THE LEGEND OF THE ARACHNID

THE TEMPTATION OF RISK

After the explosive encounter with Caleb, Grim and Stanley had retreated to an inconspicuous inn on the outskirts of Black Hollow. Caleb had made them an offer that could change the situation: attack a valuable convoy to obtain colossal treasure. But the idea kept ringing in Grim's mind, keeping him awake in that narrow bed with the rough sheets.

Stanley, sitting cross-legged on the ground, observed Grim, sensing the doubt that seemed to gnaw at his friend.

— “So, Grim… what do you think of this story?” Should we go for it or not? » Stanley asked in a soft but impatient voice.

Grim sighed, turning onto his back to stare at the stained and dusty ceiling of the room.

— “This is a golden opportunity. But Mercer... he's a snake. I know he's setting a trap for us somewhere. »

Stanley nodded, looking serious.

— “That’s for sure. But you've seen the loot he promises. If we succeed, we become untouchable, Grim. This is what we wanted from the start. »

Grim gave a bitter smile.

— “Yes, but if we fail, we are likely to end up hanged. Caleb takes all the risks, he knows we are the first to take the hits. »

A tense silence settled between them. Grim closed his eyes for a moment, replaying Caleb's every word in his head, every smirk, every promise and veiled threat. After a few minutes, he sat up and stared at Stanley, his eyes shining with determination.

— “We're going to do it, Stanley. But this time, we keep our eyes open. No question of being overtaken. »

Stanley responded with a knowing smile, a glint of challenge in his eyes.

— “So, we’re going to show him what we’re worth, buddy. »

---

The day of the convoy

The following night, Grim and Stanley discreetly reached the northern exit of Black Hollow. The air was freezing, and around them, Caleb and his men waited in silence, weapons ready, each watching their surroundings with a nervous gaze. Sadie and Rufus glared darkly at Grim and Stanley, while Dylan Brooks whispered orders under his breath.

Caleb approached, his face impassive, and pointed out their positions.

— “The convoy is arriving from the west. You two, stay by my side, and be ready to strike hard as soon as I give the signal. »Grim nodded, watching Caleb's shadow warily. Hearing him give them orders, as if he were already the head of the operation, made him want to send him away. But he swallowed his doubts: tonight, the important thing was the loot.

The convoy was approaching. Three massive carts, protected by a dozen armed guards. Caleb, dressed as a merchant, walked towards them with a superficial smile and began to talk, his voice dripping with false friendliness.

— “You are mistaken, gentlemen, I am here on a commercial mission, nothing more. »

But before the guards could respond, Caleb gave his accomplices a furtive wink, and in an instant, the attack broke out. Grim and Stanley rushed forward, their guns crackling in the silent night.

---

The Chaos of Combat

Grim ducked under a cart, dodging the shots, and shot a guard who was targeting him. Stanley, with ferocious speed, lunged at another opponent, punching him in the jaw before sending him to the ground with a brutal kick of his boot.

Screams, gunshots, and the smell of gunpowder filled the air. Sadie lashed out like a fury, her blade dancing among the guards, while Rufus used his raw strength to demolish anyone who tried to defend themselves.

Caleb, however, stood back, watching the attack with that same calculating smile. Grim noticed this and frowned. Something was wrong.

As they gradually gained the upper hand on the guards, Caleb suddenly advanced towards the last cart and, with a sharp blow, broke the padlock holding the cargo. Grim joined him, his face tense.

— “We said we’d share, Caleb. »

— “Oh, of course,” Caleb replied with a cold smile. “I was just going to take a look, to check if everything is there…”

Grim wasn't fooled. With a quick movement, he drew his revolver and pointed it at Caleb.

— “I know you, Mercer. This loot is too big for you to share. So either you do what we agreed, or…”

But Caleb burst out laughing.

— “Grim, you’re still so naive. Do you really think I would need you if I didn't have a plan? »

He whistled, and in an instant, half a dozen of his men appeared from the shadows. Sadie, Rufus, and Dylan lined up around Caleb, their gazes sharp.

Stanley placed himself alongside Grim, revolver in hand, ready to fight to the end.The Ultimate Betrayal

— “I thank you for your help, gentlemen,” Caleb sneered. “But this treasure is mine. You've done your part... now go back before I have to eliminate you. »

Grim gave an icy smile.

— “Mercer, you don’t know who you’re dealing with. We are not here to serve you, we are here to survive. »

With a quick movement, Grim shot one of Caleb's men, sparking another furious melee. Sadie rushed at Stanley, her knife in hand, while Rufus and Dylan tried to immobilize Grim.

The gunshots crackled again, more intense and desperate. Stanley, despite the violence of the confrontation, managed to dodge Sadie's attacks, responding with ferocious brutality. Grim, for his part, struggled not to be overwhelmed, his determination inflamed by Caleb's betrayal.

Caleb watched the fight with a cold smile, enjoying the battle. But Grim, refusing to be trapped, threw himself at him, trying to wrest his weapon away. Both men rolled on the ground, exchanging furious blows.

Just as Caleb seemed about to gain the upper hand, Stanley appeared and kicked Caleb hard in the shoulder, knocking him off balance. Taking advantage of this opening, Grim stood up, wiping the blood that flowed from his arch.

"It's not over, Caleb," he hissed. “This time you will pay for your betrayal. »

Caleb stood up, a cruel smile on his lips.

— “That’s what we’ll see. »

As his men covered him, he retreated, leaving Grim and Stanley to fall prey to the final waves of his men. As the din of battle died down, Caleb walked away with the treasure, casting one last quizzical glance at his former "allies."

---

Epilogue to Part III

The bodies were lying around the warehouse. Grim and Stanley, exhausted but still standing, watched Caleb's figure walk away with the cargo.

Stanley turned to Grim, out of breath.

- <<We're not going to let him get away with that, are we?>>

Grim grit his teeth, his gaze burning with implacable determination.

- << No, Stanley. Caleb has just signed his sentence. We'll hunt him down, and we'll takewhat is rightfully ours. >>

The two friends, bruised but resolute, exchanged a last knowing look. The hunt for Caleb Mercer had just begun.