Part 3
As Libert slipped through the rear entrance of the warehouse, he was immediately intercepted by Aslam. The moment their eyes met, Aslam's face went through a rapid transformation—from pure rage to overwhelming relief. He lunged toward Libert, his voice booming over the hum of the machinery.
Aslam: (Shouting) "Oi! Have you lost your mind? Why weren't you picking up your phone? Do you have any idea how much the 'Old Man' (the boss) was screaming? I honestly thought you'd been in some freak accident!"
A faint, calm smile played on Libert's lips. He reached out and placed a hand on Aslam's shoulder. For a split second, he felt a surge of his own terrifying strength—he had to consciously loosen his grip to ensure he didn't accidentally crush his friend's collarbone.
Libert: "Take it easy, brother. I just... got caught up in something. A few things happened on the way that held me up. But look, I'm perfectly fine."
Aslam: (Sizing him up) "You look fine, but your eyes... they look different. Did you just wake up from a century-long nap or something? Anyway, forget it. The boss is inside. Go show your face before he docks your entire day's pay."
They began moving the heavy shipping crates together. Ordinarily, Libert would have been gasping for air within minutes, his muscles aching under the weight. Now, the crates felt like they were made of nothing but cotton and air. He moved with a grace that felt almost alien.
Aslam: (Wiping sweat from his forehead) "Listen, Libert. I'm fed up with this place, and you look like you've been through a war. My dad has a guest house up in the mountain valley. It's empty this weekend. We're going. No excuses, and don't even start with your 'I'm broke' routine—your brother's got you covered!"
Libert froze. His heightened senses picked up a foul, metallic scent drifting from the direction of the distant peaks. The enemies weren't just waiting; they were luring him away from the city's crowds.
Libert: (His tone turning serious) "The mountains? Fine, Aslam. Maybe I do need to get away from the noise of this city."
Aslam: (Surprised) "Whoa! You agreed that quickly? I expected a twenty-minute lecture on why you can't take a day off. Great! I'll bring the car. We head out tomorrow morning!"
Libert nodded, but his gaze drifted toward the window, staring at the darkened sky.
Libert: (Thinking to himself) 'Are you drawing me away from the city to minimize the collateral damage... or so you can unleash your full power without witnesses? Either way, I'm coming.'
"Aslam was already planning the weekend BBQ, totally oblivious to the fact that he was driving his best friend straight into a slaughterhouse. He thought he was doing Libert a favor, giving him a break from the grind, but he was actually just providing a ride for the very storm the enemies were waiting for. Up in those quiet mountain passes, there won't be any relaxing—only a brutal awakening that'll leave Aslam wondering who, or what, is actually sitting in his passenger seat."
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