The Boys: I'm the Origin of Compound V

Chapter 7: Testing the Waters

The back room was dim and smoky, the faint hum of muffled music filtering through the walls. Adam sat across from Frenchie, tension crackling between them. The Frenchman tapped ash from his cigarette, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized his new companion.

"I'll be honest, mon ami," Frenchie began, his tone cautious. "I don't trust easily. So, if you want my help, you need to prove you're not just some lunatic with a vendetta."

Adam leaned forward, his gaze steady. "And how do I do that?"

Frenchie grinned, but the humor didn't reach his eyes. "There's a job tonight. Simple extraction. You help me pull it off, and we'll talk."

Adam exhaled sharply, ignoring the cold chill the system's assessment brought. "Fine. What's the target?"

Frenchie pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket, spreading it on the table. It was a crude map of a warehouse, marked with entrances and exits.

"Vought stash house," he said, jabbing a finger at the layout. "They're holding something… special. My client wants it, no questions asked. But the place is crawling with security. You in?"

Adam's jaw clenched. The mention of Vought alone made his blood boil. "I'm in."

"Yes," Adam muttered under his breath, earning a raised eyebrow from Frenchie.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," Adam said quickly. "When do we leave?"

The warehouse loomed in the distance, its stark, gray facade illuminated by harsh floodlights. Adam crouched behind a stack of crates with Frenchie, watching guards patrol the perimeter.

"Stealth, huh?" Adam whispered. "You don't say."

Frenchie shot him a curious glance. "Talking to yourself already? This might be funnier than I thought."

"Just thinking out loud," Adam replied.

Frenchie handed him a small earpiece. "Stay close, stay quiet. We slip in, grab the package, and get out. Got it?"

Adam nodded, sliding the earpiece into place. His pulse quickened as they moved silently toward the side entrance.

"Easy for you to say," Adam muttered.

They reached the door, and Frenchie produced a small device, pressing it against the lock. A soft click signaled their entry, and the door swung open silently. Inside, the warehouse was vast and dimly lit, rows of shelves stretching into the shadows.

Frenchie gestured for Adam to follow as they weaved through the aisles, avoiding the gaze of wandering guards. Adam's senses were on high alert, every creak of the floorboards setting his nerves on edge.

Adam froze, grabbing Frenchie's arm. "Wait."

"What?" Frenchie hissed.

"Someone's coming," Adam said, motioning toward the end of the aisle.

A guard passed by, his flashlight cutting through the darkness. The beam skimmed their hiding spot before moving on, and the footsteps faded.

Frenchie gave Adam an impressed look. "Not bad."

They continued deeper into the warehouse until they reached a locked metal crate. Frenchie knelt, pulling a set of tools from his bag.

"Cover me," he whispered, working quickly to open the crate.

"Frenchie, hurry," Adam urged, glancing over his shoulder.

The crate finally popped open, revealing a sleek, metallic case inside. Frenchie grabbed it, his grin triumphant.

"Got it. Let's move."

But as they turned to leave, a sharp voice cut through the air. "Hey! Stop right there!"

"Run!" Frenchie shouted, bolting toward the exit.

Adam followed, adrenaline surging as the sound of pounding footsteps and shouts erupted behind them. A guard lunged at him, but Adam ducked and delivered a sharp elbow to the man's gut, sending him sprawling.

"Yeah, well, I'm not sticking around to celebrate," Adam muttered, sprinting after Frenchie.

They burst through the exit, the cold night air hitting them like a wall. Frenchie led the way to a waiting car, throwing the case into the backseat.

"Get in!" he barked.

Adam dove into the passenger seat as Frenchie slammed on the gas, the tires screeching as they sped away.

Breathing heavily, Adam glanced at Frenchie, who was grinning like a madman.

"Not bad for your first run," Frenchie said, his tone almost approving.

Adam leaned back, trying to catch his breath. "So, do I pass your test?"

Frenchie chuckled. "Let's just say you've earned a drink."