A month had passed since Adrian killed the three delinquents. He was proven guilty in court and sentenced to death in less than four weeks. His grandfather, Ceaser Bathan, fought desperately to defend him, but all his efforts failed.
The reason was simple—Adrian's prosecutor was Jonah Greyson, one of the greatest lawyers in the country, a man who had never lost a single case.
In his luxurious office, Jonah sat behind a polished desk. He looked no older than his mid-twenties, sharp eyes behind his glasses, hair neatly brushed up, a sleek watch on his wrist.
A knock came at the door.
"May I come in, Jonah Greyson?" asked a voice.
"Why not. Come in, Mr. Henderson," Jonah said, adjusting his glasses with one finger.
Henderson entered, a man in his forties with a short black haircut and a light white beard. He sat across from Jonah with a grin.
Henderson folded his arms "Another case, another win."
"It was nothing special," Jonah replied casually. "Just another day at the office."
"You say that every time," Henderson chuckled.
Jonah's gaze sharpened. "So… what brings the Chief of SARS' Fifth Division here himself?"
Henderson smirked. "We captured some of the Ruling Syndicate's one of the top brass's underlings."
Jonah's expression shifted. "What did you just say?"
"They didn't give us any information, and they're refusing to admit they're members," Henderson explained.
"You tried to make them talk?" Jonah asked.
"We did. Burned their skin, cut their fingers, destroyed their—"
"Stop." Jonah raised his hand. "I don't care for the details. Just tell me how you captured them."
Henderson leaned back. "Recently, drugs supply has been increasing in certain areas—something we haven't seen in years."
"So what of it?" Jonah asked.
Henderson rested his arms on table. "We received intel on the time and place of a drop. We planned to capture twenty, maybe thirty members. But the information leaked. In the end, we only caught four. And without proof."
Jonah exhaled sharply. "So you want me to dig up evidence, tie past crimes to them, and make it stick in court."
Henderson smirked wider. "Because you're the greatest lawyer alive."
"Save the flattery," Jonah said flatly. "I'll do it because you asked."
"Then I'll leave it to you." Henderson stood, heading for the door. Before leaving, he turned with a sly grin.
"Oh, by the way—James was the one who told me to get your help."
Jonah's lips curved faintly. "My brother said that? How's he doing?"
"At his best. He was the one who captured them. What can I say—one brother's the greatest lawyer, the other's the strongest Vice Chief. A pair of prodigies." Henderson laughed as he left.
Silence filled the office once again.
Jonah leaned back in his chair, fingers brushing his glasses as a cold smile crept across his face.
"Prodigy, huh…" he muttered to himself.
In a solitary confinement cell no larger than half a normal room, Adrian sat on the ground, his messy hair shadowing hopeless eyes as he stared up at the heavy door.
The door creaked open and an officer stepped in. "Some visitors are waiting for you in the visiting room."
Adrian was led down the narrow corridor. When he entered the visiting room, the other side of the glass was empty. He sat down with a frown.
The officer sneered at him. "You have ten minutes. Don't try anything, you filthy criminal."
Adrian asked, "Wait, there's nobody here."
"They're being body-checked. Still don't get why anyone would want to meet an atrocious murderer like you." The officer left the room.
Adrian's thoughts swirled. Who could 'they' be?
The door on the other side opened. Three men walked in.
The one in the middle had long black hair tied back, a bandana across his forehead, a piercing in his ear, and a black jacket over a plain white shirt.
On his right stood a red-haired man in a half-sleeve shirt that read I am a normal person, paired with cargo pants.
On his left stood a man with a sharp gaze, a wolf-cut hairstyle, and a plain black sweatshirt.
Adrian's confusion deepened. "Who are you people? I don't know you."
The man in the middle pulled the chair and sat down, the other two standing like sentinels.
"My name is Leo. On my right is this red-haired guy, Finn, and on my left is Rian."
Adrian shook his head. "I still don't know you."
Leo answered calmly. "Of course you don't. This is our first time meeting."
Adrian leaned forward. "Then tell me clearly, who are you, Leo?"
Finn laughed. "Man, just explain it quick. We've only got ten minutes."
Leo sighed. "Yeah, and one already wasted because security double-checked us after seeing your stupid shirt."
Finn grinned. "They just don't understand fashion—"
"Cut the nonsense and get to the point," Rian interrupted sharply.
Finn snapped back. "What? Rian, you can't talk to me like that. I'm your senior."
"Like you ever did anything worth my respect," Rian shot back coldly.
Leo raised his hand. "Enough, time is running out." He turned to Adrian.
"Listen carefully. We're one of the gangs under the Ruling Syndicate."
Adrian froze. "What are you saying… Ruling Syndicate?"
Leo narrowed his eyes. "You asked like you already know something. So tell me—what really happened that day, one month ago?"
Adrian stammered. "Wait… the Ruling Syndicate?"
Leo "Exactly what I thought. Something happened that no one else knows."
Adrian's voice trembled. "You're with him… aren't you?"
"By him, you mean Becker Sento, one of the Top Brass?" Leo smirked.
Adrian slammed his fist on the table. "You actually know his name… so you're with him!" His glare burned with anger.
Leo leaned back, arms folded. "We're in the same Syndicate, but we don't know him personally."
Then his tone sharpened. "Just tell me this—did you really kill them?"
Adrian's eyes darkened. "And what if I didn't?"
A smile crept across Leo's face. "I knew it. You were innocent."
Finn chuckled. "So you were set up, huh? Makes sense."
Adrian's frustration boiled over. "What's so funny? Why are you laughing?"
"One minute left," Rian reminded.
Leo stood up. "All right, Adrian. Be ready. Tomorrow, when they transfer you to another prison, we'll rescue you. Wait for us."
Adrian blinked in disbelief. "What are you talking about? You're criminals, gang members!"
Leo suddenly pressed his face close to the glass. His voice dropped to steel.
"And that's exactly why we're helping you. Because the law is fucking blind."
"Time's up. Let's go," Rian said as he turned away.
"Why?" Adrian's voice cracked.
"Seriously… why?"
Rian glared at him. "If you want to die, then die quietly, you dumbfuck."
Finn waved casually. "Bye, happy-to-die."
Leo gave one last look with a reassuring smile. "We'll save you. Don't throw your life away."
The three left. Adrian sat alone, trembling in silence.
"In reality… I don't want to die," he whispered to himself.