing him with an amused smile.

"Come in and sit down. You can make yourself comfortable."

Gabriel entered, without closing the door behind him.

"Since you are quite impulsive, let’s be direct. I am not your enemy, nor your gentle mother who saves you from trouble," said Charles directly.

"You are the traitor who handed me over," replied Gabriel.

The hand appeared before he could continue speaking.

The blow echoed loudly inside the office.

Gabriel barely managed to perceive the movement.

His offensive words had earned him a humiliating and quick correction.

"I will not allow other offenses," warned Charles, although his tone remained light.

Gabriel felt a cold amusement at that reaction. The man was volatile, but controlled.

"You young people are difficult to handle," sighed Charles, with disappointment. "You entered my territory and I saved you... That is the exchange. Who you think is your enemy is your problem, but now it was I who benefited you."

Gabriel immediately understood his cold words. He was not a fool who had been deceived by society’s higher values.

In the real and tangible world, practically every action was an exchange of benefits.

"That is the story behind these bandages, isn’t it?" 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Charles let out a deep laugh.

"Maybe you are a little smarter than I thought. Throwing yourself like an idiot into the dump... I felt sorry for your mother."

"What do you want in return?" asked Gabriel sharply.

The answer was surprising.

"My wish? I don’t want to despise you, but you cannot grant it. I just want your friendship and, finally, you can leave."

At that instant Gabriel reviewed countless possibilities for that strange request. It could be due to a conspiracy or brilliant madness, but even so...

He ended up accepting.

He probably just wanted to be friends with someone as great as him, he thought with internal sarcasm.

He shook his hand firmly, sealing the deal.

A strange friendship was forged at that moment.

***

He was finally able to leave.

Charles personally guided him to the outskirts of the district. Several of his men accompanied them, marking clear directions to exit the Frozen North.

They seemed like experienced tour guides.

"Take care, Jester. Next time I won’t be so generous," said Charles with a final sarcastic smile.

Gabriel felt the man’s eyes piercing his back as he walked away.

The entire situation bordered on the ridiculous, but he accepted it. In his current situation, that kind of alliance was a coin he could accept.

When he finally returned to the streets of Bérsaic, the heaviness he carried on his shoulders disappeared a little.

But the pain in his body persisted like a constant reminder. Each step sent pangs through his ribs and back. The bandages were dirty and tight.

He needed to head immediately to the small shop.

He needed to validate the true importance of that notebook.

***

When he arrived at the outskirts of the shop, the sun was already beginning to hide.

To his surprise, the alchemist was outside with clear signs of nervousness. He had a really bad appearance.

As soon as he saw him, he moved with surprising speed that did not differentiate him from a 20-year-old young man.

He grabbed him by the arm and pulled him inside the shop with evasive gestures, locking the door immediately.

"I’ve heard about the disaster you’ve caused! Never say my name in front of those men!" vociferated the old man, his voice trembling full of reproach.

His saliva spread through the shop, instructing him on his poor behavior. With countless moral lessons in seconds.

He denounced his reckless behavior and sentenced the new generations as corrupt and selfish.

His hands gesticulated dramatically as he walked from side to side between the shelves.

Gabriel let him speak in silence, waiting for the precise moment.

When the alchemist took a breath to continue his sermon, Gabriel took out the small notebook from his inventory and placed it on the counter.

He’s eyes lit up like two little stars.

Apparently he was a lover of worn books.

When he took it in his hands, the old man froze. His mouth opened slightly and his hands trembled as he visualized the title.

Finally he opened the notebook with delicacy. His fingers ran through the pages with the care of a sculptor, reading lines that made his breathing accelerate.

"This... this is... The title! The title!" he murmured, his voice broken by emotion.

Gabriel leaned over him, waiting for his words. The pain in his body had practically disappeared at some point.

The old man raised his gaze, his eyes shining with fascination.

"Boy... do you know what you have brought? Trash! Trash that I will buy for the incredible amount of three copper coins!"

When the old man saw Gabriel’s expression darken, he immediately recovered. Coughing violently, he blamed it on age.