In a corner on the southwest side of Water Snake Town, there are several abandoned warehouses in a row. They are now the home of "Goldfinger".
The sun sets over the distant mountains, the silver moon has not yet risen, and the blue-purple sky casts its last light. In the evening, it is time for "Goldfinger" to return to its nest again.
Stephanie was surrounded by a group of little ones and returned to her nest with her head held high, quite like a big sister. When others saw them raising their chins one by one and looking at the sky, they knew that they had gained a lot today. Those who failed to complete the task
The "little fingers" were dejected and looked listless.
Normally, they would be in trouble today.
Sure enough, from the passage behind the warehouse door, whips were being slapped on the flesh, and the sound of suppressed pain was heard. A vigorous young man was using a whip to severely punish two half-year-old boys. They were stripped of their shirts and knelt down.
On the ground, the riding crop fell mercilessly on their thin backs, leaving streaks of blood. Several young children nearby were so scared that they huddled together and trembled like quails. One little girl wanted to cover her head because of fear.
He closed his eyes, but was yelled at by the young man.
"Don't cover your eyes! You guys, please show me clearly. They were beaten because of your laziness, cowardice, carelessness, and clumsiness! When you grow up, you will also be punished like this for the mistakes made by your brothers and sisters."
The young man's name is Zod, and he is the second-in-command in the gang. Of course, the "Goldfinger" gang is not called a gang, but a "family." If Pim is the head of this "family," then Zod belongs to the "family."
eldest son.
The children are all afraid of Zod because he is very fierce. Stephanie doesn't like Zod either, but she must admit that Zod is indeed capable. "Big Boss" Pim praised Zod's "craftsmanship" for being better than he did back then. Zod
Discipline the children on behalf of the "parents", and punish those who fail to complete tasks, hide money secretly, and break the rules; there are also rewards for children who abide by the rules and turn over money in excess.
Zedd immediately changed his smile when he saw Stephanie. He put his right hand on his chest, bent down slightly and said, "The little princess at home is back. I can tell by the look on your face that you have gained a lot today."
Stephanie lifted up her skirt and curtsied in return. Even though she was wearing a coarse servant skirt, her posture was as elegant as that of a lady.
It is hard for ordinary people to imagine that children who grow up in a den of thieves not only have to learn the art of stealing, but also learn cultural knowledge and various complicated etiquette.
Zod's left thumb pressed lightly on the handle of the whip, and the whip seemed to come alive. The whip swung up and automatically wrapped around his wrist.
Stephanie's eyes lit up when she saw it. Zod's unique skills were really beautiful. She had been secretly learning for a long time but didn't learn it. She didn't know that her little thoughts were clearly understood by this "brother", and she deliberately
Showing off your unique skills in front of her is a small reward for her.
This is also a commonly used motivation method by "parents", and it has an obvious effect on those children who are talented and competitive.
Zod stretched out his right hand and spread his palm. Stephanie pouted, took out three full money bags and put them in his hand. Zod weighed the money bags, with a satisfied smile on his face, and his palm
Once turned over, the three money bags magically disappeared.
The children immediately let out an exclamation of exclamation and admiration, and gathered around one after another, staring at Zod with adoring eyes and looking left and right, trying to find the money bag he had hidden.
However, the older thieves, including the two boys who had just been whipped, were only envious. They could also do this trick of turning money bags into money, but they were not as skilled as him.
They secretly made up their minds to practice more when they have time, so that their little brats would know how powerful their boss is.
Zod was secretly amused in his heart, and calmly waved his hand and said, "Let's go and eat!"
There was nothing that made these orphans happier than eating. They rushed into the hall with a roar. Dinner had already been prepared in the hall. There were ten long tables with wooden plates containing food, emitting bursts of aroma.
The food tonight was quite rich, including barbecue, chicken salad, thick fish soup, fresh fruits and vegetables, the main dish was beef stew with mud melon cubes, and goat's milk wine chilled with well water, which surprised the children.
They quickly found their seats and drooled over the table full of food, but no one started to eat.
"Master" Pim waited for everyone to sit down, then stretched out his hand to shake hands with the people on the left and right. Then everyone held each other's hands and chanted in unison with "Master": "Thank you for my hand,
Thanks to the hands of the children, thanks to the hands of brothers and sisters, and thanks to the hands of parents for letting us have food to eat today."
After completing this simple ritual, you can start enjoying today's dinner. "Goldfinger"'s lair only serves two meals a day, breakfast and dinner. The children are starving when they leave early and come home late. They eat quickly and quietly, almost without making any noise.
It was too loud. But there were nearly a hundred people in this lair, mostly children, but also some adults and teenagers. The scene of them gathering together to eat together was quite spectacular.
Several little thieves, including Stephanie, were qualified to sit with everyone, Pim. They chatted while eating, talked about their own experiences, exchanged information with each other, and those who had disputes with each other were resolved in this harmonious atmosphere.
Parents” resolve.
Pim picked up the wine glass and signaled to everyone: "This sumptuous dinner is specially prepared for Bobby. He will leave the nest soon. Come, everyone wishes our Bobby good luck in the future."
The parents and brothers obviously knew the news, and several young thieves looked at Bobby. Some of them were surprised, some were jealous, and some were reluctant to let go.
"Old man, I don't want to leave." Bobby shouted unhappily. He was sixteen or seventeen years old, with naturally curly hair, a round face and a turned-up nose, and he looked very happy even if he looked troubled.
Before Old Pym could speak, Zod was the first to jump out and teach you: "How do I teach you? Don't break the rules at home. Look at how fat you are now. Eat more."
For every bite of meat, the younger brothers and sisters will have to eat less. Now it’s time to leave home and look for food... Don’t say that I, the elder brother, don’t take care of you, this is what I gave you.”
Zod conjured a small knife from his hand and handed it to Bobby. This small knife looked ordinary on the surface, but was actually made of gold and was full of weight. It could be used to practice stealing skills, and it could also be used when necessary.
Take it out and sell it to help Goldfinger survive the difficulties that have left the nest. Therefore, it has a special name, "cutting hand knife", which means that Goldfinger will separate the family relationship from now on.
The Goldfinger profession originated from the Orphan Gang. Its origins can be traced back to more than 400 years ago, when the Earth Goddess Sect lost power and the city-state was in turmoil.
During the heyday of the Goddess Sect, the priests had very strict control over half-elf civilians. Half-elf orphans without care were centrally raised by the sect. After the Goddess Sect lost power, the half-elf city-states experienced decades of turmoil, and the number of half-elf orphans increased significantly.
Increase. No one cares about the orphans in the city-state. They can only stay together in order to survive. The older children and the younger children earn a living by begging, picking up garbage, asking for information, running errands, and of course they can also steal, swindle, and fight for food.
territory.
The harsh living environment prompted the orphan gang to constantly adjust their survival strategies and gradually formed rules and even unique rituals. For example, the little thieves who failed to complete the stealing task would either accept corporal punishment from their elder brothers or choose to starve collectively. Today, two
The little thieves were beaten by Zod, but they also won the trust of their younger brothers and sisters, and the small group became more cohesive.
Goldfinger almost completely inherited the tradition of the orphan gang, mainly taking advantage of adults' sympathy and tolerance for children, and engaged in stealing, fraud, spying on information, and running errands. However, orphans will always grow up one day. Just like
Bobby is sixteen and a half years old this year and is about to become an adult. He is very tall and has a strong need for food. He can't go through the dog holes that children can go through now. If he is caught stealing by mistake, he will not be able to go through it.
It was difficult to get the owner's forgiveness, and he would inevitably be beaten to death. He could only help the parents and do some logistical support.
However, every job that Bobby can do is already being done, and the family cannot always support him.
In fact, there is a limit to the number of orphans that each territory can support. Water Snake Town is considered a good place with rich profits, but there are no more than a dozen adult "parents" under Old Man Pym, plus more than seventy little fingers.
.
Orphans who grow up must "separate nests", which means choosing a few brothers and sisters who get along well with each other and go to other places to form their own "family".
More and more orphan gangs branched out, occupying every piece of territory in the alliance city-states. Over time, a loosely structured but closely connected thieves' union was formed, which controlled the underground world of the Disa Alliance.
This brought about a new problem. Every territory in the underground world had its owner, and the orphans in the "separated nests" could not find their own territory. As a result, the traditional orphan gang evolved into "Goldfinger", and the "separated nests" also became
I became "leaving home" alone.
In today's world, it is not easy for thieves to find a meal. According to the rules of "Golden Finger", every parent must prepare a valuable gift for the child who has "left home", which is equivalent to severance pay.
Bobby grew up in a den of thieves. Although he was unwilling to do so, his eldest brother Zod did not allow his younger siblings to compete with him for the position of heir.
With Zod taking the lead, several other parents also gave Bobby various jewelry. The little thief didn't have private property yet, so they didn't need to give him anything.
Finally, everyone, Pim, said: "Bobby, have you decided what you want to do in the future?"
Bobby stuffed the gift he received into his pocket and said: "Old man, I have decided to try to awaken the agility trait, go out on adventures in the future, and save money to be promoted to an archer warrior."
Pim scratched his sparse hair and said distressedly: "If you want to become a 'thug' professional, I have a ready path here, and I can also introduce you to the Beibang Brotherhood and find a job... Do you want to
Become an 'Archer' and become an adventurer? To be honest, the money I prepared for you is only enough for you to try to awaken. If the awakening fails, you may die; even if the awakening is successful, you still have to be promoted to an Archer in the future.
The difference is a huge amount of money.”
"My child, it's still too late for you to regret it."
Bobby shook his head and said firmly: "I don't regret it!"
Pim sighed, threw down his napkin, stood up and said, "Okay... you say goodbye to your brothers and sisters first, and then come to my room. I have something for you."
Stephanie's mood became very bad. After dinner, she was in a daze in the room. Her friends were all asleep, and Bobby didn't come to say goodbye to her. She felt that she could no longer wait, so she raised her left hand to read
Looking at it, a small spider pattern gradually appeared on the palm of my hand.
Stephanie's senses became extremely sharp, and she could clearly feel the flow of air, and the slight vibrations around her also formed a dynamic picture in her mind. She didn't even need to use her eyes to see, she knew that her parents were there through the door.
Patrolling the aisles back and forth.
She pushed open the door, walked straight to the patrolling "parent", and proactively said, "Uncle Bart, I want to see Bobby."
Bart is a very strong middle-aged man who is usually taciturn, but compared to several other strict parents, he is very tolerant of children. The little fingers in the den of thieves all like Uncle Bart, and they will feel a sense of security when they are around him.
But Stephanie knew that Bart was anything but simple. She inspired the spider pattern on her palms to feel the strong vitality in Bart's body, just like a big tree.
Fortunately, Bart did not notice Stephanie's special change. He looked at the little thief who was most favored by the "parents" and said with a smile: "Go, Bobby is leaving soon. The old man will take him with him in a moment."
He went to the treasury room to get the money, and he didn’t come back after he got the money.”
Stephanie said thank you and ran to Bobby's room with her bare feet. Several parents also saw her, but everyone knew that Stephanie almost froze to death while wandering outside. Thanks to Bobby, she
She picked up the den of thieves. Because Stephanie was several years older than the other orphans, Old Man Pym was not willing to take her in at the time. It was only Bobby who begged so hard that she was not driven away.
Facts have proved that Stephanie has outstanding talent and Bobby has found a treasure.
The relationship between the two has always been close, so it is normal for Stephanie to want to say goodbye to Bobby. The "parents" always look at Stephanie differently and naturally will not stop her.
Bobby had his own small room in the den of thieves. When Stephanie broke into the room, the curly-haired boy was packing packages. He saw Stephanie running barefoot in a coarse nightgown and couldn't help laughing: "Little girl, I
I'm leaving, but I don't have a gift for you."
Immediately afterwards, Bobby told Stephanie with lip-syncs: Pim quietly came to me and said that the Northern Brotherhood has started to investigate the Island Street orphans, and they will soon find my head. I have to go, tonight
Leave and never come back.
Bobby and Stephanie actually have a common secret. They are both orphans, both come from Island Street, and they are cousins.
Stephanie's mother is Bobby's aunt. His parents died when he was a child, and he was adopted by his aunt's family. His uncle and aunt treated him as one of her own, and his relationship with Stephanie was like a brother and sister. Unfortunately, within a few years,
, her uncle also died, and Stephanie’s mother had to remarry with her two children. But her stepfather was a gang member, and he could accept the young Stephanie, but he didn’t want to see the 8-year-old Bobby, so he secretly took Bobby away.
Bought for Goldfinger.
Over the years, Stephanie's memory of her brother Bobby has faded, but Bobby has never forgotten the kindness of his aunt's family.
After the Island Street Massacre, Bobby found an opportunity to deliver a message to the Beibang Brotherhood. He went around Island Street to get news about his aunt and cousin. As a result, he found Stephanie, but his aunt's family, including the one who sold him,
All his stepfathers were killed.
Stephanie follows Bobby to Water Snake Town and joins Goldfinger here. Except for Bobby, no one knows that she is a remnant of Island Street. But Goldfinger's "parent" Pim knows that Bobby is from Island Street.
Now, the Beibang Brotherhood has also begun to eliminate the island street orphans within it. It can be seen that the highland nobles of Luoye City have vowed to kill all the island street civilians.
Bobby actually has nothing to do with the Wolf Girl, and he is running for his life now. Stephanie hates and is afraid, and is particularly panicked. Because she has an extraordinary relationship with the Wolf Girl, and the spider mark on her palm is the Wolf Girl.
What the girl left for her was considered a blessing, but now it is her life-threatening talisman.
Stephanie, who has experienced tragedy, has a maturity that belies her age. She is grateful to Bobby for helping her, but she cannot completely trust him.
The two were originally grasshoppers tied together, but now Bobby is leaving. Stephanie is really worried that he will reveal his identity to the "parents". But she has nothing to do now, and she doesn't care about the "parents" outside the door.
"Eavesdropping and asked directly: "Bobby, can you take me away?"
Bobby laughed and said: "You are like an old man's eyeball now, how dare I kidnap you? Stephanie, you have to learn your skills here. When I become rich in the future, I will come back to see you." He
He rubbed Stephanie’s little head and warned with lip language:
After I leave, no one will know your identity. Just be careful. As long as you don't reveal your identity, you will be safe here.
Stephanie rolled her eyes, suddenly grabbed Bobby's hand, and bit it hard. Bobby felt a sharp pain in his palm, as if he had been stung by a spider, and quickly withdrew his hand.
Before Bobby could question, Stephanie stamped her feet and cried, "I hate you!"
After saying that, she covered her face, turned around and rushed out of the room. The "parents" who were spying on them thought that little Stephanie was unwilling to be left behind by Bobby, so she bit Bobby's hand in grief and resentment.