Criminal Judge

Chapter 6: Tyranny

The place all seemed old and abandoned. Ethan was extremely cautious as he made his way into the address the detectives had given him earlier. It was like a factory, guarded by rusted iron nets that had definitely seen better days.

Cautiously, Ethan climbed the net to get into the building. After he slipped inside, he scanned the area. Just by looking, he could see a lot of guards already stationed there. They all seemed ready for something, no less armed than with guns. Luckily for Ethan, they were evenly spaced, giving him enough time to take them out one by one and get into the building without making much of a fuss. However, there was always the second option: killing them all. But that would risk exposing his identity as a mafia lord. He chose the former.

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‘Kuu!’ one of the guards gagged as Ethan dragged him out of sight near an old automobile, a rope tightening around his neck. After confirming the guard was out of commission, Ethan moved on to the next. He injected the next two with a strange green liquid, making them fall asleep quickly. It continued like this until he had taken out nearly 20 guards patrolling the field. Next up was the only hallway that led into the building.

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“Please come take over, my shift is over,” the guard in the hallway spoke into his walkie-talkie, which gave a crisp sound signaling a drop.

“I read you. Copy that,” someone replied on the other side as the line was cut. After finishing his call, the guard turned around and froze at the sight of a domineering figure standing in front of him.

“Shit!” the guard exclaimed in despair, immediately trying to call for help. But Ethan was faster. Snatching the walkie-talkie, he locked his grip on it with one hand, while his other hand grabbed the gun strung around the guard's neck. Without hesitation, Ethan’s knee connected with the guard’s face, smashing into his dental space and spilling blood.

‘Argh!’ The guard grunted in pain, but Ethan didn’t stop. He landed a fatal blow to the man’s abdomen, then unleashed a series of precise attacks to his vitals, causing him to lose consciousness in no time.

‘Pheeew.’ Ethan exhaled in exhaustion, glancing around as he searched for his next target. As he scanned the area, a figure appeared, coming around a corner. Instantly, Ethan used a car as cover, waiting patiently for the figure to come closer.

“We guessed you’d come, so naturally, we were prepared. Guess who attacked the hotel the last time,” the guard suddenly laughed softly, halting in his tracks.

“...”

“I see you’re trying to play dumb,” the guard said, smiling as he pressed a button with a grin on his face.

“Ethan, please—I’ve done nothing to deserve all this. Just go! I’ll find a way to repay you for all you’ve done. Thank you,” Mr. Kim’s voice suddenly rang out through speakers seemingly installed in the hallway.

“Where is he?” Ethan asked coldly, stepping out of his hiding place.

“Where you least expect. In the hands of his killer,” the guard replied, chuckling. “You’ll have to do as I say if you want him alive. Follow me,” he added, gesturing for Ethan to follow.

After passing countless old, rickety cars in the garage, they finally stopped in front of a large container. The guard took Ethan inside.

“Stop!” the guard commanded, and Ethan obeyed. Inside, he saw two men. One was dressed in a corporate suit, holding a gun to Mr. Kim’s head, while the other, dressed like a thug, had his gun pointed at Ethan.

“Now, Mr. Ethan, what brings you to our humble abode?” the man in the suit asked with a smirk.

“Ethan…” Mr. Kim tried to speak but was silenced with a blow from the butt of the gun, knocking him unconscious.

“Release him and face me if you can,” Ethan said coldly, a small smile forming on his lips.

“You see, that’s the difference between me and the fools you fought at the motel. I’m not stupid. They were just cards in my game of solitaire,” the man replied smugly.

“So, what do you want from me?” Ethan asked.

“Back out. This is none of your business,” the man said decisively.

“I’m afraid it’s too late for that,” Ethan smiled.

‘We’re discovered! We’re discovered!’ shouted guards outside the container, their screams echoing.

“Shit!” the corporate man cursed, trying to shoot Mr. Kim. But Ethan reacted faster, pulling out his gun. He aimed at the man’s hand and fired.

‘Argh!’ the man screamed, clutching his wounded hand as he escaped through the container’s other exit. His remaining guards were little more than chess pieces to Ethan, who swiftly eliminated them before rushing to save Mr. Kim.

“Thank you, Ethan,” Mr. Kim said weakly, smiling in gratitude. Ethan responded with a slight nod.

“Everybody, get on the ground!” Police officers burst into the container almost immediately, finding Ethan and Mr. Kim alone.

“Dad!” Sun-deok ran into the container, throwing herself into her father’s arms.

“Thank you, Ethan,” Sun-deok sobbed, embracing him. For a moment, Ethan froze. It was happening again. His heart stirred, and though he fought it, he couldn’t help himself. He returned the hug silently.

“Everybody’s safe,” a lead officer confirmed through his walkie-talkie.

“Yes, but I need to talk to you in private for a second, officer,” Ethan said, releasing Sun-deok and walking outside with the officer.

“I can describe how he looks, and I managed to land a hit on him earlier. My bullet struck his right hand,” Ethan explained.

“Do you have a license for this gun, Mr. Ethan?” the officer asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Do I need one?” Ethan replied calmly, handing the officer an ID card.

‘Crap,’ the officer thought, his face instantly paling.

“My apologies, Mr. Reyes,” the officer stammered, saluting before hurrying out of Ethan’s presence, beads of sweat forming on his brow. Ethan smirked slightly and turned to find Sun-deok. Together, they all made their way back home.