Butler Die Co.

**Chapter 8: Bertram's Legacy**

Bertram's presence filled the common room, and Leon felt a palpable tension in the air. Marcus and Elena watched with anticipation as Bertram settled into a chair, his expression calm but serious. Leon's mind raced with questions about the man who had saved Marcus's life and now stood as one of the most respected figures in Butler Die Co.

"You want to know about my military days?" Bertram began, his voice steady. "It's a story that shaped who I am today and how I came to be a part of this organization."

Leon leaned forward, eager to hear the tale. Bertram's gaze swept over the room, ensuring he had everyone's full attention before he continued.

"I grew up in a military family," Bertram said, his tone measured. "Discipline and structure were ingrained in me from a young age. Rules were in place for a reason, and I learned to respect them. I was always the strongest, always striving to prove myself."

He paused, his eyes distant as if recalling the memories. "I quickly rose through the ranks as an elite fighter, my skills honed through countless battles and rigorous training. I became one of the top commanders, leading missions that required precision, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to our objective."

Bertram's voice grew more intense. "My mission completion record was spotless, a testament to my dedication and skill. But there was one mission that changed everything—a mission that ended in failure."

Leon listened intently, the gravity of Bertram's words sinking in.

"It was during this mission, before Thaddeus started Butler Die Co., that I encountered him," Bertram continued. "At the time, we were enemies. I didn't know it then, but a third party had set up the military and Thaddeus to fight one another, hoping to eliminate two threats at once."

Bertram's expression hardened as he recalled the setup. "When I first learned of the mission, I laughed. What could one man do to my unit of 20 elite soldiers? But I soon found out the answer—decimate us."

He paused, a slight smile playing at the corners of his lips. "The mission quickly went sideways. As we clashed with Thaddeus and a maid named Tanya, they fought with incredible coordination. Eventually, the fight split, with Tanya taking on my soldiers and me facing Thaddeus one-on-one."

Bertram's voice grew more intense as he described the fight. "Thaddeus was a master of combat. Every move he made was deliberate, precise, and filled with power. We fought for hours, each strike and counter executed with flawless technique. It felt like I was fighting a force of nature."

Leon could almost picture the intense battle as Bertram described it. "Despite my best efforts, I couldn't land a single decisive blow. Thaddeus seemed to anticipate my every move. His aura was overwhelming, oppressive even. It was clear he was toying with me, pushing me to my limits but never going beyond his own."

As the battle raged on, Bertram could hear the screams of his men. The sound tore at his heart, filling him with a desperate need to return to them. "I kept hearing their screams and assumed they were dead," Bertram said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I wanted to get back to them, to help them, but Thaddeus had me completely pinned."

No matter how hard Bertram fought, he couldn't break free from Thaddeus's grip. Every move he made was countered with ease, every strike deflected with precision. "He had me stuck," Bertram continued. "No matter my best efforts, even with my elite training and being the top in the military, I couldn't even touch him, let alone his collar."

Thaddeus moved with a fluidity and grace that seemed almost supernatural. His strikes were not only powerful but perfectly timed, making it impossible for Bertram to mount any effective counterattacks. Each time Bertram attempted to break through, Thaddeus was there, blocking, countering, and striking back with an ease that left Bertram breathless.

As the fight wore on, Bertram's frustration grew. He was used to being the best, the strongest, but here he was, utterly outclassed. His muscles ached, his breaths came in ragged gasps, and still, Thaddeus remained calm and composed, his movements as precise and controlled as ever.

"I was exhausted, but Thaddeus showed no signs of fatigue," Bertram admitted. "He was in complete control of the fight, and it was clear he wasn't even using his full strength. It was as if he was testing me, pushing me to see how far I could go before I broke."

As the battle continued, Bertram's determination never wavered. Even as he was downed to just one knee, he refused to give up. Thaddeus stood over him, his clothes pristine despite the intensity of their combat. There wasn't a wrinkle out of place.

Bertram looked up at Thaddeus, his vision blurred by sweat and fatigue, and saw something he hadn't expected—respect. Thaddeus's gaze was steady, almost approving, as if he recognized Bertram's resilience and determination.

Thaddeus looked at Bertram and said, "It was a pleasure to spar with you, and my apologies for your forces, but no one should have given up the ghost. You have potential, and if you're interested in learning more, I will reach out to you. You, young man, were never the enemy."

Those words hit Bertram like a physical blow. In that moment, he realized that Thaddeus saw something in him, something worth nurturing. It was a moment of clarity, a turning point that would change the course of his life forever.

Just as Thaddeus finished speaking, the oppressive aura around him seemed to intensify. Bertram, still on one knee, felt the weight of it pressing down on him. He struggled to stand, his muscles trembling with the effort, but he refused to submit.

As Bertram fought to regain his footing, Thaddeus turned his attention away, sensing a new threat. "Finally, the true enemy arrives," he said calmly, as if he had been expecting it all along.

Bertram watched in awe as Thaddeus engaged a hidden assassin, their movements a blur of precision and power. The assassin's skills were leagues above anything Bertram had ever seen. Watching their fight, Bertram realized just how outmatched he had been. Thaddeus had been toying with him the whole time.

"He became more and more deadly, his aura suffocating," Bertram recalled. "It was like watching a predator toying with its prey, knowing that the end was inevitable. The assassin's strikes became desperate, their defense crumbling under the onslaught."

Thaddeus's final strike was swift and lethal, ending the assassin's life in an instant. The room fell silent, the oppressive aura lifting as quickly as it had descended. Thaddeus turned his gaze to Bertram, who was still on the ground, wounded and exhausted.

Thaddeus's rage now directed at Bertram, he said, "This path that I walk is not for the weak. If you dare to touch upon the realm of true power, speak now or perish."

The sudden turn of events and the intense aura emanating from Thaddeus made Bertram, who always strove to become stronger, vow that whenever he was called for, he would drop whatever he was doing and follow. Thaddeus smiled and just walked away.

Bertram remained on one knee, his body trembling with exhaustion and the weight of his realization. Thaddeus's words echoed in his mind, a challenge and an invitation all at once. It was a turning point, a moment that would define the rest of his life.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Bertram vowed to accept Thaddeus's offer when the time came. He would become stronger, more disciplined, and strive to reach the heights that Thaddeus had shown him were possible.

As Bertram recounted this story to Leon, his voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and determination, Leon felt a deep sense of admiration for the man before him. Bertram's journey was a testament to resilience, humility, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

"That's how I came to be where I am today," Bertram concluded, his gaze steady. "Thaddeus showed me a path I never knew existed, and I've dedicated my life to walking it ever since."

Leon sat back, absorbing the incredible story. It was clear that Bertram's experiences had shaped him into the formidable mentor he was today. The challenges ahead were daunting, but with mentors like Bertram and Thaddeus, Leon felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination.