It had been a month since Marvin settled in Australia with Uncle Theo. Specifically, they resided in an opulent mansion in the city of Adelaide.
Uncle Theo was a man of a particularly cold and firm temperament, yet despite his stern exterior, he wouldn't allow anyone to harm Marvin. Thus, Marvin had come to regard Uncle Theo as if he were his own father.
On that night, Uncle Theo returned from the realm of his business ventures. The servants welcomed their master home with due respect, slightly bowing as they greeted him.
In the dazzling world of his success, Uncle Theo thrived, notably so in the arena of illicit arms deals. He owned an exclusive weapons manufacturing site in Australia. Additionally, he possessed several casino establishments in various countries, his wealth beyond measure.
Despite his immersion in riches, with a legion of fiercely loyal subordinates, happiness eluded him. Perhaps this was because in the year 2005, the 29-year-old had zero interest in starting a family. To him, women served solely as channels for the release of his desires.
However, Marvin's presence brought about a sense of responsibility in Theo, prompting him to always inquire about Marvin upon returning to the mansion.
Marvin was far from lonely there, as he had a friend—Dewangga, the son of Theo's assistant. Daily, he and Dewangga were trained in martial arts by a professional instructor.
"Where's Marvin?" Uncle Theo asked a servant.
"Young Marvin is currently practicing martial arts with Dewangga," the servant responded.
Uncle Theo promptly made his way to the specialized training grounds located behind the mansion, eager to witness the progress Marvin had made in mastering the art of self-defense.
Observing Marvin spar with Dewangga, it was clear that despite Dewangga's specialized training by his father, Marvin had the upper hand in martial arts prowess that evening – perhaps driven by his determination to grow strong, quickening his mastery of the combat discipline.
Uncle Theo watched the duel in awe, considering Marvin as a likely successor someday. He could, in fact, crush Mr. Rama's enterprise currently if he chose to, but instead, he allowed Marvin the opportunity to seek his own vengeance, for Marvin was determined to redress the harms he and his mother had once endured.
To this day, Uncle Theo relentlessly searched for the culprit behind his sister's murder, since he regarded Ms. Rena as his own sibling. Yet, the murderer's absence of clues left Theo grappling to find them. Only Marvin had seen the face of Markus, having witnessed the crime with his own eyes.
Even though Uncle Theo was certain that his sister's death was linked to Mr. Rama or his second wife, he was not in a position to return to Indonesia at the present, as the mafia and gangsters there had united against the Athena Headquarters.
Uncle Theo saw Marvin successfully unseat Dewangga in the ring, yet Marvin restrained himself from landing a punch to Dewangga's face; he had no wish to bruise his friend's visage.
Uncle Theo sighed, noting Marvin's hesitation in overcoming his opponent. He entered the training area, to Marvin and Dewangga's surprise. Marvin immediately helped Dewangga up, and they both bowed respectfully to Uncle Theo.
"Good evening, Uncle," greeted Marvin.
"Good evening, Sir," said Dewangga.
"Your father's outside; you may go home," Uncle Theo told Dewangga.
"I'll take my leave then, Sir," Dewangga said, bidding Uncle Theo farewell. He also said goodbye to Marvin, "I'll be back tomorrow."
Marvin smiled, nodding. Dewangga's company slightly eased his sadness, yet he could never forget Markus's face or those who'd harmed his mother.
Once Dewangga had left, Uncle Theo spoke, "Starting tomorrow, you'll attend school here. You'll be in the same class with Dewangga." He flicked his lighter to ignite his cigarette, which dangled from his lips.
He inhaled deeply, savoring the smoke, then exhaled.
"Yes, Uncle," Marvin nodded.
"Your name is no longer Marvin; Marvin is to be seen as deceased."
Marvin looked up at Uncle Theo, his lips pressed together firmly.
"I've changed your identity. Your name is now Adam Alvarez. From now on, I will call you Adam.”
Marvin nodded obediently, aware that it was for his own good. "Yes, Uncle."
Then Uncle Theo reflected on the duel between Marvin and Dewangga he had witnessed, "Your martial arts show improvement, but there's something you need to grasp, Adam."
"What's that, Uncle?"
"If you aspire to be a strong man, never waver in conquering your adversary, whether friend or foe lies before you. In a duel, your opponent is someone you must defeat. Hesitation will only allow your enemy to counterattack, and you will lose." Uncle Theo took another drag of his cigarette and exhaled the white smoke.
Marvin nodded in understanding.
"Are you sure about avenging your grievances?" Uncle Theo asked earnestly.
"Absolutely, Uncle. I'm entirely certain," Marvin said with a resolve that came from deep within.
"Then, you must accompany me."
...****************...
Marvin followed Uncle Theo to the basement within the mansion.
He was taken aback to find a tied-up man seated there—a man who turned out to be one of Uncle Theo's own personal guards.
Marvin swallowed hard, feigning bravery in Theo's presence.
"He's a traitor; he's been spying for my enemies," Uncle Theo pointed at the guard.
The bound man attempted to plea, but his muffled cries were silenced by the black tape over his mouth. "Mmh...mmhhh..."
"Traitors are beyond forgiveness," Uncle Theo declared, pressing his burning cigarette against the betrayer's skin.
"Mmhhh... mmhhh..." The traitor writhed in agony.
Sweat beaded on Marvin's forehead at this grisly sight, his stomach churning with dread.
Uncle Theo selected the smallest pistol from an array of firearms displayed on the wall, handing it to Marvin. "Shoot him now!" Although Marvin had only practiced on inanimate targets during their training sessions, Theo had taught him to shoot.
Marvin gaped, shivering, "Must I kill him, Uncle?"
"I want to gauge the strength of your resolve for revenge. If you falter, I will see to your vengeance myself."
Marvin drew a deep breath, his resolution steadfast to avenge Markus, Mr. Rama, Sonya, and Nadine—significant to his father.
Taking the pistol from Uncle Theo, Marvin aimed it at the traitor, focusing precisely where he intended to fire—the head.
"Mmhhh... mmhh..." The captive's terror was palpable, pleading for Marvin to spare him.
But...
Zdoor...
A bullet shot forth, striking the traitor's forehead, killing him instantly with eyes still wide open as blood seeped from his brow and splattered on Marvin's face.
Marvin's breathing was erratic as he witnessed the death of the first man he'd ever killed.
Uncle Theo's smile conveyed satisfaction; no longer would he doubt Marvin's resolve. He patted Marvin's shoulder approvingly, "Well done, Adam. Grow to be a formidable man, one whom everyone fears."
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