"The court will have order!" The judge yelled. Another judge whispered something in Siracusan to him. Sadly, I can't understand any of what he was whispering about.

Yep. This is me. Alter 'Valor' Valero. I am in the court room of Siracusa and will be having a taste at their… Pistole e Ordine law. From the looks of things, it's not very enjoyable. Heck. I am tied to my seat.

It's very ironic how a nation that is basically run by mafia families have a legal system. I'd imagine they have hard times even enforcing any laws, but the recent events proved me wrong, I guess.

Now! How did I get here? Well, it all takes place in back in Victoria, more specifically, in a Columbian style diner.

Downtown Londonium, Mary's Diner/16:00 hours/20 days prior.

"Well, I've made it. Despite your directions." The young Lupo said with a Siracusan accent as he took a seat.

I was covering my face with a newspaper, of course, it was to pretend to be cool. You know? That mysterious person vibe that wears classy suit and a wide newspaper? You get it.

Of course, it cannot be completed without a secret code. Which after he didn't say it, I coughed to tell him that he forgot about it.

The young Lupo rolled his eyes and sighs, "Valentía vive, vence y verifica. Virtud visible, vigor vitaliza." After which, I put the newspaper down and put up my signature smile.

"Valor," I acknowledge him, extending my hand for a handshake. To which he shook and replied, "Fantasma."

The young Lupo was wearing a light brown suit, and a rather stylish aviator sun glasses on top of his head. He's putting up an intimidating aura, as he stares me with a piercing gaze.

I however, am not intimidated.

"You are the arms dealer my men told me about?" he questions, "I did my research on you."

"Oh? How so?" I perked up when he mentions that he did his own research on me. That's kind of him.

"The so-called self-proclaimed Treasure Hunter. Wanted for stealing 9 million LMD worth of guns from Laterano, twice. Wanted in Iberia, Laterano, Siracusa, and charged for Money laundering, first-degree murder, intentional murder, heist, identity theft, and excommunication." He states, to which I chuckled.

"An impressive CV, no?" I joked, "But believe me when I say this. I'm a thief, not a murderer. Those people who charged me with intentional murder and such things are just petty! I killed people in self-defence!"

"Let me get straight to the point. I'm here for guns," Fantasma, said. Crossing his arms.

"we'll get there. But before we do. I need upfront payment." I leaned in, "A small amount of 250 thousand LMD." I smiled.

Fantasma pushed something with his legs under the table. It was a small briefcase.

"500 thousand in there. Do not disappoint me." He simply said.

I don't need to check. All I need was his words. A Siracusan famiglia surely pays a lot for anything that can make them have the upper hand against other famiglia's.

I smiled, "then let's proceed, shall we?"

We both stood up and exited the diner. Not forgetting the briefcase of course. I motioned him to my car.

Which, by the way, is my most beloved possession. A sleek, and fancy red open top car. Of course, it has retractable roof, if not, I would be wet every time I take a ride because of the Victorian weather.

Anyways. Cruising the calm Victorian traffic for some time, and getting suddenly caught in traffic because car dependent infrastructures are the best, I drove to a rundown neighbourhood with little to no pedestrians. It was a slum, basically. But with Victorian architecture. I pulled over to a rather wide alleyway between two 2-storeys buildings with red bricks that has graffiti all over it.

"Here we are. Careful of the local gangs." I said as I jumped out of my car and walked to a steel reinforced door that has a paper sticked on it reading 'Private property', "now where is that key?" I muttered as I checked for my pockets.

It took me a while, but I found it in my wallet, funnily enough. After which, I opened the door and motioned Fantasma to enter.

"Alright. Here it is-…why is there blood on your sword?" I turned back to face him and I noticed a glaring issue here. Fresh blood on his sword. That is not normal whatsoever.

"You told me to beware of local gangs, no? there were 20 people hiding to ambush us. I took care of them." Fantasma explained. Combined with his Siracusan accent, came of rather intimidating.

"Yes. But- Nevermind. Let's just go inside."

We both go inside and I turned on the lights.

Revealing a typical Victorian upper-class house converted into an armoury. Assault rifles and various of other guns hung on the wall alongside paintings.

That's not all. I've converted the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms of the first floor into one big armoury.

That's right. I was busy you see. There were multiple assault rifles, handguns, explosives, sniper rifles, swords, crossbows all neatly arranged. The centrepiece was a massive minigun, the size of a car, in fact. Surrounded by hundreds of thousands of bullets in a colossal pool.

"A beauty, isn't it?" I chuckled, joining Fantasma as we admired the arsenal. He lit a cigarette and began smoking, his cool demeanor adding to the atmosphere.

Taking a drag, he moved to inspect a rifle, picking it up. "The M4 Carbine - I see you have taste," I said, grabbing one myself and aiming it. Safety on. "Lightweight, gas-operated, air-cooled, selective-fire, with a collapsible stock – designed for military use and known for its versatility. Well suited for close quarters battles."

"How did you get these?" He asked as he aimed down sights.

"Well. Are any of these obtained legally? To a certain extent." I laughed, "Let's just say, I have friends in high places," I smiled.

"What's the deal with that minigun?" He pointed to the comically massive minigun.

"…Now, it is not important on how I came into the possession of it. But all I'm going to say is… well… uhm...Anyways! Let's talk talk business first!" I switched the topic as i made the money gesture with my hand.

"Wait," he interrupted, extinguishing his cigarette and stomping it out. "It wouldn't be any use to us if we needed Arts to effectively use the firearms." He looks at me.

"That's why, I have removed originium from all those guns. Trade secret." I smirked, "All you need is an hour or two training to aim, shoot, reload, and you get yourself a deadly killer."

"300 of these M4 Carbines, 10 tonnes of explosives. And more than enough bullets." He said, lighting up another cigarette, taking a puff, and extending his hand for a handshake.

"65 million LMD. And I'll take care of the transport." I simply state as I shook his hand, smirking.

"Deal."

Siracusa, Carolina Family Estate/0300 hours/ 7 days prior.

Two Sikorsky CH-53 heavy lift helicopters touched down at the fields of the Carolina family estate. Each carries an external crate that has already been put down prior to landing carrying bullets in the form of magazines and Assault rifles, grenades, and grenade launchers.

I was standing by the helicopter's side door, grabbing by the safety handle, as it touched down, smoking a fine Columbian Barlowë cigarette.

As soon as the helicopters touched down, several people dressed in what you'd expect to be the Mafia's dress code. That is, tan suits with black ties and tan fedoras. Which is the colour of the Carolina Famiglia, by the way.

Which is why I'm wearing a tan coat with a suit underneath with a black tie. As for the hat… I'm more comfortable wearing an outback hat.

The Mafiosos took the crates inside the helicopter as I stepped down. Taking in the situation around me. Two unmarked large crates filled with ammunition, firearms, and explosives. Two smaller crates carried in the helicopters filled with special equipment.

"Sir Valor, Capo Provvisorio is waiting for you." An older Lupo came up to me. To which I nodded and extinguished my cigarette.

He led me into the mansion and into a study room, where Fantasma is busy looking at documents. He didn't bat an eye until after the door was closed behind me.

"Why are you here?" He asks, his eyes not bothering to look at me.

"I heard that you're going to attack the Laterza family?" I ask as I leaned in on the wall and crossing my arms, "The atmosphere seems tense."

With a sigh, he stops what he's doing and rests his chin on his hands and stares blankly, "Indeed. We are going to attack the Laterza famiglia at their mansion. This is payback for Il Nonno." He then looks at me, "Garibaldi Laterza plotted and car-bombed my grandfather, uncle and his wife, and my cousins. My grandfather was severely injured, while the rest died. I am now the temporary Capo of the Carolina Famiglia until Il nonno recovers."

"Look. I can help you." I said as we locked eyes, "The Laterza's matriarch has a necklace made of silver, gold, emerald, ruby, sapphire, and amethyst infused with originium. I want it."

"Why? Why do you want-… Fine, You're free to help us," He sighs, "Just don't get in our way."

Siracusa, outside Laterza mansion/0333 hours/2 days prior.

I am with the other mafiosos in preparing to strike at the Laterza's when they least expect it. I want that necklace. Think of how much it will sell? 50? 60? 100 million? It could make someone set for life. As long as they practice good financial decisions from then on.

All the rifles were equipped with silencers to prevent the sounds of gunshot from echoing throughout the city.

You see, unlike the Carolina family's mansion which is secluded, the Laterza's is located in downtown Livarna, one of the city states under the rule of the Laterza family. As such, the Carolina famiglia has to do the attack discreetly so as to not attract more trouble from the city.

As for will it attract the attention of the Capo dei capi remains to be unseen.

We moved closer to the mansion, the mafiosos taking down any guards outside. I stood some distance away and watched as they killed the guards.

Look. To be honest, I dislike violence and murder. I may be a thief, someone who has no honour, liar, But I am not a murderer, someone who needlessly kills. I kill when I am forced to.

I am merely doing all I can in this world using as little violence as I can.

And although I don't look like it, I do believe without a doubt that there is a God.

POP! POP! THUD!

My attention was suddenly drawn to the sound of mafiosos breaking down the front door by shooting the lock with a silenced handgun. They forcefully entered the mansion, causing screams of servants and silent gunshots to echo through the halls as bullet fire illuminated the interior.

I entered the mansion some time after the first floor has been secured, carrying an M4 Carbine with similar attachments. There were the dead bodies of Servants and Laterza mafioso's laying on the floor.

That doesn't concern me. I only want to get that necklace, and get out of Siracusa to avoid authorities. If there is even one here.

Though I must say. The mansion doesn't look half bad! I mean sure, there are dead bodies and bullet marks all over the walls. But regardless, it's a classy place!

I mean, look at the living room! They have a piano AND a large flat screen TV and on top of that exotic paintings decorated the walls!

Shame that there blood splatter nearly everywhere too.

A mafioso approached me with his rifle on one hand and a cigarette on the other, "Sir. The Laterza's and their goons holed themselves in the second floor. The Capo Provvisorio asks for your assistance."

"let's go then." I cock my rifle.

I met Fantasma and the other mafiosos near the stairway to upstairs that's being barricaded on the top. They were taking cover while Fantasma talked with a couple of mafiosos.

"What's the plan?" I asked as I approached his group.

With a sigh, Fantasma answers, "We've took too much time. The national police will arrive soon. We'll have to accelerate the process." He then pulls up a Mikol MGL and inspects it, "I trust you know what that means?"

"Verily." I nodded, "won't that attract people?"

"I already ordered the evacuation of most of my men. It's just us 10, excluding you." He then looks at his men and ordered some of them to pick up the grenade launcher, "We'll kill Garibaldi. You focus on getting the prized necklace."

"Ready when you are." I smirked.

We all took positions, with Fantasma taking the lead. After we got into position, everything went silent as Fantasma communicated with hand gestures. I checked my gun and set it to automatic.

Then Fantasma went into action and fired the grenade launcher up the stairs, causing loud explosions that destroyed the walls and killing multiple.

"ANDARE! ANDARE! ANDARE!" He shouted and at once his men began to assault the second floor.

I rushed upstairs as well, shooting any stragglers that somehow managed to survive the mafiosos' assault.

Fantasma told me that the necklace is being worn by the matriarch, who holes herself in the master bedroom while the others were fighting. Fantasma and his men advanced to the study room where Garibaldi Laterza is supposed to be.

I silently walked through the empty halls, on my way to the master bedroom. Checking each and every room I come across.

Eventually. I've reached a door near the end of the hallway. This must be the master bedroom.

At first, I tried opening the doorknob, but I didn't budge. So I did the logical option of shooting the lock and forcefully enter. To which I was greeted with the sight of a terrified Lupo woman in her 80s hiding using the sheets in the bed.

She let out a scream at the sight of me. I couldn't be that bad looking to prompt that response, can I?

Taking a look around, I quickly approach her and shut her mouth, "look, I'm just here for your necklace right here." I said as I snatched her necklace with my other hand, "thank you very much-"

"YOU! GET YOUR HANDS OF HER!" A Laterza mafioso appeared in the doorway, unsheathing his sword he swung at me, to which I dodged. Making him almost cutting the matriarch to pieces.

I turned around and let loose a storm of lead onto him, thinking he would die immediately. But he blocks all the bullets effortlessly and charged towards me before I had the chance to reload. Prompting me to block him using the M4 Carbine, which, surprisingly didn't break immediately.

After withstanding several his blows, I managed to stagger him and I took advantage by pulling out my handgun. I upgraded into a high chambered revolver.

I need an opening. And currently, he doesn't seem to be leaving any openings. I looked around and I threw a night lamp into him, which he blocked. But in the process, leaving an opening where I shot 3 bullets at him. One of which managed to hit him in his thigh.

That did damage to him, a bit. But he regained his composure after a couple second and slashed at me. He managed to slash at my cheeks but overall, I managed to dodge. I reloaded my rifle and started shooting at him again. His injured state made him slow in dodging and blocking the hail of bullets.

But he still isn't going down.

Hold on a second. I have a grenade.

At this thought, I took a grenade and pulled the pin, throwing it to the matriarch.

That made the matriarch scream, and the mafioso rushed to protect her from the grenade… by grabbing it and throwing it back at me. Big mistake.

As he threw it at me, I unloaded multiple bullets at his exposed body. Unfortunately, the grenade exploded to the right of me sending me off balance.

I hadn't realized it but my stomach was slashed and blood as gushing out. I nearly blacked out when I heard someone shout. The next thing I knew, I was at a court.

Siracusa city, Courtroom/1200 hours/Present.

And here we are!

Fantasma sat beside me as my lawyer believe it or not.

"Psst. Are you a lawyer and or are you qualified to represent me?" I whispered at him.

"No."

Great. I'm going to get extradited to Iberia and then Laterano and it would be the end of me!

"Yesterday, famiglia Laterza was attacked by la famiglia Carolina. During which Signor Garibaldi Laterza was killed alongside his sons." The judged paused, "This isn't about them. This is about the individual known as Alter Valero, code-named Valor. Who is operating alongside the Carolina famiglia…"

I put up a calm face as I listened. Occasionally looking at Fantasma who is listening with a serious expression.

"…Alter Valero is also wanted in but not limited to, Laterano, Iberia, and here in Siracusa. He is also charged for Money laundering, first-degree murder, intentional murder, heist, identity theft, illegal arms dealing. Added to it is excommunication by the Pope of Laterano." The judge continued.

"Objection, your honor." I stood up, "Your Honor, I understand the seriousness of the charges brought against me. However, I must make it clear that I am not responsible for the actions of the Carolina family. While it is true that I have had dealings with members of their organization in the past, I have never been a part of their criminal activities." I looked at Fantasma, "As for the charges of money laundering and illegal arms dealing, I must plead not guilty. I have always conducted my business in a lawful manner and have never engaged in any activities that could be considered criminal. As for the charges of murder and heist, I must reserve my plea until I have had the opportunity to review all the evidence presented by the prosecution."

"The evidence is plenty!" The prosecution, the Laterza's that is. "You killed, shot, and murdered our family! AND you stole the prized necklace of Signora Laterza!" They slammed the table.

"First of all. If I DID steal it. Then you must be able to recover it when the national police arrested me back then in the mansion. So far, you have no physical evidence of me ever stealing it." I shot back.

"The testimony of Signora Laterza is enough! You did stole it in front of her! She also saw you murder one of our own!"

"That old lady? You can't trust her words, can you? Last I checked, she has dementia of all things. She might not even think clearly." I said, smirking.

The Laterza's stopped. And their lawyer talked to them about something, which calmed them down.

How did I know about the Laterza matriarch's health condition? Well I asked Fantasma to give me the files of her from hospital records. Quite simple really.

I had hoped for a quick resolution for this trial. But alas, it continued for 3 more hours.

Londonium, in a 5-star hotel/1400 hours/a week later.

"I really need to buy property." I sighed as I dropped onto the bed.

I've been on the job for years now. And I'm still living in a hotel room. Granted it's a 5-star hotel room in the top most floor, but… its not really comfortable anymore. I yearn for private property.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Ah! that must be it! The day I've been waiting for!

I rushed to the door and opened it, as expected, a deliveryman. A normal one, thankfully.

"a package for Mr. Valero?" He asks.

"That's me"

Taking the package and closing the door. I waited for a few minutes before opening it.

It is wrapped in a medium sized box, and then it just kept devolving into smaller and smaller boxes which eventually leads into a bubble wrap that finally reveals the item.

It's the Laterza necklace.

I couldn't keep the excitement as I jumped around like a child.

Look at that. A necklace made with silver adorned with Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Gold, Amethyst. Infused with originium. It's not only for decoration you see… the matriarch of the Laterza family used to be a strong Arts user in her youth. I didn't mention that she was infected too did i?

Anyways, I can sell this for an extremely overpriced amount. I'm thinking… 100? No. 200 LMDs!

I can already see the money flowing in.

Heh heh heh…

I've got a few calls to make.