Broken Oaths, Burning World

Chapter 3: 2: Chief Wen-Li



At 5:00 AM, in the Shin-Zhang Corporation Center Underground, Agent-90 sits silently in the interrogation room. In the adjacent observation room, Wen-Luo, Ren Li, and Di-Xian analyse him through the glass. Wen-Luo, raising an impressed eyebrow, says, "He's different from the others—highly skilled with deadly moves."

"He's a dangerous man," adds Ren Li, adjusting her long hair.

"I told you," says Di-Xian, glancing at them both.

Ren Li nods. "No matter how much pressure the government and the head of SSCBF put on us, with Agent-90's help, we can stop the Sinners and outlaws."

Wen-Luo lights a cigarette and exhales slowly. "Not just them. The real culprits are the ones behind the 'Motherboard.' They're the ones terrorising society, the ones who give rise to outlaws and Sinners."

"Who?" Ren Li frowns, confused.

Just then, Wen-Luo's phone rings. Seeing it's Commander Krieg, he sighs in irritation and answers the call. Krieg's angry voice booms on the other end, "Chief, where are you?"

"What is it, Kreig?"

"It's about Lao Xiao Lang. He's been found dead in his office, apparently from an explosion. All his men were killed in the hallway."

"I'm on my way!" Wen-Luo replies tersely.

"Is Ren-Li with you?"

"She is."

"Good. See you soon." Krieg hangs up.

Ren-Li steps closer to Wen-Luo and touches his arm. "Why don't you tell him the truth?"

"If I tell him, it won't change anything. The President and others won't listen. When the outlaws or Sinner's act, they respond, but when it's the eliet, they turn a blind eye," he says bitterly, turning to Di-Xian. "That's why we created this secret organisation. If we can't handle the cases that remain unsolved, they will."

"Don't worry, Chief. Everything is under control," Di-Xian reassures him with a smile. "With the help of my agents, you have nothing to fear."

Wen-Luo and Ren Li bid her farewell and head to their destination. In the car, Ren Li is lost in a flashback, reliving the tragic memories of her past with her daughter, Wen-Li.

"Are you alright?" Wen-Luo asks, noticing her distress.

"Yes, I'm fine," Ren Li replies, though the haunting experience of loss weighs heavily on her mind.

Wen-Luo, sensing her unease, hands her a bottle of water. She takes a sip to calm herself.

At Duo-Chen Warehouse, Captain Robert Voreyevsky and his team analyse the scene of carnage. Blood stains the floor, and the bodies of the Riots gang are scattered around, brutally slaughtered. Yang Xiao Lang's corpse is slumped against the wall, blood pooling from his body and head. Robert observes the gruesome scene. "It looks like a professional hit—someone highly skilled. Yang Xiao Lang was shot ten times. And Lao Xiao Lang…his body is burned to a crisp from the explosion. There must be a connection, but who did this, and why?"

As Robert contemplates the scene, Lan Qian approaches him urgently. "Sir! There's something you need to see."

"What is it?" Robert asks, curious.

"We found a secret room in the basement," Lan Qian replies.

"Show me," Robert says, surprised.

When they reach the hidden room, they are horrified by what they find—walls covered with explicit photos of young girls, aged 10 to 18. There are also disturbing videos. Lan Qian, sickened by the sight, rushes outside and vomits.

Robert stands in disgust, piecing the puzzle together. "So, what's the connection between Yang Xiao Lang's death and this?"

As he ponders, his phone rings. It's Gonda Subiuchi. Robert answers the call.

"Where are you?" Gonda asks, cigarette smoke swirling on his end. "How's it going?"

"I'm at the warehouse, working on the case," Robert replies.

Gonda exhales deeply. "It's about Yang Xiao Lang and his father."

Robert, shocked, asks, "How do you know?"

Gonda chuckles. "Robert, we've been cracking cases together for 15 years. Don't you remember?"

"I remember. But do you already know who murdered them?" Robert's voice sharpens.

"Yep," Gonda replies nonchalantly.

"Then who?" Robert asks, serious now.

Gonda's voice takes on a playful tone. "Why would I tell you? If you want the truth, you need to find it yourself." He hangs up.

Frustrated, Robert clenches his phone tightly, almost crushing it. At that moment, Wen-Luo and Ren Li arrive at the scene. Robert notices their arrival as they walk to the basement. Wen-Luo surveys the unsettling scene in silence, his eyes lingering on the bloodstains where Yang Xiao Lang's body had been.

"Captain Robert Voreyevsky," Wen-Luo calls.

"Yes, Chief," Robert replies, sweat beading on his forehead.

"You're wondering who killed Yang Xiao Lang, aren't you?" Wen-Luo asks.

"Yes."

"Don't worry," Wen-Luo says, opening his suitcase. He pulls out a small drone. "This will show us the truth." The drone scans the area, including the spot where Yang Xiao Lang's body had been. It projects a holographic recording of the murder, replaying the scene in vivid detail.

Everyone in the investigation team, including Robert, watches in horror as the footage reveals Yang Xiao Lang and the Riots gang harassing and assaulting young girls. The recording shows Yang and his gang threatening to release compromising photos and videos if the girls didn't comply.

Lan Qian, disturbed by the footage, clutches her chest in shock.

The final part of the footage shows the mysterious assassin—a man in a gentleman's suit, his face obscured in shadows—killing Yang Xiao Lang and the Riots with deadly precision.

"So, who killed him?" Robert asks, bewildered.

Wen-Luo hands Robert a file. "Here. Analyse this."

The file contains detailed reports of Xiao Lang's crimes against society and the government. Robert flips through the pages, speechless.

After a long pause, he says, "Chief, I don't think we need to pursue this case further. Yang Xiao Lang was the real criminal here."

"I told you," Wen-Luo says, a smirk playing on his lips.

"How did you get this evidence?" Robert asks, still in shock.

Wen-Luo exhales. "It doesn't matter how I got it. What matters is how these people use their power to cover their crimes. Isn't that right, Lieutenant Ren Li?" he glances at her.

"Yes, Chief," Ren Li replies firmly.

Robert hands the file to Lan Qian, instructing her to inform headquarters.

As Wen-Luo prepares to leave, he offers Robert a final piece of advice. "Robert, don't just trust what your eyes see on the surface. You have to look deeper. Use your inner eyes." He smiles and walks away with Ren Li.

Just as Wen-Luo and Ren Li enter their car and start driving, a massive explosion engulfs the vehicle, creating a scene of chaos and destruction.

Robert and his team rush to the wreckage, but it's too late. The explosion kills Wen-Luo and Ren Li instantly. The news of their death's spreads rapidly throughout the SSCBF and the city of Nin-Ran-Gi. It's a devastating blow, one that leaves many in shock and disbelief. Both were respected leaders, known for their unwavering commitment to justice in a city ravaged by crime and corruption.

The city mourns their loss. Streets that are usually bustling with life fall eerily silent as the news spreads. Even those who never knew Wen-Luo and Ren Li personally feel the weight of their passing. The couple had been symbols of hope in a city often overshadowed by despair. Their deaths serve as a grim reminder of the risks faced by those who stand against the darkness.

Memorials and vigils spring up throughout the city. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes are left outside SSCBF headquarters, near their home, and in public squares. The outpouring of grief is palpable, with many citizens expressing their sorrow through art, poetry, and music, paying tribute to the couple's lasting impact on the city.

Within the SSCBF, the loss is felt even more deeply. Wen-Luo and Ren Li had been pillars of strength, guiding their operatives through the most dangerous times. Their deaths leave a void that no one can fill. Morale within the force is shattered.

A formal mourning period is declared, with all SSCBF operatives wearing black armbands. The usual energy of the headquarters is replaced by a sombre silence. Even the most hardened operatives struggle to keep their emotions in check.

A massive memorial service is organised, bringing together not only SSCBF operatives but also political leaders, community organisers, and even former adversaries who respected Wen-Luo and Ren Li's dedication. The service is held in a large public square near SSCBF headquarters, a place that had often served as a rallying point during times of crisis.

On the day of the memorial, the sky is overcast, matching the mood of the city. Thousands gather to pay their respects, with many more watching the service broadcast from homes, workplaces, and public spaces. Madam Di-Xian watches while Robert becomes shock as he stand on grave of his Chief were his eyes doesn't shed any tears as for his crew member they are in mourn it shows how they admire Chief Wen-Luo and Ren-Li, as their daughter, Wen-Li, now thrust into the spotlight as the heir to their legacy, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, struggling to hold back tears as she spoke of her parents' unwavering dedication to the city and their love for each other.

She recounted their countless sacrifices, their courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and their deep belief that the city of Nin-Ran-Gi could be saved from the darkness that threatened to consume it. Her words resonated deeply with those present, reminding everyone of the couple's unwavering commitment to the greater good, even at the cost of their own lives.

A moment of silence followed Wen-Li's eulogy, during which the entire city seemed to hold its breath. The silence was punctuated only by the distant sounds of the city—a reminder of the ongoing battle that Wen-Luo and Ren-Li had fought so tirelessly.


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