Public Execution  

"The good die young, while the wicked live forever."

Tuco and the "One-Eyed Man" were barely alive when they arrived at Green River Town due to the toxicity of paraquat and the exhaustion from the return journey. But now, after being pelted with slops, gravel, and all kinds of disgusting trash by the townsfolk of Green River Town, Tuco and the "One-Eyed Man" seemed more spirited than ever, no longer looking sick and listless as before. Magnus Valorion knew that Tuco and the "One-Eyed Man" were at the end of their rope, and their current vitality was nothing more than a flash before death.

The townsfolk of Green River Town had spontaneously set up a shaded canopy by the bustling street for Magnus, placing a judge's table there. Magnus took out a curved knife stolen from The Crimson Vultures, placed it on the table, then sat in a large chair, and ordered a soldier to bring over his old brass megaphone. When the sun was high at noon, Magnus drew the curved knife with a clang and struck it heavily on the stone pavement. A thunderous sound exploded among the crowded masses.

"Bring the criminals, Tuco, the leader of The Crimson Vultures, and his lieutenant, the 'One-Eyed Man'!" The crowded masses instantly parted, forming a path. Four robust men escorted Tuco and the "One-Eyed Man," bound like dumplings, to the platform. Tuco, at the forefront, was relatively docile, offering no resistance. In contrast, the "One-Eyed Man" at the rear constantly struggled, trying to speak even with a cloth stuffed in his mouth.

Magnus cleared his throat, had the canopy above his head removed, picked up the brass megaphone, and shouted, "Gentlemen, ladies, and victims of The Crimson Vultures, kneeling before you are the two leaders of The Crimson Vultures. Listen as I recount their crimes." The crowd, initially noisy, fell silent, suppressing their excitement to listen to Magnus.

"On Shadowpeak Mountain in Willowbrook Town, there is a fortress named The Crimson Vultures. This fortress harbors a gang of bandits, led by the kneeling Tuco. Tuco gathered 318 bandits, reigning over the mountain, frequently descending to loot and pillage, causing untold suffering to the townsfolk."

"Shadowpeak Mountain is within the jurisdiction of Willowbrook Town, and technically, I have no authority there. But upon learning that these bandits from The Crimson Vultures had also plundered and killed people from Green River Town, I could not stand idly by."

"Who am I? I am your Mayor and Sheriff, responsible for maintaining order in the town and protecting the townsfolk from evildoers. You are all my people. How could I stand by while you suffer under the oppression of these bandits?"

The townsfolk, hearing Magnus' self-praise, did not think he was exaggerating at all. Many even felt that Magnus had not fully accounted for his contributions. Compared to previous incompetent officials who only knew how to tax and oppress the people, almost everyone felt that Magnus was the best official, though he came too late. Some even thought, "Magnus could be our Mayor or even the Emperor of the Great Latium Imperium, and we would not object."

Magnus continued his self-praise with the brass megaphone, "A few days ago, I led fifty brave men from Green River Town to fight the bandits of The Crimson Vultures in a fierce battle. Despite the bandits numbering over 300, our fifty men, each capable of fighting ten, defeated them, leaving no survivors and capturing their two leaders."

The townsfolk, hearing about the victory, were thrilled. An elderly farmer, almost toothless, gave a trembling thumbs up and said, "Our Mayor is truly mighty, a hero among heroes!" The surrounding townsfolk also gave thumbs up, shouting in unison, "Mayor, you are mighty, a hero among heroes!"

Kneeling on the platform, Tuco was resentful. It was not a fair fight but a sneaky attack with some strange poison. Tuco wanted to curse Magnus as despicable before he died, but with his mouth gagged, he could only writhe in pain.

The executioner kicked Tuco's tailbone, causing him great pain, his tears telling of his agony. Indeed, when Magnus and his men attacked, they had swiftly targeted Tuco, while others fought fiercely. Magnus slightly embellished his story but the outcome remained unchanged. After all, the defeated have no voice, especially those like Tuco, who committed numerous crimes.

Magnus passed the brass megaphone to those oppressed by Tuco, allowing them to recount their suffering. After about ten or twenty people spoke, more townsfolk were eager to testify. Seeing this could go on forever, Magnus took the brass megaphone and pronounced the final judgment on Tuco and the "One-Eyed Man."

"The crimes of The Crimson Vultures could fill countless scrolls! Apart from these two, all other bandits have been executed by me and our brave townsfolk. Today, I will behead Tuco and the 'One-Eyed Man,' showing the world the fate of those who harm my people!"

With that, Magnus threw the curved knife to the executioner, who immediately pressed Tuco and the "One-Eyed Man" onto a large stone block. There was no mercy, no last meal. The executioner swiftly beheaded them with two clean cuts, their heads rolling into prepared bamboo baskets.

Tuco, who had harmed countless with this very knife, now met his end by it. "As you sow, so shall you reap!"