BLACK HEART: Rise of the Vengeance god

[April 2022]

I walked into the half-dark neon light room. There was a long table with three seats on each side. The room was so dark that I couldn't even see myself, let alone the other occupants. I took the only seat available and sat down.

I knew why I was here, but they felt I was simply too immature and weak for this mission. I'm the leader of a small mercenary group. Although our number is something is to laugh at, but everyone of us is an elite amongst elites. We have taken way more dangerous mission than any mercenary group in the country.

Flanked on my sides were high ranking men and women dressed in dark suits. I had been called to handle a few problem for them.

“The Somalia militia are planning to send in reinforcements, we need you to infiltrate their ranks and incapacitate them.” a voice said.

I couldn't see their faces but it didn't matter, all that mattered to me was the mission which I knew was going to change a lot of things about me.

“The Americans will provide you with all the information you need.”

A female voice said.

I frowned, I didn't the idea of external help, I prefer to handle the missions alone. The reason the Wardog mercenary group has few members is due to the fact that we have secrets we don't want anyone else knowing, thus bringing the Americans with me on this mission is comparable to inviting unsolvable problems.

“Why are the Americans involve in this debacle of ours? What can the American President do except send untrained ignorant men to their doom? My team and I are enough to handle this trifle matter.” I said with annoyance.

Wherever there is trouble or war, the Americans will meddle into the affair with the notion of maintaining peace in that country, but in truth they have their hidden agenda. And now the americans want to get involved again? Besides, what's so special in Nigeria that every country wants a piece of?

“Who will the Secretary of Defense send to aid me?” I asked after a moment of silent.

“Major Triston Allen and Sergeant Anderson Marshal.” a male voice said.

Damn! It just had to be them, why couldn't they send normal soldiers! These two are part of an elite force known as the Apostle clan, it's more of a militia that Lucius set up for his daughter Simran, and few years ago, precisely '2019' I was told by Lucius that Simran is my soulmate and we were to be married once we come of age. Our love has bloomed and I am willing to die for her, I will do anything to please her and make her happy, I love her more than life itself. But it doesn't mean I like those arrogant pricks who serve her. I didn't like the idea of traveling with those Apostle soldiers, especially Major Triston Allen and Sergeant Anderson Marshal.

“I don't think that's necessary, I can do this by myself, I don't need a babysitter. They will only slow me down. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate their gesture of goodwill, but I don't need escorts.” I tried to reason with them.

“This isn't up for discussion.” another voice, a male voice said.

“I don't trust anyone apart from my teammates!” I said raising my voice a bit.

“If you can't trust others, then how can we trust you.” a voice chipped in, and I recognized that voice but just can't place its owner.

“You seem to be forgetting the importance of this mission. If the Somalia troops manage to get even a piece the merchandise, then Nigeria will lose its current trump card in the black market. The Americans are aiding us because of the agreement we have with them. Understood?” a voice chipped in.

“Fine, let's get this over with.” I said.

“Know this Maximus; your chances of returning alive is 0.01%.” a female voice said.

“Are you still willing to proceed?” she asked as if expecting me to refuse.

I simply looked at these haughty men and women and smiled.

“Where do I sign?”

*

“TEN HUT!” Starlet shouted as soon as I got into Wardogs meeting room.

All six members of the Wardogs Mercenary group stood up to salute as soon as I entered. We were but a small mercenary group, and thus our hideout was one inconspicuous three room apartment. This mission will yield forth bountiful cash which will aid us expand.

“Take your seat guys. You all know why we're here today, right?” I said looking at the face of every one of them. We were all in our early twenties, yet due to the fact we were dishonorable discharged from the army for not obeying a direct order to destroy an entire village, we've bounded up to fight against terrorism as a mercenary group.

“Tsk! They can't handle their own mess. Bornu has become a place of war, rather than of peace.” Risky said. He's of average height, lean and a skilled gunfighter.

“This reminds me of the 2018 plateau state attack. Same kind of mission, we were only ordered to retrieve the merchandise and leave the terrorists to annihilate the village.” Starlet said. Being second in command, he was respected by the others because he never slacked in his training.

“We are not going to Plateau, and we are not soldiers anymore. So man up, gear up. We leave at dawn.”

“SIR! YES SIR!” They echoed in unison.

*

When they had all left the room, I took out a photo from my pocket. It was a photo of a dark skinned beauty; Simran. She had been with me for so long and now this mission will get us the resources to finally get married.

“Mother will be so proud of you.” a voice said but I didn't turn around, I knew who that was; my ever silent son— Erik The Hollow Reaper.

“After this mission, we shall retire and settle down as a normal family.” I said and put the photo back into my pocket.

“You know I'm with you Father, till the ends of the earth.”