Eden stood silently in the hospital corridor, eyes locked on the cold floor. Without a word, he turned and walked away. Butler, who had just come back with a bottle of water, called out, "Hey, where are you going?"
But Eden didn't respond.
He just kept walking—out of the hospital, into the night.
---
[Scene Shift: Coffee Shop – Snake & Rafael]
The soft clinking of cups and low chatter filled the small coffee shop. Snake sat across from Rafael, leaning back on his chair with a frown on his face.
Rafael sipped his coffee, then raised an eyebrow. "Alright, spill it. Why did you look so weird when Hiroshi said Ethan's name?"
Snake leaned forward, sighing. "Damn, Ethan... he's a monster. And I don't mean that as a compliment."
Rafael let out a loud laugh. "No way! You've got it all wrong. Ethan's a monster, sure—but not in the way you think. He's not a bad guy. Actually, I met him once—he felt more like a big brother."
Snake looked skeptical. "Big brother? Seriously?"
"Yeah," Rafael nodded, smiling at the memory. "We studied in the same school. He was always quiet, always focused. But there's something about him now... He's changed. Not good, not bad—just... something's off."
Snake narrowed his eyes. "Exactly. That's what I'm saying. Something's wrong with that guy. I once saw him beating someone in the street."
Rafael blinked. "What? Like... a fight?"
"No," Snake said, voice low. "He was beating the guy to death. Like... it was savage. I didn't even understand what the guy had done. I swear, if I hadn't walked away, I'd have puked."
Rafael leaned back, processing it. Then chuckled again. "That still sounds like Ethan. Brutal as hell—but he doesn't kill. That's the thing. I've never heard of him actually killing anyone. Even if he beats someone up, he always takes them to the hospital afterward."
Snake stared at him. "Why the hell would he beat someone that badly if he didn't want to kill them?"
Rafael shrugged. "Training. Punishment. Maybe they messed up bad. Ethan's intense, but he's not heartless. He has rules. Cold ones, maybe—but rules nonetheless."
Snake shook his head. "Still doesn't sit right with me."
Rafael chuckled again. "You just don't like unpredictable guys."
Snake added, "And what about Thomas? That guy's worse."
Rafael's smile faded slightly. "Thomas... now that's an interesting one. He used to threaten me all the time. Push my buttons. But you know what? He's not a bad guy either. He's like a coin—depends which side is facing up."
Snake muttered, "That's the problem. I don't trust people with too many sides."
Rafael smiled. "Maybe. But remember one thing—sometimes the monsters are the ones who protect us from the real demons."
Snake went quiet.
He didn't want to admit it, but Rafael might have a point.
____
---
[Scene Shift – Evil Slayer HQ, Top Floor – James' Room]
The room was dimly lit, with a giant map of the city stretched across the wall behind James. He stood quietly, hands in his pockets, gazing out the large window as night painted the skyline.
Behind him stood Tom, the 2nd-tier captain—sharp eyes, laid-back but always observing.
Tom leaned against the wall with crossed arms.
Tom: "What's wrong, President? You look like you're thinking too much. You worried about something?"
James didn't turn around.
James: "Worried? Not really… just curious."
(He finally turned around, eyes calm but sharp.)
James: "Wondering what their next target will be."
Tom furrowed his brow.
Tom: "'Their'? You mean the Hellfires?"
James nodded slowly.
James: "Exactly. I heard they're getting active again. And there's a new guy in their gang…"
Tom raised an eyebrow.
Tom: "New guy? Who?"
James: "I don't know his name. But rumor says he's not ordinary. Might be a transfer. Something about him... caught my attention."
Tom smirked.
Tom: "Interesting. If they're bringing in fresh blood, maybe we should too."
James: "We don't bring in just anyone. You know that."
Tom: "What about my friend? The one I told you about. He's from another school."
James's expression darkened slightly.
James: "Another school? You really want an outsider in Premium High?"
Tom shrugged.
Tom: "So what? You let Sam in. He wasn't from our school either."
Suddenly, the door slammed open.
Sam stormed in, fists clenched, eyes blazing.
Sam: "TOM, you bastard! How dare you call me an outsider?!"
James quickly raised his voice, calm but commanding.
James: "Enough, Sam! Calm down!"
Sam gritted his teeth, shot a death glare at Tom, and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
A tense silence followed.
Tom snorted.
Tom: "Touchy, isn't he?"
James: "You crossed a line. Sam might be an outsider by origin, but he's earned his place here. Don't compare everyone to him."
Tom looked unbothered.
Tom: "Fine, fine. But I said what I had to say. My friend—Yanis—isn't just some random kid. He's strong. He's smarter than most of our third-tier captains. You want us to level up? I say make me a 4th-tier and let Yanis fill my current spot."
James rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
James: "You want a promotion and to bring someone new? That's a lot to ask."
Tom: "I earned it. And I wouldn't recommend Yanis if I didn't believe in him. He's got discipline. And a bit of fire. Reminds me of... well, not exactly Sam—but close."
James walked over to his desk, picked up a file, and sat down.
James: "Fine. Tell him to show up tomorrow. One test. That's it. He fails—I don't want to hear his name again."
Tom smirked, satisfied.
Tom: "Deal. Just don't regret it when he surprises you."
---
End of chapter 17