The morning light peeked timidly through the gaps in the old boards that formed the roof of the hideout. Sitting around a rickety table, Grim, Stanley, and Lorry debated the group's ambitions.

  Grim, his eyes sparkling with determination, stared at the rudimentary map in front of him. He traced imaginary lines with his finger.

  “We need more than just the three of us,” he said finally. If we want the Arachnids to mark Silver Creek, we have to get stronger. More numerous.

  Stanley, who was absently playing with the talisman left by his father, looked up.

  — I know someone. Tom, my roommate at the orphanage. He could be one of us.

  Lorry frowned and crossed his arms, a skeptical expression on his face.

  —And who is this Tom? Another kid with no muscle? We don't do charity, Stanley.

  Stanley gritted his teeth, but Grim raised his hand to calm Lorry.

  —I don't care if he's ready or not. If we want it in the band, we'll shape it ourselves. Arachnids can be learned, right?

  Lorry rolled his eyes.

  —Yeah, but he shouldn’t be dead weight.

  Grim gave him a sharp look.

  — We'll go see him. I want to know who he is, and what’s in his stomach.

  Stanley, relieved, smiled.

  —Thank you, Grim. You'll see, Tom is brave. He was always there for me.

  Grim stood from his chair, grabbing his coat.

  —So, we're leaving now. I want to meet him before dark.

  On the way to the orphanage

  On the way, Grim thought about the future. He already imagined himself leading a feared gang, surrounded by loyal members, conquering the streets of Silver Creek. He glanced at Stanley.

  —If your Tom is as good as you say, he will be one of us. But prepare it. Being an Arachnid is not for the weak.

  Stanley nodded confidently.

  — He's ready.

  For his part, Lorry dragged his feet, grunting in the dust of the path.

  — I just hope he’s not the type to whine over a sudden…

  Meet Tom

  When they arrived, Tom was waiting for them behind the main building, glancing around nervously. When he saw Stanley, his face lit up.

  Grim stepped forward first, looking Tom up and down.

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  “So, is it you, Tom?”

  Tom, a little intimidated, replied in a clear voice:

  - Yes. Stanley told me about you. If you need someone, I'm ready.

  Grim smiled.

  — Ready, huh? We'll see that.Night fell on Silver Creek when Grim, Stanley, and Lorry brought Tom to the hideout. The atmosphere was tense, each cracking of wood under their steps amplifying silence. Grim stopped in front of the entrance and turned to Tom, his piercing eyes looking for a spark of determination.

  - If you want to be ours, start Grim, you will have to prove that you have what it takes. Among the arachnids, we do not tolerate weakness.

  Tom swept but held good.

  - I'm ready. Tell me what I have to do.

  Lory, pressed against the wall with a mocking smile, added:

  - I hope you have guts, kid. Because it's not going to be a health walk.

  Grim released a knife and stretched it to Tom.

  - Take that. If you want to be an arachnid, you have to fight to protect your place.

  Tom took the knife, hesitant, but the weight of the blade in his hand seemed to give him courage.

  - Against? he asked, the gaze fixed on Grim.

  Grim shredded his shoulders and made a head sign towards Lornry.

  - Against him.

  Lorry laughed.

  - Me ? Seriously ? This kid has no chance.

  Grim gave him a severe look.

  - We're not here to laugh, Lorry. If you think it is too weak, then prove it.

  Stanley, worried, took a step forward.

  - Grim, is it really necessary? Tom is my friend, he deserves at least a chance ...

  Grim raised his hand to silence him.

  - Precisely, Stanley. If he's your friend, he has to prove that he can be a brother for all of us.

  ---

  The fight began in the narrow room of the hideout, lit by the flickering light of an old lamp. Lorry, confident, attacked the first, swinging the handle of his knife to test Tom's reflexes.

  Tom died awkwardly, but adrenaline seemed to guide him. He retaliated with more strength than we would have thought, forcing Lorry to back up slightly.

  "Not bad, for a beginner," said Lorry, impressed in spite of himself.

  Grim, motionless in a corner, observed each movement. He was not interested in victory or defeat, but byTom's determination.

  After a few minutes of struggling, Lorry quickly disarmed Tom and pinned him against the wall.

  “It’s over,” he said, holding back a smile.

  But Tom didn't give up. With a primal scream, he hit Lorry with his shoulder, knocking him back enough to retrieve his knife.

  “Enough,” Grim said, raising his voice.

  The two adversaries stopped, out of breath.

  ---

  Verdict

  Grim approached Tom, an approving smile appearing on his face.

  “You have guts, Tom. That's all I wanted to see.

  Lorry shrugged, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

  — Well, he's not that bad. But he still has a way to go.

  Stanley, relieved, placed a hand on Tom's shoulder.

  - well done, man. I knew you could do it.

  Grim held out his hand to Tom.

  - Welcome to the arachnids. But remember, being one of us isn't just about strength. It's a question of loyalty. If you betray, you fall. It's clear ?

  Tom nodded determinedly.

  - it's clear.

  Grim then turned to the group.

  - GOOD. Now that there are four of us, it's time to make our mark on Silver Creek.