C12 Chapter 12

Inside a dimly lit underground chamber, the air was thick with tension as Rowen, still under his carefully crafted persona, found himself among a group of eager recruits who had all been drawn into the vortex of Vandal Montero's cartel. They stood in a circle, nervously eyeing each other, their faces a reflection of fear and uncertainty.

Rowen's heart pounded as he observed his fellow recruits. Men from various backgrounds, each with their own reasons for seeking a place within the cartel. Some were driven by desperation, others by ambition, and a few had simply been coerced into the treacherous world they now found themselves in.

A hulking figure, one of Vandal's most trusted enforcers, entered the chamber. His imposing presence sent a shiver through the group. "Welcome, recruits," he growled, his voice dripping with menace. "You are here because you think you have what it takes to be a part of our family. But know this, only the strongest will survive."

Rowen maintained his façade, his nerves hidden beneath a veneer of determination. He watched as the enforcer outlined the brutal selection process that awaited them. It involved a series of physical and psychological tests designed to weed out the weak and identify those with unwavering loyalty.

"Yes, sir," the men responded in unison.

"Firstly, we will assess your combat skills, specifically your proficiency in handling various weapons and explosives. A target board has been prepared for each of you. Your task is to shoot every target without a single mistake. Failure to do so will result in severe consequences. We will proceed in numerical order, as assigned yesterday. When your number is called, approach the table in front of you, select a gun, and take aim at the targets. Let us begin."

"Number 1," Miguel called out.

"Yes, sir," Lucas replied, stepping forward and choosing a Tarsus 605 gun. He aimed carefully and fired several shots, successfully hitting the targets.

"Good job, number 1. Return to your position," Miguel instructed as Lucas made his way back.

"Number 2," Miguel continued, as Emiliano stepped forward, ready to repeat the challenge.

The sequence continued, and as the moment for Rowen's turn approached, he noticed the man standing beside him trembling and perspiring profusely.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Rowen softly inquired, "Pray tell, why do you exhibit such tremors and perspiration?"

The man, still struggling to rein in his fears, confessed, "I... I am unfamiliar with the operation of firearms."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Rowen advised, "It is imperative that you compose yourself, for succumbing to panic would only endanger your own life. The handling of a firearm is not as arduous as it appears. Allow me to elucidate..."

Before Rowen could impart his knowledge, Miguel's voice boomed, "Number 10!"

Rowen proceeded towards the table, meticulously examining the array of guns. His gaze settled upon the 'AR_15 gun', a weapon he was intimately acquainted with, having wielded it in the past to carry out the bidding of the 'prestamista De Dinero'.

Aligning his sights with precision, Rowen executed a flawless shot, striking the target square in the head. Nonchalantly relinquishing the firearm, he turned to make his exit.

Miguel's voice resonated once more, "Number ten, your marksmanship is commendable. I admire your precision."

Returning to his position in the line, Rowen barely had a chance to react before Miguel's voice reverberated again, "Number 11!"

Edgar approached the table, his hands quivering uncontrollably. He grasped the 44 magnum rifle and aimed at the target, but alas, his shot missed its mark.

"Try again," Miguel instructed, prompting Edgar to swiftly exchange the rifle for a 'Uzi-SMG'. Once more, he aimed at the target, pulled the trigger, but to no avail. Before he could even plead for his life, a single gunshot rang out, and Edgar's lifeless body collapsed upon the frigid floor.

"You should have allowed me to finish him off instead," Miguel expressed with evident frustration.

"I was getting bored, that's why I pulled the trigger. But don't worry, you will still have another opportunity to kill very soon," Antonio replied.

"Number 12," Miguel added.

A few hours later, after the target test concluded, tables were set up in front of the trainees, with what appeared to be a bomb placed on top.

"Listen carefully, this is a specialized neutron bomb designed to eliminate a person without causing a significant explosion or damaging the building. You have only five minutes to deactivate the timer, or else you will meet a fatal end. Be cautious to prevent the bomb from detonating before time runs out... Your time starts now," Miguel declared, activating the timer.

Taking a deep breath, Rowen delicately removed the back cover of the bomb using a screwdriver. Inside, he discovered red, blue, and yellow wires. He carefully examined each wire, ensuring he wouldn't cut the wrong one. After careful consideration, he used the provided scissors to gently sever the red wire. Instantly, the timer ceased. Rowen took the bomb from the table and handed it to Miguel, who scrutinized it before looking back at Rowen.

"Good job," he commended, as Rowen returned to his position.

"You have one minute remaining," Miguel announced, creating a tense atmosphere as the deadline approached. Just before the timer reached zero, nine more trainees successfully disabled their bombs. But

surprisingly, after the time elasped, the bomb didn't explode.

Miguel began to laugh sarcastically.

"Did you really think that I was going to waste my precious life staying in this building with you if that bomb was really going to explode??? but anyway congratulations to those of you who were able to stop it on time, but for the rest of you who couldn't stop theirs, am afraid this is the end of the road for you". Miguel commanded as he took out his gun and killed them. His men came in, and took the dead bodies out of the building. The rest of the men could only look helplessly at the dead bodies of their fallen comrades .