Alpencia was a country that had gone through military leadership and a subsequent coup.

This led to stricter firearm laws as a means of controlling the potential for violence or maintaining public safety. The government implemented stringent regulations to prevent the use of weapons that could potentially be used to challenge state authority.

Under the new laws, purchasing firearms requires stringent background checks, including mental health evaluations, criminal history screenings, and a feasible reason to need a firearm.

Furthermore, the possession and use of certain military-grade firearms, such as assault rifles and special combat weaponry, have been strictly prohibited for civilian use.

Exceptions are made for law enforcement, military personnel, and mercenaries who undergo rigorous training and are subject to strict protocols. As a result of its military background various mercenary organizations and private armies had a noticeable presence in Alpencia.

There were provisions to regulate their activities and ensure accountability - Mercenaries and PMCs require government licenses and must register personnel and equipment.

Keeping things transparent was key. Disclosure of contracts, clients, and financial transactions to the government and standardized training and certification programs were mandatory. There also were strict regulations on the possession and use of weapons, aligned with international agreements.

Some of the strongest Grisvolks had their own PMCs (Private Military Contractors).

Now there is a catch in all this. You see, while possession and use of firearms were tightly controlled, the manufacture and sale were not. This oversight turned Alpencia into the largest smuggler of military-grade weaponry globally, becoming the go-to supplier for criminal organizations worldwide.

The Alpencian underworld thrived as a hub for illicit arms trade, fueling conflicts and criminal enterprises across borders.

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As Matteo revealed the gun, a wave of shock and alarm rippled through the gym. The atmosphere shifted abruptly. Wide eyes darted between Matteo and the 'menacing weapon' in his hand, disbelief etched across the faces of those present.

Luca's expression hardened, a mixture of concern and urgency flashing in his eyes as he assessed the situation.

The other fighters, who had been standing steadfastly behind him moments ago, now faltered, uncertainty clouding their features. They exchanged uneasy glances, silently questioning what would happen next.

A few individuals glanced towards the exits, contemplating the possibility of fleeing the unfolding chaos.

Amid the commotion, Matteo remained composed, his posture relaxed despite the gravity of the situation. A faint smirk played on his lips, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes as he surveyed the reactions of those around him.

Jonas attempted to play it off, his voice tinged with false bravado as he addressed Matteo.

"Nice toy, kid. Do you have the license for it though? I don't believe--" *bang!* His words were cut short as Matteo shot his shin

*Arrrrrgggghhhhh!* Jonas's voice reverberated off the walls as he crumpled to the floor, clutching his injured leg. "He shot me!" he exclaimed, bleeding out.

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The gym fell into stunned silence. Some gasped audibly, while others recoiled in horror at the sight before them. Luca and the other fighters exchanged anxious glances, unsure of how to react to the unfolding chaos.

Matteo remained unfazed, his gaze steady as he surveyed the scene before him, unapologetic for his actions. His eyes narrowed as he regarded Jonas writhing in pain on the floor. "Scram," he commanded, his voice cool and authoritative.

The men hesitated, their expressions a mixture of defiance and fear as they clenched their teeth.

Matteo's grip tightened on the firearm, his gaze unwavering as he waited for their response. "You heard me," he continued, his tone firm. "Leave, before things get uglier."

After a tense moment, one of the men took a step back, his hands raised in surrender. "We're going," he muttered, casting a wary glance at Matteo before quickly picking up the injured Jonas.

The others followed suit, their retreat marked by hurried footsteps and whispered curses.

"I will remember this!" Jonas hissed at Matteo. "You better surrender your 'friend' to the boss before things get ugly Luca."

Matteo watched them go, his expression unreadable as he lowered the firearm.

As the last of the suited men disappeared from view, the gym fell into an uneasy silence.

Matteo turned to Luca, his gaze meeting his new friend's with a silent understanding. "Let's clean up this mess," Matteo said quietly, "And then we'll talk."

Luca nodded and asked some people to clean up the equipment and the mess of Jonas's blood.

///////////

Back in Luca's office -

Matteo sat in his seat, sipping on the juice Luca had given him - cool as a cucumber.

Luca broke the uneasy silence with a heavy sigh, his eyes fixed on Matteo.

"Matteo," he began, his voice measured, "I have to admit, I didn't expect things to escalate like that. Owning a firearm... "

Matteo raised an eyebrow, his expression unapologetic. "You asked for my help and I did. I just handled it my way."

Luca was silent again for a few moments "I understand that, but there are other ways to handle situations like that," Luca replied, his tone gentle but firm. "Violence only begets more violence."

Matteo nodded, acknowledging Luca's point. "You're right, of course. They are going to come for you and your gym now. I apologize for that."

Matteo noticed that Luca was surprisingly calm given the whole situation. "You seem pretty calm, given I just shot someone in front of you."

"I have had my fair share of trouble in the past. That's why I am telling you violence is not always the answer. Violence is dangerous." Luca said with a melancholic tone.

Matteo looked at him, thinking deeply about his words "You are partially correct, Luca."

"Partially correct?"

"Violence, while not the optimal solution, often proves to be the most versatile. It serves as a generalized response to many problems, admittedly with unpredictable outcomes. While it may not yield the best results, it tends to work reliably, even when other avenues fail."

A moment of silence passed between them as Luca mulled over Matteo's words. Finally, he spoke again, his voice tinged with concern.

"Matteo, what happened to you? Where have you been all these years?" he asked, his gaze searching Matteo's face for answers.

Matteo hesitated, his eyes betraying a flicker of emotion before he composed himself. "It's a long story, Luca."

"Don't worry Luca. I will take care of the Jonas problem for you." Matteo said as he got up from his seat, "And I would like to meet the others, who as you said, mourned me."

"Sure. They would be happy to see you I think. Wait how are you going to take care of Jonas?"

"With violence of course. I will do it so you don't have to, I know you have your reasons." Matteo gave Luca a knowing look.

///////////

In the murky depths of human nature lies a primal instinct, an impulse as ancient as time itself: the propensity for violence.

Embedded deep within our psyche, it often emerges as a crude, yet formidable solution to our problems. While on the surface, it may seem counterintuitive to advocate for violence as a means of resolution-

Consider the myriad of conflicts that have plagued mankind throughout history. Wars, revolutions, and skirmishes have shaped the course of nations.

In the midst of conflict, violence often emerges as the most expedient path to achieving one's objectives. Its efficacy lies not in its moral superiority, but in its raw, unbridled power to compel change.

However, it would be remiss to overlook the inherent flaws of violence as a solution. While it may yield immediate results, its consequences are often far-reaching and unpredictable.

And therein lies its paradoxical appeal: Violence may not always lead to the best outcome, but it is almost invariably effective.