Silhus and Ayuru had uncovered a crucial pattern—the killer wasn't acting at random. Their targets were the untouchable, the ones shielded by power and corruption, the ones the law had failed to punish.
Ayuru's voice carried urgency. "Silhus, we need to split up and stay in constant contact. If we can identify some high-profile corrupt figures, we might predict the next target."
Silhus nodded, his usual easygoing demeanor giving way to something more serious. "Good thinking. The killer could strike at any moment."
Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone, rapidly making calls. "Hardy, Maria—meet us at HQ. We have a lead."
Then, dialing another number, he spoke to an officer he trusted. "Mr. Carl Trunk, I need you to dig into the Boss and Minister cases. Find out everything you can."
Mr. Trunk didn't hesitate. "Understood. I'll report back soon."
With their plan set, the team sprang into action. Files piled high on the desk as Ayuru and Silhus sifted through stacks of documents, flipping through pages with urgency.
The pressure of the case weighed on them, making their movements frantic—so much so that they both reached for the same file at the exact moment.
Thud.
"Ow…" Ayuru winced, pressing a hand to her forehead. She blinked, realizing just how close Silhus was. His face was inches from hers, eyes squeezed shut in pain.
A faint blush crept up her cheeks.
Silhus groaned, rubbing his head. "Ahh… my bad." He pulled back slightly, only to smirk when he caught her flustered expression.
Still red-faced, Ayuru turned toward the shelf, trying to mask her embarrassment with a small pout. "Be careful," she mumbled, voice low but sharp.
Silhus, amused, chuckled as he resumed flipping through files. "You're just the same as when we first met."
Ayuru's blush deepened. Embarrassed, she shot back, "Just do your work, you Tall Joker!"
Silhus grinned. "Ah-ha! So you do remember me as your Tall Joker?"
"Do your work!!" she shouted, now fully flustered.
Outside the office, Hardy and Maria arrived just in time to hear Ayuru's frustrated yelling. Curious, they peeked inside—only to find her jabbing an accusatory finger at Silhus's forehead.
"You mind your own business, okay, Tall Joker?! Stop making fun of me, you moron!"
Silhus, ever the troublemaker, stuck out his tongue. "Blehhh… temper head."
Ayuru's eye twitched. "That's it. I will beat your ass." She rolled up her sleeves, fully prepared to make good on her promise.
Hardy and Maria exchanged amused glances.
"You two," Ayuru snapped, finally noticing them. "Couldn't you have shown up on time?! I'm already dealing with this idiot!"
The two agents chuckled as they stepped into the room.
"You both shut up!" Ayuru huffed, crossing her arms.
Silhus smirked, leaning back slightly. "Heh. Got you again."
Her fists clenched. "Damn it…!"
But just like that, the lightheartedness faded.
Ayuru took a deep breath, pushing aside her frustration. There was no time to waste. She grabbed a thick stack of files—each one containing the name of a person who had evaded justice for far too long.
Her fingers tightened around the first file.
Viper Vince (Gang Leader):
Corruption: Vince ran a sprawling criminal syndicate in Boren City—drugs, extortion, money laundering. His influence stretched deep into law enforcement and politics, shielding him from consequences.
Ayuru exhaled sharply. "This guy… he's exactly the kind of target the killer is going after."
Silhus leaned in, his smirk long gone. "If that's the case, we might already be one step behind."
She flipped to the next file.
General Markus Throne (Military Head):
Corruption: Throne used his high-ranking military position to smuggle weapons and profit from war. His government ties made him untouchable.
Silhus muttered, "If someone like him is targeted, it could cause national instability."
Ayuru nodded grimly, flipping to the next file.
Kevin Knox (Head of Department , Boren City):
Corruption: The city's top cop, but also its biggest criminal. Knox silenced investigations, protected crime syndicates, and bent the law to his will.
Silhus let out a low whistle. "The head of department himself…"
Ayuru's fingers curled over the last file.
Ella Swift (Highest-Ranking Journalist):
Corruption: Swift wasn't just reporting the news—she was shaping it. She took bribes to manipulate stories, burying the truth and protecting the powerful.
Ayuru's expression hardened. "She's not just corrupt—she's a gatekeeper. If she's involved, then the public only sees what she allows."
Silhus folded his arms. "Four different sectors. Crime, Military, Justice cops, and media. If the killer is targeting corruption at this level…"
Ayuru shut the file. "Then we're not just dealing with a murderer. This is a full-scale purge."
Silhus met her gaze, his usual playfulness nowhere in sight. "Then we better find them before they find their next target."
Ayuru didn't hesitate. "Maria, you'll watch over Knox. Hardy, you take Ella. I'll keep an eye on General Markus."
Silhus cracked his knuckles. "That leaves me with Viper Vince."
But Ayuru's voice was firm as she clarified, "We're all staying in Boren City. That's where the next target will be."
The team exchanged glances.
Ayuru continued, her tone sharp and calculated. "Look at the pattern—the victims so far were scattered. Hilgan Moigon, the minister, was from Krickon City. James Crook, the manager, was from Malonce City. The killer is moving from place to place, and Boren City is the perfect next step."
Silhus nodded, processing the logic. "So we concentrate our forces here."
"Exactly," Ayuru confirmed. "But we're not taking any chances. If the killer's unpredictable, we need a safety net. I'll have my underlings spread out in key locations to monitor any movement outside our jurisdiction."
She turned to Silhus. "You do the same—deploy your team into Groom Town. If the killer tries to throw us off by hitting another city, we'll be ready."
Silhus smirked, impressed. "Not bad. You're covering all exits."
Ayuru crossed her arms. "That's the idea."
Silhus gave a firm nod. "Alright. I'll put my people in position."
Maria adjusted her earpiece. "Then we move fast. The killer's already ahead—we need to catch up before another body drops."
Hardy cracked his neck. "Let's lock this down."
Ayuru looked at them all, her eyes filled with determination. "This isn't just another case. This is a war against corruption itself."
Silhus grinned. "Then let's win it."
With that, the team scattered, ready to take on the hunt.
Nightfall draped the sky in velvet shadows as the team quietly prepared for their covert journey to Boren City.
They packed only what was necessary, leaving behind their uniforms and official vehicles. No sirens. No flashing lights. Just the hum of a late-night public bus rolling down the highway—blending them in with the rest of the world.
Dressed like ordinary civilians, they boarded the dimly lit vehicle with quiet determination.
As the bus rolled through the sleeping countryside under a veil of starlight, the team sat scattered in silence, some chatting, some resting, all cloaked in the weight of the mission ahead. Maria and Hardy leaned into conversation, getting to know one another better with hushed laughter and subtle glances. Meanwhile, on the other side of the aisle, Silhus and Ayuru shared a quiet moment by the window.
Ayuru sat staring at the night sky, her face calm yet thoughtful, the flickering lights of passing towns brushing her skin like gentle whispers of memory. Silhus glanced at her, then leaned back with a warm, playful grin.
"Do you remember the night we were beaten?" he asked softly, his voice teasing, yet laced with something tender.
Ayuru hesitated, her gaze still out the window, lips drawn in a slight pout. "...Yes. I do remember it," she replied.
Silhus let out a quiet laugh. "I guess we should now quit ignoring each other. I forgive you for not answering me."
She turned toward him, her expression softened by time. "You had a very big reason to leave me alone. I won't hold it against you."
"Thank god you got it," he smiled, and her lips curled into a smile of her own.
Their walls quietly fell, piece by piece. And in that moment of rekindled friendship, time itself seemed to shift—
—pulling them back to a different place, a different time.
Boren City High School. Grade 11.
The afternoon sun filtered through dusty classroom windows. In the middle of a chemistry lecture, the door creaked open. A girl stepped in, eyes lowered, her presence quiet but unmistakable.
"Class," the chemistry teacher announced, "meet your new classmate. Her name is Ayuru Ermis. She's clever—hopefully, Ayuru, you'll blend in well with your new class."
Ayuru didn't speak. She avoided everyone's eyes and simply took the first empty bench she could find.
At the back of the classroom, Silhus—then just a sleepy misfit—was deep in a nap.
"Oye... Silhus… get up. Chemistry mam's already here!" whispered John, nudging him.
"Yeah yeah… I'm aware," Silhus mumbled, barely conscious, slumping further into his desk.
From the front of the class, the chemistry teacher eyed him. A slow, mischievous smile tugged at her lips as she approached.
"Silhus," she called sweetly. "What's the compound used in aldol condensation?"
Still drifting through dreamland, Silhus muttered, "We use all types of dolls… soft pookie dolls loved by pretty women… horror dolls for rituals… military dolls to smash enemies..." He suddenly sprang to his feet on top of the desk, as if wielding an invisible gun. "FIRE!!"
The classroom erupted in laughter.
Silhus blinked, realizing where he was—standing, groggy, ridiculous. He looked down to find the teacher's sinister smile waiting for him.
"You will write 'aldol condensation' fifty times and show me tomorrow. If not…" her voice dropped an octave, her smile deepening, "you know what I can do with your marks, Silhus."
He swallowed, nodding rapidly.
During lunch, Silhus threw a glare at John. "You dumbass. Couldn't you wake me up earlier?"
"I tried!" John threw up his hands. "But mam was making an announcement."
Silhus narrowed his eyes. "What kind of announcement?"
"A new admission! She joined today. Teacher was introducing her and I—uh—I kind of forgot to wake you while… looking at her."
Curiosity flared in Silhus's eyes. "A new admission?"
John casually pointed to the hallway. "That's her. She just left for a walk."
Silhus turned just in time to catch a glimpse of Ayuru, her footsteps quiet as she slipped through the corridor alone.
He nudged John. "Let's follow her."
Ayuru walked alone down the quiet corridor, soft music playing in her ears as she drifted past the hum of conversation and echoing footsteps. Her presence was quiet—but not unnoticed.
From the other side of the hallway, a group of girls strutted in sync. At their center, Frida Clint, the so-called queen of Boren High, flipped her flawless hair with practiced ease. Whispers followed her like shadows. She was beauty. She was terror. And she loved it.
Frida's lips curled into a smirk as she spotted the new girl.
"Hey, new girl," she called, voice dripping with venom. "Don't you wanna come lick my shoe? Might be the closest you'll ever get to class."
Ayuru didn't even glance. Her earphones were in, her gaze fixed forward. She kept walking, calm as a breeze.
Frida's painted nails clamped onto Ayuru's shoulder.
"You ignoring me?" Her voice turned sharp. "Do you even know what happens to people who disrespect me?"
A moment.
A blink.
Before anyone could register it—Frida was flat on the floor. Ayuru had spun, twisted her arm, and swept her leg with lightning-fast reflexes. All without losing the rhythm of her music.
The hallway froze.
Gasps. Whispers. Stares.
Even Silhus, lounging nearby with a hand in his pocket, arched a brow in surprise.
"Damn…" he muttered under his breath. "She's not just new. She's lethal."
Frida stumbled to her feet, furious.
"You bitch! I'm not letting this slide!"
Her gang huddled around, trying to calm her.
"Frida, she's not normal. Let's just go. Maybe Yusil—"
"Shut up!" Frida barked. "I don't need my boyfriend to clean up my mess. I'm no princess. I'll crush that girl myself!"
Moments later, the canteen erupted into chaos. Ayuru was surrounded—Frida and her gang forming a tight circle. All eyes turned toward them.
But Ayuru didn't flinch. She stood silently, hands still tucked in her pockets, head bobbing lightly to her music. Her calm was unnerving.
"Girls, attack! NOW!" Frida screamed.
They lunged.
But Ayuru moved like mist.
A leap. A spin. A strike.
Bodies flew—each one doused as if struck by waves. Within seconds, they were sprawled on the floor, soaked, panting, dazed. As if she hadn't just fought… but danced.
Silhus blinked in disbelief.
Frida—the girl who once coldly rejected him—was humiliated before half the school.
John tugged on Silhus's sleeve, his voice a hushed panic:
"Don't even try, Silhus. She seems really dangerous!"
Silhus only smirked, eyes gleaming.
"Power doesn't scare me, John. It invites me."
John backed away, mumbling, "You're crazy," before scurrying off to class.
Outside, Ayuru sat on the edge of the playground, earphones still in, watching the sky as if nothing had happened.
Silhus walked up with his usual confident strut.
"You... Ayuru Ermis, right?"
She didn't respond.
He snapped his fingers in front of her. She blinked and turned to him, finally acknowledging the tall boy standing before her.
"Yo. I'm Silhus Shud. Nice to meet you." He extended a hand with a grin.
"Gotta say, watching you knock Frida down a few pegs was the best moment of the semester."
Ayuru said nothing. Just stared.
Silhus chuckled and kept talking.
"She always acted like she ruled this place. Guess someone finally reminded her that crowns can be broken."
Finally, Ayuru sighed. She pulled out one earbud, narrowed her eyes, and said in a low, icy voice:
"If you don't walk away right now, I'm gonna blow your chicky ass off, you Tall Joker."
Silhus blinked.
Then grinned wider.
Silhus stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, trying to read the storm behind Ayuru's eyes.
"Why don't we talk quietly?" he offered, trying to soften the tension in the air. "You need friends, right? Let's be friends already. Our enemies are the same… so let's stick together."
Ayuru slowly turned to him, her gaze razor sharp.
"Shut the fuck up," she snapped. "I hate friends. I hate people. They're liars. Fake. Untrustworthy."
Silhus sat down beside her on the edge of the pavement, looking up at the painted sky. The orange clouds were dissolving into twilight.
"Yeah…" he said quietly. "This world is full of cruel, twisted people. But that's why we need someone… someone who'll fight with us to the bitter end. That's what real friends are, Ayuru."
She stood up without a word, popped her earphones back in, and muttered:
"Yeah. And those friends? They only exist in storybooks and TV shows."
With that, she turned and walked away.
[Later that evening…]
The school was empty. The sky had turned to black velvet, and most students had gone home.
Ayuru walked alone under the flickering streetlights, her bag hanging loosely over her shoulder, music in her ears once again.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed behind her. Shadows emerged from the alley ahead.
"Well, well. Look who we've got here."
A figure stepped out from the darkness, lit dramatically by the streetlight above.
"Name's Yusil Jacks," he said with an arrogant smirk. "Most handsome guy in our school. Maybe even the city."
Frida leaned on his shoulder with an evil smile.
"Baby, that's the girl who thought she could mess with me."
Yusil ran a finger along Frida's lips, then turned to Ayuru.
"So you beat up my babe and her girls. Cute. But let's see how you do against my crew."
He gestured, and a dozen boys appeared from the shadows.
"Tch tch tch…" Yusil wagged his finger mockingly. "You're surrounded now, sweetheart. These guys are pumped. And pissed."
Ayuru's fists clenched. Her breath was steady, but her body was sweating. It wasn't fear—it was adrenaline. Still, she knew this was different. Too many. Too strong.
They attacked.
Ayuru fought back with her usual lightning reflexes—ducking, twisting, kicking. But the numbers overwhelmed her. A punch landed. Then another.
Then—
"HO HO HO HO!! I am here… to save the innocent damsel in distress!"
All heads turned toward the treetop above.
Silhus stood dramatically on a branch, cape flapping in the wind (which was actually just his long jacket).
Yusil stared, dumbfounded.
"Who the hell are you, bro?!"
"I am Silhus Shud!" he declared, leaping from the tree.
CRACK.
He landed flat on his chin.
Ayuru blinked.
"You again, Tall Joker?" she groaned. "I don't need saving."
Lying face-first on the ground, Silhus groaned, then rolled over and raised a shaky thumb.
"I-I'm here… to save… my friend."
The battle broke out again. Silhus, despite his clumsiness, fought with heart—taking hits, throwing wild punches, blocking for Ayuru. Ayuru, annoyed but impressed, fought beside him.
Eventually, both were overwhelmed.
They lay side by side on the pavement, bruised and breathing hard, the gang finally retreating, satisfied.
"We lost…" Silhus gasped, smiling through bloodied lips. "But we won, Ayuru…"
Ayuru turned her head slowly, groaning.
"Shut the hell up…"
They both stared at each other—then burst out laughing. Loud, broken, genuine laughter.
"You really are a Tall joker," Ayuru said, wiping a smear of blood from her cheek. "You don't know how to fight for shit. You're just a walking mess."
"And you…" Silhus chuckled, "could've beaten them alone. So why didn't you?"
She smirked.
"Guess I didn't wanna fight alone this time."
Their laughter echoed through the empty street.
That night, a strange bond was born—raw, real, and unexpected.
They didn't call each other friends.
But somehow… they were.