Chapter 27

"Hey, have you heard? There's a gunfight happening at the East District Police Station right now!"

"Sigh, this isn't the first time. Even the Central Police Station has had riots. What does our situation count for?"

"These incompetent governments can't even protect themselves. How can they protect us?"

Sighs and discussions filled the bar, causing Emily's eyes to widen. Just as she was about to inquire further, John pulled her aside to the wine cellar.

"We're closing up for the day!"

His gaze fixed on the confused girl.

"Why?"

Emily was puzzled.

"Because the police station has been breached today!"

A familiar voice came from the door. Dan rushed over to John and Emily, his face full of urgency.

"The East District Police Station has been breached. Today will be a carnival for those criminals. We need to close up and lie low!"

Dan spoke quickly, his face a mixture of anxiety, urgency, and fear, making him look extremely complicated.

John gave him an approving glance.

Returning to the bar, they realized that others seemed to have had similar thoughts. Many customers had already left on their own.

With Emily announcing the temporary closure, the remaining patrons quickly understood. In just a moment, the once-crowded bar was empty. Emily struggled to pull down the heavy shutter, and just when she couldn't manage, a pair of large hands grasped hers, easily pulling it down.

Blushing slightly, Emily tried to calm her racing heart as John swiftly pulled her up to the second floor.

He quickly brought Emily to her room, ensuring she was safe before speeding out of the room again.

"Hey?"

Emily's bewildered expression flickered for a moment.

Locking the door behind him, John glanced at the hallway's surveillance camera, one he had installed with Emily's knowledge.

His urgency was because he had something important to do. Watching the news of the police station breach, his expression darkened. After a quick change into a loose black robe, he stepped outside, only to be met by a group of people standing at the door.

"John, where's Emily?"

Dawson, looking serious, faced John, accompanied by seven armed men. They cautiously observed the hurried passersby.

"I told her to stay in her room!"

"You've got good instincts!"

Dawson patted John's shoulder, glancing at the slightly ajar window on the second floor where a small head quickly ducked out of sight. He let out a small sigh of relief.

"Uncle Dawson, why don't you stay in the bar?" John suggested, stepping aside to let them in. Dawson and his men settled at the bar, pouring themselves drinks. John closed the door, feeling slightly more at ease.

Inside the bar, Dawson's gaze grew deep as he watched John leave. One of his men, puzzled, asked, "What's that guy doing outside at a time like this?"

"Drink your drink. Maybe he has something to take care of."

"Got it, boss!"

"John!"

From an alley across Emily's bar, Dan poked his head out, looking anxious.

"John… Can you save George?" Dan's face was filled with uncertainty and hope as he looked at John, who was running calmly. His tone was tentative.

"George?"

A trace of confusion appeared on John's face, then Dan handed him a photo of a smiling middle-aged man in a police uniform.

Nodding slowly, John thought for a moment, then spoke to Dan, "Please take care of Emily. If anything unusual happens, let me know immediately."

Dan's pupils shrank, his lips trembling slightly. The next moment, his suspicions were confirmed.

John removed his clothes, donning a loose black robe, and pulled a black mask from a hidden spot. Wearing the mask, he became a shadow, appearing before Dan, who was now trembling.

John patted Dan's shoulder, quickly slipping a card into his chest pocket. Seeing Dan's shocked expression, John couldn't help but smile. The next moment, he was a blur, weaving through the streets.

"Wow! The Judge!"

"Oh my god!"

Exclamations rang out as more people noticed the shadow darting through the crowd.

Some were scared, some overjoyed, and others showed admiration. Unknowingly, they followed John towards the direction they thought was the most dangerous—the East District Police Station.

Dan slapped himself awake, his face ecstatic.

"Oh my god! The Judge is actually my friend! I guessed right, woo-hoo!"

His plump body jumped up, his face filled with fervor and excitement.

Pulling out a black card from his pocket, he saw it was semi-transparent, with a thumb-sized tube filled with red liquid. The card's surface bore a word: "Trial!"

Dan noticed tiny text at the bottom of the card: "Please apply blood every three days!"

This was John's plan. He aimed to change this chaotic city, starting with his own business card. From the dimension shop, he had acquired a worm, which he had placed inside the card. As a Primordial, John could sense and control the worm, understanding the surroundings through it.

Excitedly, Dan tucked the card into his chest pocket. Though he didn't fully understand its significance, he valued his friend's trust.

The plump figure deftly moved through the crowd, booking a room in a hotel overlooking Emily's bar. He opened a window, keeping an eye on the bar.

He vowed to ensure Emily's safety and promptly inform John of any issues.

On the street, more people followed John as he sped up, pulling away from the crowd. Yet, despite the distance, many continued running towards the police station.

John's lips curved slightly, pleased with the effect.

Hearing faint gunshots, John's pupils contracted. With his enhanced vision, he saw a group of masked individuals entering through a broken door in the distance.

(End of Chapter)