The Rise Of A Porter

Around noon,

Galeão international airport, Rio de Janeiro... 

"Tsk... Why is the security here tighter than usual?" A man asked the security personnel.

"I'm sorry sir, but a very important guest is arriving here today. That's why the airport is at maximum security." The security guard replied while checking the man's luggage. 

"Important, my foot! People who abuse their privilege like this are the worst of scum." The man replied in his angry snotty voice.

He was wanted to take his fiance to Europe as an engagement present. But now not only his fiance was in a bad mood their flight had also been delayed due to this 'special guest'. 

"You're done. Move." The security guard hurriedly told the man to leave. Because if the president's guards who were waiting there had heard what the midget of a man, had just said... All hell would break loose. 

The man wanted to argue further, but decided otherwise and left huffing and puffing. The security guard looked over to the other side. The line for security check-in kept growing bigger and bigger. 

"God I hope the flight from California arrives on time. I can't handle this intense security protocol." He let out a sigh. 

"They don't pay us enough for this. Don't you think so, Miki?" Another guard asked the former one. 

"Of course they don't, Sebas. But it's better than being penniless in some favela." Miki replied with a tired smile, "But the condition of the nation has been better than before. President Nicholas did deliver on his commitments. That's why I don't mind getting overworked today... That is if we get paid more. Haha."

At that moment, an announcement was made. Flight number 4D 55664 had just arrived from California. As soon as the announcement was made, the soldiers smartly dressed in black went into action. These soldiers were the members of the private security force employed by President Nicholas and were known as the 'black horses'. All procedures of checking out were stopped in that particular terminal. Cars moved in around the flight as soon as it came to a halt. Arnold was the first one to get off the flight. 

Seeing the way the black horses were carrying themselves, the few people who didn't know Arnold thought he was some kind of kingpin. Arnold's all-black attire only made their thoughts wilder.

Arnold gazed around the airport, which looked like a cocoon of steel, the walls so elegantly curved and wrapping around to create this inner space. And the beams supported so many windows, let in so much light, that in the daytime it is as bright as any summers day. The place was filled with people, yet none of them were moving. Their eyes were fixated on him. 

'This is why I wanted to use void travel instead of normal modes of transportation. Why the heck did Nicholas wanted me to get here by flight?' Arnold thought as they made their way to the exit. 

Arnold thought what they did inside the airport was unnecessary then he was wrong. As he stepped out he was surprised to see a convoy made up of a total of 21 vehicles waiting for him. From humvees to military trucks. Among these vehicles, one vehicle stood out the most, a Rolls-Royce 2022 Ghost. As soon as Arnold approach the vehicle while being guided by the black horse officers, a man stepped out. Smiling like the biggest idiot in the whole world. 

Arnold had known this man for over a year. He couldn't even remember how many dungeons they had cleared together. And seeing him again made Arnold smile as well. 

"It's weird seeing you without your backpack, Gabriel." Arnold smiled as he shook the man's hand. 

"Haha, Arnold irmao, the Vice President of Brazil doesn't carry that bag anymore," Gabriel smiled, "However, if you want to do another dungeon run I'll gladly get my bag. I've been keeping it safe in case you ever returned."

"You're the Brazilian Vice President? I wonder how the hell is Brazil still functioning." Arnold let out an exaggerated gasp, following which both of them burst into laughter. 

"Master Nicholas is waiting for you. Shall we proceed then?" Gabriel asked. 

"Lead the way!"

***

Arnold might have been feeling a bit carefree in Brazil, but back in California Andrex and Luke were busy plotting their next move. 

"I can't believe how I'll destroy the Blacks from the comfort of my home." Andrex laughed while sipping his wine, "You should drink too Luke. After all, it's a celebration!"

Luke was right next to him. He wasn't drinking though. He needed to prepare for what was to come tomorrow. Even if their plan went on without a hitch there was going to be a bloody skirmish. A skirmish where he too would lose soldiers. But it was just a little price they'll have to pay. After all, he had allies to do his dirty work. 

"I'm not the kind of man to take things for granted, Andrex." Luke gave him an annoyed look, "I'll celebrate when I'll win."

"Hmph, it's not like you'll be doing the killings. We hired these bastards to do that for us! I still don't know why these idiots are ready to take this suicidal mission when everyone else in the field on assassins refused to attack the Blacks?"

"It's because... They too have a score to settle with them."

"What score?" Andrex asked, finally putting down his wine. 

"They are the remaining members of the group Arnold killed a few years ago. You know, before they attacked the Flying Swords. They know fighting Arnold head first would be committing suicide, but they don't have any issue taking on the others. That is if both Nicole and Johnny are out of the way." Luke replied. 

"Pfft- HAHAHA!!!" Andrex burst out laughing, spitting wine all over Luke. "Those Blacks sure do have a lot of enemies! Tell your men not to worry about Nicole or Johnny. I made sure they get sent to the east to take care of a 'dungeon break'. They won't be returning for a few days, maybe even a week."

"Then it's settled. Tomorrow we'll paint the earth with the flesh and blood of those Black fools!"