...
This robbery that occurred in the city center instantly attracted the full attention of the police.
Officers surrounded the Park Hyatt Hotel, controlling all entrances, exits, and underground garages. However, to avoid provoking the robbers and ensure the safety of the VIPs, they refrained from storming the 28th floor, which the robbers controlled.
At the scene, police officers were confused. What began as a jewelry robbery had escalated into a hostage situation, with all the captives being famous in New York City. Such a high-profile case was exceedingly rare, even for New York.
It wasn't until New York City Police Commissioner George Stacy arrived that police operations began to run smoothly.
"Have the identities of the robbers been confirmed?" chief George asked as he donned the body armor.
Half an hour earlier, he had been enjoying dinner with his family, but this emergency forced him to cut his vacation short and rush to the scene.
"Sorry, Chief. The robbers are well-prepared. They shut down the surveillance systems, drew the curtains, and blocked all signals. We have no intel on the robbers," a police officer explained, handing him a document. "But we do have the list of hostages. The hotel provided tonight's invitation list."
Looking over the familiar names on the list, Chief George felt the weight of the situation. These individuals were not only wealthy taxpayers but also had powerful political connections. Any casualties could cause massive trouble for the police, even if they managed to subdue the criminals.
"Prepare to make an announcement," Chief George ordered, his tone serious.
A tense, heavy atmosphere settled over the officers as they checked their weapons and gear.
The Hyatt Hotel, located in a bustling area, was surrounded by media coverage, capturing every police move. Outside the police perimeter, reporters and paparazzi jockeyed for position, eager to capture the unfolding story. Headlines for tomorrow's news were already taking shape, and many journalists vied for exclusive information.
"You are surrounded! Lay down your weapons!" the police repeatedly called out, yet the robbers remained silent.
Chief George's worry deepened. The robbers refused to negotiate or communicate, likely emboldened by their high-profile hostages. Even though the hotel was encircled, the police couldn't risk making a move.
Suddenly, a rapid voice crackled over the police radio: "The guests on the 28th floor are coming out! Be alert, the criminals may be among them… Also, the guests seem to be in bad shape!"
In an instant, every police officer was on edge. They drew their guns, switched off safeties, and took cover behind their shields.
If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
"Move back!" Chief George shouted at the media, pushing the perimeter further back.
Police officers formed a shielded barrier at the hotel's entrance as disheveled VIPs emerged, shouting and pushing each other in panic. Camera flashes burst from across the street, catching images of the elite in their worst moments.
"Devil! It's a devil! Let me out!"
"What gives you the right to detain me? I'll sue you!"
The police officers ignored the shouting and instead calmly directed the guests to "stay calm, move back, and squat with your hands on your head."
"Chief, you're detaining law-abiding citizens, not criminals!" a reporter called out.
"Criminals may be hiding among them, ready to escape!" Chief George explained to the cameras, trying to stay composed.
"Your actions will only make things worse for the hostages!" the reporter pressed. "Your duty is to protect the public, not put them in danger!"
Chief George sighed in frustration. "Once their identities are verified, they'll be free to go," he replied, heading back into the hotel.
The police worked quickly, aided by the hotel's guest list. Many of the VIPs were public figures—wealthy businessmen, celebrities—and were quickly released after identification. The media swarmed them, eagerly asking questions.
"What, the devil saved you? Did he kill all the criminals?"
"No, it wasn't like that! The devil hijacked us, and the criminals… He's a hundred times scarier than they were!"
…
"He looked like a beast, breathing fire and invincible. He killed the criminals in the most brutal ways!"
"Sounds like Satan to me…"
"No, it was a true devil!"
The guests recounted a terrifying game played by the masked figure with the robbers, leaving them visibly shaken. Reporters thrived on these sensational details, pushing for even more shocking accounts.
Inside the hotel
Chief George reached the 28th floor, where the electrical systems were still under repair. Emergency lights flickered dimly, illuminating the chaotic scene. Officers searched for evidence amidst overturned furniture, spilled drinks, and scattered meals.
Suddenly, Chief George's flashlight caught something on the floor. He froze in place.
A headless corpse lay in a pool of blood, its head seemingly melted away rather than severed.
Nearby, another body had a massive hole burned through its back, the flesh and bones charred beyond recognition.
Chief George's face tightened in horror. No wonder the guests were so traumatized. Anyone who witnessed such scene would be scarred for life.
Suddenly, the lights snapped on, revealing the full horror of the scene. Officers stood in stunned silence, staring at a blood-red symbol on the wall: a face, with an upper "M" and a lower "V," grinning ominously.
(The "M" in the upper part of the face could be interpreted as representing horns or eyebrows, giving the face a more menacing or devilish appearance. The "V" in the lower part might suggest a twisted or sharp jawline, contributing to the overall ominous look of the symbol.)
Chief George glanced down at the corpses again.
"I'll find you," he muttered under his breath. "I swear."
...
Queens Villa
Later that night, Lucas Mason sat alone in his dimly lit villa. His demon mask lay discarded on the table beside him. Only the moonlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the room.
Lucas gazed at his reflection in the mirror, then at the demon mask. His expression flickered with uncertainty.
He recalled his rampage earlier that night: punishing the robbers at the Hyatt hotel, stringing up muggers in Brooklyn, even tossing an arrogant driver into a trash can in Manhattan. The demon mask had given him a sense of freedom, power, and control.
But now, with the mask off, that feeling was gone.
Suddenly, Lucas wondered if he had changed, starting tonight when he put on the demon mask.
But was that change good or bad?
He picked up the mask and covered half his face, smiling faintly as the demon in the mirror seemed to smile back.
[total villain value is: 8,011.]
Perhaps he truly was destined to be a Devil.
.
.
.