As Evan and Ryan arrived on the scene, a deathly chill sent shivers down their spines.
Far away, just outside the courtyard gate, they saw two guards restraining a struggling individual, while another man lay motionless on the ground, a trail of blood leaving from his body.
Recognizing the man lying on the floor, Evan's heart clenched and he screamed, "Rick!"
He rushed through only to hear a loud noise, making him stop in his tracks.
"Sir, please don't come close. Though we have restrained him but who knows what he might do."
The two guards restraining the perpetrator screamed, their voices hoarse as they gasped heavily while trying to pin the man who showed signs of fierce struggle.
One held the arm gripping a gun while the other grabbed the man's neck and arms to lock. The situation was still precarious when suddenly—
BANG!
This time, Evan didn't hesitate and charged, slamming into the attacker with brute force, sending all three of them crashing down. Ignoring the chaos, Evan delivered a swift headbutt to the man's nose, a sharp crack echoing as the bone shattered under the impact. Blood sprayed from the man's nose as Evan pummeled him mercilessly.
The attacker, momentarily freed from the two guards, tried to dodge and flee, but—
Evan surged forward with ruthless precision.
He slammed into the assailant once again, driving the man to the ground with a powerful shoulder strike. As the attacker struggled to recover, Evan's fists started to crash into his face with brutal force, each punch landing with a sickening thud. The man's head snapped back with each blow, his eyes widening in shock and agony.
Evan's movements were swift and deadly.
He delivered another powerful headbutt to the man's nose, a sharp crack echoing again as bone shattered under the impact and blood spurted from the man's nostrils, his face contorting in agony. With a feral snarl, Evan's fists continued their assault, each punch driving the man further deeper into a state of suffering.
The assailant's eyes bulged with pain, his screams choked off by the onslaught. His body twisted and convulsed with each hit, a look of sheer torment etched deeply into his face.
Despite the man's struggle, the guards quickly regained control and seized his hands. With Evan holding him down, the guards dismantled the gun and broke his arm.
CRRRRKRKKKK
"ARGHHHHHHH!"
The man's agonizing scream pierced the dead night. However, Evan kept punching, driven by a fury he couldn't control.
What should have been a joyous night of celebration with New Year's songs playing in the background was now drowned by the sound of panic and screams.
"Evan, stop it...He will die...Just stop it..."
Ryan shouted, rushing forward to grab Evan from behind, trying to pull him away.
His condition was already worse since he had been shot near the heart and needed urgent treatment. The nearest hospital was at 15 minutes, but the car got caught in fucking heavy traffic and all those shit. By the time they arrived and the doctor operated, it was already late.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the mansion was utterly grim.
Seeing everyone's sorrowful expressions, Evan couldn't help but laugh around, "What a way to begin the year.."
"I don't think we will ever encounter such a memorable start."
Everyone felt a chill at the eerie way Evan laughed. They could already see deep sadness in their eyes.
No one... No one expected things to turn out like this.
Evan had been slowly recovering from his gloomy self, and if today's events had gone as planned, followed by the festive celebration, they were sure that Evan would have returned to his normal, happy self. Alas...
Elina tried to approach Evan and speak something but her mother held her back.
"I think it's better if you all should leave..."
"Evan, how can..." Celina shouted in panic, but her words were cut short.
"Aunt Celina, this place is dangerous. Moreover, your lives are at risk and your presence only makes the situation more precarious. I know how to fight, but you don't, so you are..."
Evan didn't finish, but everyone understood his words.
Evan's words were unspoken but clear—they were a burden, not a help.
Reluctantly, Celina, Aria, Maria, Sam, and little Elina prepared to leave. Each of their faces showed hesitation and sadness.
While leaving, Celina's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at Evan. "Stay strong, Evan. We'll be back as soon as things are safer."
Aria, her face pale, clutched Elina's hand tightly. "We'll come back when it's over. Please... be careful."
Maria glanced at Evan, worry etched on her face. "We'll miss you. I hope you can find some peace."
With an expression a mix of anger and sorrow, San added, "This isn't the end, Evan. We'll be here for you when you need us."
As they left, the heaviness in their hearts was weighed down. Each step was marked by reluctance and deep concern for Evan's well-being, their faces reflecting their fear for both their safety and Evan's future.
Ryan, who was the only one left, turned towards Evan, "Should we hand him over to the police?"
Evan, sitting on the stairs with a deadpan expression, stared at the clock.
"No... I need to do something first."