Chapter 1: The Day I Got Expelled
==================================================

Leo was just another regular high school kid—slim, good-looking, with a hint of muscle… but not too much. Tonight, he wore a pink polo shirt, black jogger pants, and a pair of squeaky-clean sneakers. His hair was sharp and clean-cut, catching the glow of the streetlights.



It was a restless night in Brooklyn City. The streets buzzed with traffic, neon lights flickered like broken promises, and Leo wandered aimlessly, as if even the sidewalk didn’t care if he existed.



“Damn,” he muttered to himself. “Yesterday I was on stage, winning that Outstanding Student Role Model award, giving a speech in front of the whole school. And today? They just straight-up kicked me out. Expelled. Unbelievable.”



He shook his head and kept walking. People brushed past him, not giving him so much as a glance. He felt like a speck of dust—small, invisible, and absolutely irrelevant.







The Letter



Leo’s mind replayed the moment everything started to spiral.



Earlier that day, around noon, he’d opened his locker and found a letter—more precisely, a love letter. The envelope had a pink heart drawn on it with his name, “Leo,” written on top. He looked left, looked right, made sure no one was watching, then carefully tore it open.



The words inside were so soft and sweet, they almost looked like they were written in perfume.



“Dear Leo,” it read. “I’m just an ordinary girl—quiet, shy, low-key, but beautiful. I’ve been secretly watching you from a distance for a while now. Today, I finally gathered the courage to tell you how I feel. After class today, at 4 p.m., can we meet on the school track field?”







Waiting



By 3:30 p.m., Leo was already at the track field, standing alone. His heart felt light but jittery, dreamy but nervous—like his first love was about to drop out of the sky. Judging by her handwriting, Leo imagined she must be the kind of girl who looked like a scene straight out of a romance movie—long silky hair flowing in the breeze, a crisp white blouse hugging her figure, a short black skirt showing just enough leg to make his heart race, and soft red lips slightly parted as if waiting for a kiss.



Leaning against a lamppost, he scrolled his phone while sneaking glances at everyone who walked by. Some students jogged around the track. A few elderly people walked their dogs.



Not far away, a chubby guy leaned against another lamppost, also glued to his phone.



The guy had long hair brushing his ears, a big nose dotted with visible blackheads, tiny squinty eyes, and an oversized mouth. His lips were puffy, like someone had stuffed sausages under his skin. He wore a pink polo shirt, shorts, and sneakers—almost identical to Leo’s outfit.



Weird… he’s not good-looking, but he seems to know how to dress, Leo thought. Personally, Leo had a thing for pink outfits. If we were in the same class, maybe we could even be friends.







The Confession



Time ticked closer to 4 p.m., and Leo’s nerves went off like alarms. What should I say when I see her? “Hey, how’s it going?” No, too casual. “Hi, how do you do?” Ugh, too stiff.



His brain kept tossing out terrible opening lines. Then he started daydreaming—holding hands with her, watching movies, having dinner dates, checking into hotels, having kids, growing old together. The whole scene played out in his head like a cheesy romantic movie trailer.



But before he could overthink more, the long-haired guy walked toward him.



“Hey, you’re here early,” the guy said.



Leo froze. Wait, what? Why is he talking to me?



“Uh, excuse me… who are you?” Leo asked.



The guy smiled shyly. “Oh, I’m Betty. I’m the one who wrote you the love letter. I’ve had a crush on you for a long time.”



Leo stared at him head to toe. Say what? Is this a prank?Then he noticed something—this guy’s chest… it was, well, huge. Way too big for a guy. And not the elegant, pretty kind of big, but the awkward, over-the-top kind of big—so big that even for a girl. Honestly, it looked uncomfortable—and kinda gross.Oh no… don’t tell me… he’s actually a girl who just happens to look like a guy?







The Wrong Answer



Leo’s whole body tensed. He stared at her, speechless, while she lowered her head, her face turning red, and her hands nervously twisting the hem of her shirt.



“Leo,” she said softly, “I… I like you. Will you go out with me?”



Leo panicked, and the words shot out of his mouth in less than a tenth of a second. “Uh… I don’t know how to say this, but I have to decline politely.”



As the words left his mouth, he felt they were too blunt. He tried to soften it, thinking, Maybe I can say something nice, calm her down…



But Betty didn’t give him the chance.







Betty Loses It



“YOU BASTARD!” she shouted. “No guy has ever dared to reject me! You wanna die?”



Before he could react, Betty grabbed Leo by the collar with both hands and hoisted him off the ground. His legs kicked wildly in the air, looking ridiculously cartoonish—like he was jogging in midair.



“Hey! Whoa, easy!” Leo struggled. “Put me down, alright? No need to get all physical!”



Betty’s eyes burned. “You know… in our school… that guy we call Pighead? He used to be a pretty handsome dude. But two years ago, he rejected me. I beat him so bad he’s now a pig-faced freak. No girl even looks at him now!”



Leo’s stomach dropped. He was so scared he almost wet his pants.“Betty, hey—let’s talk, okay? We can work this out. Just… put me down. I think you’re actually… kinda cute. Your confession just caught me off guard, that’s all. I was… afraid you might be, you know, a player or something like that.”



Betty’s expression softened. A smile crept back onto her face. She gently lowered him to the ground.



“So… does this mean you’ll be my boyfriend?” she asked sweetly.



Leo took advantage of that one split second. He grabbed her shoulders, drove his knee straight into her stomach—bam!



Betty doubled over, foam on her lips, gasping for air.Leo didn’t wait. He turned and ran like hell, not looking back.







Expulsion



By 6 p.m., Leo was officially expelled.The reason? “Sexual harassment of a female student.”The principal who signed the paperwork? Betty’s father.







A New Beginning?



Back on the streets, Leo sighed and muttered, “Guess being handsome is a crime these days…”He walked aimlessly. What now? My school life’s over. I’m basically thrown into the real world. I need to find something to do, make some money.



Then an idea hit him—Should I… join a gang?



As if the universe was listening, he spotted a flyer stuck on a telecom pole nearby. It was a gang recruitment ad, written in messy, wild hand-drawn letters, like something out of an old crime movie.



Leo squinted at it. Maybe this is how my new life starts…


Chapter 2: I Took a Gangster Exam (1)
==================================================

The Flyer



Leo tore down a crumpled flyer that was stapled to a telecom pole, raising an eyebrow at the bold tagline:“Join us. We’ll build you a solid gangster career and make your future shine.”



He smirked. “A gangster career? What is this, LinkedIn for criminals?”



Without thinking twice, he pulled out his phone and scanned the QR code printed on the flyer.A shady-looking form popped up—name, phone, emergency contact… hell, they even wanted a selfie.He filled it all in, and bam—he was booked for an in-person interview.



“Wow,” Leo muttered. “Even gangs go digital these days.”The screen blinked: Tomorrow. 1:00 p.m. Sharp.







Welcome to the Alley



The next day at exactly 1 p.m., Leo arrived at the address—a wide but grimy alley. The stench of rotten garbage hung heavy in the air.



Standing there like some street-level recruiter was Canelo, the leader of the local gang faction.He wore a black hoodie, ripped jeans with holes you could stick your fist through, and a cigarette dangling from his lips.



Lined up beside Leo were five other punks, all around his age. They stood there casually, like they had nothing to worry about, waiting for whatever “interview” this was going to be.







HR from Hell



Canelo stepped onto a cracked concrete step like it was his podium.“Alright, rookies! Welcome to our Gangster Talent Program,” he said with a grin.“You six idiots want to join the gang? Well, congratulations, you’ve made it to the final round of interviews.”



He flicked the ash off his cigarette.“In a few minutes, some random folks will walk by. I’ll pick a target. You’ll jump them.I’m grading you on how savage, how cruel, and how powerful you look when you do it.Each of you will get a score out of 100 points.Get 60 or higher, you’re in. Fail? Go home and practice on your grandma’s purse.”







The Candidates



Leo listened to Canelo’s words and thought, “Well, that doesn’t sound too hard. A stick-up? I’ve seen enough TV to know how this works. Piece of cake.”



He let out a quiet sigh and glanced sideways at the five guys next to him. Each one of them had their own… unique vibe.



One guy was smoking a cigarette like he didn’t give a damn about anything.Another was chewing gum so aggressively he managed to blow a bubble big enough to cover half his face.One of them had a face completely covered with pimples, and another had a giant booger hanging under his nostril.The last guy had two fingers pinching his nose, like he was reminding everyone that something in this alley seriously stinks.



Leo sniffed the air. Yeah, something’s definitely off.He turned his head toward the stench—and there it was, a nasty pile of dog crap on the ground.



But hey, to avoid traumatizing the readers, we’ll just call it “the pixelated object” from now on.



Canelo’s sharp eyes caught sight of the guy pinching his nose.“Look at you,” he muttered, tilting his head. “Can’t even handle a little stink?”



Without warning, Canelo stepped forward and swung a brutal kick straight at the kid’s face.WHAM!The poor guy flew a few meters back, hit the ground hard, and was completely out cold.



Canelo spat on the ground, shaking his head.“Can’t even stand a whiff of bad smell—how the hell are you supposed to be in a gang? Pathetic. Absolutely disgraceful.”







The Targets Appear



Canelo checked his phone, exhaled smoke, and murmured, “It’s about time.”



At that very moment, two people simultaneously stepped into the alley from opposite directions.



From one end shuffled a hunched old granny with a cane. Her wrinkled face looked like she must be at least 100 years old.From the other end came a young woman in a red spaghetti-strap top and white shorts—slim, toned, and beautiful enough to make heads spin.







Susan and the Exam



Leo’s jaw dropped. Wait… Susan? My old classmate Susan?! What the hell is she doing here?



A wave of panic hit him. I can’t rob her. How do you even mug someone you know? What am I supposed to say—“Hey Susan, remember me from math class… now give me your wallet”?Just the thought made him cringe. It felt way too personal, way too awkward.



Canelo smirked and pointed at her. “Alright, boys, show me what you got!”



The crew started swaggering toward her like a low-budget gangster parade. Leo’s pulse spiked.“Uh, boss… don’t you think robbing the granny would be, you know, easier?” he blurted, hoping to steer the attention elsewhere.



Canelo’s grin faded. He lowered his voice to a near whisper, his tone suddenly deadly serious—as if he didn’t want the old granny to overhear.“That old lady… don’t be fooled. She’s a hidden master. You see that cane she’s holding? That’s not a cane—it’s a blade. A real sword.”



He narrowed his eyes, his voice sinking even lower.“If you try to rob her, I’m afraid you won’t even make it home to see your parents. She’ll slice you into pieces right here in the alley. Even I… I wouldn’t dare claim I could beat her with a hundred percent chance of winning.”



The five punks felt a chill crawl down their spines, and cold sweat poured down their faces like crazy.



“Okay… let’s go, boys!” Canelo barked.



The five punks immediately staggered toward the young woman—Susan. Leo quietly walked behind a taller guy, trying to blend into the group and hide himself.



Just like that, the real exam had officially begun.


Chapter 3: I Took a Gangster Exam (2)
==================================================

A Familiar Face



Leo, looking awkward and restless, tried to hide behind the tall guy next to him, as if shrinking into his own shadow. But Susan spotted him instantly. Her eyes lit up, surprised to see a familiar face in such a strange and tense place.



“Hey, Leo! What are you doing here?” Susan called out, her voice sharp but warm, carrying a mix of curiosity and excitement. “I heard you got expelled from school. What happened?”



For a split second, Leo’s chest tightened. He forced an awkward smile, though inside, panic was already brewing.







Suspicion Rising



The other four guys immediately turned their heads toward Leo, their expressions shifting into suspicion.“You know her?” one of them asked, narrowing his eyes.



Leo’s pulse skipped. He glanced at them, then at Canelo—silent, observant, like a judge waiting for his answer.“Of course not! Why would I know her? Look at her—she’s obviously a student. Me? I don’t even go to school,” Leo blurted, shaking his head so fast it was almost cartoonish.



Susan’s smile froze, her brow furrowing as a hint of confusion flickered in her eyes.







The Wrong Word



Susan blinked, trying to make sense of Leo’s odd reaction. What’s wrong with him? Did he hit his head or something? Or did getting expelled mess him up this badly?



Leo drew in a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and forced himself to look tough, like this was part of a script he didn’t fully understand. Then, with sudden bravado, he shouted at the top of his lungs:



“Hey! You over there! We’re here to… r@pe you!”



The moment the word left his mouth, time seemed to stop. Oh crap… I meant rob, not that! Leo screamed inside his own head, his face paling. For a moment, everyone froze—Susan, the punks, even Leo himself were stunned by what had just come out.







An Unexpected Admiration



From a distance, Canelo paused, his mind processing what he had just heard. Did this kid seriously just say that?



Yet, instead of getting mad, something about Leo’s sheer absurdity impressed him. As ridiculous as the words sounded, they carried a strange, fearless energy. What a guy! he thought. This kid’s got guts—maybe even the potential to be a real gang boss someday.



Canelo rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowing in curiosity, studying Leo as if he’d just uncovered a raw but dangerous talent.







Chaos Erupts



Susan’s face turned pale as the five men started closing in. She instinctively backed up, crossing her arms in front of her chest.“What are you doing? Stop! Help!” she screamed, her voice cutting through the air.



But the four punks didn’t hesitate. One slapped her across the face, another kicked her legs, a third rammed his fists into her stomach, and the last swung his arm against her back. The harsh sounds of hitting seemed to echo in the stillness.







Leo’s Dilemma



Canelo frowned, shaking his head at the sloppy scene. What kind of amateurs are these? They’re supposed to be robbing, not just beating her like idiots. You take the money first—if that’s not enough, then you swing.



Leo, standing a few steps behind, froze like a block of ice. He knew Susan too well. She wasn’t just some random girl; she was someone who had shared classrooms, stories, and laughter with him. The thought of punching her twisted his gut.



Still, he needed to do something to prove he was “trying” in this absurd test. So, with trembling hands, he reached into Susan’s pocket and pulled out a small wad of cash.



To Canelo, this move was pure brilliance. This kid’s got the instincts of a pro. What a talent!







The Hesitation



Susan’s cries pierced the quiet air. Her body trembled, her face swelling, but she kept yelling, “Help! Somebody help me!” Her voice carried far, bouncing off the walls of nearby buildings.



And yet, the beating continued. Even the punks seemed confused about why they were still swinging.



Leo clenched his teeth. He raised his fist, gripping it so tight that his knuckles turned white. He swung it halfway forward—then froze, his arm stiff like stone. He pulled it back slowly. He just couldn’t do it.







Desperate Measures



From the corner of his eye, Leo noticed Canelo watching, rubbing his chin like a hawk sizing up prey. Why does he look at me like that? Leo thought, panic creeping in. He knows I can’t even hit Susan. He thinks I’m weak. I’ve failed this test.



His chest tightened. I gotta do something—anything—or I’m done here.



Frantically scanning the ground, Leo spotted it—a foul, dingy, pixelated-looking object, like a broken 8-bit relic that didn’t belong in reality, radiating a disgusting stench. Without thinking, he crouched, grabbed it, and charged forward.



Susan was still crying when Leo shoved the filthy, pixelated object into her mouth and clamped his hand over it, as if that would somehow prove his resolve.







Shock and Betrayal



Canelo’s eyes widened. OMG, this guy just did something I couldn’t even think of doing—something I’ve never done before.



His shock shifted into respect. What a natural-born gangster!



The four punks froze mid-punch, their faces blank, staring at Leo as though he had gone insane.



Susan’s face contorted with pain and disbelief. Her tear-streaked eyes met Leo’s, filled with confusion, betrayal, and a crushing sense of “Why?”—as if everything around her had shattered in that instant.



Then, still choking on fear and humiliation, she accidentally swallowed the pixelated object. With a faint gasp, she collapsed to the ground.







The Exam Ends



And just like that, today’s live “interview” was over. The five guys walked off, not a scratch on them—Susan had never fought back—heading home like students waiting for their test results.



Susan, meanwhile, was left lying on the ground, her body bruised and swollen, looking like she had been tossed aside like a broken doll. Her hair was a tangled mess, her face so swollen and disfigured that even her own mother wouldn’t be able to recognize her. Her breath came in shallow, uneven bursts.



To them, the chaos wasn’t personal. It was just another bizarre exam, and Leo’s fate now hung in the balance.






Chapter 4: I Got My Gangster Exam Results
==================================================

The Summons



The next day, all five of them got the same message—some through text, some through a shady phone call:



“Come to HQ. Your results are out.”



By noon, the five boys found themselves standing awkwardly in a surprisingly upscale office. Marble floors, leather couches, glass walls—And the kicker? It was inside a shopping mall.



Leo glanced around in disbelief.“Damn… never thought a gangster HQ would look like this,” he muttered.



“Damn!” Pimple Guy blurted. “I thought gangster HQs were in some shady basement!”



Jessica Appears



Just then, someone stepped out.



She wore a black spaghetti top, short ripped jeans, and boots. Her high ponytail swung behind her. She was tall and gorgeous—but serious.



“You’re not wrong,” she said with a smirk. “Some gangs hang out in basements. But not us.”



She looked around.“This mall is our turf. Every shop here pays us protection money. You’re basically in our living room.”



Without hesitation, she walked to a podium. She tapped the mic twice, then leaned in and said, “Check, check. Can you all hear me? Good.”“Hey everyone. I’m Jessica. I’ll be announcing your scores today. I’m a senior gangster here.”



The guys exchanged looks. “Senior gangster” sounded both cool and terrifying.



Jessica cracked her knuckles.“Some of you passed. Some of you… better not cry.”



Four of the boys were barely holding it together.Pimple Guy bit his nails.Leo stood frozen.Smoking Guy twitched.Gum-Chewing Guy chomped louder, chewing his anxiety.



Booger Guy?



He leaned back, zoned out.



“I don’t know about the score… but I definitely wanna score this chick.”



His eyes locked on Jessica like a sexual fantasy made real.Meanwhile, the others were silently praying for mercy.



The Rules



Jessica explained, “Your base score’s out of 100, based on how you performed during the interview—your reactions, attitude, potential.”



Then she raised a finger.“This year, we added a 30-point bonus—for appearance. We’re expanding fast and honestly just need more bodies. Oh yeah, and lucky for you guys, we’re making it a little easier to pass.”



Leo blinked.“What?”



She nodded.“Looks, vibe, overall presence—it all matters.”



The Scoring Begins



Clipboard in hand, she read:



“First up… Gum-Chewing Guy.Interview: 40. Bonus: 15. Total: 55.Fail.”



She nodded.“Just 5 points short. Try again after three months—with a new haircut. Your current one sucks.”



Gum-Chewing Guy’s big gum bubble popped right then and there, splattering all over his cheeks and nose like a failed science experiment. He stood in sticky silence for a second, then muttered, “Man… I knew I should’ve combed my hair into a middle part. Or even full-on Super Saiyan.”



“Next… the Smoking Guy. The name? Hugo.”Interview: 40. Bonus: 20. Total: 60.Pass.



Hugo let out a loud whoop, raising his fist high in the air like he’d just won the lottery. “Oh yeah, baby!” he shouted, grinning from ear to ear.



Jessica looked at her sheet.



“Next… Pimple Guy.”



He tensed up. His face was already turning red.



“Interview: 10. Bonus: 0. Total: 10.”She gave a half shrug.“Fail. Big time.”



The room erupted.



“Ten points?! Bro!”“I don’t think anyone’s beating that!”



Pimple Guy blinked away tears. Leo felt a little sorry… and a little relieved.



Jessica glanced at the clipboard.



“Next… Booger Guy.”



He sat up straighter, casually picking at his nose.



Jessica read it aloud:



“Interview: 10.Bonus: minus 20.Total: negative 10.”



She raised an eyebrow.“Congrats. First applicant ever to get a negative score.”



Booger Guy’s face twitched.“Negative ten?! Are you kidding me?!”



He lunged toward her, hand out—



But she moved first.



In a flash, she dropped low, hands on the floor, legs flying up.



Double kick. Right to the gut.



BOOM.He flew backward and crashed into the chairs in the back.



Out cold. The booger still clinging to his nose.



Jessica stood, brushed herself off, and said:



“Jesus Christ… for the love of everything sacred—can someone please tell that man to wash his damn face? That booger’s been hanging there for months… you can tell just by the color.”



Two security guards walked in without a word.



They picked Booger Guy up, hauled him outside, and dumped him in a trash pile like expired food.



Leo’s Turn



Jessica looked at her list.



“Next… Leo.”



His heart almost stopped. Every nerve in his body went tight. He didn’t blink. He didn’t breathe.



She looked up, smiling.



“Leo. Wow. Surprise of the year.”



He blinked.



“Interview: 100. Bonus: 25. Total: 125.”



She whistled.“What the fuck. That’s insane. Congrats.”



She gave him a playful salute.



“Welcome to the crew.”



Welcome to the Gang



Leo and Hugo officially joined.



No fanfare. Jessica handed them the folders herself.



Inside:




A handbook



Gang’s history



A coupon for a free massage




Leo flipped through it, still trying to process everything.



Jessica said,“Take it home. The job starts next week. Don’t be late.”



They left in a daze, folders in hand—two proud new gangsters.



Leo glanced at the sky.



He had no idea what came next.



But one thing was clear:He passed.


Chapter 5: I Got Wrecked at the Mall
==================================================

A Week of Nothing



Leo still had a whole week before starting his new job.Seven days of pure nothingness.He wandered the streets, bored out of his mind, and drifted into a shopping mall just to kill time.



He spotted a tiny booth selling phone cases and stepped in—and, surprise of the century, the shop owner turned out to be his old classmate.White T-shirt, short denim shorts, long legs, shoulder-length hair, glasses.Yeah… a total knockout.







An Awkward Reunion



“Christy?!” Leo blurted out. “What the hell—what are you doing here? You own this place?”



Christy chuckled. “Nah, this is my dad’s booth. I’m just helping him out today.Hey… I heard you got expelled. You okay? What’ve you been up to?”



Leo wasn’t about to tell her he’d joined the local gang.He scratched his head and mumbled, “Eh… nothing much. Just taking a break, maybe looking for work here and there.”



Then Christy leaned in and said, “Oh, you know Susan? She got jumped on the street. Ended up a total vegetable. She’s still in the hospital.You heard about that?”



Leo froze for half a second.Yeah… that was him. Him and his “buddies”.



He forced a laugh. “Oh, wow, no, I didn’t hear. Crazy, huh?Gangs are wild these days… hope nobody shoves, like, a pile of crap in her mouth or something.”



Which was hilarious, in the worst way—because Leo was the guy who had done exactly that.







Trouble Arrives



Christy gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth.“What?!” she said. “Gangs these days shove crap in people’s mouths? That’s… terrifying.Oh my God, I really hope Susan didn’t suffer, like… spiritual damage from that.”



Leo nodded along. “Yeah… me too.”



Right then, a pack of wannabe gangsters yelled from behind them.“Hey! Everybody in here, listen up! Hand over all your valuables, or we’ll beat the crap outta you!We’re here for the money! Did you hear me? We’re here for the money!”







The Flunked Three



Leo spun around—and of course, it had to be them.The same three losers from that “exam.”The ones who flunked.



Gum-Chewing Guy.Pimple Face.And… Booger Guy.



They’d failed the test, couldn’t get into the local gang,so now they’d formed their own “private gang,”basically just three idiots looking for lunch money.



Leo’s stomach sank.The last thing he wanted was for Christy to find out he was in a gang, too.



He quickly called out to them, “Hey! Not this booth. Hands off. I got here first.Go rob somewhere else.”



The three of them burst out laughing.“No way, man! The moment we show up, this place is ours.And if you don’t step aside… we’ll beat you up, too.”







A Ridiculous Fight



Leo knew talking wouldn’t solve anything.Words were useless with these idiots.The best move? Hit first.



He lunged forward, fist aimed at Pimple Face.Blocked.



Before he could react, Gum-Chewing Guy swept his legs out—and Leo hit the floor hard.



He scrambled back up, chest pounding.Great… I’m actually surprised these three idiots know how to fight.They might’ve flunked the test, but their fists are no joke.I’m really gonna die in a mall next to a phone-case booth.And right in front of my beautiful former classmate, Christy. This sucks.



He charged again.



Something smacked into his right side—followed by a tiny boom!



The blast sent him rolling across the shiny mall tiles.



Groaning, he twisted to see the culprit.Booger Guy.



The dude had literally flicked a booger…a booger so strong it exploded on impact.



Leo’s ribs screamed, and for a second he couldn’t even get up.Yeah—he’d just taken internal damage from a flying booger.







The Lowest Point



The three thugs swarmed him.A few kicks and punches later, Leo’s vision blurred, and he went down cold.



On the verge of passing out, the sound of Christy’s whimpering cut through the ringing in his ears.He lifted his head—just in time to see the thug looming over her.



“Leo… help…” she cried.



And then everything went black.



Inside the booth, Christy froze like a cornered animal.Her jeans were soaked—yeah, she’d completely lost control.



The thug burst out laughing.“OMG! She actually peed herself!”



He swept the cash into a bag, still cackling.And then the grin on his face made the whole mall feel darker.What happened next was pure evil—inhuman and unspeakable.And it would haunt her forever.







Aftermath and Resolve



Hours later, Leo finally regained consciousness.Every inch of him hurt, and his body was covered in bruises.



He checked his pocket—of course.His wallet was gone.Great. Robbed on top of being beaten half to death.



He turned his head toward the booth.Christy was huddled in the corner, completely naked, trembling, and sobbing.



Leo crawled over and crouched beside her.“I… I’m sorry,” he whispered.“I couldn’t protect you.Just like last time—I couldn’t protect Susan either.But I swear, one day… I’m gonna beat the crap out of those three.”



Christy just trembled and cried, her eyes empty, like a broken puppet.She didn’t hear a single word.



Leo’s chest tightened.He had to cover up Christy somehow.So he limped to the store next door, waited until no one was looking…and randomly stole an oversized jacket he could find.



He draped it over her shoulders, then slipped out of the mall like a ghost,feeling nothing but the weight of his own weakness.If he wanted revenge… he’d have to get a lot stronger.







Toward the Next Step



Leo lifted his head to the sky and swore,“I’m gonna get stronger… and I’ll make them pay for Christy.”



Vow complete, he poked at one of his bruises and winced.“Shit… they really beat me this bad?”



He needed a doctor.But his wallet was gone.And thanks to getting expelled, his scholarship was gone too.No money meant no hospital.



So he limped around until he spotted a sketchy little clinic in an alley.The front was cracked and peeling, garbage piled up by the door.



He hesitated.“Oh no…” he muttered.But he had no better option.Fine. Whatever.He just needed someone to patch him up before he fell apart completely.


Chapter 6: The Unlicensed Doctor
==================================================

The Shady Clinic



Leo walked up to the shady-looking clinic, a little dazed and unsure of himself.He was about to knock—but the door creaked open on its own, just barely.Inside, he saw a guy wearing an oversized white lab coat.Short. Like, five feet flat. Skinny as hell too.



Then he heard a calm, professional voice say,“No need to knock. Come in. Please.”



The man sounded polite—like, weirdly polite for a place that looked like a place where shady human experiments were being done.Leo gently pushed the door open a little more and limped his way inside.The place smelled like mothballs and old wood, and the lights flickered as if trying to warn him.



He stopped in front of the guy, easily a head and a half taller than him.The short man, despite his size, stood there full of confidence.



Dr. Mildy



“Oh, no need to explain,” he said. “You got into a fight, didn’t you? Came here to get patched up?”



Leo blinked.This guy practically radiated… I don’t know, heroic compassion or something.He hadn’t even said a word yet, and the man already knew exactly why he was here.



Yeah.This had to be a real doctor. A professional. No doubt.



The short man began introducing himself.“Though I probably don’t need to,” he said. “Everyone around this neighborhood knows me. I’m Dr. Mildy.”



“Technically, I’m an unlicensed doctor… but trust me, my skills are top-notch. Nothing to worry about.”



Leo heard the words unlicensed doctor and frowned a little—but still followed him into the exam room.What choice did he even have at this point?



The Secret Ointment



They stepped into the room, and Mildy pulled out a jar of what looked like homemade ointment.He started smearing it onto the wounds on Leo’s body. It was cold. Slimy.Kinda smelled like wet leather and… something worse.



“Thanks, Doc…” Leo muttered.



Then he caught a whiff of the ointment again.It smelled… weird. Familiar.He squinted. Where have I smelled this before?There was definitely… a hint of poop.



“Uh… Doctor, what is this stuff?”



Mildy stayed perfectly serious and professional.“Oh, that’s something I developed myself.Packed with secret ingredients.It heals anything—no worries.”



Leo raised an eyebrow.“Does it have… like… weird stuff in it?”



Mildy didn’t even blink.“Weird? Not really. But yeah, a good portion of it is made from dog feces.By tomorrow, you’ll feel totally fine. Good as new.”



Leo froze.Goosebumps popped up across his skin like a reaction to a horror movie.He stared at the peeling wallpaper and muttered to himself,“Oh my God… is he actually a real doctor or something?”



A Bit of Hope



Strangely enough, Leo suddenly felt the pain in his body start to ease up.Maybe the ointment really worked—even if the ingredients were a little… unconventional.It was gross, but undeniably effective.His legs didn’t tremble as much anymore.



Mildy asked, “Anything else, young man?”



Leo paused for a second.“Doctor… I want to get stronger. Do you know how I can do that?”



Mildy nodded slowly.“Oh, that. Everyone wants to get stronger.But honestly, there’s no real method. It all depends on your talent.”



Leo’s eyes welled up a little.He tried to blink it away, but the tears didn’t listen.



Mildy noticed.



He added, “But you seem pretty talented to me.I bet when you see someone use a move—once or just a few times—you can pick it up real quick.Don’t worry about it, kid.”



Mildy didn’t actually mean it.He just hated seeing people cry in front of him, so he said something to cheer him up.



But Leo took it to heart.What he said felt so real—so inspiring.Maybe it was true.Maybe he really did have a gift.A gift to learn other people’s moves.



Free Treatment



Mildy walked the young man to the door,then pulled out a small box of basic bandage patches and handed it to Leo.



“Stick a few of these on tomorrow,” he said. “You’ll be good in no time.”



He reached up and gave Leo a pat on the shoulder.Well—more like his hand reached the shoulder, because of the huge height difference.



Leo took the box and stepped out of the clinic.He thought to himself,This guy might be unlicensed, but he seems like a decent person.He didn’t even charge me.



He walked back out into the street.The pain was still there—but inside, he already felt as good as new.



The Booger Technique



The sun was low now, casting long shadows down the alley.Leo exhaled slowly.It was like he had just walked out of a different world.



As he walked, Leo started thinking.A few hours ago… that move Booger Guy used—flicking a booger like a bullet…I wonder if I could pull that off.



He stuck a finger up his nostril and started digging around like a madman.After a few seconds of wild stirring, he pulled out a chunky, rock-solid booger.It was dense. Heavy.Felt like the booger had been aging in his skull for weeks.



Huh. So this is what I got from not picking my nose all day.



He took a deep breath, focused all his energy—and flicked it as hard as he could.



The booger shot forward like a meteor.It sliced through the air, whistling as it went—and then—



POP!A tiny explosion, like a firecracker going off.



A few meters ahead, a man suddenly grabbed his face.“Holy fuck! My eye! What the hell was that?!It’s like a goddamn firework exploded in my face!”



Leo glanced at him.“…Oops. My bad.”



Then he quickly turned around,whistling casually like an innocent bystander, trying to act like he had nothing to do with it.


Chapter 7: Should I Go Beggar?
==================================================

Healing Fast, Thinking Slow



Leo healed up fast. Like, suspiciously fast. Barely half a day had gone by, and his bruises were already fading like they’d never been there. Even he found it a little weird. But hey—he wasn’t complaining.



Now he was just wandering the street by himself with no real destination, just drifting wherever his feet took him.



He slipped a hand into his pocket—nothing. Not even a penny.



He sighed. Loudly.



“Shit… what now?” he muttered. “No money, starving… what’s next, begging on the street?”



He looked up.



Just ahead, a few beggars were squatting on both sides of the sidewalk, shaking cracked ceramic bowls and smoking. They looked really chill and relaxed—like they didn’t have a care in the world. Just chilling there.







The Twenty-Dollar Revelation



Just then, a well-dressed woman strutted by—heels clicking, perfume trailing like a movie entrance. She stopped in front of one of the beggars, casually pulled out a crisp twenty-dollar bill, and dropped it into the bowl without saying a word.



Leo saw the whole thing.



He raised an eyebrow.



“Huh… begging doesn’t seem like such a bad gig,” he thought. “Maybe I should give it a try. Just for a few days, you know—before my new job starts next week. Make some quick cash.”



The beggar who got the twenty practically exploded with joy. He dropped to the ground, full-on kneeling, arms out, and slammed his forehead against the pavement—once, twice, three times—each thud so loud, Leo winced just watching it.



“Thank you! Bless you! May you live a long, peaceful life and get rich beyond your wildest dreams!”



Leo blinked. That guy was good. He was putting on a show. Noted.







The Rude Awakening



But the vibe shifted quickly.



A young mom walked by next, holding the hand of her six- or seven-year-old son. As they neared the beggar, the boy leaned in close to his mother like he sensed danger.



She whispered, “Stay close to me. Don’t make eye contact with them. Some of these people can be dangerous. Maybe even crazy.”



The boy nodded. “Okay, Mom.”



But as they passed the beggar, the kid cleared his throat—loudly—and suddenly spat a thick wad of phlegm straight into the beggar’s bowl.



It landed with a wet splut.



The beggar froze, eyes wide in disbelief. Then his face twisted with fury.



“What the hell is wrong with that kid?!”



The boy turned around casually, gave a lazy shrug, and shouted at the top of his lungs:



“Fuck you, man!”







Math Wars on the Sidewalk



The beggar, stunned, didn’t hesitate.



He fired back, “Fuck you twice!”



The kid smirked. “Fuck you three times!”



The beggar roared, “Fuck you ten times!”



“Fuck you a hundred times!”



“Fuck you a million times!”



“Fuck you times Googleplex!”



They went back and forth like that, screaming insults like it was a math competition between two three-year-olds.



And finally, with fire in his eyes and spit flying from his mouth, the beggar shouted:



“Fuck you infinite times!”







Second Thoughts, Violent Results



Leo stood there, watching the whole thing like a man who just stumbled into the middle of a fever dream.



“Damn,” he thought. “That kid’s got serious attitude… His parents must be absolute savages.”



Then he looked back at the beggar.



“Could I really do this? Be a beggar?”



He pictured himself sitting there, day after day, hoping for mercy… only to get spat on by random kids.



“Maybe this gig isn’t as easy as it looks…”



Just as that thought crossed his mind, the boy’s mom suddenly turned around. Without warning, she sprinted back toward the beggar and—no hesitation—leapt into the air like something out of a kung fu flick.



Mid-air, she yelled, “Stop fucking with my kid!”



Then she twisted and slammed a flying kick straight into the beggar’s head.



WHAM!



The force of the kick sent the beggar flying off the sidewalk, tumbling helplessly into the middle of the street. His bowl slipped from his hands and clattered across the asphalt.



Then—right on cue—a delivery truck came barreling down the road.



CRUNCH.



One sickening sound, and it was over.



The beggar was gone. Just like that.



The scene instantly turned unwatchable. If this were a movie, the screen would’ve immediately gone pixelated and censored like some kind of “parental advisory” warning.







Parenting, Apparently



Meanwhile, the mom brushed off her hands, grabbed her son’s hand, and kept walking without looking back.



“Didn’t I tell you not to make so much eye contact with them?” she said calmly. “You never know what these people might do. If you don’t listen next time, I’m not taking you to buy toys anymore.”



The boy nodded. “I know, Mom.”



She smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. “That’s my bad boy.”







Exit Strategy



Leo stood frozen on the sidewalk, eyes wide, a chill crawling down his spine.



“Okay… maybe being a beggar isn’t such a great idea after all.”



Just like that, the idea of becoming a beggar vanished into thin air.



He shook his head, took a deep breath, and turned away from that cursed street.



A few blocks later, he stopped in front of a Cantonese restaurant. The smell hit him immediately—rich, savory, full of sizzling garlic and roasted meats. It was like heaven punching him in the nose.



His stomach growled—so loud that even people passing by turned their heads.



“Oh man… I’m starving,” he thought. “I’m going to eat first, and worry about the money later.”



With zero hesitation, Leo straightened his back, cracked his neck, and marched right into the Cantonese restaurant.


Chapter 8: Dine and Dash
==================================================

The Entrance Act



Leo pushed open the glass door like he belonged there.



“Just act normal,” he muttered to himself. “Pretend you can afford it. Just like another Tuesday.”



He walked in like he owned the place, chest out, chin up. The waiter glanced over, didn’t blink. Good.



Leo sat down by the window and flipped open the menu like a man with a black card and an infinite amount of money in his wallet.



“Lobster combo,” he told the waiter. “Whiskey. Red wine. And throw in the shark fin and abalone too.”



He exhaled and leaned back in the chair. Screw it. Everything’s going to explode soon anyway. Might as well eat like a king on the last day of his reign.



Suspicion and Outrage



The waitress glanced at him, just for a second—but it was enough.



“Sir,” she said cautiously, “you’re ordering quite a lot… I just want to make sure you have the means to—”



She didn’t even finish.



“What are you looking at?!” Leo snapped, slamming the menu shut. “Do I look like someone who can’t pay? Huh? Get that food out here. Now. Or I’m reporting your attitude to your manager.”



The waitress froze. Her face drained of color. Sweat broke out on her forehead like someone had turned on a faucet.



“S-Sorry, sir! I’ll go put in your order right away!”



She vanished toward the kitchen like her job depended on it—which, honestly, it might’ve.



One Last Feast



As soon as the food was served, Leo tore into it like he hadn’t eaten in days.



Big bites. No hesitation.



He’d never tasted anything like this in his life. Shark fin, abalone—stuff he’d only seen on fancy menus and TV shows. It was absurdly good. So good it pissed him off a little. Why didn’t he grow up eating this?



The red wine, though… bitter as hell.



He gave it one more sip, winced, and pushed it aside. “Forget it. Tastes funny.”



In no time, he’d cleaned off almost everything on the table. Not a single shrimp tail left. Just sauce stains and empty shells.



That same waitress came back, cautiously smiling.



“Sir,” she said, “how was everything? Did you enjoy the food today?”



Leo slammed his palm on the table so hard the spoons jumped.



“Get lost!” he barked. “I don’t like being asked stupid questions while I’m eating.”



The waitress flinched. Sweat started dripping again. She didn’t say another word—just turned and walked away, disappearing into the back in front of him.



The Escape Plan



As Leo neared the end of his feast, the creeping thought returned—he had to find a way to escape.



But with several waiters watching the floor, slipping out unnoticed didn’t seem like an option.He tried to stay cool, but his legs were already starting to twitch under the table.



Then, out of nowhere—chaos.



A man from the far corner suddenly bolted for the exit, shoving the door open and sprinting into the street. He’d clearly just finished dinner… and skipped the bill.



“Hey! You didn’t pay! Stop!”Five, maybe six staff members took off after him, yelling as they disappeared into the night.



Leo blinked. He looked around.



Not a single waiter left in the restaurant.



His heart pounded. This was it.



He took the cue.



Without a second thought, he shot up from his seat and made a run for the door.



The Dog-Man Distraction



Leo burst out of the restaurant, lungs full of adrenaline and shame.



Up ahead, he saw the waiters still chasing the other guy—but wait.That guy wasn’t running like a normal person.



He was on all fours, tearing through the street like some kind of wild animal. Like a dog.Leo had never seen anything like it.



But he didn’t have time to process it.



Because behind him, new voices exploded from the restaurant.



“Hey! You haven’t paid!”“You can’t just run out like that!”“Stop right there!”



Leo glanced back—three chefs had joined the chase, all wearing those tall white hats and aprons.One of them was holding a giant soup ladle like it was a weapon.



The Chefs Join In



They chased him for blocks. Leo was fast, but these chefs were relentless.



Then, the one with the soup ladle suddenly slowed down and yelled,“That’s it! I have no choice—I’m using my ultimate move!”



The other two chefs froze mid-sprint. Their faces dropped like someone just announced the apocalypse.



“No! Don’t do it!” one of them shouted.“You’ll kill him! You killed that last guy who tried to skip the bill—remember? It’s not worth it for just a meal!”



But it was already too late.



The Forbidden Technique



The chef with the ladle launched into action.



He leapt into the air, stomped down hard on a low-hanging tree branch, bending it almost to the ground—and then let go.



The branch whipped back like a slingshot, flinging him straight into the sky.



“ANGRY CHEF!” he roared.



He tucked in midair, flying in a perfect parabolic arc like a human cannonball—arms tight, ladle forward, eyes locked on Leo.



He wasn’t a man anymore.



He was a projectile.



Death from the Sky



Out of the corner of his eye, Leo saw it.



Something flying toward him—fast.



OMG. He’s coming straight at me.At that speed? If it hit him, he’d be dead. No question.



Panic surged.



At the last second, Leo side-stepped with a desperate shuffle—just enough.



The airborne chef crashed down right beside him, head-first.



BOOM.



He slammed into the ground so hard that his entire upper body disappeared into the pavement, leaving only two legs sticking straight up like some kind of tragic garden ornament.



Leo stared at the twitching legs for half a second.



Then he bolted again.



Concrete Legacy



And just like that—Leo got away.



He didn’t look back.



The two remaining chefs finally caught up and rushed to their fallen comrade, trying to pull him out of the concrete like he was stuck in quicksand.



They tugged hard.



But all they managed to pull free… was his lower half.



The rest of him had fused completely with the pavement.His face was flat against the ground—like a painting glued to the floor.His face, forever etched into the cement like a bizarre memorial.



No one said it, but it was clear.That was his tombstone now.


Chapter 9: Partners in Crime
==================================================

The Routine



Ever since that successful dine-and-dash at the Cantonese place, Leo had pretty much made it a habit.



Every day: eat, dash, get chased like a maniac.



And every day, it was someone new running after him—chefs, waiters, security guards. He’d hop fences, dodge baby strollers, squeeze between parked cars. He was starting to get good at this.



But the one thing that really stuck in his head?



That guy.



He’d see him now and then—sometimes mid-chase, sometimes just out on the street. The guy would come flying out of some random restaurant, full speed, running on all fours like some kind of urban werewolf.



Hands and feet on the ground. No shoes. Just tearing through the street like a dog riding on the wind. And sometimes, he had a full roasted lamb shank clamped in his mouth like it was no big deal.



Getting Stronger



One day, Leo ran out of a fancy steakhouse. Behind him, a few waiters in tuxedos tried to keep up, but they were quickly left far behind—way too far to keep chasing. Within seconds, he’d slipped completely out of their sight.



Leo stopped running. He knew they weren’t coming after him anymore. He barely even broke a sweat.



Lately, he’d noticed he was way faster. His stamina had leveled up without him even realizing.



Just a week ago, he would’ve been hunched over, wheezing like some old geezer after two blocks.



But now? He barely felt it. No sweat. All those dine-and-dash runs were basically training. His speed and endurance were getting a serious upgrade with every escape.



The Blur



All of a sudden, a scooter came flying down the sidewalk. The delivery guy was staring at his phone, typing away. Leo casually sidestepped, dodging it without even trying. The scooter zipped past and crashed into an old lady a few steps ahead. The guy, the scooter, and the grandma all slid across the pavement like bowling pins.



Leo shook his head. “These delivery guys are out of control,” he muttered. “Can’t they just drive on the damn road like normal people?”



Then it happened again.



A blur shot past him, fast and low to the ground. A strong gust followed, ruffling his hair—and flipping up a girl’s skirt a few feet away. It was the guy again. All fours. Moving like a dog, fast as a bullet train. And just like that, he sprinted straight up the wall of a five-story apartment building like it was nothing.



Leo stood there, stunned. “He’s not climbing. He’s running up the wall.”



Less than a few seconds later, he was already up on the rooftop. He sat at the edge, legs dangling off the side, and casually started chewing on that lamb shank like nothing happened.



Chasing Answers



He stood there for a few seconds, trying to wrap his head around what he just saw. He’d always been curious about the guy—how was he that fast? And seriously, who the hell runs up a wall? Without overthinking it, Leo decided to follow him.



He ran into the building, took the elevator up, walked onto the rooftop—and there he was. The guy had already noticed the footsteps. He turned his head, still munching.



“Oh hey,” he said with a mouthful of lamb, like they’d known each other for a long time. “Didn’t expect to see you up here. What brings you?”



Leo scratched the back of his head. “Honestly… just wanted to ask you something. You kinda blew my mind back there.”



The guy took another bite of lamb. “Fair enough. But first—what’s your name?”



“Oh, right. Leo. I, uh… recently passed the gangster entrance exam. Still waiting on official status.”



The guy grinned. “Nice. Well, congrats. Hope it works out. I’m Norman. No job, no plans. I eat, sleep, chill, take dumps, and watch over the city from up here. I like seeing people come and go. I just sit in the sun and enjoy the breeze.”



Leo nodded, smiling. “Sounds like freedom.”



Norman smirked. “It is.”



The Secret



Then Leo cleared his throat. “So… how do you run like that? On all fours, like a damn animal. And that speed—how fast are you, exactly?”



Norman wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Top speed? I’ve clocked about 150 kilometers an hour.”



Leo froze. “What?!”



Everything made sense now. Every time Norman passed him, it felt like being overtaken by a bullet train.



“How’s that even possible?” Leo asked. “Is it training? Genetics?”



Norman tilted his head, then looked off toward the skyline. “Honestly… probably neither. Not something I trained for, not something I was born with.”



He paused.



“If we get to know each other more, maybe I’ll tell you the full story. But for now—let’s just say I spent a few years living out in the wild. With a pack of stray dogs. At some point… I guess I became one of them.”



Then, without saying much else, Norman held out his half-eaten lamb shank.



“As a gesture of friendship,” he said. “You’re the first guy I’ve talked to in a while. So… here.”



The First Bite



Leo stared at it. The thing had bite marks all over it. Not the most hygienic offering in the world. He hesitated. “Uh… is this okay to eat? I mean, germs and all?”



Norman just laughed. “Germs are overrated. Food was a scarce resource in the wild. We ate whatever we could find—sometimes even rotten animals or carcasses. We never worried about hygiene. See? I’m still alive, right? So no need to stress about it.”



He pushed the lamb into Leo’s hand.



Leo had never eaten someone else’s leftovers before, but… he took a bite. And yeah—it was good. Juicy, crispy, messy, but good. In a few minutes, he’d gnawed it down to the bone.



And that’s when their friendship officially started.



Partners



After that day, Norman and Leo were almost always seen together. They’d meet up, pick a random restaurant, eat until they couldn’t anymore… and then bolt.



Norman would disappear up a wall like Spider-Man. Leo would get chased for twenty blocks by angry staff, sometimes for an hour.



But it worked. They weren’t just friends now.



They were partners in crime.


Chapter 10: The Massage Coupon
==================================================

Prepping for the Big Day



Time passed quickly. Tomorrow would be Leo’s first real day on the job—as an actual gangster.



He walked alone under the night sky, the streets washed in a calm, quiet glow. His legs were sore from all the running. Thighs, calves… everything ached.



Then he remembered the free massage coupon from that weird gangster interview.



He pulled it out of his pocket. “Might as well use it before things get serious,” he muttered. “My legs could use the break.”



He followed the address printed on the coupon and eventually found the place.



It was called Brooklyn Rose Spa. From the outside, it looked a little shady—pink sign, bright neon “OPEN,” and a handwritten note taped to the glass:




“Legit Massage Only. No funny business. Keep your pants on at all times.”




Leo read it and nodded. “Good. I’m not here for funny business. Just need a proper massage.”







The Receptionist



Right then, the door opened. A young woman stepped out to greet him.



She had long, straight black hair, big eyes, and lips with a soft, natural pout. Her pink spaghetti-strap top clung to her in all the right places, and that white mini skirt barely covered a pair of legs so beautiful they didn’t seem real—long, smooth, and curved in a way that messed with physics.



Leo blinked. Legit or not, whatever kind of massage she was offering—he was already into it.



She led him into a small, dimly lit room.



Leo nodded. “Oh yeah, baby. Totally got it.” He was way too excited—and trying hard not to show it.



“Please take off all your clothes except your underwear,” she said. “Call me when you’re ready.”



He undressed quickly, leaving just his underwear. But she was so attractive that… well, his underwear started reacting on its own.



He looked down and muttered, “Come on, behave. Show some discipline.”



He gave the front of his briefs a quick tap, like calming down a jumpy pet.



Then he lay face-down on the massage table, cheeks pressed into the headrest, waiting for her to come back.



Meanwhile, his imagination had already started playing out a dozen R-rated scenarios.







The Switcheroo



“I’m ready,” he called out.



He heard footsteps. Someone walked in, closed the curtain, and gently placed two hands on his shoulders. The massage started. His whole body eased up, like he could actually feel some kind of heavenly touch working its way through him.



The hands moved slow and steady. Strong, confident. His whole body melted.



Leo sighed. “This is exactly what I needed.”



The masseuse reached for the pillow to help him turn over. As she did, Leo cracked one eye open for a quick peek.



Wait. What?



It wasn’t the pretty girl at all. Maybe it never was. Now, standing there in the same outfit, the woman looked like a cruel joke—the pink top and white mini skirt just felt ridiculous on her, like a prank played on the wrong body.



Leo froze.



“Uh… where’s the other girl?” he asked.



She smiled gently. “Oh, she’s just the receptionist. I’m your actual masseuse.”



Leo blinked. He wanted to bolt—but reminded himself, you’re here for a legit massage. Doesn’t matter who she is or how old she looks.



He took a breath and tried to reset his expectations.



“Could you focus more on the thighs and calves?” he asked. “Been running around all week. My legs are killing me.”







Crossing the Line



The woman placed her hands on his thighs and started working up and down. Simple movements. But his body reacted like something electric had touched him.



Goosebumps. “Okay… this is weird,” Leo thought.



Then she asked, “You mean the inner thighs? Like… the inner-inner part?”



Leo tensed up. “No, no, no—just the outside. Outer thighs only.”



But her hands started drifting inward anyway.



Closer. And closer. Like they were ignoring everything he just said—getting dangerously close to the forbidden zone.



Leo shot his hands down to block her.



“Hey—no. I meant below that. Maybe work on the shins instead?”



She paused for a second, then casually moved her hands up to his abs and pecs—real gentle, brushing over them with a slow, flirty touch.



Leo winced. He felt his whole body retreating.



Then she said, “You’re actually my type, you know. We don’t earn much doing regular massages. A lot of us offer extras to make a living.”



Leo raised a hand like he was drawing the line. “I came here for a legit massage. Nothing else. Please… keep it professional.”



She leaned in, lowered her voice, and whispered, “Oh, I am professional. I’m a real pro when it comes to erotic massage. I can take you from heaven all the way back to earth.”







Exit Plan



That was the final straw.



Leo leapt off the table, grabbed his shirt, and in one motion, jumped out the second-floor window to the street below.



“Oh, I can’t take this anymore. I’m done. I need to get out of here while I still can,” Leo muttered. He walked down the block, pulling his pink T-shirt over his head as fast as he could.



Then he stopped cold. He had forgotten his pants.



“You’ve gotta be kidding me.”



There was no way he was going back in there. He looked around. The street was dead quiet. Too quiet.



That’s when he saw them. A few headless bodies dumped near the curb like garbage.



Leo stopped breathing for a second. “What the hell is going on…”







The Man in the Street



He kept walking, more cautious now. Up ahead, a man stood in the middle of the street. White dress shirt, black slacks, leather shoes polished to a shine. Golden-rimmed glasses. Holding a sleek black briefcase.



The man looked up and spoke calmly.



“This is as far as you go.”



Leo squinted, confused. “Say what?”The man replied calmly, “I’m the higher-up executioner from the Humble Organization. My name is Michael. I’m here to execute you.”Leo’s eyes widened. A drop of sweat rolled down his forehead. “What the… Execute me? For what?!”


Chapter 11: Massage Coupon Execution
==================================================

The Execution Threat



Leo stood frozen in the middle of the street, arms stiff at his sides, sweat slowly rolling down his forehead.



“I don’t get it,” he said, voice shaky. “What did I even do? You’re really about to execute me? Like—seriously? What could I possibly have done to deserve something this messed up?”



Michael didn’t answer. He stood sideways—calm, quiet. Then, slowly, he turned to face Leo.



“You just came from a massage place, right?” he said. “And walked out without paying?”



Leo blinked. “Oh… right. But I had a coupon!”



Michael nodded slowly. “Alright. Show me the coupon.”



Leo instinctively reached for his pocket—then stopped. “Oh shit… my pants. I left them at the massage place.”



Michael smirked. “Yeah. Heard that one before. I’ve heard all the stories. You’re not special.”



He stepped forward, raising one hand slowly—flat, steady, sharp. A perfect hand-blade.



“If you don’t have the coupon, that’s fine. Massage was $150. And for wasting my time? Another $150.”



He crouched slightly. “Total: 300 bucks. You pay, you walk. You don’t…”







The Rulebook



With the briefcase still dangling from his right hand, Michael popped it open and, using his left, neatly pulled out a laminated ID and a spiral-bound rulebook.



He held up the ID:Humble Organization – Higher-Up Executioner. Michael L.



Then he flipped open the rulebook and tapped on a highlighted page.“It’s written clearly,” he said. “Anyone who receives massage services and attempts to flee without paying must be executed on the spot. No exceptions.”



Leo’s eyes widened. He suddenly remembered the headless bodies he’d seen earlier on the street. It all made sense now.



He whispered, “Those bodies… those were your doing?”



Michael nodded. “They all thought they could skip the bill after enjoying extra services. They all thought they were clever. They all ended up the same. On the ground. Like garbage.”



He raised the hand-blade again. “I’m giving you ten seconds. Pay up, or I execute you.”



Leo swallowed. He checked his pockets again. Nothing.“…Shit. I’m screwed.”







Booger Attack



Michael had already started counting down.“Ten… nine… eight… seven…”Leo’s brain short-circuited. He had to act fast.Then—an idea.



Without warning, he shoved both fingers up his nose, twisted once, and yanked out two globs of boogers.



Flick. Flick.Two tiny green missiles flew through the air.



Booger attack.



Michael didn’t blink. He gently jerked his head left, then right.Both boogers missed by inches.



BOOM! BOOM!Two tiny explosions lit up the street behind him like New Year’s fireworks.



Leo’s jaw dropped.“…Shit. I’m all out of boogers.”



He turned to run. But he didn’t get far.



Just five meters in, Michael was already there—standing right in front of him.



Leo froze. Michael had simply jumped. A soft, effortless hop… and landed straight in his path.



He raised the hand-blade again. Lowered his stance.



As Michael charged in—fast, almost lightning-speed—Leo’s body just stopped responding.He couldn’t move. His pupils dilated, and in front of him, all he could see was one word:



DEATH.



It felt like his fate had already been sealed.His demise was coming fast, and somehow… he’d already accepted it.



Michael’s hand-blade came slicing down toward his neck.



That’s it. That would be the end of Leo.







Wind Rescue



Then—A gust of wind tore through the alley.And Leo vanished.



Michael blinked.



A blur shot down the street—low, fast, animal-like.



A man.Running on all fours.His mouth clenched around the back of Leo’s pink T-shirt, dragging him away like a stolen gym bag.



It was Norman.



Leo dangled behind him like dead weight. Arms flailing. Mouth open.



Michael stared. His face didn’t change.



He just said quietly, “You again.”



“No wonder. You’ve run out on us so many times. Never paid. Always escaped clean.It’s because of that ridiculous, inhuman speed of yours.I always recognize you. Dog Man.”



Norman didn’t say a word. He paused in front of Michael for one second. Then bolted.



He ran straight up a vertical wall like it was flat ground, dashed over the rooftop—then disappeared from sight.







A Safe Drop-Off



He kept running. Through alleys. Past noodle carts. Across intersections.



He didn’t stop for ten full minutes.



Finally, he reached an open parking lot. Empty. Quiet.



He looked around—then gently set Leo down on the ground.



Leo’s body slumped. Norman glanced down…



His underwear was soaked.



“…Dude,” Norman muttered.



Leo sat up with a gasp. “Am I dead?! Did I die?!”



Norman shook his head. “No. You’re alive.”



“Good thing I got there when I did. One more second and your head would’ve been gone.”







The Real Rules



Norman continued, “You can’t just dine and dash at a massage place. These parlors are owned by the Humble Organization. They’re really strict with anyone who tries to sneak out without paying.”



“Every year, hundreds of people get extra services, think they can skip the bill—and they all end up dead.”



“I’m serious. Don’t do something that stupid again.”



Leo nodded slowly. “I get it. I’m never going to a massage place again. Ever.”He hesitated. “But I wasn’t even trying to skip the bill, it’s just that—this old lady—”He trailed off. It wasn’t worth explaining anymore. He just gave up.







Goodnight, Pal



Norman stood up, stretched his back, and turned to leave.



“Alright then. Goodnight,” he said. “Good luck on your first day of work tomorrow, pal.”



Leo sat there for a while, staring down at his soaked underwear.



Then he finally stood up—and quietly started walking home.


Chapter 12: A Brief History of Google
==================================================

The Bright Start



Leo strolled through the mall with a bright face, clearly in a good mood.In his head, he kept replaying what happened during the orientation earlier that morning.







Meeting the Boss



First thing in the morning, when he stepped into the HQ, he saw a familiar face waiting for him.It was Canelo—the same guy who had interviewed them during the test.Now, apparently, he was their supervisor. Also the faction boss.



Canelo walked right up to him, tapped him on the shoulder, and said,“So this is your first day, huh, new guy? Your performance during the test was impressive.I had a good eye on you.”



Then he looked Leo in the eye and said,“I’ve got high expectations for you. Keep it up. Don’t let me down.”



He handed Leo his first assignment:Scout this shopping mall.Make sure everything’s running smooth.If anyone stirs up trouble—give them a good beating.



And his partner? Hugo.Yep. The smoking guy from the test.







Mismatched Partners



So now, here they were.Leo and Hugo walking side by side through the mall.



Hugo didn’t look too thrilled.He was muttering to himself:“I’m a damn warrior.Why am I stuck in a mall like a stupid security guard?I should be out there brawling in the streets, not patrolling here.”



Leo glanced at him.He could sense the frustration.But honestly? He didn’t care.Whatever, man.He was only here for the paycheck.







Breaking the Ice



The air between them got stiffer by the minute.Even Leo started to feel it.So he figured he should say something—anything—to lighten the mood.



He looked over.“Hugo, right? You smoke like all day long, man.We’ve been walking side by side for a couple hours,and I swear you’ve gone through like ten packs already.I mean, aren’t you at least a little worried about lung cancer or something?Not trying to jinx you, but science says that stuff’s connected.”



Hugo just smirked and said,“Eh. I’m tougher than that.Only weaklings get sick that easy.”







The Collapse



Right at that moment, a couple came walking toward them.The girl was actually kinda pretty—well-groomed brows, mid-length skirt, long legs, and a nice shape.The guy looked like a total basement nerd—skinny, awkward,with that pervy little smirk like he just cleared a secret level in a dating sim.His arm was resting on the girl’s shoulder, but his hand was clearly trying to slide down toward her chest.



The second the guy saw Hugo, his knees buckled.His arm jerked back from the girl’s shoulder like he touched a hot stove,and the next second, he collapsed on the floor.A yellowish puddle quickly spread out beneath him.







The Panic and the Breakup



He let out a panicked scream.“Oh no! Oh my god! That’s Google!That’s the… the legendary… badass Google!What’s he doing here? Please don’t hurt me!”



The girl turned to him with a face full of disgust.“Are you serious?”



Then, without saying another word, she turned around and walked away—pretty much dumping him on the spot.He sat there in a puddle of his own shame, newly single and soaked.







Wait, Google?



Leo leaned toward Hugo.“Wait… did he just call you Google?From the look on his face, you some kind of monster or something?”



Hugo nodded.“Yeah. I saw his school uniform—he went to my high school.Everyone back then knew I was the strongest guy in the whole school.They all called me Google.”



They walked right past the poor guy without even glancing down.Google casually turned around and called out,“Hey, what’s up with you, dude?Make sure you clean up your mess before you leave this mall, okay?”







The High School Story



Then he started telling Leo about his high school days.



“I was the top dog. No one dared mess with me.Until one day, four badass students came for revenge.I had beaten up one of them before.They lured me out behind the gym—four versus one.”



Leo gave a casual nod.“Oh… yeah? That must’ve been pretty scary.”



Google shook his head.“Nah. In a four-on-one situation like that,you always go for the weakest one first.Just keep pounding on him until the others back off.So that’s what I did.Ignored all the punches and just beat the crap outta that one kid.”







It Got Dark



He paused for a second and lit another cigarette.“I got severely injured that day.Was stuck in bed for a whole month—couldn’t even get up.”He exhaled slowly.“But that kid—the weakest one?He died on the way to the hospital.”



Leo stared at him.“Dude… that’s murder.You killed someone and they just expelled you?Weren’t you supposed to go to jail or something?Like—locked up for life?Or at least twenty years?”



Google shrugged.“Turns out, if you know the right people—and pay them enough—you can get out of stuff you’d never think you could walk away from.Some of these corrupted cops?Slip ’em some cash, and they’ll just look the other way.Sometimes you really can get away with anything.Like, literally anything.”



He scratched his chin.“There was this one guy—short, kinda bald. Looked shady as hell.Name was Chief Grayson.”



He let out a small laugh.“Probably the most corrupt cop I’ve ever met.The dude had pockets deeper than the law.”







So That’s Google



After hearing all that, Leo didn’t know what to say.He always knew the world was dark and absurd—but this?Even for him, it was a bit too much.



Leo darted a glance at him.That was… kinda interesting.Also kinda boring.But one thing’s for sure—Google’s backstory was definitely something.At least now Leo felt like he understood the guy a little more.



And ever since then, everyone started calling him Google instead of Hugo.Probably because Leo just kept calling him that in front of everyone—and over time, nobody even remembered his real name.They all just figured his name was Google.


Chapter 13: Google vs. the Old Lady
==================================================

Boredom Patrol



First day on the job, and absolutely nothing happened.



Leo was thrilled. Easy money. Just walk around and boom—full day’s pay, no sweat.



But Google, walking next to him, was clearly starting to lose it. He let out a frustrated sigh and muttered,“We’ve been walking around for like half a day and nothing’s happened. I can feel my soul getting eaten away, chunk by chunk.”“I can’t take this anymore. This is driving me crazy. I need some kind of fight. Battle. Stimulation. Anything but this.”



Leo said casually,“If you’re tired of walking, we can find a place to sit for a bit. It’s not like this job requires us to keep moving.”



Google had just grabbed a can of Coke from a random stand they were passing by. Of course, he didn’t pay. He kept walking.



“That’s not what I mean,” he said. “It’s not that I’m tired from walking. It’s just… a whole day with no fighting. It bored me out of my mind.”



“It’s driving me insane.”And instead of pulling the tab, he just clenched his fist—and crushed the can out of pure frustration.



The aluminum gave way with a loud crack. Coke exploded from the mangled can, spraying all over the ground.



Leo looked over at Google, who was clearly on edge now. He had no idea what to say. So he just kept walking quietly, pretending nothing had happened.







The Call from Aisle 3



Then, a voice came through their intercom.



It sounded like it was coming from a nearby supermarket. The voice said,“Someone just stole something from inside the store.They shoved a pack of crackers and some gummy bears into their tote bag.Wearing a white shirt, black pants, and a pair of sunglasses. Kinda pale. Not very tall.”



The second Google heard the message, his eyes lit up.“Finally,” he said. “Someone worth challenging. Sounds like a tough opponent.”



Leo followed him as they rushed toward the supermarket entrance.







The Old Lady Suspect



Just a few steps away, they spotted someone who matched the description from the intercom.It was an old lady—had to be at least eighty or ninety.Hunched over, skin pale and wrinkled, wearing a white shirt and black pants, with a pair of sunglasses hanging from her collar.



Google pointed right at her.“She’s gotta be the one who stole the stuff.”



Leo grabbed his arm.“Hold on,” he said. “We might have the wrong person. Let’s double-check before we—”



But before he could even finish, Google had already taken off.He launched himself straight at the old lady—and punched her in the face.



She flew back and slid across the ground for several meters.







Overkill



The old lady lay on the ground, groaning. She couldn’t even get up.



Google clenched his fists, lowered his body into a deep stance—like he was charging up for something big.



“You can’t fool me,” he said. “My eyes are sharp. I can tell—you’re a martial artist. You’re holding back, hiding your power.But if you don’t fight back, I won’t be holding back.”



Leo tried running to catch up, hoping to stop Google from doing any more damage—but he was just a second too late.Before he could reach him, Google had already charged forward and kicked the old lady right in the gut, scooping her clean into the air.She hit the ceiling, then crashed back down hard, spitting out blood and landing on her knees, sobbing.







A Gun in Her Pocket



Google slowly walked up to the old lady. Even he now sensed something wasn’t right.Maybe she wasn’t a shoplifter. Maybe she wasn’t a martial artist either.But he kept his posture and said,“Get up already. I know you stole the stuff. Give it back.I’m not letting you walk out there and terrorize the next supermarket.”



The old lady stayed on the ground, pleading,“Please… what have I done to deserve something like this?Young man, please… I didn’t steal anything. Please.”



Even now, Leo didn’t bother trying to stop him.He just stood back and watched the scene unfold.



“Please… just let me go. I don’t know who you are, and I don’t know why you’re doing this to me.But please… please let me go.”



She kept repeating it again and again—“Please just let me go. Please just let me go.”



Google stood there, a little dazed.



And then—the old lady suddenly reached into her pocket and pulled out a small handgun.She pointed it straight at Google’s chest. Right at his heart. Finger tightening on the trigger.







Booger Saves the Day



From a distance, Leo saw it.In one swift motion, he picked a fresh booger from his nostril—and launched his signature move: Booger Attack.



The booger flew through the air like a slow-motion streak, gliding perfectly toward its target—and hit the old lady’s hand.



A loud pop went off, like a firecracker. Her hand jerked back. The gun dropped to the floor.



As soon as Google realized it, he was enraged.He charged forward and unleashed his kick with fire and fury like the world has never seen—straight into her chin.



There was a horrible cracking sound. The old lady flew back into the candy aisle, her neck twisted at a weird angle.She didn’t move. At all. Her limbs stiffened, frozen in place.







The Real Criminal



Soon after, the police arrived.



Leading them was Chief Grayson—bald on top, but with a long strand of hair combed over from one side to the other.He was short, wore a slightly wrinkled police uniform, and had a greasy look to him, like he hadn’t showered in a couple days.



He barked out a few quick orders while his team got to work.



One officer carefully covered the old lady’s entire body with a white sheet—the kind they use on dead bodies.Another officer opened up her tote bag and pulled something out—a pair of socks. That was it.



Very clearly, she was not the thief.



Google froze for a second, eyes wide, utterly surprised.“Oh my god,” he muttered. “I totally didn’t see this coming.”



Even Leo covered his face with one hand. He was not even surprised at all.He knew the old lady wasn’t the suspect. He had known it all along.



Then, from the street, two cops brought in the real suspect—handcuffed.He wore a white shirt, black pants, sunglasses, and a cigarette dangling from his mouth.



He had a tote bag over his shoulder.One of the officers opened it—inside was a pack of crackers and some gummy bears.



Google saw the scene unfold and muttered,“Oh shit. Fuck my life. I’m definitely getting fired on day one.”



He stood there, totally dead inside.“Maybe it’s time for a career change… start looking for a dishwashing job or something.”


Chapter 14: Google’s Slip of Fate
==================================================

Career Change



When Google saw the real thief, he realized he’d just beaten an innocent old lady to death. He looked up at the ceiling and shouted, “OMG! First day on the job and I’m already about to get fired! I guess I’ll have to find some crappy backup job… like washing dishes or something.”



Leo watched him, feeling a mix of helplessness and sympathy. He walked over, patted Google on the shoulder, and said, “Hey, it’s okay. You’re gonna be fine. They’re not gonna fire you that easily. Everyone messes up sometimes.” Google glanced at him, eyes misty. This was his dream job. He really liked being a gangster.



Just then, a cop strolled by and overheard them. “Hey kid,” he said, “you think dishwashing is easy?” He pointed to a flyer taped to the window of a restaurant not far away. “Look at that. They’re hiring a junior-level dishwasher. Five years of experience required. You got five years, huh?” Leo and Google stared at the flyer. “Oh shit,” Leo muttered. Even dishwashing had prerequisites now. At the bottom of the flyer, in bold: College degree preferred.



A single tear slid down Google’s right cheek. “Damn… I might not even qualify to be a dishwasher.” The cop nodded solemnly. “My mom’s been washing dishes for over twenty years… still hasn’t made senior level.”



Leo thought, “Damn… these days the job market is so unbelievably competitive… no wonder last time I heard a Harvard PhD ended up cleaning toilets.”



A Grim Conversation



That hit Google hard. He looked like hope itself had been yanked out of his soul. Right then, their boss—Canelo—walked into the scene. He made a beeline for Chief Grayson, the police officer in charge. The two men started talking. Serious vibes. Intense eye contact. Grim faces. Their hands moving like they were directing traffic or casting spells.



From the look of it, they seemed to be discussing the crime — who was responsible, who should be punished… maybe even locked up for life. Whatever it was, it looked heavy.



Google looked up, despair still on his face. “I’m screwed. Not just fired. I’m going to jail.” Leo looked at him, unsure what to say. Then: “Wanna… take a little walk closer? Maybe… accidentally overhear some stuff?” 



Google nodded. “Good idea.” So they casually strolled in that direction, pretending to admire a crappy painting on the wall while clearly trying to eavesdrop.



Secrets and Massages



Canelo and Grayson were in the middle of what looked like a diplomatic summit. Just as Leo and Google got within earshot, they heard Grayson say, “Man… that massage was intense. Her hands were flying all over me. It felt like she was channeling some ancient kung fu technique or something. I left feeling like a brand new person.” Then he leaned in and added, “And they’re hot. Like, really hot. You know what I mean?”



Canelo, frowning deeply, nodded like he was hearing state secrets. “Did you… get the extra services?” Grayson replied, deadly serious, “Yeah. I even got the four-hands session. Three full hours.”



Canelo’s eyes narrowed. He clenched his jaw. “Man… two people? Three hours? I didn’t know Chief Grayson still had that kind of stamina.” Grayson smirked. “Easy,” he said. “I took something forbidden.”



He winked. “Took a Viagra.”



Still stone-faced, Grayson added, “You know the wildest part? I didn’t even pay. I just flashed my badge. They let me walk.” Canelo chuckled. “Oh, that’s the Chief Grayson I know.”



Leo and Google just stared at each other in silent disbelief. They never thought they’d hear people talk about something so stupid with such serious faces.



Fallout



A moment later, the two men walked off in separate directions. Grayson went back to barking orders. Business as usual. Canelo walked up to Google and Leo. Google lowered his head. “Boss, I’m sorry. I screwed up. I’ll clean out my desk tomorrow. You don’t need to fire me. I’ll resign.”



Canelo smiled slightly and patted him on the shoulder. “Silly kid. It’s fine. Stuff like this happens. Last year I accidentally killed, like, eight—maybe ten—grannies. No big deal. I personally know Grayson really well. You’re covered. Just learn from it next time.”And with that, he turned and walked away casually, hands in his pockets.For the first time all day, a long-lost smile returned to Google’s face.



Just Another Day



And just like that, everyone went home. Just like nothing’s happened. Leo sank into his couch, flipped on the TV. The news was on. A reporter read the headline: “Police report a tragic incident at a local shopping mall today. An elderly woman, reportedly frail due to age, slipped and fell… and sadly did not survive.” 



The broadcast then cut to a field interview with Chief Grayson, standing outside the mall amid flashing lights and yellow tape. He stood tall, chest out, back straight, casually placing a finger under his chin—clearly trying to act cool. Then he gave the camera a slow, thoughtful nod—dead serious.



“We believe the victim… slipped on a banana peel,” he said, with a completely straight face. “Real tragic stuff. But hey, mall floors can be dangerous. That’s why I always wear tactical boots. Grip is everything.”



Leo exhaled slowly. “This world…” he muttered, “it’s just so damn absurd.”


Chapter 15: Google vs. the Sweaty Guy
==================================================

Morning Routine



The next day, same as always, Leo and Google strolled into the mall. Their job was simple: keep things under control and make sure everything ran fine. The place felt absolutely normal. No one talked about the old lady—it was like nobody even knew she’d been beaten to death the day before. The mall just went on with its usual rhythm—clean, orderly, business as usual.



Screams in the Mall



Then a sharp, piercing scream ripped through the air. “Help! Don’t come any closer!” a woman shouted, her voice trembling with panic. Leo and Google turned toward the sound.



Just ahead of her stood a man with no shirt on—muscular, glossy, and absolutely drenched in sweat. Droplets rolled down his arms and splashed onto the tile. Let’s call him Sweaty Guy. Judging by how soaked he was, the man had to have some kind of superhuman metabolism.



He stepped toward the woman, arms wide. “Give me a hug, please.” She shot back in a crisp British accent, “I’m not bloody hugging you.” Sweaty Guy grinned. “You mean you’re not sweaty hugging me?”



Challenge Accepted



Leo sighed. Trouble was brewing, and he really didn’t want to deal with it. But Google lit up the second he saw the guy—eyes wide, grinning like a maniac. Finally, a real challenge. His whole body was itching for a fight. “This is my turf,” he said. “I’m gonna beat you up and fuck you good!” And with that, he shot forward.



Sweaty Guy gave a crooked smile. “Bring it on.” While he was distracted, the woman bolted and vanished into the crowd. Google closed the gap in a blink, slamming a fist into the man’s jaw.



Too Slippery to Grab



He went for an over-the-shoulder throw, but his grip just slid right off. Too sweaty. Too slick. He lost his balance and hit the floor hard. Sweaty Guy laughed. “Guess my sweaty body’s a little too much for ya to handle, pal.”



Before Google could recover, a sharp kick slammed into his ribs, the impact jolting through his side and knocking the wind out of him. He slid a couple of feet across the tile before catching himself, one hand instinctively pressing his side. With a grunt, he rolled to a knee, pushed up, and steadied his stance. Too damn slippery, he thought. No more grabs—this was fists and feet only now.



Google swept low, his leg cutting across the floor in a sharp arc, but Sweaty Guy hopped clean over it without breaking stride. Google followed up instantly with a front kick that landed with a heavy thud, sending the man sliding back a couple of feet. He dropped to one knee, palms braced on the floor, but when he looked up, that grin was still plastered across his face.



Round Two



Then came round two. They closed the gap and went at it—straight punches firing like pistons, tight hooks whipping in from the sides, snapping kicks slicing through the air, and sharp blocks meeting each strike with solid, echoing smacks. Their footwork stayed tight, shifting and pivoting with each exchange, neither man giving an inch. The rhythm was steady, deliberate, and relentless. Dead even.



From a distance, Leo leaned against a pillar, arms folded, his eyes locked on them. He watched closely, studying every movement like a student at the back of a class. Kung Fu 101, he thought—a free lesson playing out right in front of him.



The pace climbed—each breath measured. Neither man was slowing down, and neither was giving an inch. This fight could go on forever. Leo glanced at his watch. Damn—almost six o’clock. If they kept this up, he’d be stuck here past his shift, and he hated overtime.



Booger Attack



He let out a slow sigh, then casually lifted a finger to his nose. A quick dig, a roll between his fingers, and his signature move was ready—booger attack. He flicked. The shot flew fast, arcing perfectly through the air before landing dead-on in Sweaty Guy’s eye.



A firework explosion went off in his eye socket. The man jerked back and screamed in pain, hands snapping up to cover his face. “Who the fuck did this? Despicable!” he barked, his voice raw with both agony and outrage.*



That was it—a perfect opening. Google seized the moment and lunged forward without missing a beat. Punches, hooks, elbows, kicks, and knees poured down like a sudden downpour, each strike landing hard and fast. He didn’t slow for even a second.



Victory and Aftermath



And then—thud. Sweaty Guy’s knees buckled, and he collapsed to the floor like a sack of wet laundry, the impact echoing across the mall tiles.



Google and Leo turned and walked away casually, not even bothering to look back, leaving Sweaty Guy out cold on the floor. Moments later, two security guards came in, grabbed him by the arms, and hauled him to the entrance, dumping him onto the trash pile outside—right next to a greasy homeless guy squatting there, shamelessly taking a dump in public.



The mall settled back into its usual rhythm. Leo glanced at his watch—six o’clock on the dot. No overtime. Perfect. As they headed out, he replayed the fight in his head: basic moves, solid form, all useful stuff. Not a bad training session—and wrapped up right on time.



Extra Practice



On his way home, Leo spotted a guy he’d hated since school. Perfect timing. Fresh off his little “training session,” he was itching to try out the moves he’d picked up. Without warning, he beat the crap out of him right there on the spot. Standing over the guy, now out cold on the pavement, Leo looked at his own hands and muttered, “Man, I really did get a lot stronger today.”