Meanwhile, The pale glow of the early morning sun streamed through the blinds of Wen-Li's office, but she paid no attention to it. The scattered case files and empty coffee cups on her desk spoke of a sleepless night. Her phone buzzed on the table, the caller ID displaying a name she hadn't seen in a year: Wen Liao.
She stared at the screen, her jaw tightening. Her fingers hovered over the phone for a moment before she hit the red button to decline the call. Her chest tightened with a mix of anger and hurt.
"He decides to call now?" she muttered under her breath.
Moments later, the phone buzzed again. Wen-Li's grip on her pen tightened, nearly snapping it in two. This time, she exhaled deeply, trying to control the surge of emotions. After a few rings, she answered.
"What do you want, Liao?" Her voice was sharp, colder than she intended.
"Wen-Li…" His voice was hesitant, almost cautious. "I—I know I haven't called in a while. How are you holding up?"
She scoffed, leaning back in her chair. "How am I holding up? It's been a year, Liao. A year since Mom and Dad died. Not a word from you. And now you want to know how I'm doing?"
There was silence on the other end, broken only by the faint sound of wind in the background.
"I deserve that," he said finally. "I should've called sooner. But I've been...busy."
"Busy," Wen-Li repeated, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Too busy to check on your sister? Too busy to even show up at the funeral?"
"I was deployed," Wen-Liao said, his tone firm but not defensive. "I'm part of the army now. My unit's been on missions non-stop. I didn't have a choice."
Wen-Li's hand clenched into a fist, her nails digging into her palm. "You always have a choice, Liao. You could've called. Even once. Do you know what it's like to deal with everything alone? To be the one holding the family together when there's no family left?"
His voice softened. "I'm sorry, Wen-Li. I really am. I thought about calling so many times, but…"
"But what?" she snapped.
"I didn't know what to say," he admitted. "I didn't know how to face you after everything. And now, I'm calling because...because I'm about to head out on another mission. It's dangerous. I don't know if I'll make it back. I couldn't leave without hearing your voice."
Wen-Li felt her anger falter, replaced by a pang of worry. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
"What mission?" she asked quietly.
"I can't give details. You know how it works. Just...know that I'm doing this for the right reasons," he said. "I'm proud of you, Wen-Li. I've heard about the work you're doing. It's incredible."
Her voice softened, though her anger lingered beneath the surface. "You're still an idiot for not calling sooner, Liao."
"I know," he said with a small, sad laugh. "But I'll make it up to you. When this mission's done, I'll come see you. We'll talk properly."
"You'd better," she said, her tone firm but less harsh. "And Liao...don't you dare get yourself killed."
"I'll try not to," he promised. "Take care, sis."
The call ended, leaving Wen-Li staring at the screen. She leaned back in her chair, running a hand through her hair. The anger hadn't completely faded, but for the first time in a long while, a faint sense of relief settled over her.
"Wen-Liao…" she muttered, shaking her head. "You'd better keep your word."
The dimly lit chamber of Madam Di-Xian's command center buzzed with a quiet intensity. The air was thick with tension as agents worked on their terminals, tracking leads and coordinating missions. Madam Di-Xian, seated at the head of a long table, was reviewing reports when the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the room.
Alvi, Jun, and Farhan entered, their expressions grim. Alvi carried a tablet, her face pale and drawn from exhaustion. Jun had a determined look, while Farhan's usual composed demeanor was replaced with a hint of urgency.
Madam Di-Xian looked up, her sharp gaze cutting through the room like a blade. "What is it?" she asked, her voice low and commanding.
Alvi stepped forward and placed the tablet on the table, its screen glowing with the dark-web's eerie interface. "Madam, we've traced the perpetrators. They're the ones behind the website facilitating child abuse, trafficking, and worse," she began, her voice steady despite the weight of her words.
Farhan added, "We've cross-referenced the data with recent cases. These people aren't just hosting content—they're actively running operations across multiple regions."
Jun chimed in, "And we have their location. The center of their operations is in Noctum Hollow."
The mention of the name made Madam Di-Xian's expression darken. Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table. "Noctum Hollow…" she murmured, her mind racing with the implications.
"Yes, Madam," Alvi said, scrolling through the data on her tablet. "It's a city crawling with predators, rapists, and pedophiles. This is where they're orchestrating everything. The evidence is undeniable."
Madam Di-Xian's eyes blazed with fury as she pushed the tablet away. She stood abruptly, the chair screeching against the floor, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
"We cannot let this stand," she declared, her voice filled with a righteous fury. "Children are suffering—dying—because of these monsters. They think they can hide in the shadows of the dark-web and behind the filth of Noctum Hollow? Not on my watch."
The agents in the room stopped what they were doing, their focus now entirely on her. "Prepare the teams," she ordered, her voice ringing with finality. "We move tonight. We'll strike at the heart of this operation before they even realize we're coming."
Jun nodded, his hand instinctively resting on his holstered weapon. "We're ready, Madam."
Farhan stepped forward. "Do we have full authorization to use all necessary force?"
Madam Di-Xian's expression hardened. "Burn them to the ground if you must. But no more innocent lives will be taken under their watch."
Alvi, still holding the tablet, hesitated. "Madam, we'll need to move quickly. They're likely to scatter if they suspect we're onto them."
"Then waste no time," Madam Di-Xian replied, turning to the operational team. "Alert all units. This is a priority mission. The safety of those children is paramount."
She turned back to Alvi, Jun, and Farhan. "You've done well to bring this to me. Now, we finish it. Make sure every agent knows the stakes. No hesitation. No mercy."
As the room erupted into action, Madam Di-Xian remained at the center, her presence a beacon of determination and justice. The war against the predators of Noctum Hollow had begun, and she would see to it that their reign of terror ended in flames.
Noctum Hollow is a dark, twisted city within the dystopian landscape of Nin-Ran-Gi, notorious for harboring some of society's worst predators and criminals. A place defined by corruption, secrecy, and perversion, Noctum Hollow is an urban labyrinth of decay and debauchery, where the veneer of normalcy barely conceals the horrors lurking in its shadows.
The architecture of Noctum Hollow mirrors the corrupted nature of its society. Dilapidated high-rise buildings loom over narrow alleyways, their concrete walls stained by decades of grime and neglect. Shattered windows and rusted metal facades give the city a haunting, skeletal appearance. Flickering neon signs buzz erratically, casting ominous shadows over the narrow streets below. Despite the urban sprawl, the city is eerily quiet, with only faint echoes of footsteps and whispered conversations hinting at the people hidden within its depths.
Noctum Hollow's narrow, winding streets are lined with rundown establishments — grimy clubs, seedy motels, and bars with barred windows and rusted doors. Many buildings house unmarked entrances that lead to underground operations, hidden from public view. These establishments cater to the twisted desires of the city's inhabitants, protected by a network of criminal syndicates who ensure that the authorities turn a blind eye.
Abandoned structures and empty lots serve as gathering places for illicit activities, where the city's predators roam unchecked. Shadows seem to cling to every corner, as if the darkness itself is complicit in hiding the unspeakable acts committed here.
It is infamous for its intricate underground networks that allow criminals to operate with impunity. Secret tunnels and passageways connect buildings, creating an elaborate maze that only the city's insiders understand. These hidden corridors are patrolled by private guards and informants who ensure the privacy of the city's elite predators. Many establishments operate by invitation only, with entry granted through cryptic codes and connections that only the initiated understand.
Above ground, the streets are dotted with surveillance cameras, but these devices do little to protect the innocent. Instead, they are used by powerful criminals to monitor the city's residents, ensuring loyalty and obedience. The few who dare to rebel or speak out are swiftly silenced, their disappearances unnoticed in a city where people are accustomed to looking the other way.
Within the city, secret brothels and hidden clubs cater to the darkest desires, guarded by criminal syndicates who wield considerable influence. These organizations profit from the perverse appetites of the city's elite, who view Noctum Hollow as a place to indulge without consequence. They protect their interests ruthlessly, often employing mercenaries and assassins to eliminate any threat to their operations.
The sun dipped below the jagged skyline of the twisted city, casting long shadows over the crumbling facades of forgotten buildings. The evening air was thick with the stench of decay and desperation, a fitting setting for the sinister task ahead. In an abandoned building at the city's edge, a gathering of determined warriors prepared for war.
Inside the decrepit structure, Madam Di-Xian stood at the head of a weathered table, her sharp eyes scanning the faces of her trusted agents: Farhan, Alvi, Jun, Roy, Masud, and the enigmatic Agent-90. The air crackled with tension as they laid out their plans to strike against the predators of Noctum Hollow.
Before they could begin, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. The agents tensed, hands instinctively moving to their weapons. The door creaked open, revealing a group of figures stepping out of the gloom.
Katoge Nakahara and Wanaka Hubayahi entered first, their eyes filled with determination. They were followed by a formidable band of Sinners:
Chaongu Zoyah, a steely-eyed woman with a lethal presence.
Adela Young, her scarred face a testament to battles fought and won.
Bai-Yu, with her calm demeanor masking a deadly skill set.
Wolverine, a towering man with a wild look in his eyes.
Don, his sharp gaze betraying a cunning mind.
Rahu, a hauntingly beautiful woman whose piercing stare seemed to see through souls.
Madam Di-Xian's eyes narrowed as the group approached. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, her tone firm.
Katoge stepped forward, his voice resolute. "We know what you're planning, and we want in. The predators, rapists, and pedophiles of Noctum Hollow have plagued this city for too long. It's time they met justice, and we'll fight alongside you to ensure it and sorry for not giving intel what you ask Madam Di-Xian."
Rahu nodded, her voice cold and deliberate. "We're not here to get in your way, Madam Di-Xian. We're here to help you turn this city into the living hell these monsters deserve."
Madam Di-Xian studied them carefully. The Crimson Lotus agents exchanged uncertain glances, but Agent-90 remained still, his sharp gaze fixed on the newcomers. After a moment, Madam Di-Xian nodded. "Fine. But understand this: you follow my orders. We cannot afford mistakes."
Adela stepped forward, her voice rough yet sincere. "Agreed. We'll do whatever it takes."
With a nod, Madam Di-Xian gestured to the table. "Then let's get to work."
Gathered around the table, the group began outlining their strategy. A crude map of Noctum Hollow was spread across the surface, marked with key locations: warehouses, brothels, and dark-web operation hubs where the predators were known to operate.
Alvi tapped the map with a pen. "These are their strongholds. We know from the data that they'll be most active after midnight. If we hit them simultaneously, they'll have no time to regroup or escape."
Jun leaned forward. "We'll need to divide into teams and strike at key locations. But we can't just rely on force—we need to create chaos, disrupt their communications, and make them feel hunted."
Agent-90, silent until now, spoke in his low, even tone. "We need psychological warfare. Fear will break them before we do."
Wanaka smirked. "Turning their city into a living nightmare? I like the sound of that."
Chaongu Zoyah added, "I can take care of the tech disruptions. If we can crash their systems, we'll blind them and cut off their escape routes."
Adela grinned, cracking her knuckles. "And the rest of us will clean up the trash."
Madam Di-Xian nodded, her mind racing as the pieces fell into place. "We'll attack in waves. First, we sever their communications and power. Then, we move in and eliminate their leaders. Finally, we let the chaos do the rest."
Farhan added grimly, "And what about the children? Some may still be trapped in these places."
Madam Di-Xian's gaze hardened. "Rescue is the priority. No innocent lives will be lost. But no predator leaves Noctum Hollow alive."
As the plan solidified, the group fell silent. The weight of their mission loomed heavy in the air. Madam Di-Xian placed her hands on the table, her voice unwavering.
"This isn't just about revenge or justice. This is about ensuring that no more innocent lives are destroyed by these monsters. Tonight, we will take back the night."
The room echoed with murmurs of agreement. As the sun disappeared completely and darkness engulfed the city, the group prepared for the battle to come.
Noctum Hollow would never be the same again.
As night falls, Noctum Hollow plunges into an even deeper darkness. The air is thick with the acrid smell of burning refuse and the distant hum of machinery. Flickering street lights barely illuminate the winding alleys, casting eerie shadows that seem to move of their own accord. The few who dare venture outside do so quickly, darting from one shadow to the next in a desperate attempt to avoid drawing attention.
In the underground clubs and dens, neon lights pulse erratically, casting harsh colors over the faces of patrons. These spaces are filled with muted conversations and calculated stares, where every individual seems to carry secrets. The elite gather in exclusive lounges, where the dark atmosphere and dim lighting shield them from scrutiny. Predators, emboldened by the city's culture of impunity, exchange favors and plot their next moves under the guise of business meetings.
Noctum Hollow at night is a city without empathy or compassion, a place where morality has eroded to nothing.
The entrance to the underground lair of the predators loomed like a dark maw, hidden beneath the shadowy streets of Noctum Hollow. Adela, Wanaka, and Jun approached in disguise, their faces obscured by hoods and masks, weapons hidden beneath their cloaks. The faint stench of decay and despair wafted through the air as they descended into the depths, each step muffled against the grimy, uneven floor.
Adela, her eyes sharp beneath the shadow of her hood, led the group. Her sword, polished but worn from use, hung loosely at her side. Wanaka, quiet and focused, had his katana ready, his grip firm as they moved through the narrow corridors. Jun, the tech expert turned warrior, carried a short blade and a concealed firearm for emergencies.
The lair was a maze of dimly lit tunnels, guarded by a network of ruthless predators. The trio blended in with the crowd, moving as if they belonged. They passed groups of men huddled around monitors, their sinister laughter echoing through the space. The faint cries of children drifted through the air, making the tension nearly unbearable.
Wanaka whispered, "The children must be in the holding room ahead. We need to move fast."
Adela gave a subtle nod. "No mercy. Strike hard, strike fast."
They turned a corner, coming face-to-face with two guards. Before the men could react, Adela unsheathed her sword in a flash, slashing one across the throat in a single, fluid motion. Wanaka moved like a shadow, his katana slicing cleanly through the second guard's midsection.
Jun quickly disabled a nearby surveillance camera with a device he'd brought, ensuring no alarm was raised.
The trio pressed forward, encountering a small group of predators blocking the corridor to the holding room. Adela stepped forward, her voice calm but deadly. "You won't see the light of day again."
The predators laughed, drawing weapons, but their bravado was short-lived.
Adela surged forward, her sword slicing through the air. She disarmed one man and drove her blade into another's chest. Wanaka followed, his katana gleaming as he parried an attack and countered with a devastating strike, severing his opponent's arm before finishing him with a quick slash to the neck.
Jun, though less experienced, held his ground. He dodged a swing and stabbed his attacker in the gut, then used his firearm to take down another charging predator.
The corridor became a blood-soaked battleground as the trio systematically eliminated every foe.
At the end of the corridor, a reinforced door stood as the final barrier. Jun worked quickly, hacking the lock while Adela and Wanaka kept watch.
The door clicked open, revealing a room filled with terrified children, their faces pale and gaunt. They huddled together, their small bodies trembling in fear. The sight ignited a fury in Adela.
Wanaka stepped inside, kneeling to reassure the children. "We're here to help. No one will hurt you anymore."
One by one, the children hesitantly moved toward them. Adela and Jun provided cover as Wanaka gently guided the children out of the room.
The trio moved swiftly through the tunnels, but reinforcements were closing in. The sound of heavy boots and shouting echoed behind them.
"We need to hurry!" Jun urged, his voice tight with urgency.
Adela turned to Wanaka. "Take the children ahead. Jun and I will hold them off."
Wanaka hesitated but nodded. "Be careful." He led the children toward the exit, his katana ready in case of an ambush.
Adela and Jun stood their ground, weapons drawn. The first wave of predators rounded the corner, guns blazing. Adela deflected bullets with her sword, charging forward and cutting down the nearest attacker. Jun used his firearm, taking precise shots to neutralize the enemies.
When reinforcements thinned, Adela glanced at Jun. "That's enough. Let's move."
The two retreated, regrouping with Wanaka and the children near the entrance.
Emerging from the underground into the cold night air, the children clung to Wanaka and Adela, their eyes filled with a mixture of relief and lingering fear.
Adela knelt to meet their gazes. "You're safe now. No one will hurt you again."
Jun contacted Madam Di-Xian to report their success, his voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through him. "We've got the kids. Mission accomplished."
The trio stood together, their clothes stained with blood but their resolve unshaken. Tonight, they had struck a blow against the darkness of Noctum Hollow, and they weren't done yet.
The air in the underbelly of Noctum Hollow was suffocating, thick with the stench of filth and corruption. The dim, flickering lights barely illuminated the narrow corridors, where the hum of servers and the distant cries of children created an eerie backdrop.
Roy, Alvi, Rahu, and Masud entered cautiously, their weapons drawn and senses heightened. They moved as a unit, their mission clear: eliminate the monsters operating this nightmare network and save the children hidden within its depths.
As they rounded a corner, a group of heavily armed guards appeared. Roy, the most experienced in close combat, was the first to react. He fired his custom pistol, each shot precise and lethal. One guard fell instantly, his weapon clattering to the ground.
Alvi, wielding a modified SMG, provided suppressive fire, forcing the remaining guards to scatter. "Push forward!" she shouted over the gunfire.
Rahu moved in, her clawed gloves gleaming under the dim light. With feline agility, she leapt onto one of the guards, slashing his throat with a swift swipe before somersaulting backward to dodge a retaliatory strike.
Masud, carrying a shotgun, blasted through a locked door, revealing a hidden control room filled with servers. Inside were two more guards, scrambling to reach their weapons. Masud didn't give them the chance, taking them both down with quick, brutal efficiency.
The group pressed forward, encountering another wave of enemies. These were tougher, their grotesque appearances revealing the true nature of their monstrous operations. Enhanced by illegal substances and cybernetic implants, these "monsters" were faster and stronger than ordinary men.
One lunged at Alvi, who ducked just in time, using her SMG to spray bullets into his chest. He staggered but didn't fall, his augmented body absorbing the impact. "Masud, now!" she called out.
Masud responded with a grenade, tossing it into the middle of the group. The explosion rocked the corridor, taking out several enemies and scattering the rest.
Rahu and Roy advanced simultaneously, their fighting styles complementing each other. Roy used his firearm in close quarters, disarming and incapacitating enemies with brutal precision. Rahu, with her claws and martial arts skills, was a whirlwind of deadly strikes, ripping through the remaining guards with cold efficiency.
They reached a reinforced door at the end of the corridor. Alvi quickly set to work hacking the electronic lock, her fingers flying over a portable terminal. "This is the main holding room," she said, her voice tense.
"How long?" Roy asked, standing guard.
"Give me thirty seconds," Alvi replied, her focus unbroken even as the sound of approaching reinforcements grew louder.
Rahu and Masud prepared for another fight. As the first wave of reinforcements appeared, Masud fired his shotgun, the echoing blasts sending enemies sprawling. Rahu darted between them, her claws flashing as she took down anyone who got too close.
The lock beeped, and the door slid open. "We're in!" Alvi shouted.
Inside, they found a dozen children huddled together, their faces pale and eyes wide with terror. The room was dimly lit, filled with makeshift cages and chains.
Roy knelt down, his voice soft but firm. "We're here to help. You're safe now."
The children hesitated, unsure if this was another cruel trick, but Alvi stepped forward, removing her mask to show her kind eyes. "Come with us. We're getting you out of here."
The children slowly began to move, their trust fragile but present.
The group guided the children back through the corridors, but more enemies awaited them. This time, the monsters were desperate, their network collapsing around them.
Masud fired his shotgun relentlessly, clearing the path ahead. Rahu protected the rear, her claws slashing through anyone who dared approach. Roy and Alvi stayed with the children, ensuring their safety as they navigated the labyrinth of tunnels.
At one point, a hulking brute with cybernetic arms charged at them. Roy fired multiple shots, but the brute kept coming. Alvi tossed a flashbang, blinding the attacker long enough for Rahu to leap onto his back and drive her claws into his neck. The brute fell with a guttural roar.
They emerged from the underbelly into the cool night air, the children clinging to their rescuers. Sirens wailed in the distance as reinforcements from Madam Di-Xian's team closed in to secure the area.
Roy looked at the group, his expression grim but resolute. "This isn't over. We've saved these kids, but there are more out there."
Alvi nodded, her face streaked with sweat and grime. "Then we keep going."
As the children were loaded into waiting vehicles, Rahu and Masud shared a glance. Tonight, they had struck a blow against the darkness of Noctum Hollow, but the fight was far from finished.
The air was thick with the stench of mildew and secrets long buried. Beneath the crumbling façade of an old public library, Katoge, Zoyah, Wolverine, and Don descended into the Forgotten Vault Library, a clandestine meeting ground for the city's darkest elite. Their mission: uncover and destroy the truth buried within and rescue any victims caught in the web of corruption.
The group moved silently through the dimly lit corridors, their steps muffled by layers of dust that coated the ancient marble floor. The eerie, greenish glow of the library's subterranean lamps cast shifting shadows, making the cavernous space feel alive.
As they reached the heart of the archive, the silence was shattered by the unmistakable sound of a book slamming shut. From the shadows emerged a group of guards, their faces hidden by masks bearing grotesque designs—symbols of the elite's twisted power.
"Intruders," one of them hissed. "They've come to defile the sanctity of our knowledge."
Katoge smirked, his dual katanas flashing as he unsheathed them. "Sanctity? You mean the lies you bury here?"
Without warning, the guards attacked.
Katoge moved like a phantom, his blades slicing through the air with deadly precision. His first strike severed the weapon of an approaching guard; his second ended the man's life.
Zoyah, wielding her crescent-shaped blades, danced through the chaos with unparalleled grace. Her every movement was a lethal flourish, disarming and dispatching guards with a mix of agility and ferocity.
"Stay sharp," she called out. "These aren't ordinary grunts."
Wolverine, with his towering frame and iron gauntlets, charged into the fray. He slammed one guard into a bookshelf with bone-crushing force, sending ancient tomes tumbling to the ground. Another came at him with a blade, but Wolverine caught it with his gauntlet, snapping the weapon in half before delivering a devastating uppercut.
Don, ever the strategist, provided cover with his repeater crossbow, picking off enemies who tried to flank the group. His calm demeanor belied the precision with which he took down each target.
The guards dispatched, the team pressed deeper into the library. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to grow heavier, as if the very knowledge contained within these walls resisted their presence.
They found a massive, ornately carved door at the center of the chamber. Katoge stepped forward, inspecting the ancient lock. "This is it," he said. "Whatever they're hiding, it's behind here."
Zoyah leaned against the wall, catching her breath. "Let's crack it open before more of them show up."
Before they could act, the sound of muffled cries reached their ears. Don's sharp eyes spotted a narrow passageway leading off to the side. "There are people here," he said. "Prisoners."
Following the sound, they found a hidden cell block filled with terrified captives—men, women, and children, their eyes hollow from despair. Some were shackled to the walls; others huddled together in corners.
"Zoyah, with me," said Wolverine as he began breaking chains with brute force.
Zoyah picked the locks with her nimble fingers, freeing the captives one by one. "You're safe now," she said gently, though her voice carried a steel edge of urgency.
Katoge stood guard, his katanas at the ready, as Don searched for a way to lead the captives out.
Their rescue effort was interrupted by a deafening roar. From the darkness emerged a monstrous figure—a heavily armored enforcer wielding a massive warhammer. Behind him, more guards flooded in, blocking their exit.
The enforcer sneered. "You think you can steal our secrets and leave?"
Katoge stepped forward, his katanas glinting ominously. "We're not stealing. We're taking back what you never deserved."
The battle was brutal. The enforcer swung his warhammer with devastating force, shattering shelves and scattering ancient texts. Katoge met his strikes head-on, using his agility to stay just out of reach while delivering precise counterattacks.
Wolverine held the line, using his gauntlets to block incoming blows and protect the captives. "Zoyah, get them out of here!" he shouted.
Zoyah and Don worked together, guiding the captives through the chaos. Don fired his crossbow to cover their retreat, his bolts finding their marks with unerring accuracy.
Rallying the remaining guards, the enforcer charged again, but this time Katoge was ready. With a fluid motion, he dodged the hammer and delivered a dual strike to the enforcer's exposed flank. The giant stumbled, giving Wolverine the opening to land a devastating punch that sent him crashing to the ground.
The battle won, the team regrouped in the main hall. The captives were safe, but the library's secrets still loomed ominously behind the ornate door.
Katoge wiped the blood from his katanas. "We need to destroy everything here. This place is a monument to their sins."
Zoyah nodded, her gaze hard. "Agreed. But first, we need to expose them for what they are."
Wolverine placed a hand on Katoge's shoulder. "Let's finish this."
Together, they turned back to the door, ready to unveil and dismantle the horrors hidden within the Forgotten Vault Library.
The air in the Shadow Courtyard was heavy with a mix of decay and fear. Toxic weeds crawled across the ground, intertwining with rusted machinery and debris. The faint hum of hidden surveillance cameras pierced the eerie silence, the only sound apart from the mechanical whir of the artificial moonlight projector casting a pale, unsettling glow over the plaza.
From the concealed entrance, Madam Di-Xian and Agent-90 emerged, their footsteps silent against the cracked stone. They surveyed the gathering below—a collection of predators and criminals huddled together, discussing their heinous plans and indulging in their monstrous pursuits.
Madam Di-Xian's voice was a whisper of steel. "This ends tonight."
Agent-90 adjusted his glasses, his Reverse Eyes gleaming. "They won't see it coming."
From the shadows, Agent-90 threw a precision blade, striking one of the guards perched above the gathering. The man crumpled without a sound, and the chaos began.
Di-Xian led the charge, her twin blades slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. The courtyard erupted into panic as the criminals scrambled to respond.
Agent-90 moved like a phantom, dispatching targets with brutal efficiency. He disarmed one opponent with a sharp twist of the wrist and used the man's own weapon to eliminate another. "You orchestrate horrors for children," he growled, "but tonight, the nightmare is yours."
Madam Di-Xian's movements were a dance of death, her martial skills unmatched. She parried a flurry of blows from three attackers, her blades singing as they cut through their defenses. "Every child harmed is a debt you owe in blood," she spat, driving her sword through the final attacker.
The toxic weeds proved a treacherous ally, their thorny vines tangling the feet of those trying to flee. The overgrown machinery hissed and groaned under the weight of the battle, adding to the chaos.
Soon, only the head of the group remained. He was a tall, wiry man with a predatory smirk that didn't waver even as his comrades lay dead around him.
"Do you think this changes anything?" he sneered, backing toward the courtyard's center. "Cut off one head, and two more will rise in its place."
Before Madam Di-Xian or Agent-90 could respond, a shadowy figure materialized behind the man. The smirk vanished as the figure grabbed him by the head. The sickening crunch of bone echoed through the courtyard as the figure slowly crushed his skull, letting the lifeless body fall to the ground.
The figure stepped into the dim light—it was Gonda, their informant.
"You're late," Gonda said coolly, his gaze shifting to Madam Di-Xian and Agent-90.
Moments later, Robert, Chief Wen-Li, and a contingent of SSCBF officers—including Nightingale, Tao Ren, Lan Qian, and Lingaong Xuein—emerged from the passageways, weapons drawn and ready.
Wen-Li stepped forward, her expression grim. "You must be Madam Di-Xian, it's pressure to meet you" as she glanced at Agent-90 who stood still.
Madam Di-Xian raised an eyebrow. "How did you know to come here?"
Wen-Li motioned toward Gonda. "Let's just say we had a conversation"
In a dimly lit alleyway a week prior, Wen-Li stood across from Gonda, the stench of the city's filth surrounding them.
"I told you to give updates regularly but you don't," Wen-Li said, crossing her arms.
Gonda leaned against the wall, his voice low. "I know Chief but I got news. It takes my time to get information. It's about the missing child. I've got the location of the culprits—the ones running the whole operation."
Wen-Li's eyes narrowed. "How did you do?"
Gonda smirked. "Because even I have my limits. These people… they're worse than scum. They're predators hiding in the shadows of Noctum Hollow. If you want justice for those kids, you'll take this lead and act on it."
He handed her a slip of paper with an address. "This is where it starts. But be careful—this isn't just any operation. The city's filthiest elites are behind it." then add "there is someone who can help you to serve justice"
"Who?" ask Wen-Li in confused
"Crimson Lotus, a secret organisation lead by the intimidating vigilant who works in the shadow"
Agent-90 adjusted his glasses, glancing at the fallen body of the group's leader. "So, this is where the trail begins."
Wen-Li nodded. "And this is where it ends for them."
Madam Di-Xian stepped forward, her expression fierce. "Then let's make it count. Tonight, Noctum Hollow will know what happens when justice comes calling."
With the team assembled and their resolve strengthened, they prepared to move deeper into the city's dark heart, ready to bring down the predators once and for all.