The beginner Assassins

chapter 2 the training

Jack took Alex under his wing, offering him a place in his dilapidated hideout. It was an old warehouse, a relic of a forgotten era, filled with weapons, old newspapers, and the smell of cigarette smoke. Here, Alex began his transformation from a scared, naive child into a skilled apprentice.Training with Jack was brutal. Jack's methods were harsh, designed to toughen Alex up and hone his instincts. He taught Alex the art of hand-to-hand combat, the use of various weapons, and the importance of keeping a low profile. The training sessions were intense, pushing Alex to his limits.Despite the harshness, Alex remained optimistic, often cracking dark jokes to lighten the mood. His innocent demeanor clashed with the brutal reality of Jack's world, leading to frequent arguments. Jack would scold Alex for his lack of seriousness, while Alex would retort with his dark humor, trying to break through Jack's hardened exterior.One night, after a particularly grueling training session, Jack caught Alex admiring a worn-out manga book he had found in a second-hand store. Alex's eyes sparkled with fascination, his childish enthusiasm a stark contrast to the grim surroundings."Why are you so interested in this crap?" Jack growled, though there was a hint of curiosity in his voice.Alex looked up, his bright green eyes full of wonder. "It's not crap. It's a whole world of heroes and adventures. Sometimes, I wish I could be one of them."Jack scoffed but couldn't hide a small smirk. "Well, kid, in this world, you make your own path. There's no room for heroes."