"Report," Shin commanded, his gaze fixed on the vast grassland beyond the glass wall and the thick woodland stretching beyond that. The lines of his rugged silhouette remained incomprehensible as he awaited the information from his minions; the play of sunlight and shadow adding an aura of mystery to his presence.

"Hindi siya nakapag-bigay dahil nasa ospital daw ang ina, Chief," sagot ni Jon. "Sinubukan din niyang magsumbong sa mga pulis at tumakas."

Hindi sumagot si Shin. Sa halip, ay pumihit ito paharap at nag-umpisang maglakad palapit sa mga naroon. At dahil naka-yapak ito ay walang maririnig na kahit na anong ingay sa bawat paghakbang nito.

Habang tahimik itong naglalakad palapit ay dinala ni Shin ang bote ng alak sa bibig saka inubos ang laman niyon. At habang ito'y papalapit ay unti-unting lumilinaw sa lahat ang anyo nito. And, as always, Shin displayed no emotion on his face—only a gleam in his eyes that sent shivers down the spine of anyone daring to meet his gaze.

Huminto ito sa harap ni Paulo na hawak-hawak pa rin nina Finn at Rusco. Doon lang din nito ibinaba ang hawak na bote.

Dahil sa nanlalabong paningin ay hindi maaninag ni Paulo ang lalaking nakatayo sa harapan nito. Pero alam ng binata na kailangan nitong maghanda at maging alerto.

"Tsk," Shin uttered. Inabot nito ang ulo ni Paulo at inalisan ng dumi— duming nagmula sa sahig mula sa operating room kung saan ito binugbog. "Are you hurt?"

Surprised by Shin Takano's gentle tone, Paulo nodded and teared up.

Pumalatak si Shin at bahagyang yumuko upang salubungin sana ang mga mata ni Paulo. "Can you open your eyes and see me?"

Umiling si Paulo. Ramdam nito ang luhang pumatak sa magkabilang mga pisngi. "Parang awa niyo na... maghahanap ako ng— halagang kailangan ninyo, iuwi ni'yo na ako. Masakit ang buo kong katawan...gusto kong magpahinga," pagmamakaawa ng binata.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Umiling si Shin at marahang tinampal-tampal ang mukha ni Paulo. Pagpasensyahan mo na ang mga tauhan ko kung masyadong naging marahas sa'yo. Mainit ang ulo nila kapag tinatakasan sila" sabi nito sa mahinanong tinig. "Kaya kung ako sa'yo— sa susunod ay h'wag mo nang uulitin ang ginawa mo."

Tumango si Paulo habang patuloy sa pag-iyak. "Hinding-hindi na po. Patawad sa—"

"Do you know why my people get pissed every time a target like you refuses to give us what we want?"

Paulo shook his head as his body quivered in fear.

Shin took another step, bent over, and whispered his next words, Shin leaned over and whispered his next words, "They get pissed because they know I will get back at them for the things you failed to complete. They understand that the target's failures become theirs as well. And their punishments are far more severe than yours. They know that I will punish them so badly that they will long for death. I will punish them until they cannot move a single finger and until they can no longer speak a single word. That's why."

Muling humagulgol si Paulo sa takot nang mahimigan ang babala sa tinig ng leader. "Hindi ko na po uulitin— magbibigay ako sa susunod na araw—"

"Shhh," muling putol ni Shin sa sinasabi nito. Hinawakan nito sa ibabaw ng ulo ang binata at ginulo ang buhok nito. "You poor thing. Tsk. You must be thirsty after what they did to you." Shin tipped his head as a signal for Finn and Rusco to release Paulo.

And when they did, Paulo fell on the floor.

Shin squatted and tapped the young man's shoulder. "Get up. If you can stand by yourself, I will give you a drink."

Sa nanginginig na mga tuhod ay pinilit ni Paolo na tumayo. Maka-ilang beses itong muntikang matumba, subalit pinilit nitong kayanin ang sakit ng katawan para mabigyan ito ng inumin. He was parched from hours of screaming and crying, and a glass of water would surely provide a bit of relief and energy.

Pilit na binuksan ni Paulo ang mga mata upang makita ang daan, subalit nang bahagyang masilayan ang mapanganib na anyo ni Shin Takano ay sandali itong natigilan. Ang takot at pangamba ay muling bumangon.

Ngumisi si Shin nang makita ang sindak sa anyo ni Paulo. Tumalikod ito at nag-umpisang maglakad patungo sa sulok kung saan naroon ang built-in lavatory.

"Please follow me," Shin said calmly.

And Paulo did—in the most painful way. He rubbed his eyes to clear his vision, and when he did, the first thing that came into focus was Shin Takano's broad back inked with a large tiger tattoo. The tattoo almost covered his entire back—and Paulo shivered in fear for an unknown reason.

Unknown reason? No, not really.

Everything about Shin Takano was intimidating. His voice, though calm, carried a subtle threat in every word. The tiger tattoo on his back exuded intimidation. His height, body build, and shoulder-length hair all contributed to a menacing presence. His looks and aura were dominant and formidable, compelling Paulo to lower his gaze to the floor and pray for mercy.

"Come here."

Nang muling marinig ang tinig nito ay saka lang muling nag-angat ng tingin si Paulo. Sa kabilang sulok ng silid ay mayroong naka-install na built-in lavatory at doon naghihintay si Shin. Paika-ikang lumapit sa kinaroroonan nito si Paulo at nahinto ng ilang dipa. Nakita ng binata ang pagpatong ni Shin ng hawak na bote sa ibabaw ng lababo at ang pagbukas nito ng gripo.

Nahinto si Paulo sa harap ng lababo at tiningala si Shin na sa mga sandaling iyon ay blangko nang muli ang ekspresyon.

The other men stayed where they were. They stood there as they crossed their arms over their chests, waiting for a show to watch with a devious grin on their faces.

Shin tilted his head. "Here. Drink up," he said as he scooped a palmful of water from the aluminum bowl. Ang tubig ay patuloy sa pag-agos mula sa gripo at ang tunog ng pag-daloy niyon ay lalo lang nagpa-uhaw sa pakiramdam ng binata.

Paulo lowered his head to take the water from Shin's palm. Pero bago pa man dumikit ang bibig nito sa palad ni Shin ay binawi ng huli ang kamay at gamit ang isa pang kamay at iningudngod nito ang ulo ni Paulo sa aluminum bowl na puno ng tubig.

Paulo struggled, but Shin tactically grabbed his left hand and firmly pinned it behind his back. With his right hand, Paulo tried to remove Shin's hand that was gripping his head— attempting to free himself from the devil. Given Shin's strength and Paulo's weakened state, the latter had no choice but to cave in.

Whilst Shin Takano smirked at the sight. He enjoyed inflicting pain on people— most especially on his targets. Knowing that Paulo tried to defy them just made Shin more pissed and vindictive.

He pushed Paulo's head into the bowl full of water all the more while holding the young man's left hand tightly. And when Shin thought Paulo was finally losing air, he let go of him. Shin stepped back, allowing the young man to move away from the sink and slump down on the floor.

Paulo wept as he pleaded for the torture to stop.

Subalit hindi roon tumigil si Shin. Nagpakawala ito ng malakas na sipa na tumama sa kaliwang balikat ni Paulo. Sa lakas ng sipa na iyon ay sumadsad ang katawan ng binata sa sahig dahilan upang muli itong umubo at sumuka ng may kasamang dugo.

Lumapit si Shin, yumuko at hinila ang kwelyo ni Paulo upang iangat ito mula sa sahig.

"Tumayo ka," mariing utos ni Shin bago ito patulak na binitiwan at muling itinuwid ang katawan.

Kahit hirap ay sumunod si Paulo. Ini-angat nito ang kamay at humawak sa lababo upang kumuha roon ng lakas na makatayo— subalit hindi ito nagtagumpay. Hindi nito nagawang tumayo. Nanatili itong naka-sandal sa pader at naka-upo sa sahig. Muli ay may dugong dumaloy mula sa ilong nito at bumagsak sa suot na uniporme.

Shin took the empty bottle of whiskey from the sink and then put it over his bare shoulder. Then, he squatted in front of Paulo and stared straight into his half-closed eyes.

"Nangako kang magbibigay ng isandaang libo ngayong araw," wari ni Shin sa kalmado subalit mariing tinig. "Sinubukan mo pang takasan ang mga tao ko, at isumbong sila sa mga pulis. Hinamon mo kami, Paulo Coronio. Pagkatapos ngayon ay iiyak ka at magmamakaawa?"

Paulo whimpered in fear.

Shin continued, "Pero patatawarin kita, Paulo." He smirked. "Patatawarin kita at pakakawalan— sa isang kondisyon." His devious smirk disappeared. "Wala kang pagsasabihan kung saan ka dinala, kung ano ang ginawa sa'yo, at kung sino ang may gawa. H'wag na h'wag kong malalaman na lumabas sa bibig mo ang pangalan ng grupo ko— otherwise, all hell will break loose."

Shin's voice changed into something that made Paulo close his eyes. He tried to open his mouth to say something, but Shin beat him off by pushing the empty bottle on his lips to shut him up.

"I am giving you three more days to give us the money. But this time, I want it five times the original amount. I need five million in three days."

Lalong nanlumo si Paulo, at gustuhin man nitong sabihin na hindi nito kayang magbigay ng ganoon ka-laking halaga ay hindi nito magawa dahil naka-diin sa bibig nito ang ilalim na bahagi ng boteng hawak ni Shin.

"H'wag mong idadahilan na wala kang mapagkukunan ng salapi. You are a rich man's bastard, Paulo Coronio. Bakit ka sa tingin mo piniling maging target ng grupo kung wala kaming mahihita mula sa'yo?" Inalis ni Shin ang boteng naka-diin sa bibig ng binata saka tumayo. "Wala akong pakialam kung paaano mo makukuha ang halagang kailangan ko mula sa ama mo, but I want the money in three days. Or else..." Sadyang ibinitin ni Shin ang sasabihin at ngumisi. "There is no point telling you what I will and can do. But this is what I want you to know— kilala ko si Shiella Mendoza at alam ko kung nasaan ang apartment niya. Try to defy my terms and we will get back at her."

Nang marinig ang pangalan ng kasintahan ay pinanlakihan ng mga mata si Paulo. Walang salitang namutawi sa bibig ng binata, subalit sapat na ang takot sa mukha nito bilang sagot na handa itong gawin ang lahat h'wag lang saktan ng grupo ang kasintahan.

Muling napangisi si Shin. "Now, I need you to stand up and start walking to the door."

Pinahiran ni Paulo ang basang mukha bago pilit na tumayo at paika-ikang humakbang patungo sa pinto kung saan naroon at nakaharang ang limang mga kalalakihan.

Subalit bago pa man tuluyang makalayo ang binata ay muling nagsalita si Shin.

"Oh, just one more thing before you go."

Ang akmang paglingon ni Paulo ay nahinto nang bigla na lamang ini-hampas ni Shin sa ulo nito ng hawak na bote ng alak— dahilan upang magkapira-piraso iyon. Muling bumagsak ang binata sa sahig at doon ay tuluyan na itong nawalan ng malay.

Shin closed his eyes tightly, faced up the ceiling, and then took a long, deep breath. After a few moments, he exhaled, and a satisfied smile played on his lips. "Now, I'm happy." He opened his eyes and once again leaned over Paulo. He clapped his hands together before gesturing towards the five men who had been observing from behind the room's door. He signaled Finn to come closer.

"Check his wound," utos ni Shin sa tauhan bago humakbang patungo sa sofa at muling naupo roon. On the couch lay a box of cigarettes, and Shin reached for it, taking out a stick that he casually placed in the corner of his mouth. His long fingers then searched his pocket and finally emerged with an aluminum lighter.

Si Finn na mabilis na lumapit ay yumuko at hinanap ang sugat sa ulo ni Paulo na tinamaan ng bote. "Malaki at malalim ang sugat, Chief."

"Nice," Shin muttered before lighting his cigarette. "Take him back to town and drop him off at the hospital. Make sure no one sees you."

"Naiintindihan namin, Chief," sagot ni Finn bago nilingon ang mga kasama at sinenyasang tulungan ito na buhatin palabas si Paulo. Si Rusco ang lumapit at hinawakan sa magkabilang mga paa ang walang malay na binata.

Itinaas ni Shin ang kamay at ipinaypay iyon sa ere. "Off you go."

Pagkalabas nina Finn at Rusco ay tinapunan ng tingin ni Shin ang pinto ng karugtong na silid. He then looked over his shoulder and saw all his men exiting the door.

"Maiwan kayong tatlo."

Si Jon na susunod na sana sa paglabas kasunod nina Finn at Rusco ay nahinto. Ganoon rin sina Richi at Loyd na nasa likuran nito.

Bago magbigay ng utos sa tatlo ay muling sinulyapan ni Shin ang pinto ng karugtong na silid. "Diyanna, get out."

Dahan-dahang bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa ang babaeng nagbukas ng pinto sa mga lalaki kanina, suot pa rin ang itim na roba at mukhang kanina pa nakikinig mula sa loob. Nakahalukipkip itong lumabas at nahinto sa harap ng pinto.

Shin puffed up the smoke. "Makakaalis ka na rin— I've had enough."

The three men understood what it meant— but Diyanna didn't. She laughed shakingly. "W-What was that supposed to mean—"

"It means I don't want you here anymore. Get out and bring your stuff with you."

Muling nilingon ni Shin ang mga tauhan.

"Richi, give her ten folds before you send her off."

Ten folds. Ibig sabihin ay isandaang libo. They folded their scammed money per ten thousand.

Tumango si Richi at lumapit kay Diyanna saka iginiya ito palabas. Si Loyd naman ay pumasok sa karugtong na silid upang kunin ang mga gamit doon ng babae.

Ang akmang paghawak ni Richi sa siko ni Diyanna ay hindi natuloy nang pumalag ito. Matalim na tingin ang ipinukol ng dalaga kay Shin na balewalang sumandal sa sofa at patuloy na humithit ng sigarilyo.

"I thought we like each other, Shin? Tinanggap ko ang pagkatao mo!"

Ibinuga muna ni Shin ang usok bago sumagot.

"Hindi ko sinabing tanggapin mo ang pagkatao ko. All I wanted from you was the sex. Now that I've had enough, take my money and begone."

Ikinuyom ni Diyanna ang mga palad. "You've had enough? Tatlong araw pa lang simula nang sumama ako sayo sa maduming lugar na ito—"

"And you're lucky enough to stay that long. Some women only lasted for five hours." He took another drag of his cigarette and blew out the smoke. "And here I thought you like it dirty? Now you're complaining."

Diyanna held her head high and clenched her fists all the more. And with a vindictive tone, she spoke,

"I could report you to the police and reveal this place, you know? I have no family to protect— I can do whatever I want without worrying about anything!"

Balewalang nagkibit balikat si Shin. Ang singkit na mga mata'y nanataling naka-pako sa labas ng glass wall.

"I am not scared, Diyanna. Because firstly— you are not going to talk because I won't let you. Secondly, you are not that stupid to do such a thing. Alam mo kung ano ang kaya kong gawin— narinig at nakita mo iyon sa loob ng tatlong araw na pananatili mo rito. How many people have you seen getting tortured here? How many screams have you heard? You have no family to protect, but can you protect yourself from me?"

Doon na nilingon ni Shin ang dalagang matalim pa rin ang mga mata.

"Don't be stupid. I can send you off to the place where other gangs are staying, let them rape and torture you. And I won't even care. I won't even give a damn if your dead body would be seen on the news the next morning." Ngumisi ito ng nakaloloko saka pinatay ang nangalahati nang sigarilyo sa tiled floor. Pagkatapos noon ay muli itong sumandal sa sofa at ipinatong ang mga braso sa sandalan at muling itinuon ang tingin sa labas ng glass wall. "Choose your actions wisely, Diyanna."

Diyanna, understanding the message, walked towards the main door and went out. Mabilis na sumunod si Richi at Loyd na bitbit na ang bag, damit at sapatos ng dalaga na dala-dala nito noong nagtungo ito roon.

"Maiwan na namin kayo, Chief," magalang na sambit ni Jon.

Muling itinaas ni Shin ang kamay at ipinaypay sa ere— a sign of dismissal.

Jon exited the room and closed the door quietly.

Nang maiwang mag-isa si Shin ay tumayo ito at nakapamulsang humarap sa glass wall, how the wind played with the grassland. Sandali itong nanatiling nakatanaw roon, hanggang sa sinulyapan nito ang wall clock na nakasabit sa ibabaw ng pinto ng karugtong na silid.

He took a soft breath before muttering, "I think it's time to go home now."