Helping in the shadows

Chapter 18

(unedited)

…

The bus traveled down the road and the two men on the opposite side of the aisle seat began to talk with the female passenger sitting beside me.

I could see that the woman is not a snob and would reply to the questions from the two men sitting on the other side. The bus travel would be long but it is the only way to travel to City H as the trains and the planes have stopped coming to that city ever since the gangs and syndicates have taken over it.

The two men seem to be gentlemen as they would talk to the female passenger politely and ask her some questions which would show their 'pure' interest towards her.

However, I just listened to their conversation and nodded my head in compliment of their skill.

If I did not hear their scheme, then I would truly believe that their purpose to the woman is just pure admiration.

The woman on the other hand did not remove her cap and dark shades while talking to them. She told them that she has her condition which's why she could not remove the cap and the shades.

I was also attracted by her words, as I feel that this woman might be telling the truth.

In fact, as I secretly observed, the woman seems to be having some problem with her hair. Then from the side, I could see some discoloration on the lower part of her eyes. This indicates that she seems to be having some problems with her health.

But I did not want to intrude on her situation as we are both strangers. So I just minded my own business and acted like I'm sleeping.

The bus soon came to a stop after four hours of travel.

Since it is already near 6 pm, the bus has stopped near a place where many other buses are parked on the side of the road. Several restaurants could be seen in this part and it seems that there is already a small community living in this place.

I look outside and saw that there are many passengers going to, and from, the other towns are stopping by in this place for food and refreshment.

Many passengers began to alight from the bus as they too wanted to take a break from the long travel.

Meanwhile, the two guys suddenly asked if the woman wanted to go with them. They would like to treat her to a meal.

The woman shyly laughed, and hesitated for a moment, but still due to the gentle persuasion of the two guys, she agreed at the end.

I didn't know what is going on inside her mind, but since I don't know her I won't be a busy body. As long as I did not see any of the atrocities that are going to happen, then I will not act.

I did not go down the bus and just sit in my seat. I am not that hungry, as long as I maintain my Qi level, my body would not feel hunger as my stomach, veins, and internal organs could be nourished by the heavenly energy of Qi.

Suddenly, a group of people got on the bus and began checking the passengers.

When some of the passengers saw those people, I noticed their expression turning pale.

"Hehe… Hello, everyone! My name is Jin! I am your friendly collector for today. I could see that we have many patrons for today. Now, please don't show a panic look on your faces and act calmly." The man named Jin said as he takes out a handgun.

Two others appear behind him and run towards the middle and the end of the bus.

"Now, just hand over your wallets and everything will be alright!" the other two said while also showing their weapons.

I immediately noticed that the other buses are also being besieged by three men with weapons.

"It seems that this is a modus operandi of these people." I thought as he carefully takes out three silver needles from inside my breast pocket.

When the man named Jin walks closer toward me, I showed him a surprised expression on my face. And the man showed a scowl.

But then before he knew it, I already flicked a silver needle on his forehead.

The needle easily punctured his forehead and made the man show a shocked expression on his face. Before his body could fall down, I quickly flick the other two silver needles to the other two guys.

After that, I took out a large scarf under my backpack and wore it on my face.

I immediately take out the silver needles from where I pierced them on their head and left the bus.

As soon as I came down, I immediately, track down the other people trying to take the money of those passengers left inside.

I could even see them checking the bags left inside the bus.

I did not waste my time and began assaulting those people and leaving them paralyzed.

Those who saw me were stupefied, and are unable to do anything out of fear.

I just jump from one bus to another, rendering these people paralyzed.

Though I'm not a saint, I'm also not someone who would just watch when an actual crime is happening. I was given this power and ability; why not use it for good. I will have my revenge sooner or later, and these guys are just practice.

My actions were very quick and my movements are very agile. It only took me 30 seconds, to take down around 9 men who are declaring hold up to three buses.

Since the people inside the bus I am on had seen my backpack, I decided to put it on the baggage trunk of the bus.

Then I decided to go to the restaurant and have a light snack.

Not long later, I could already see a couple of police cars coming towards the area. The unconscious thieves were taken by the police as they ask some questions to the passengers who saw what had happened.

Meanwhile, I saw the woman still wearing her glasses eating at one table with the two men.

I could clearly hear them talking about nothing important.

Suddenly, the woman stood up and walks towards the ladies' room. Then I saw the two men suddenly showing slight smiles on their faces.

I just watch them from afar. When the woman was inside the ladies' room, the two men secretly put on her drinks two pills.

It was done smoothly, that if I am not watching them, then I could not have noticed it.

Not long later, the woman has already come out and this time, she is not wearing the dark shades anymore.

I noticed that she is now wearing heavy and dark eyeshadow. It seems to have highlighted her beautiful eyes which could make one feel enchanted upon looking at them.

As she walks back towards her table, many gazes are directed towards her. Many men and women seem to have been attracted by her at that instant.

But when I saw her eyes, the hair on my body suddenly stands on ends. For some unknown reason, I feel uncomfortable.

'Warning! Warning! Mental attack detected. The system advises closing your eyes.'

A red warning sign got my attention on the lower corner of my sight. I did not hesitate and immediately followed the instruction.

Ever since my time in the forest, I have always heeded the instructions given to me by that thing in my heart. I have full confidence that it would not let me suffer any misfortune or danger if I just followed it.

At first, I was a bit skeptical, but through experiencing life and death in the forest, I have learned to trust its information and warnings.

And now, it seems to have detected that something is wrong with that woman and my instinct is telling me the same thing. Hence, I just closed my eyes and waited.

Suddenly, using my hearing, I heard the woman said.

"Let's go…"

I listened to their footsteps and when they are out of the restaurant, I opened my eyes.

I then shifted my gaze towards the three figures walking at a distance towards a parked car.

The woman is already wearing her dark shades, and when the person in the driver seat seems to have gestured something, she just lowered her shades and I could clearly see an evil smile on her beautiful face.

She and the other two guys with her hop on the car. When I saw one of the guys, I was shocked. This is because that guy now has an expressionless face. It was a great difference from his previous expression of confidence and arrogance.

I could clearly see that man's expression a while ago and upon seeing him now, I could tell that he is not in control of his own mind.

"It seems that those people are in trouble instead…" I muttered as I shook my head thinking that the world is really changing.

You now truly cannot judge a person by his or her looks alone.