The rusted door of the abandoned building creaked open, casting a sliver of light into the dimly lit interior. Dadua, his attention still fixed on the terrified girl, didn't notice the intrusion at first. He was too consumed by his own sadistic pleasure, relishing the fear he instilled in his captives. But Ian saw it.
A figure emerged from the shadows, not tall but undeniably imposing, his face hidden in the darkness. Ian recognized the silhouette instantly. It was Levi, his friend—his only friend.
"Levi?" Ian whispered, his voice barely audible, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes.
Dadua and his partner, Chota, alerted by Ian's whisper, turned sharply.
Dadua's cruel smile faltered as he saw the intruder.
"Who the hell are you?" Dadua growled, his hand instinctively reaching for the knife at his belt.
His mind raced with one thought—who would be foolish enough to walk to his hideout in these slums?