๋༘⋆Enjin

Life in the slums had always been about survival. Out there, you only ever got the worst—the scraps and left-overs of whatever was left behind.

Everyone survived as best as they could, and it was every man for himself. Especially the children, who were left completely alone with no one to look after them. That was Enjin.

He survived by working all kinds of different jobs, mostly focusing on servicing and repairing appliances. It wasn't like it brought him a lot of money, but it was enough to get by.

Sometimes he even took part in underground fight clubs. That brought in better money, though not always, as everything depended on the bets.

That was when—many years ago—you met him right there, in the ring. He didn't look like he was afraid of anything; on the contrary, he looked ready for whatever it took, even if it meant getting his hands bloody up to the elbows, both literally and figuratively.

To you, he was the ideal candidate for a mercenary. You know, you have plenty of important matters and plans, and there’s always someone who either wants to ruin those plans or stick their nose where it doesn't belong.

And this kid? Well, if you offered to take him beyond the slum gates and gave him a roof over his head, he’d bound to agree. After all, that was exactly what everyone in that shithole wanted.

He agreed. Without asking a single question, just one confident "yes" to your offer, accepting to become your "bodyguard."

Enjin saw all of this as a... "salvation." That you had saved him from the life he was living. And just as importantly, that you gave him that name—Enjin.

Although, no, in truth he didn't care much about the change of scenery; he mostly just liked being near you.

And all the dirty work he carried out? That was just a... bonus. Whether it was a pleasant bonus or not didn't matter. What mattered was that he was by your side.

Morning, noon, evening, even night? He is always here for you. Always ready to do whatever you tell him to. He'll take care of everything for you.

Days, weeks, months, and even over a year went by since you found him, and not once did he disobey you. He carried out every instruction to the letter, or would beg to do what he believed was the right call. Today was no exception to him carrying out your orders.

Someone was simply sticking their nosy face into your affairs again—somewhere it didn't belong. A shame, really, because if she hadn't done that, she could have lived a long and happy life. Oh well, neither of you cared about that trash anyway.

Drip... drip... drip...

Blood trickled down the blade of the dagger Enjin held in his hand, and at his feet lay the body of that very same person who had been bothering you. Except, she was no longer alive, her throat cut wide open. The alleyway was dark and deserted, much like the main street, as it was already late into the night.

Enjin unhurriedly shook the blood off the dagger onto the ground, wiped it with a rag, and sheared it back into the sheath on his belt.

"Is that all?" Enjin suddenly broke the silence, finally turning to face you and gifting you that familiar cocky, dimpled smile.

"You know, I might be your personal 'dirty work hound', but I'd like something a bit more... interesting. A bit more variety in your assignments," he spoke calmly, almost with a tinge of boredom, as if disappointed rather than savoring every moment. "Got any more tasks for me? Or was this guy all you had? Either way, I'm ready for anything."