The Fallen Punisher

In the light of the full moon that faintly illuminated the village, two metallic sparkles danced endlessly in the cold night.

Swish! Clang! Swish! Clang!

The movements caused whistles in the air, while the blows resounded relentlessly to the rhythm of two men charging at each other.

Kayden dodged the blow by advancing in an instant as he struck his opponent's face with the pommel of his sword.

The opponent staggered backward, slashing downward in an attempt to put space between them. Yet, as foreseeing this, Kayden had already moved to the side, tensing his entire body to stab his enemy with a fleeting thrust.

Spurt.

The clash of swords finally stopped as the end of Kayden's sword penetrated his opponent's leg.

"Aargh!" a piercing shriek echoed through the square as he fell to the ground clutching his wounded leg as he unsuccessfully tried to stop the bleeding.

"Wait!" The man pleaded as he tried to stop the bleeding in his leg.

"Why should I?" Replied Kayden, looking at the scene with an icy expression.

"I can give you a lot of money in exchange for you letting me win. I have..." The man's eyes lit up with hope as he saw that he was being heard, "I have stock in many compani-"

Swoosh.

A shimmering silver blade flashed interrupting the man's babbling as it was followed by a thud caused by the fall of his limp body that returned silence to the night sky.

If anyone had been watching, they would have witnessed a scene both fascinating and unsettling. In the middle of the square, a man stood, his sword dripping with blood while the light of the full moon reflected off its blade.

"It's finally over."

He sighed as he gazed at the moon, thinking of all the unpredictable things that had happened in the last few weeks. Everything that had happened still seemed unreal, the product of a bad tale.

At that moment a neutral voice echoed throughout the village, bringing Kayden out of his daze.

[The Trial is over]

[The rewards will be given]

Kayden's body began to fade as he calmly sorted through his thoughts.

***

A month ago.

Beep beep beep.

Kayden turned off the alarm clock and stretched before getting out of bed. He washed his face and started making himself a cup of coffee while listening to the weather forecast on the radio to decide his outfit for the long day ahead.

"Seismic activity has been increasing in the last few days. Large air currents are also being generated, especially over the oceans. Experts believe that these changes are related to global warming... It is recommended to avoid areas such as forests to prevent accidents..."

Kayden listened curiously before settling on a navy blue suit, red tie, and black shoes. Although it was still February he wasn't taking a coat since he was hardly going to be outdoors.

He tidied up the room before dressing and then went to the room he used as an office when he was in the apartment.

Kayden prepared the briefcase for work while gazing proudly at the small library he had built over the years. Reading was one of his main hobbies due to his interest in history and the many captivating figures that filled it, and his collection had no shortage of that.

While he adjusted his favorite watch, his gaze noticed the calluses on his hands, which had become scarred over the years as he continued training martial arts.

Before leaving Kayden looked in the mirror. The reflection showed an athletic figure with a thin scar peeking out from the suit to the side of his neck.

Above it were sharp features, a serene gaze with vibrant blue eyes, and bright blond hair that stopped slightly above his eyebrows.

He stroked his scar briefly and headed for the door.

***

Kayden left the apartment, walked over to the gleaming black car waiting in one of the parking lots, started it, and headed downtown.

He observed the gigantic office complex with a complex gaze while thinking about the last few months he had been working as a prosecutor. 'Why do I keep agreeing with criminals? Can the power of good background really be compared to the one gained by oneself?'

He sighed as he walked toward the building. 'I should resign. My empathy is simply running out after every trial.'

But Kayden knew deep down, the reason he persevered was due to the incessant feeling that appeared in the back of his mind when he thought more rationally as if the world itself wanted him to think as pragmatically as possible. As he strengthened his resolve to understand what was wrong with him, he entered the main building of the complex.

"Hey, Kayden, you're starting with a new trial today, aren't you?" a stout, middle-aged man approached as he greeted him. He wore an austere suit and his hair was starting to go missing.

"Attentive as always Brandon."

'If only when working you put a small part of the effort you put into being aware of others.'

"You know what they say, understanding your co-workers is the first step to improving team efficiency." He recited while flashing a smug smile that would make anyone think they were looking at the Einstein of the 21st century.

"No doubt, no doubt," Kayden replied as he quickly walked away from him.

Kayden entered his office and began to focus on the various documents regarding the trial he had in a few hours as he waited for his barely graduated assistant.

After a few minutes, the door opened, and in walked a young woman in her early twenties, still breathing profusely.

Kayden could practically see her running down the hallway to stop at the door, put on the badge that read "Olivia Miller" and hurriedly smooth her jacket and shirt with her hands before entering her office.

"Sorry, I'm late Mr. Hale."

"That's okay Ms. Miller, I just got here." 'Although you should be the one waiting for me since you're the assistant.'

"Shall I begin by recalling the offenses for which the detainees are charged?"

"Sure, but let's sit down first." Kayden gestured to a chair at the same time he sat down in his.

"Let's see... There are three main crimes for which the two individuals have been arrested. First of all, hacking into the government database."

Kayden stroked his chin as he listened to her. 'Hacking into the database of a world power, there's no denying they have talent.'

"Second, disseminating the private information of several members of the Senate."

'Exposing their corruption to the world, truly a great crime.'

"Lastly, the assassination of three governors, Arizona, Texas, and Nevada," Olivia concluded in a voice with no respect.

'Ridiculous. After living a life full of luxury based on profiting from others, they had barely made any preparations in case any kind of conflict arose. But even more ridiculous is that the citizens they've fleeced for years are the ones lamenting their deaths.'

"Alright, let's get started with the final reviews on the strategy to follow," Kayden picked up a folder, handing another one to his assistant.

***

A few hours later, Kayden took a deep breath, straightened his back, and entered the courthouse.