Skill hardens into reputation, and reputation begins to attract danger. The quiet life of the hills gives way to whispers of violence and power.

In this passage of The Count of Monte Cristo, Luigi Vampa’s prowess earns him renown after he kills a wolf threatening the flock, cementing his status as the most capable young man in the region. His bond with Teresa deepens into an unspoken but absolute devotion, unquestioned by those around them. As they near adulthood, a darker presence enters the landscape: bands of brigands gathering in the nearby mountains under infamous leaders, drawing young men away and filling the countryside with stories of brutality and daring.

This moment matters because it marks the widening gap between innocence and inevitability. Vampa’s talents and fame now exist in a world where violence offers power—and where a chief is always waiting for followers.

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The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.