As it turned out, working with others was much better than working alone. Bob and Derrick found more success operating as a team than they ever did as individuals. Collaboration allowed them to cover each other’s weaknesses and carry out more complicated and risky plans without getting caught. They expanded their targets and began stealing from middle aged men and women instead of limiting themselves to the elderly and drunkards. Being young boys worked in their favor. It was easy to act cute and innocent and lower their victims’ guard.

  Bob usually played the role of distraction. He would pretend to be hurt or ask a question while Derrick, who had more experience, used the opportunity to pickpocket the victim and take their valuables in the blink of an eye without raising suspicion. Their strategies worked best on single targets, but they could improvise in large crowds. Bob would slip into the middle of a group and slap a man on the backside, provoking him to punch the person behind him in blind rage. The blow would spark a scuffle that drew everyone’s attention. While chaos spread, Derrick moved through the crowd unnoticed and emptied pockets within seconds.

  The great thing about Suveny’s merchants was their lack of morality. They had no issue buying items from a child even if they suspected they were stolen. They saw it as an opportunity to exploit the boys and earn more gold by lying about an item’s value. Bob and Derrick were not pushovers despite their age, and that ensured they always negotiated a fair price.

  They worked this way for seven years. By then both of them were Awakened, which improved their Specialties and allowed them to steal from the Unawakened with ease. They adopted a more aggressive approach, leading victims into dark alleys and ambushing them for their belongings. With the streets mostly quiet at night, knocking out a target was simple. They never killed anyone. That had been a vow they made from the start of their partnership.

  “Where are you going brother, it’s late at night.” Sasha woke from her sleep and stared at Bob with deep red drowsy eyes as his hand rested on the door handle.

  “Work. They need me on a night shift. The boss has his hands full with many employees getting sick,” Bob replied with a straight face and calm voice.

  “You work all day and now you work all night too. Doesn’t your boss understand that you need to rest? Next time tell him you’re tired. If you got sick because you’re working too hard, I don’t know what I would do.” Sasha spoke with a worried expression.

  “I need to do this. It’s the only way to make sure we keep living in this place and never run out of food. Our lives changed when I got this job. Because of it we will never go back to the streets.”

  “I just want you to be happy brother.”

  “I’m happiest when you’re smiling and not worried about me, so go back to sleep. I promise I’ll be here when you wake up.”

  “Ok, please stay safe.”

  “I will.”

  Sasha returned to sleep and Bob left the room, closing the door behind him.

  As Sasha grew older, it became harder for him to lie. She was more perceptive now. He refused to let her learn about his job. Sasha still had a bright future and he would not ruin it by turning her into a criminal. He was determined to keep his life as a [Thief] a secret. Sasha idolized him. She would be crushed to learn her brother stole from others.

  ‘I’ll be more careful from now on.’ With that thought, he returned to the hustle.

  A few weeks later, Bob and Derrick walked through Suveny’s marketplace at noon.

  “I’ve been thinking. We’ve been pickpocketing for years. We’ve earned a lot, but our lives are the same. We sustain ourselves, but we haven’t moved forward.”

  “What are you trying to say Derrick?” Bob asked with a curious look.

  “We need to think bigger. We’ve been stuck in petty theft. It’s time to increase the difficulty and earn real money. You want to move out of that inn and buy a house for you and your sister, right? The only way to do that is by taking on serious missions.”

  “Harder missions mean a higher chance of getting caught. I won’t risk prison and leave my sister alone.”

  “Come on, we’re Third Rankers. Do you think anyone in this small town can catch us? If we pull off bigger heists, we won’t have to work day and night. You’ll have more time with your sister. Isn’t that what you want? An easier life while taking care of your family. You know I’m right.”

  “Let’s say I agree. What kind of heists are you thinking about?”

  “We target the rich merchants of Suveny. We take money from their stores. They have more coins than they can count. Losing a few thousand won’t hurt them.”

  “They have guards. Do you think we can escape?”

  “We’re the best thieves in Suveny. We’ll figure it out. If you’re scared then I’ll under—”

  “Let’s do it.”

  Derrick grinned. “For our first target, I know just the place.”

  They entered one of the smaller jewelry stores in Suveny. It was packed with customers examining the displays. With [Flawless Disguise] active, Bob and Derrick appeared as middle aged men dressed in refined clothing, blending in with wealthy patrons. Bob gave a nod to signal the start.

  Derrick stepped into the center of the room. Using a Specialty Skill, he clutched his chest and screamed as if in severe pain before collapsing to the floor. His ability ensured everyone’s attention locked onto him. Customers and even the guard outside gathered around, trying to understand what was wrong.

  While attention remained fixed on Derrick, Bob used [Enchantment Break] to disable the runes embedded in a tall glass case filled with rings and necklaces. He concentrated mana at the tip of his finger and formed a sharp point of energy, cutting a perfect circle into the glass and removing it smoothly. He slipped his hand inside and touched every jewel within reach. Activating another skill, he disintegrated them into blue motes of mana that phased into his palm. He then used [Fake Duplicate], creating identical copies that would disappear in twelve hours. Bob replaced the glass circle perfectly.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Knowing Derrick’s skill would not last long, Bob activated [Shroud] as he erased his presence and moved behind the counter. A small enchanted metal safe sat beneath it. [Discerning Gaze] confirmed thick pouches inside. He disabled the enchantment, formed a temporary key with another skill, unlocked the safe, and devoured the contents. He used [Fake Duplicate] again, locked the safe, and activated [Rune Reconstruction], restoring every broken rune as if nothing had been altered. He had done the same to the glass case. Then he left calmly.

  The boys reconvened in a dark alley. Bob had waited ten minutes before Derrick arrived. He leaned against the cracked wall of an old building and glanced at his partner.

  “What took you so long?” Bob asked.

  Derrick deactivated his disguise. His face and clothes returned to normal. He looked annoyed. “I tried to leave a few minutes after you, but the owner blocked the exit. For a moment I thought he suspected me.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  “He had called a healer and insisted I get examined before leaving. It took a few minutes for her to arrive. After a quick inspection she confirmed I was fine. Only then did the old man let me go.”

  “Sounds like a kind and caring elder,” Bob said with a small chuckle.

  “I’m not so sure,” Derrick replied with a skeptical look. “Merchants care about their image. He probably wanted to look kind and earn the town’s favor.”

  “Maybe. But he still did a good deed, even if he had ulterior motives.”

  “I guess.” Derrick sighed. “He scared me for a second though.”

  “It wouldn’t surprise me if he caught you because of your terrible acting,” Bob teased.

  “Terrible? My performance was flawless. Even Angela Groove would be impressed. If this thief business doesn't work out, I might have a future as an actor,” Derrick said proudly.

  “In your dreams.”

  The two shared a quiet laugh.

  A few moments later, after a brief silence settled between them, Derrick looked at Bob with an expectant gaze. “Did you get them?”

  Bob grinned. “Who do you think you’re talking to? Of course I completed my part of the mission.” He dropped to his knees and rubbed his stomach as if he had just finished a satisfying meal. Then he opened his mouth wide and vomited golden jewels onto the dirty floor.

  The luxurious items struck the rocky surface with soft clinks and piled on top of each other. They poured from his mouth like rain until a cluster of shining metal formed between them. Sacks filled with coins came out last. When it was over, Bob looked up at Derrick with a pleased smile.

  “To think you took so many in such a short time and without leaving a trace. You were born for this, Bob. When I saw the copies you left behind, I couldn’t tell they were fake even with my perception skill. I doubt that old man will notice the difference either.” Derrick crouched and examined one of the rings with bright eyes. Despite coming from Bob’s mouth, the jewels and sacks were completely dry.

  “That’s because my Duplicate skill is more authentic than yours. It can fool even the keenest perception skills. The only flaw is the duration. I wish they lasted longer, and I can only make one copy per item, so it’s not perfect.”

  Derrick placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t downplay it. Your skill is incredible. And I can cover its weaknesses. That’s what makes us unstoppable.” He smiled warmly.

  Bob returned the smile. “You’re right.”

  “So how much is all this worth?” Derrick asked.

  “I’d say at least three thousand gold.”

  Derrick’s eyes widened. “That’s more than ten times what we made on our best pickpocketing days. Taking bigger missions was a good idea.”

  “Yeah. We should’ve done this earlier. Let’s sort everything and sell it.”

  They split the sacks worth six thousand gold between them. Derrick used [Multi Duplicate] to create five copies of each jewel. His duplicates lasted only three hours and were less authentic than Bob’s, but their numbers multiplied their profits. They could easily pass as real to First and Second Rank merchants. With [Sweet Tongue], Derrick convinced sellers to pay even more than the original value.

  By the time they finished selling everything under different appearances, they had made twenty thousand gold, which they split evenly. Derrick planned to hire a personal healer for his father and buy him natural treasures. Bob used his share to purchase a house in Suveny. His sister was thrilled. When she asked where the money came from, he lied and said he had received a bonus for his years of work.

  After that success, they abandoned pickpocketing and focused entirely on store heists. During the day they stole in plain sight, performing similar strategies to the jewelry store. At night they broke in. Their stealth allowed them to ambush guards before they could react. They dismantled protective enchantments at entrances and forced their way inside. When the enchantments were too complex, they ambushed the owners and made them unlock the doors before knocking them out.

  They began leaving the initials of their names at every scene. At first it was for fun. Soon the entire town of Suveny was talking about them.

  “Did you hear about the Bold Dudes? They broke into another high class store and stole a legendary sword meant for this year’s Annual Auction.”

  The public gave them the name Bold Dudes because of the risks they took. They had not sought fame, but Bob and Derrick enjoyed the attention.

  “Those Bold Dudes are fighting for the little guys. They’re showing us we can stand up to the elites and win. I say they keep going and drag those greedy merchants down to our level.”

  That sentiment was common among ordinary citizens. It fueled their exploits. They began to believe they were stealing for more than themselves, that they were sending a message and encouraging others to rise against inequality.

  “If we keep this up, we might join the Underworld one day,” Derrick said while drinking a bottle of beer.

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself. For that to happen we’d need to be known worldwide,” Bob replied as he ate.

  “And we will be. Everyone will know our names.”

  They shared a toast with bright smiles and enjoyed their meal.

  Bob and Derrick continued their work for several more years. Sasha grew increasingly suspicious until one night she confronted Bob.

  “Where are you going? And don’t say work because we both know that’s not true. I’ve never seen where you work because you refuse to take me. So where is it exactly, brother?” She sat in the dark living room while Bob stood near the door.

  “Why does it matter? Everything I’ve done is to take care of us. The least you can do is trust me,” Bob replied with frustration.

  “I’m worried about you. If you’re doing something wrong, you can stop. We have more than enough money. In a few years I’ll become an adventurer, so we won’t have to worry about income.”

  “This is about more than money. We’re fighting for a better future for this town.”

  “Can’t you do that with a normal job?”

  “No. This is the only way to make sure our voices aren’t ignored. One day you’ll understand.” He opened the door. “Don’t wait up.”

  As months passed, Bob noticed Sasha stayed awake every night waiting for him. When he remembered his promise that they would always stay together, guilt weighed on him. They had more than enough money to last decades. It was no longer about survival. Doubt began to grow until he finally made a decision.

  “You’re quitting?” Derrick exclaimed. “Why? I thought we were going to become famous together and join the Underworld. Our reputation is spreading beyond Suveny.”

  “I’ve left my sister alone for too long. At first it was about securing our future, but we have more than enough now.”

  “What about fighting for what’s right? Standing up for those who can’t? Don’t tell me you think this was only about money.”

  “We’ve done enough. It’s been a decade. Others are taking action because of us. I’m ready to stop and spend time with my family.”

  “So that’s it? After all these years you’re turning your back on me?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Derrick’s eyes filled with tears. He took a moment to steady himself. “Then give me one last mission. Our biggest heist. The perfect way to end your career. What do you say? One final run before you walk away.”

  Bob studied him. “What’s the job?”