The Secret Apprenticeship

The basement was unrecognizable from its original, dusty state. What was once a storage area for forgotten relics of a quieter life had been transformed into a hybrid training facility. The air smelled faintly of old wood and metal, the walls now adorned with maps, charts, and diagrams. A stack of equipment cases sat in the corner, each containing tools of the trade—some sophisticated, others deadly.

In the center of the room stood Alex Jr., his young face set with an intensity that made him look older than his ten years. Opposite him were Peter, Steve, and Leo, their expressions varying from doubt to reluctant approval.

"First rule," Peter said, pacing slowly around Alex. "No one—no one—can know about this. Especially Sophie."

Alex nodded. "I understand."

"You say that now," Steve muttered from where he leaned against a stack of crates. "But let's see how you handle it when things get tough, kid."

"They won't have to," Alex shot back, his voice cool. "I can handle anything."

Peter exchanged a look with Leo, who crossed his arms and said nothing. The decision had already been made. Now, it was time to put Alex to the test.

Phase One: Strategic and Tactical Intelligence

Peter took the lead in Alex's early training. His approach was methodical, focusing on building the boy's understanding of the organization's workings and how the enemy operated.

He began by turning the basement into a command center. A large table was covered with maps, laptops, and stacks of documents. Every morning, Peter introduced Alex to a new aspect of strategy—understanding enemy movements, analyzing terrain, and anticipating outcomes.

"Look at this," Peter said, pointing to a map of the city with colored pins marking key locations. "These are our safehouses, and these are theirs. Now tell me, what's the best way to disrupt their supply chain without exposing ourselves?"

Alex leaned over the map, his small fingers tracing the paths between the pins. His brow furrowed in concentration. "Here," he said, pointing to a narrow alley connecting two enemy locations. "If we block this route, it'll force them to take a longer path. That gives us time to intercept."

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. But what about retaliation?"

Alex hesitated for only a moment. "We set up a decoy here," he said, pointing to another spot. "If they attack it, we'll know their next move."

Peter allowed himself a small smile. The boy was learning quickly.

As the days turned into weeks, Peter introduced more complex scenarios. He set up simulations, using miniature models and detailed storylines to test Alex's ability to think on his feet.

One afternoon, Peter handed Alex a folder filled with fake intelligence reports. "You have 20 minutes to figure out where the target will strike next. Go."

Alex worked in silence, his pencil moving rapidly over the pages as he connected the dots. When time was up, he handed the folder back.

Peter flipped through it, his expression unreadable. Finally, he looked up. "You missed one detail," he said, tapping a line in the report. "But the rest is solid. Good work."

Phase Two: Dexterity and Precision

Steve's sessions were a stark contrast to Peter's. Where Peter used maps and theories, Steve relied on practical challenges.

"You've got small hands," Steve said one morning, tossing a set of lock-picking tools onto the table. "Good for picking locks, defusing traps, and stealing things you probably shouldn't touch."

At first, Alex struggled. The tools felt awkward in his hands, and the locks refused to budge.

"Again," Steve said each time Alex failed.

By the end of the week, Alex could pick a standard lock in under a minute. By the end of the month, he could do it blindfolded.

Steve didn't stop there. He taught Alex how to move silently, how to disappear into crowds, and how to use his small size to his advantage.

One day, he blindfolded Alex and scattered obstacles across the room. "Get to the other side without making a sound," he ordered.

Alex hesitated, then began to move. He stepped carefully, his breathing steady. Halfway through, he stumbled over a loose plank, the noise echoing through the room.

"Too loud," Steve said, shaking his head. "Try again."

By the third attempt, Alex crossed the room without a single sound.

Phase Three: Mental Resilience

Leo's sessions were the hardest. His goal wasn't to teach Alex skills but to prepare him for the psychological toll of their world.

"You think this is about being smart or fast?" Leo asked during one of their sessions. "It's not. It's about staying in control when everything around you falls apart."

To test this, Leo created scenarios designed to push Alex to his limits. One day, he set up a mock interrogation, complete with blaring lights and relentless questioning.

"Where's the package?" Leo demanded, his voice sharp.

"I don't know," Alex replied, his voice steady.

"You're lying," Leo snapped, slamming his hand on the table.

Alex flinched but didn't break.

Leo leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "If you don't tell me, people will die. Do you understand that?"

For a moment, Alex's composure wavered. Then he straightened, his voice firm. "I don't know where it is."

When the session ended, Leo nodded in approval. "Good. You're learning."