CHAPTER 001- Started Off Ruthless

A loud scream echoed throughout the entire building after the man wielding a broad and long piece of wood delivered three consecutive strikes to the legs of the helpless victim. The successive powerful blows nearly shattered the young man's bones who had no other choice but to cry out and scream in pain.

However, despite the victim's loud cries, no one came to his aid. Their location was an abandoned hospital in a remote area surrounded by lush grass and dense vegetation—a few miles from civilization.

The abandoned hospital was last occupied in the '80s. The owner incurred losses and abruptly left the building, heading off to Europe—leaving behind hundreds of patients and staff. One by one, doctors, nurses, and patients departed the place until the hospital was completely deserted.

During the '90s, due to the tormented screams that could be heard from within the abandoned hospital, people would spread rumors that it was haunted.

People passing through the area would think that those screams were coming from the souls of the unfortunate patients who died in the hospital. Little did they know that those screams were actually coming from living people, being tortured by a certain group of thugs.

Yes. The abandoned hospital was later used as a hideout of the ruthless gang called The Titans.

In that building, the group conducted torture on their victims or targets. Some individuals who happened to pass by the area, getting lost and making wrong turns, often heard desperate cries for help emanating from within. Aware that the hospital had long been abandoned, most people would hastily retreat, never daring to return.

The rumors about vengeful spirits of patients in the abandoned hospital spread throughout the town, preventing anyone from attempting to go there— which was convenient for the gang.

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Once again, a loud scream vibrated throughout the entire first floor as the man with long hair and a robust build struck the young man's legs once more, causing him to vomit with blood.

He was barely conscious, having endured a relentless beating from four men for almost an hour, yet he still managed to crawl on the floor. His battered eyes were half-closed, his lips swollen, and his nose broken. It was certain that in the coming days, he would be unrecognizable, as the men beating him were determined to shatter his face.

"Enough... Please, enough!" Paulo cried out, the young man who had been continuously beaten by the group. He was twenty-one and in his final year of college. He was a student at the most prestigious university in the city of Yllanas, coming from a family of entrepreneurs.

The man wielding the striking wooden object stood tall, smirking. He placed the wood on his right shoulder and circled Paulo, who lay battered on the ground.

"You knew the consequences for not paying up. But it seems you're not afraid of us." He lowered himself, bringing his face close to Paulo's bruised one, and said, "We just want to make sure you understand that we're not to be trifled with, Paulo. We tend to get so vindictive sometimes..."

The young man wept again. His once pristine white uniform was now stained with blood from his nose and dirt from the dusty floor.

"My... My Mom is sick and in the hospital. W—We need money, and—"

Paulo was cut off, unable to finish his sentence, as another man from behind kicked his back. 

Once again, the young man's loud cry echoed throughout the entire building.

"Loyd, Richi, that's enough," said the man who had been watching the four assailants from the shadows. He then leaned against the side of the open door and added, "You might end up killing him."

Loyd, the man with the wooden weapon, glanced at Jon-- the guy who stopped them. Loyd smirked, spat on Paulo, before stepping away.

"You were just saved by the bell, you fucking bastard," Loyd declared, delivering another kick to the young man's arm. He then headed towards the door, casting a glance at Jon.

"We're not getting anything from this faggot, Jon. Let's just dispose of him. We've searched for this asshole for a long time, and now he says he's got no money. He's just wasting our time."

Jon ignored Loyd's suggestion and shifted his gaze to the two others in the room, Rusco and Finn. 

"Rusco, Finn, grab him. Let's haul him upstairs. Chief wants to have a word with the target once he's had his 'lesson'." Jon said the last word with a cold and calculated demeanor, suggesting a more ominous intention behind it.

Rusco and Finn stood up from the old treatment table and went over to Paulo, who was now quietly crying. They grabbed him forcefully by both arms, making him stand and cry out in pain. Since Paolo couldn't walk on his own, they dragged him out of the room.

In the hallway of the former hospital, strewn with broken medical equipment, stretchers, and IV stands, Finn and Rusco dragged Paulo towards the elevator. They had converted the abandoned hospital into their hideout, ensuring the elevator was functional for their use. 

Generators powered the electricity throughout the two-story building, and they had cleaned and fixed the old water tank to provide a water supply for the hospital.

They repaired everything that needed to be reconstructed because the abandoned hospital wasn't just a simple hideout for them. It was also their second home.

The hallway and all the rooms they used as sleeping quarters were equipped with installed fluorescent tubes. The former hospital cafeteria had also been cleaned and converted into a kitchen and dining area for over fifty members of the gang.

On the first floor, you could find the cafeteria and the recreation room where everyone gathered for meetings.

The large operating room on the first floor served as the site for all the torture activities. The entire floor was often filled with screams and pleas from the targets.

Only those three areas on the entire first floor were kept clean and well-maintained. The rest of the spaces were filled with debris—old and damaged medical equipment, stretchers, and remnants from previous patients.

On the second floor were the former private rooms for patients and doctors' offices. Currently, some of these had been arranged and cleaned for use as sleeping quarters by group members who wanted to spend time in the hideout—and occasionally used as makeshift cells for their abducted targets.

Yes— they did kidnap-for-ransom sometimes. They did all possible crimes— except rape and murder. The leader didn't want to go down to raping women and killing people. At least for him, those were taboo.

On the second floor of the abandoned building's west wing was an exclusive area, off-limits to everyone unless summoned. This section housed the former office of the hospital owner and the old medicine stockroom. Currently, in that part of the building, they stored their arsenal, drugs, and all the money they had extorted from their targets.

In the west wing, one could find the private room and the so-called 'office' belonging to the leader of the gang. This 'office' served as the leader's exclusive domain whenever he felt the need to impart a lesson to a gang member, usually in response to a failure or betrayal within their ranks.

This room was shrouded in mystery, as it was where the leader took charge of disciplining the group members. Whenever someone misbehaved or was suspected of betrayal, they would be summoned to the leader's 'office' for judgment. Remarkably, no one had ever witnessed the leader's method of punishment. It remained an enigma, adding an air of fear and uncertainty among the group members, who were left to imagine the severity of the consequences issued by their elusive and formidable leader.

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As Finn and Rusco entered the elevator, carrying Paulo, Loyd, Richi, and Jon quickly followed suit. Due to their large builds, the small and cramped elevator became almost overcrowded and uncomfortably warm.

Paulo attempted to open his battered eyes but found it impossible. Blood flowed from a wound on his forehead due to the beating, and it entered one of his eyes, causing him to endure the stinging pain. His strength was rapidly fading, and all he desired was to curl up in a corner, waiting for the pain to consume him entirely.

Paulo gradually felt a sense of escape, as if slipping away.

Then, he heard the elevator door open, followed by the two men dragging him out once again. After a few moments, they all came to a stop in front of a door with a large cloth covering its front part-– a cloth with a print of a fierce tiger. Above the image was the name of the group—Titans. 

Paulo's fear intensified. The door seemed to mark the entrance to a realm defined by the gang's dominance and power, and at that very moment, he grasped the chilling possibility that he might not come out of it alive.

Jon knocked on the door and spoke, "Chief, we're here with the target."

They waited for over a minute— until a woman— naked from her waist up, opened the door for them. The only thing that was covering her slender and curvaceous figure was a black lace panty. Her medium-sized breasts were flaunting in front of all the guys who tried to look away.

Of course— who would dare look at the gang leader's woman?

Jon stared directly into the woman's eyes. He pointed his thumb towards Paulo, who was being carried by Finn and Rusco from behind. "We were told to bring him here."

The woman glanced disinterestedly at the bloodied young man before finally opening the door and turning away.

She stepped towards the white leather sofa, strategically placed with its back to the entrance and offering a view through the glass wall. She reached for the black robe hanging on its headrest and put it on.

The men remained standing outside the door, observing as the person they came for sat on that very sofa.

The man was sitting on the couch facing the glass wall that was overlooking the grassland at the back of the abandoned building, arms stretched over the headrest, with one hand holding a bottle of whiskey. His shoulder-length hair, neatly tied back, framed his unclothed upper body. 

The woman, after putting on the robe, excused herself with a subtle nod and moved towards the entrance of the next room. The soft rustle of the fabric accompanied her every step. As she entered and closed the door behind her, a deliberate pause followed. It was only then that the five men, carrying Paulo, stepped into the room. 

"Chief," Jon began, offering a brief announcement, "Coronio is here."

The man addressed as 'Chief' moved with seamless precision, rising from his seat. A hushed tension settled in the room as everyone went still, collectively holding their breaths. 

It was none other than the Titans' gang leader— Shin Takano.

At the age of thirty, Shin Takano had already earned a notorious reputation as one of the most dangerous gang leaders in the country. He had brought down numerous rival groups, orchestrating setups that led to their imprisonment and ensuring they posed no hindrance to his operations. Shin had entered the world of organized crime in his early twenties, aided by a friend who was a member of a Yakuza in Japan. This connection played a crucial role in helping him bring down rival gangs.

Shin Takano remained elusive, never caught— thanks to a corrupt police official driven by greed. This officer received a monthly allowance from the gang to safeguard its operations against the law, ensuring that none of the members— especially the leader— would be apprehended.

Whenever there was an investigation related to a crime involving or connected to the gang, this corrupt official made sure to neutralize any evidence that could implicate the Titans. As long as this official retained his position, the gang's security remained intact.

"Lift your fucking head, asshole," Finn whispered to Paulo when he noticed him bowing down to the floor; his entire body limp and seemingly on the verge of losing consciousness.

Shin Takano was standing in front of the glass wall, with nothing on his body but a pair of faded blue jeans. The sunlight streamed through the glass wall, casting his entire form in shadow.

"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 underlings; the play of sunlight and shadow adding an aura of mystery to his presence.

"He couldn't provide it, Chief," Jon responded. "He claimed his mother was in the hospital. He also tried to file a complaint with the police and managed to escape."

Shin didn't say anything in response to that. Instead, he turned around and started walking towards everybody with a bottle of whiskey in his hand. The absence of footwear rendered each step utterly silent, a deliberate and eerie silence accompanying his approach. The air in the room seemed to thicken, adding to the suspense as he approached his men.

As Shin walked in silence, he brought the bottle of alcohol to his lips and emptied its contents. With each step he took, his form became clearer to everyone. 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.

Shin stopped in front of Paulo, still held firmly by Finn and Rusco. He lowered the bottle he was holding in the same spot, right in front of Paulo.

Due to his blurred vision, Paulo couldn't make out the man standing before him. However, the young man knew he had to prepare himself and stay alert.

"Tsk," Shin uttered. He reached for Paulo's head and wiped away the dirt, and in his calm voice, he asked,. "Are you hurt?"

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

Shin leaned down slightly, attempting to meet Paulo's eyes. "Can you open your eyes and see me?"

Paulo shook his head, tears streaming down both cheeks. "Please... I'll find the amount you need. Just... Just let me go. I wanna go home now. My whole body hurts... I–I just want to rest."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Shin shook his head and gently tapped Paulo's battered cheek. "Apologies for my men being a bit rough with you. They tend to get hot-headed when someone tries to escape." He then ruffled Paulo's hair before adding, "So if I were you—I wouldn't repeat what you did."

Paulo nodded. "N-Never again, sir. I'm sorry—"

"Do you know why my people get pissed every time a target like you refuses to give us what we want?" Shin asked, interrupting the young man's words.

Paulo shook his head as his body quivered in fear.

Shin took another step, 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."

Paulo sobbed in fear upon hearing the leader's warning. "I won't do it again—I'll give you the money in two days—"

"Hush," Shin interrupted again, placing his hand on Paulo's head and ruffling his hair once more. "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 to 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."

With trembling knees, Paulo struggled to stand. He almost stumbled several times, but he pushed through the pain in his body to get a drink. He was parched from hours of screaming and crying, and a glass of water would surely provide a bit of relief and energy.

Paulo strained to open his eyes, attempting to see the way, but upon catching a glimpse of the menacing figure of Shin Takano, he froze momentarily. Fear and apprehension surged once again.

Shin grinned as he noticed the terror in Paulo's demeanor. He turned away and began to walk towards the corner where the built-in lavatory was situated.

"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."

Upon hearing his voice again, Paulo carefully lifted his gaze. In the opposite corner of the room, there was a built-in lavatory, and Shin was waiting there. Paulo approached hesitantly, stopping a few steps away. He witnessed Shin placing the bottle he held on the sink and turning on the faucet.

Paulo stopped in front of the sink, looking up at Shin, whose expression had once again become blank. 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. The water continued to flow from the faucet, and the sound of its flow only heightened Paulo's sense of thirst.

Paulo lowered his head to take the water from Shin's palm. But before his mouth could even reach Shin's hand, the latter withdrew it. And using his other hand, Shin forcefully pressed Paulo's head into the water-filled aluminum bowl.

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 evil-person. 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.

But Shin didn't stop. He kicked Paulo hard on the left shoulder, sending him crashing to the floor. This caused Paulo to cough and vomit blood.

Shin closed the distance, stooped down, and tugged Paulo's shirt to lift him from the floor. 

"Stand up," Shin ordered firmly, giving him a push before letting go and straightening himself.

Despite the ordeal, Paulo complied. He raised his hands and gripped the sink to draw strength to stand— but he failed. He couldn't manage to stand. Hence, he remained leaning against the wall, seated on the floor. Once again, blood flowed from his nose, staining his uniform.

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 the young man's half-closed eyes.

"You promised to hand over a hundred thousand today," Shin stated in a calm but firm tone. "You attempted to escape from my men and report them to the police. You challenged us, Paulo Coronio. And now, after all this, you're going to cry and plead?"

Paulo whimpered in fear.

"But I'll forgive you, Paulo," Shin continued, smirking. "I'll forgive you and let you go— on one condition." His devious smirk disappeared. "You won't tell anyone where you were taken, what was done to you, and who did it. Never let my group's name escape your lips— 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 half a million in three days."

Paulo felt more discouraged, and even if he wanted to express that he couldn't afford such a huge amount, he couldn't do it because the bottom part of the bottle was pressed against his lips.

"Don't use the excuse that you have no source of money. You are a rich man's bastard, Paulo Coronio. Why do you think you were chosen as one of our targets if there was nothing to gain from you?" 

Shin removed the bottle pressed against Paulo's mouth and stood up. 

"I don't care how you'll get the amount I need from your father, but I want the money in three days. Or else..." Shin trailed off and started grinning again. "There is no point telling you what I will and can do. But this is what I want you to know— I know Shiella Mendoza, and I know where her apartment is. Try to defy my terms, and we will get back at her."

Upon hearing his girlfriend's name, Paulo's head lowered to hide the fear on his face. No words escaped his lips, but his action was enough of an answer that he was willing to do anything to keep the group from harming his girlfriend.

Shin grinned again. "Now, I need you to stand up and start walking to the door."

Paulo wiped his wet face before forcing himself to stand. He then took hesitant steps toward the door where the five men were still standing. 

But before the young man could fully distance himself, Shin spoke again.

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

Paulo's attempt to turn around was abruptly stopped as Shin ruthlessly swung the alcohol bottle at the back of the young man's head. The impact shattered the bottle into pieces, and Paulo crumpled to the floor, succumbing to unconsciousness. The sharp smell of alcohol lingered in the air as the room fell silent, with Paulo lying motionless on the cold, hard surface.

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," Shin ordered before stepping towards the sofa and sitting on it once again. 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.

Finn, who quickly approached, stooped down and checked on Paulo. "The wound is large and deep, Chief," he reported after a while.

"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."

"Understood, Chief," Finn replied before turning to his companions and signaling them to help lift Paulo out. Rusco approached and held Paulo's legs as they carried the unconscious young man.

Shin raised his hand and waved it in the air. "Off you go."

After Finn and Rusco left, Shin glanced at the door of the adjoining room. He then looked over his shoulder and saw all his men exiting the door.

"You three, stay."

Jon, who was about to leave after Finn and Rusco, paused. The same went for Richi and Loyd, who were behind him.

Before giving orders to the three, Shin glanced again at the door of the adjoining room. "Diyanna, get out."

The door slowly opened, and the woman who had opened it for the men earlier stepped out, still wearing the black robe. She seemed to have been listening from inside for a while. 

Shin puffed up the smoke. "You can leave as well— 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."

Shin looked back at his men.

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

Ten folds. That meant one hundred thousand. They folded their scammed money per ten thousand.

Richi nodded and approached Diyanna, guiding her out. Loyd, on the other hand, entered the adjoining room to retrieve the woman's belongings.

Richi reached for Diyanna's elbow, aiming to escort her out, but her resistance was swift and adamant. She shot a piercing look at Shin, who remained nonchalant on the sofa, casually puffing on his cigarette.

"I thought we liked each other, Shin? I accepted who you are!"

Shin exhaled a plume of smoke before responding, "I didn't ask you to accept my identity. All I wanted from you was the sex. Now that I've had enough, take my money and begone." 

Diyanna clenched her fists in anger. "You've had enough? It's only been three days since I joined you in this filthy place—"

"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!" 

Shin casually shrugged. His slanted eyes remained fixed on the outside beyond the 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. You know what I am capable of— you heard and saw it during your three days stay here. 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?"

Shin then turned to Diyanna, giving her a menacing look.

"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." He grinned deviously, extinguishing the half-smoked cigarette on the tiled floor. After that, he leaned back on the sofa, crossed his arms on the backrest, and once again focused his gaze on the outside beyond the glass wall.

"Choose your actions wisely, Diyanna."

Diyanna, understanding the message, walked towards the main door and went out. Richi and Loyd quickly followed, carrying the bag, clothes, and shoes that Diyanna brought with her when she first arrived.

"We'll leave you now, Chief," Jon respectfully said.

Shin raised his hand again— a sign of dismissal.

Jon exited the room and closed the door quietly.

Left alone, Shin stood up and faced the glass wall, observing how the wind played with the grassland. He lingered for a moment before glancing at the wall clock hanging on the wall. 

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