CHAPTER 45: JUSTICE HAS ARRIVED

The City Guard ran wild through the streets, storming into every business listed as having violated the law. The punishment was absolute death, not just for the owners, but for every single worker involved.

It was no longer merely about crime or law but rather it was a message etched in blood. If one participated in crime whether it be direct or indirect then they would face the same fate as those who masterminded it, no leniency and no mercy.

Justice had taken a new form. Not restrained by bureaucratic chains or political favors. It was now swift, unrelenting, and above all final.

The news spread like wildfire, igniting every corner of the city’s dark underworld. The world of crime awoke to the sight of thousands of heads on pikes.

Men who had committed crimes without any help, they were those who preferred to work alone instead of being part of any groups. Some weren’t even known to the major factions, but their deaths sent a clear message that no one was untouchable anymore.

Even more shocking was the follow-up report of businesses indirectly owned by Zorthar and the brothels run by the Lutis clan were being targeted, seized, and purged in the centre region of the City. This was no random sweeping of crime but it was an orchestrated cleansing.

For the common people, who had lived for years in terror under these cruel factions, it felt like divine retribution.

For the first time in decades, hope pierced through the blood-soaked streets. Maybe, just maybe, they wouldn’t have to live in fear anymore.

But inside the criminal syndicates, that hope was a curse as in a dimly lit room deep within a hidden base, Prestor who was one of Zorthar’s most executives was losing control after hearing the news of many criminals who got killed.

"What do you mean our hired killer got beheaded?" he roared, throwing a heavy chair across the room. It shattered against the wall with a loud crack.

"I’m sorry, boss," one of his men stammered, "it’s not just him. Apparently, thousands of them got executed. Their heads are on pikes in the street."

"Yeah, boss," another goon chimed in, trembling, "I saw it myself. It’s... terrifying. Feels like the new Baron is some kind of demon worshipper or something."

"Fuck!" Prestor growled, pacing aggressively. "This is bad. We needed those killers for discretion. Is anyone still alive? Anyone he didn’t touch?"

The entire room fell under a deep silence since it was clear that the majority got killed by the Baron at this point.

No one had an answer, until a sharp knock echoed through the hall. One of the men opened the door and stepped aside as a mercenary entered with the insignia on his collar marked him as one of the mercenaries who guards the Zorthar family manor.

They were one of the most well paid forces under Zorthar since these trained men with considerable experience were now guarding a manor and other important possessions of the family.

"Executive Prestor," the man said bluntly, "The Big Boss wants to see you now."

The urgency in his voice was undeniable and Prestor didn’t protest. Orders from the Zorthar patriarch were absolute. As they moved swiftly through the back corridors, one of the goons leaned toward Prestor.

"Something big happened," he muttered.

Prestor narrowed his eyes. "What is it? Did Lutis declare war?"

"No... worse." the goon responded.

The Zorthar family had always been obsessive about their businesses but money wasn’t just power, it was sacred. Even if a small stall was attacked, their wrath would be swift and absolute.

"The Baron," the man said, "He’s ordered the City Guard to confiscate all businesses owned directly or indirectly by Zorthar in the central district."

Prestor grabbed him by the collar, lifting him with rage burning in his eyes. "If you’re lying, I’ll rip out your tongue."

"I’m not," the man gasped. "Why would I lie? The intel comes from our own network."

Prestor didn’t let go. "What exactly happened?"

"The guards entered... Executed all workers. Took control... No survivors..." the goon explained while trying to overpower his grip on his collar.

Prestor’s grip tightened before he shoved the man down, pacing again like a caged animal. "He... that brat... killed our useful tools and now he’s taking what’s ours?!" he spat. "Ours?"

The corridor fell silent. "I’ll kill him," Prestor muttered, his voice low and murderous.

The man tried to calm him, but Prestor wasn’t done. He turned, fist cocked and drove it straight into the man’s chest. A sickening crunch echoed as ribs shattered inward, impaling the heart and lungs. The man collapsed, coughing blood.

"Fuck you," Prestor snarled, kicking the dying man again. "Fuck him. Fuck the Baron. And fuck this entire city."

Meanwhile, the Lutis clan was also in turmoil since their brothels, their prostitutes and customers, had been struck directly by the City Guard under the Baron’s direct orders.. It wasn’t some squad as Frejlurd had led the raid and he hadn’t spared a soul.

But unlike Zorthar, Lutis focused their rage not at the Baron but at the City Guard. To them, it was Frejlurd who led the charge and personally killed many of their own. So they wanted to make them bleed as revenge.

Back in the heart of the city, Frejlurd entered the City Square which was now cleared of the thousands of heads that had once spiked its perimeter. He and his men were greeted by something they had never received before as it was the joyous applause from the civilians.

Citizens flooded the square, clapping, cheering, even crying in relief. Their faces were weary but shining with hope. They cheered the uniforms of the City Guard, not with fear or disappointment but with admiration.

Frejlurd looked around, overwhelmed by the response. He had expected anger, horror, even silence. But this? This was acceptance, the people now believed in them.

"He was right," Frejlurd muttered to himself, remembering Estefan’s words from days earlier as he was told that the people would believe in them after they fulfill this order given by Estefan and now they did.

He clenched his fist, standing tall before the people. He had no regrets as Estefan’s methods were brutal but undeniably effective and for the first time, justice didn’t wear a blindfold instead it wore armour, carried a sword, and had blood of the lawbreakers on its hands. Justice has finally arrived in this City after a long time and everyone was enjoying the moment.

[To be Continued]