Golden rays of sunlight pierced through the morning haze, casting their glow on the quiet streets of the city. In the midst of this serene atmosphere, a tall, lean boy strolled along the sidewalk.

Humming a tune to himself, the boy seemed undisturbed by the world around him.

"Hey kid!"

His casual demeanour was suddenly interrupted by a ruff, husky voice that echoed across the empty street.

The boy was startled by the sudden voice, causing him to quickly scan his surroundings. His gaze landed on the hunched figure of a man, obscured in the shadows. Leaning against the brick wall of a dimly lit alley, the man remained untouched by the gradually ascending sun.

It seemed as though the sun's rays purposefully avoided that particular alley, almost as if they were apprehensive of exposing the sinister events that were about to transpire there.

"Could I ask you something?" the man continued, his tone now tinged with a hint of excitement, as he realised that the boy had noticed him.

The boy paused briefly before answering, "Sure, but make it quick. I'm short on time."

"Thank you," the man exhaled with a noticeable sense of relief. "It won't take long. Could you come over here for a moment?" His words were infused with gratitude, as if a burden had been lifted off his chest.

Intrigue danced in the boy's eyes as he ventured cautiously into the murky depths of the dark alley.

Hidden beneath a cloak tattered by time, the man's features remained obscured, leaving only a sense of mystery in his wake. However, the pungent odour of alcohol lingered in the air, stinging the boy's nostrils.

Surveying his surroundings, the alley unveiled its true nature—a forsaken place where debris and trash created a disheveled display of urban decay. The rats scurried about, their beady eyes reflecting the flickering neon lights, claiming this desolate place home.

"So, what is it that you wanted to ask me?" Undeterred, the boy maintained his casual demeanour, focusing on the man who stood only a few meters from him.

With a sudden, swift motion, the man flung open his cloak, exposing a rusty blade concealed below. The metallic glint reflected a malevolent intent, casting a sinister glow over the unfolding scene.

His voice sliced through the air, echoing against the walls.

"If you don't want to get hurt, you better give me your money, kid!"

The boy's gaze remained fixated on the knife, his expression an enigmatic mask of indifference.

"Hey, are you deaf? I said, give me your money!" The man’s face darkened.

“Hahaha.”

The boy's cold laughter filled the darkness. "I thought you had a question," he retorted, a hint of tension creeping into his tone. "This isn't a question at all."

"Shut up and give me your money, or I wi—"

"I'm sorry; I can't do that, old man."

The man's eyes widened as an unnerving smile crept across the boy's face. A shiver ran down the man's spine. He instinctively turned around, only to find the shadows of rats darting between the piles of trash.

"And also... didn't I say that I'm short on time?" The boy whispered behind him.

The man spun around, finding the boy already standing before him, his golden eyes piercing his soul.

In a flash, his leg struck the man's side, his rips buckled, and bright red blood splattered onto the cold cobblestone.

Without wasting any time, the boy pushed forward. His fist crashed into the man's jaw with a deafening crack, the sound echoing off the alley walls.

Next, like water following its course, the boy smoothly switched to an upward elbow strike, hitting the already injured jaw.

The sharp, spinning pain sent the man’s world into a dizzying spiral of darkness.

Finally, with a powerful, explosive punch, the boy struck his abdomen. The sickening sound of even more ribs fracturing filled the air.

Wham!

The force of the blow slammed the man against the graffiti-ridden wall, the impact ruthlessly crumbled his ribs, each snap akin to a tiny explosion within his chest.

The man could taste his own blood filling his mouth, as he struggled to breathe.

The boy walked over, and towered over the fallen man, "Like I said, old man, I'm short on time. I don't have the patience for this kind of nonsense.”

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The man's body crumpled to the ground, lifeless. Blood started to pool around him on the cold, unfeeling stones.

The boy walked away unfazed, he had a train to catch after all.

As he stepped back into the sunlight, the boy squinted his eyes, adjusting to the brightness of the sun. The incident in the alley now behind him, he turned right and continued down the street, not even sparing a glance for the man whose life he had just extinguished.

Wiping the blood off his hands and clothes with a white handkerchief he always carried with him, he ensured he wouldn't draw any unwanted attention.

Upon reaching the station, the boy blended into the busy morning crowd as though he was just another student.

***

"—Transaction completed— We thank you for the purchase, Mister Jake Anderson. Rust Belt Railroad wishes you a pleasant journey."

Jake retrieved his ticket from the machine, his expression unaffected by the sugary voice that echoed from the machine.

He navigated through the bustling crowd, and made his way towards the train.

***

As Jake settled into his seat, the train jerked into motion.

Shielding himself from the whirl of conversations and laughter of fellow passengers, he closed his eyes. He surrendered to the gentle rhythm of the moving train, permitting the low hum to blur out the world beyond his closed eyes.

***

I hope this school has a decent cafeteria, I hate packing lunches.

Jake stood before the gates of his new high school, pondering about the changes that lay ahead of him. He tried his best to preserve an optimistic attitude, but the fact that he was already late on the first day of school had tainted his mood.

Searching for someone to help him navigate the campus, Jake found it eerily empty. It seemed the others took punctuality more seriously than him.

"Hey, you there!"

A sweet voice appeared behind Jake, startling him. His heart pounded, his breath caught in his throat, and adrenaline surged through his body. His muscles tensed.

"Who are you?" Jake eyed the stranger warily.

As he observed her closely, Jake noticed her sharp features and striking blue eyes that shone like precious gems. Her long, loose brown hair flowed down her back, framing her small nose, and granting her an air of effortless beauty. Her presence was commanding, as if she controlled the surrounding space.

"Hi there," the young woman responded warmly, extending her hand. "My name's Olivia, I'm a first-year student here."

Relaxing slightly, Jake replied, "Jake, I'm also a first-year student," shaking her hand, he though, why would someone so orderly be late on the first day?

As his mind wandered...

"Is something wrong?"

...Jake realised he was still holding Olivia's hand. Letting go quickly, he felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him.

"So, what class are you in?" Olivia asked, looking at him expectantly.

"Class B1," Jake replied.

"Really? Me too!" she exclaimed, her smile broadening.

Jake sighted inwardly at the thought of being constantly reminded of their embarrassing introduction. As someone who tended to overthink interactions, the thought lingered in his mind, creating unnecessary anxiety.

Not letting his emotions show on his face, Jake tried to respond naturally. "Well— that caught me by surprise," he suddenly remembered his earlier thoughts, "so, do you know the way to our classroom? I'm still unfamiliar with things here."

"How did you manage to show up without even knowing where your classroom is?" Olivia tilted her head in disbelief.

Jake shrugged, "I guess I'm just talented like that," he replied sarcastically.

Olivia laughed at his response, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Alright then, 'talented one,' follow me. I'll show you the way" and began walking towards the imposing building sitting at the center of the campus.

“…”

Well, it can’t start worse than this.

***

“So, how did you two managed to be late ON THE FIRST DAY!”

Jake eyed at the teacher who was scolding them. The deep red colour on his face made it abundantly clear how he thought about this matter. Sigh, Jake thought about how he should have just shut his mouth.

Glaring at them with suspicion, the teacher scanned their faces. "I'd like to hear your explanations," he demanded, as if he were trying to catch a criminal.

I bet he is just waiting for us to scramble for an excuse, Jake thought.

"I missed my train," he responded quickly, hoping to put an end to the interrogation.

Suddenly, Olivia chimed in from the side. "Same here," she said, causing Jake to raise an eyebrow. He was sure there were no late trains today, since— this was something he had just made up.

The teacher looked puzzled, realising he had no grounds to pursue the matter further, "Well, that's not my problem. Take a seat," he retorted, trying to save face. And with that, continued his introduction of the school.

Jake looked around the classroom in an attempt to locate an empty seat, and seeing…

Now this is something.

…that the only seats left, happened to be right next two each other.

So I guess I should just try to work with her.

On the bright side, Jake was pretty comfortable sitting in the back row next to the window. This has been his favourite spot all the way through school.

Peeking outside the window and at the endless, mesmerising stream of people and cars in the distance, Jake weirdly got a feeling of unrest.

***

“So this is already the fifth one this month”

Two men could be heard talking in the darkness of the alley.

The metallic smell of blood filled their noses.

Disgusted by the stench, one of them pulled out a cigarette. As he flicked his lighter, the flame illuminated the gruesome scene they had been confronted with. Casting an eerie glow on the man's lifeless body and the gaping hole in his stomach.

The edges of the hole were torn and shredded, a testament to the immense force used. The man's hands desperately clutched the edges of the wound, as if trying to hold himself together.

Blood coated his fingers, soaking his clothes and staining the pavement a deep crimson.

“Didn’t you wanna quit smoking, Chief?” The younger one of the two broke the silence.

“…”

“So— was it him again?”

The older one sighted, and took another glimpse around the scene.

“Let’s go, Adam, there is nothing we can do here.”

Adam and the Chief exited the alley, leaving the gruesome crime scene behind. As they passed under the yellow tape meant to keep spectators away, a black vehicle came racing towards them.

The van screeched to a halt, just meters in away from them.

The driver, a muscular man in grey uniform, gave Adam an unsettling feeling.

“Are you from the Scpd” the chief suddenly asked the approaching man. His scrutinising looks revealing his dislike.

The giant only gave a quick courtesy nod. Suddenly, without warning, four more man wearing the same kind of uniform jumped out of the van. They carried barriers, akin to the once used by construction workers. Utilising them to swiftly erected a barrier, that blocked anyone from peering in to the alley.

Hearing the strange sounds coming out of the enclosed space; Adam couldn't help but wonder what kind of things they did inside there.

splash, splish, splash…

Turning away from the barrier, Adam gazed into the distance. The dazzling skyline reflecting in his eyes. Thick rain enveloped the city and muffled its sounds, yet the neon shine remained bright and alluring, beckoning those seeking excitement and opportunity.

Witnessing the dark side of the city, Adam couldn't help but feel the weight of its shadow looming over him— threatening to suffocate him.

“COME ON ADAM,” a shout pulled him out of his thoughts, “let's get something to eat.” He looked at the chief, who already started their car.

Taking a last glance at the glimmering skyline, he turned away.

“I'm already coming, old man,” Adam responded, chuckling. “No need to be so loud.”