"We interrupt regular programming with breaking news! A man calling himself the Judge of Death has live-streamed the execution of one of the country's most powerful businessmen: Malcolm, CEO of one of the nation's leading oil industries."
"The video has gone viral within minutes. Major social media platforms are overwhelmed. Thousands are sharing it… and the most unsettling part: many are applauding it!"
"Malcolm's company stocks are plummeting. Headquarters has been evacuated due to threats. The name 'Judge of Death' is now trending worldwide… and it hasn't even been two hours since the execution."
Every major news outlet was covering the event. Some had swiftly contacted private detective experts, who could see far deeper into the situation than the average citizen.
"The level of planning is abnormal. This wasn't an emotional outburst. There's structure, symbolism, a crafted identity. This was designed to impress and cause a societal rupture."
"In just an hour, he's gained millions of followers on social media. Some are calling him a hero, a martyr, 'the people's avenger.' This could escalate and negatively impact society."
…
Press Conference – Police Department
The room was packed with journalists. Microphones from every channel pointed toward the stage. Camera flashes never stopped. Police Commissioner Elena Cruz adjusted her blazer and stepped up to the podium. Her expression was firm, though the tension in her face was evident.
"Good morning. As the public already knows, last night we witnessed an unprecedented crime. An individual, still unidentified, who calls himself 'Judge', live-streamed the premeditated murder of Malcolm, a citizen and businessman." Elena paused as the cameras zoomed in on her.
"We want to be clear: this was murder. A criminal act, meticulously planned, that cannot and must not be romanticized by any part of the population. We live in a State governed by law. No one—absolutely no one—has the authority to take justice into their own hands."
After saying that, Elena took out a sheet of paper and began reading with emphasis.
"The Metropolitan Police Department has activated a high-priority protocol. This individual will be pursued and brought to justice according to the law."
"A special cybercrime and digital forensics unit has already been formed to trace the original source of the broadcast. We've requested international cooperation through INTERPOL, in case this is part of a broader network or a group with ideological or extremist motives."
One of the journalists in the crowd, seeing the Q&A portion begin, fired a question: "Commissioner, can you confirm if the killer had insider information about Malcolm? Confidential documents have been leaked through his social media…"
"We will not comment on evidence leaked through unofficial platforms. But I can assure you that every line of investigation is being considered, including the possibility of internal complicity or privileged access to classified information," Elena stated, shutting down any attempt to question police authority.
"How does the police respond to those who already consider the killer a popular hero?"
"With deep concern. Yes, we live in troubled times. But glorifying violence only fuels anarchy. The police will not rest until this individual is captured and it is made clear that the law is non-negotiable. Desperation will never justify terrorism."
The questions continued. Strangely, most reporters seemed to favor the police narrative.
"This wasn't justice. It was premeditated murder disguised as redemption. He is not a hero; he's a criminal armed with a show. But we're watching too… and we will find him." With that, Elena left the podium.
There were dozens of similar headlines, all over the internet.
…
Larry, sitting in a café early that morning, read through all the online comments. A smile crept across his face and, without meaning to, he clicked on one. He didn't even bother to read the article—he went straight to the comment section.
"He's not a hero or a criminal. He's a civil enforcer!"
"Exactly! He's a civil enforcer. He just did what everyone has always wanted to do but never dared because no one knew how, or no one had the guts!"
"Of course he's a hero! He's evil's nemesis! The rest of the unpunished criminals should watch out. You could be next!"
"I think he did the right thing."
"That's right! I only care whether he killed those who deserved it. Malcolm's crimes were simply inhuman! That alone makes me support him!"
"No matter how hateful or grave Malcolm's crimes were, he should've been handed over to the police for legal prosecution! Carrying out a private execution is a crime. He's a criminal!"
…
Most of the comments supported Larry's execution. The few critical ones were immediately drowned out by the outrage of online users.
Larry turned off the news and smiled. He didn't want to be a sinister executioner or evil's nemesis. He wasn't a saint. His goal was simple: to build a name that all criminals feared. And the only way to do that was through popularity.
Of course, he also enjoyed this kind of game, where the average person's intellect crumbled. He felt an indescribable thrill watching sinners march to their deaths one by one.
After washing up, Larry stepped outside.
Beep!
As he stood outside the café, Jack called him. "Larry, are you busy?"
"I was planning to see my psychiatrist. Also, I think I'm getting closer to the killer you asked me to find." Larry's tone was casual, as if he hadn't just walked away from a crime scene hours earlier.
"Did you see what happened?"
"Are we getting involved?" Larry asked while crossing the street to his car.
"It's not our case, but they might ask for an opinion."
"I'll do an analysis and send it to you."
"Perfect. I'll call your psychiatrist, Hannibal Lecter, to set up an appointment," Jack said, sounding far more relaxed.
And Larry, indifferent as ever, needed to ease Jack's nerves—just enough to avoid raising even the slightest suspicion.