The night fell on Silver Creek, and the air was heavy with tension. Grim, Stanley and Lorry had taken refuge in the barn abandoned at the edge of the city, their new meeting point. It was there that they had decided to start developing their future, far from judgments and curious looks.

Stanley observed Grim with a mixture of admiration and fear. From their pact under the great oak, he had noticed a change with his friend. Grim seemed more determined, but also more concerned. The discovery of Joseph's secrets weighed heavily on him, and Stanley knew it.

"So what's the plan? Lorry asked, scratching his head. He was not known for his patience, but he followed Grim without asking too many questions.

Grim took a deep inspiration. "First, we have to start establishing our reputation. If one day we want to have a chance to leave Silver Creek and survive outside, we must be respected. But not like brutes or brainless thieves. We must be strategic. »»

Stanley frowned. "And how do we do that?" »»

Grim released an old plan he had recovered in Joseph's notebook. He put it in front of them. “My uncle had identified several strategic places in and around Silver Creek. Farms, warehouses ... places that could serve as bases or resources. But above all, there is an important step. »»

Lorry crossed his arms, intrigued. "What is this step? »»

Grim looked him straight in the eyes. "The first test. »»

A tense silence settled. Stanley and Lorry exchanged a look.

"A test? Stanley repeated with caution.

" Yes. There is a traveling merchant who often goes through Silver Creek. He is known to exploit farmers and extract money from them. He also transports supplies which he resells at prices of gold. If we manage to take up your load without making any victims and redistributing resources to farmers, we will win their respect. »»

Lorry laughed. "Redistribute?" Seriously, Grim? And why not open an orphanage while we are there? »»

Grim fixed it hard. "Because it's not just a matter of money. This is a question of loyalty. If people respect us, they will support us. And if we want to survive in this world, we will need allies. »»

Stanley is thinking for a moment before accepting slowly. "It could work. But this merchant, he is surely well protected. »»Grim nodded. " Exactly. That’s why you have to be smart. We will intercept him on the road between Silver Creek and Oak Hollow. It’s a narrow passage, perfect for an ambush. »»

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Lorry rubbed his hands, a carnivorous smile on his lips. "Finally a little action. It's going to be fun. »»

Grim put a hand on Lornry's shoulder. "It's not a game. If it turns bad, we risk big. So listen to me well. We don't kill anyone. No one is hurting anyone unnecessarily. We show that we are different from those who abuse their power. »»

Stanley and Lorry nodded, although their motivations were different.

As they dispersed to prepare, Grim stayed alone in the barn for a moment, his swirling thoughts. He looked at Joseph's notebook and whispered in a low voice: "I'm going to honor your heritage in my own way. »»

Dawn approached, and with it, their first step towards an uncertain future. Grim knew what they were going to do would change their lives forever. But in his mind, one thing was clear: he was ready for anything so that their pact became reality.The sun peeked through the pines, casting moving shadows on the dusty road that wound out of Silver Creek. Grim, Stanley and Lorry had positioned themselves on a promontory overlooking a narrow passage, a gorge surrounded by rocks. The traveling merchant, whom they had targeted, would soon pass.

Grim was focused, scanning the horizon with his worn binoculars. He had studied this place for days, making sure their plan would be perfect. Stanley, a little nervous, clutched his talisman between his fingers, hoping that luck would be on their side. As for Lorry, he was already tapping his foot, excited for the action.

“Are you sure about your move, Grim? » Stanley whispered.

Grim lowered the binoculars and turned to him, a spark of determination in his eyes. “If we want to succeed in this world, we must prove that we are capable. No going back. »

Lorry brandished a sturdy stick he had found along the way. “I’m ready. If it gets out of hand, I'll strike. »

Grim placed a hand on his arm. “No unnecessary violence, Lorry. We follow the plan. »

A cloud of dust in the distance signaled the arrival of their target. The merchant's cart, pulled by two sturdy horses, moved at a steady pace. Two armed men stood guard at the front, scanning the surroundings.

“It’s time,” Grim whispered.

Stanley nodded and crept down the path, acting as bait. He limped slightly, pretending to be an injured traveler. When he saw the cart, he fell to his knees in the middle of the road, screaming: “Help! I need some water, please! »

The guards exchanged wary glances, but one of them signaled the driver to slow down.

“What’s wrong with that one?” » growled one of the men.

“No risk. Let’s check,” the other replied, getting off the cart.

Meanwhile, Grim and Lorry had slipped between the rocks, positioning themselves to intervene. Grim slowly drew his revolver, while Lorry gripped his staff.

As the guard approached Stanley, Stanley backed away slightly, feigning fear. When the man was sufficiently distracted, Grim gestured to Lorry.

Lorry leapt from his hiding place and struck the guard in the back of the head with precision, knocking him out of action without killing him. The second guard tried to draw his weapon, but Grim pointed his gun at him before he could react.

“Not a move,” Grim ordered in a cold voice.The merchant, a fatty and nervous man raised his hands trembling. "Take what you want, but don't hurt me!" »»

Grim approached slowly, keeping his weapon raised. “We don't want blood. We just want what you transport. Open the cart. »»

Under threat, the merchant obeys. The cart was filled with bags of grain, blankets, and agricultural tools - essential supplies for farmers in the region.

Lorry whistled while discovering the booty. “We're going to be the local heroes. »»

Grim ignored his remark and addressed the merchant. “These provisions will go to those who need it. You go back to Silver Creek, and you tell them that the arachnids watch over the oppressed. »»

The merchant agreed frantically, too terrified to ask questions.

Stanley, still in shock from their success, Aida Grim and Lorry to unload the bags in a hiding place nearby. Once the cart is emptied, they let the merchant and his guard leave.

As they moved away, Stanley turned to Grim. "Do you think they are going to take revenge? »»

Grim placed his revolver and stared at the horizon. " Maybe. But today, we showed that we were not like them. We are fighting for what is right. »»

Lorry, still excited, gave a friendly tape on Stanley's shoulder. "Don't worry. With Grim, we fear nothing. »»

While night fell on Silver Creek, the three friends stood in front of their hiding place, tired but victorious. Grim knew that it was only the start of their adventure, but he felt that they had crossed a milestone.

Their first step towards legend was taken.