Chapter 22: Clash of Authority

The sun had barely risen when Olutola found himself in the heart of Victoria Island, reflecting on the events that transpired the night before. Zhang Wei was now in the custody of the authorities, but Olutola knew it was only a matter of time before another threat emerged.

As he walked down the bustling streets, the familiar sounds of Lagos filled the air—car horns, street vendors shouting their wares, and the hum of everyday life. He felt a sense of normalcy returning, but it was quickly interrupted.

A police patrol car screeched to a halt beside him. Three officers stepped out, their eyes scanning Olutola with suspicion.

"You there! Stop right now!" one of the officers barked.

Olutola paused, turning to face them. "Is there a problem, officer?" he asked calmly.

The officer, a burly man with a stern expression, approached him. "We've had reports of suspicious activity in this area. You match the description of someone we're looking for."

Olutola raised an eyebrow. "Suspicious activity? I'm just walking."

The officer wasn't convinced. "You look like a yahoo boy to me. Hand over your phone and any ID you have."

Olutola sighed inwardly. He knew how this game worked. The Nigerian police had a notorious reputation for harassing and extorting citizens, especially those they suspected of being involved in cybercrime.

"I'm a licensed hunter," Olutola said, showing them his hunter's license. "I don't think you have any reason to detain me."

The officer glanced at the license, then sneered. "Hunter or not, you're coming with us for questioning."

Olutola's patience was wearing thin. He could sense the growing tension among the onlookers. Whispers and murmurs spread through the crowd.

"Isn't that the guy who took down that huge beast?"

"Yeah, I heard he's really strong. Why are the police bothering him?"

Olutola took a deep breath, trying to keep his composure. "Look, officers, I don't want any trouble. But I'm not going anywhere with you."

The burly officer stepped closer, his hand reaching for his baton. "You think you're above the law? You think you can just do whatever you want?"

Olutola's eyes hardened. "In this case, yes."

The officer swung his baton, aiming for Olutola's head. But Olutola was quicker. He caught the baton mid-swing, his grip like iron. The crowd gasped.

"Let go!" the officer demanded, trying to pull the baton free.

Olutola held firm. "I suggest you walk away now, before things get ugly."

The officer's face turned red with rage. "You'll regret this, boy!"

Before the situation could escalate further, a shadowy figure materialized beside Olutola. It was one of his shadow soldiers, summoned in an instant.

The officers stumbled back, eyes wide with fear. "What the hell is that?"

Olutola didn't answer. He released the baton and took a step forward, his shadow soldier mirroring his movements. The crowd was now fully invested in the scene, their excitement palpable.

"You think you can scare me with your tricks?" the officer blustered, but his voice wavered.

Olutola's gaze didn't falter. "This isn't a trick. It's a warning. Leave me alone, and I won't have to show you what real power looks like."

For a moment, it seemed like the officer might push further. But the fear in his eyes betrayed him. He took a step back, then another, before finally turning and retreating to the patrol car. The other officers followed, casting wary glances over their shoulders.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Olutola's reputation had just taken another leap forward.

As the police car sped away, Olutola felt a tap on his shoulder. It was Adebayo, looking impressed.

"Man, you sure know how to make a scene," Adebayo said with a grin.

Olutola shrugged. "Just another day in Lagos."

They made their way to a nearby suya stand, the smell of grilled meat filling the air. As they waited for their food, Adebayo's expression turned serious.

"So, what's next? We got Zhang Wei, but there's bound to be more trouble coming our way."

Olutola nodded, taking a bite of the spicy, succulent meat. "We stay vigilant. The stronger we get, the more enemies we'll attract. But we've got each other's backs. That's what matters."

Adebayo chuckled. "You always know how to stay cool under pressure. Must be the Igbo."

Olutola laughed. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just knowing that no matter what comes our way, we'll be ready."

As they finished their meal, Olutola felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges were far from over, but with his growing power and the support of his friends, he was ready to face whatever came next.