The Detectives of Ywair: Shadows Rising

Kaboom!

A shockwave, pregnant with sparks, surged like a tidal wave. Debris ignited and shattered in the explosion. The load-bearing walls gave way. A cascade of collapse rolled in, and amidst the inferno, ruins plummeted like a downpour. The flickering police lights and the cacophony of voices were drowned out:

"Command center screaming for backup!"

"Where the hell is Captain Zang?!"

"Damn it, Zang's gone in! Move, move, move!!"

...

Hell itself seemed to morph into a twisted, mottled tapestry as the chaos receded. Way's palm, pressed against the wall, was scalded, blood oozing from his fingertips, only to be devoured by the flames. But pain was absent, and the world was silent. No matter how many times this scene replayed in his dreams, the only sound was his own raspy, fevered breath. Then, with a steely resolve, he raised his gun towards the demonic figure emerging from the sea of fire-

Bang!

The figure loomed closer.

Bang!

Bang, bang, bang, bang!

Bullets tore through the phantom, swallowed silently by the raging fire.

Way's grip slackened, and his pistol clattered inconsequentially amidst the flames.

"I'm here," a serpentine voice hissed behind him, cold laughter accompanying it as it whispered in his ear. A chilling hand caressed his cheek, "Captain Zan, I'm right here."

For the thousand and first time, he turned in his dream. But no matter how hard he strained, the shadowy figure remained elusive.

"Descend into hell with me," the figure taunted with a sinister smile, "Your story ends here... forever."

Way closed his eyes. The last thread of consciousness clung to the wailing sirens in the distance. But then, the flames roared, consuming all. The earth cracked and shook as demonic claws reached out, dragging him into the abyss...

Three years later, in Ywair City.

Way Zang's eyes flickered open.

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, bathing the hospital room in a warm glow. A bouquet of dew-kissed white roses exuded a haunting fragrance. The soft murmur of nurses drifted through the slightly ajar door:

"Bed 538 is being discharged today. Inform the head nurse and prepare the paperwork..."

"He's been in a coma for years, and now he's waking up! It's a miracle..."

"Shush! Get back to work!"

Footsteps receded, but Way remained motionless.

He sat, still groggy, in a recliner by the window. His eyes, cold and indifferent, reflected the lush trees and the endless blue sky.

Moments later, the door eased open and a figure tiptoed in. Way didn't turn. The figure stopped beside him and whispered, "Way."

Nah, with her meticulously styled curls, black dress, and red nails, was clutching a large envelope. Seeing Way's gaze, she smiled warmly, "I didn't want to wake you. Everything's ready, the car's waiting. Let's go."

Way remained silent, then gave a slight nod.

They were in one of Ywair's most opulent private rehabilitation centers. Even the basic life support here was exorbitantly expensive, let alone the meticulous care he must have received.

But regardless, after three years in a coma, Way's body was far from normal.

Nah personally pushed the wheelchair into the elevator. As the doors closed,the whispers were silenced.

The elevator began its descent. In the reflection of the metal doors, Way's expressionless face was framed. Nah, standing behind him, seemed somewhat uneasy and coughed, "When they transferred you here and the nurse asked me to fill out the forms, I was so panicked that I..."

Way interrupted, "If it wasn't for you back then, I'd be dead."

"How can you say that? If it wasn't for you, Way, I don't know where I'd be, probably still in jail. Everything I have today is because of you-"

"But they haven't given up on me," Way cut her off again, "I'm still in danger, and so are you. Be careful not to get caught in the crossfire."

Nah wanted to say something, but she saw Way's reflection in the elevator door; his eyes were closed. She held her tongue.

As dusk approached, the neon lights of Night Palace KTV were already ablaze. A luxury car pulled up at the back entrance. Nah got out and hurried to open the back door. As she and the driver were about to help, Way raised his hand to stop them.

Way gripped the car door, exerted force, and let out a barely audible grunt. Moments later, he slowly stood up.

"Easy, boss! Take it slow!" The driver instinctively reached out to help, but Nah was quicker. She firmly supported Way as they headed towards the KTV back entrance.

Way had been awake for less than a month and was still unsteady on his feet. Nah, wearing high heels, wobbled alongside him on the sidewalk. Way remarked, "Still in business, I see."

He was referring to the KTV. Nah replied, "Yes, you were the one who resolved the contract dispute back then. Keeping this place open helps us stay informed. It's safer this way. What are you looking at?"

She followed Way's gaze to see a young man with a backpack standing near the KTV's desolate back door, seemingly waiting for someone. As their eyes met, the young man quickly lowered his head and hurried away.

"It's nothing," Way withdrew his gaze, "Let's go in."

"The first two floors are private rooms, and the third floor has offices and living quarters. I usually stay here. It's modest, but it'll do for now. Hey, Joo! What are you standing around for? Get some water for Captain Zang!"

The waiter scurried off, but Way stopped him, "Carry on with your work."

The living quarters were well soundproofed, almost entirely blocking out the noise from the KTV below. Nah had prepared the room in advance. The window faced the back alley, and the room was furnished with all the essentials, resembling a small hotel suite.

"Shop's too crowded, not ideal for laying low. In a few days, I'll get a house for us to settle in. We'll have a safe hideout. Bekin's gang won't find me here; they must think you're dead by now. If nothing happens in a couple more years, I'll close this place and we can vanish..." Nah rambled on as she bustled around the room, tidying things up and drawing the curtains.

Way's gaze fell on the dressing mirror. The dim light cast shadows on his face, accentuating his eyes and nose, while the cold hollows of his eye sockets and the corners of his lips were shrouded in darkness.

Nah continued, "China is so vast. We could hide in some remote corner in Guangxi or Yunnan, where no one could find us... Hey, Way, I've putyour toiletries here."

As she turned around, she saw Way sitting under the lamp. The light outlined his upright posture, his long fingers interlocked, tips gleaming.

Time and illness can ravage even the most handsome features. The horrific car accident and three years in a coma could have completely altered his appearance. But in that moment, Nah felt that Way hadn't changed much. There was something captivating about him, something that emanated from his very bones, unchanged from when she first met him years ago.

Nah didn't dare to interrupt his thoughts. After what seemed like an eternity, Way spoke in a deep voice, "Once I'm able to move around more freely, I'll make a trip back to Bekin. You should pack up and lay low back home."

"What?" Nah was taken aback, "No, Way, those people are ruthless. If they find out you're alive, they'll come after you. And it's not just them; there's someone else, someone even more terrifying-"

Nah's voice choked off.

Someone more terrifying, whose name didn't even need to be mentioned, struck such fear in her that she couldn't speak.

"I know," Way said, "But during the explosion at the plastic factory, my team was inside. More than ten lives were lost when the fuse was lit. I owe them an explanation."

Nah's voice caught in her throat. Way waved her off, signaling that there was no need for further discussion.

"Get me a set of identification documents, a cell phone, and a computer. Buy several unregistered SIM cards. Go."

Nah hesitated for a moment, then sighed deeply and left the room.