The sound of screeching tires filled the street as a black van sped away.
"What the—!" Light's eyes widened. He had just seen Jane being dragged into the vehicle by force. Without hesitation, he sprinted after it, his body moving faster than most ordinary men could follow.
The chase led him across the city until the van finally stopped near an abandoned, half-constructed building. Four men stepped out, dragging Jane with them, and disappeared inside.
Light clenched his fists and followed.
---
Inside the building, nearly twenty men were gathered, their voices echoing through the hollow concrete walls. One of them, clearly the leader, sneered at Jane.
"So, when will you pay up, bitch? How long are you going to make us wait? If you don't have the money, you can pay with your body instead. Unless you'd rather every man in this building have their fun with you?"
Jane's eyes widened in horror.
But before the man could touch her, the wall behind them cracked—then shattered. Dust and rubble scattered across the room as Light burst through, eyes blazing.
The men turned, startled. "Who the hell are you? Think you're some hero from a movie, breaking through walls? Walk back out quietly before I make you pay for the damage."
"Let the girl go," Light said, his voice low and sharp.
The leader laughed. "Hah? Looks like you're not going to listen. Boys—take care of him."
At his signal, several thugs charged.
Light's aura flared. Voltra energy surged around him, condensing into the shape of a glowing sword. With swift, merciless slashes, he cut them down one after another. Blood sprayed, screams echoed, but Light did not stop—his strikes were brutal, precise, unrelenting.
Jane froze, horrified. She had never seen such bloodlust in his eyes before.
The leader, who had been holding her, gasped. "He's… a Voltra being?" He gritted his teeth and signaled his men to fall back. "Stay away—he's no ordinary human. I'll deal with him myself."
Voltra flared around his own body as he formed a weapon and lunged at Light. Their blades clashed, sparks flying. Though the man fought fiercely, Light's strength overwhelmed him.
"Cover me!" the leader shouted, but his moment of distraction was his downfall. With one final swing, Light's blade carved through his throat.
Blood sprayed across the floor. Jane screamed, trembling as the man collapsed lifeless at her feet.
The remaining thugs panicked. Some fled, but most rushed Light in desperation. Against ordinary humans, his power was overwhelming. He cut them down with terrifying efficiency. Only one among them revealed Voltra powers, but Light easily disarmed him, sending his sword flying.
"Please—wait!" the man begged, backing away in terror. "It was a mistake! Take the girl and go!"
But Light was already upon him. He tackled the man to the ground, unleashing punch after punch, long after life had left the man's body. Blood splattered across his fists, his face, his clothes.
"Ahhhhhh!" Jane screamed in terror.
The sound jolted Light. He froze mid-strike, turning to see Jane's pale, trembling face. His rage flickered out, leaving only silence. Slowly, he rose and took a step toward her.
"It's okay," he said softly, his voice almost pleading. "Relax. You're safe now."
But Jane recoiled, backing away with wide, fearful eyes.
Before Light could say anything more, the sound of sirens filled the night. Police officers stormed the building, guns raised, and froze at the sight of the carnage. The bodies of over a dozen men lay scattered, blood soaking the concrete floor.
And in the center stood Prince Light, drenched in crimson.
The officers exchanged grim looks. They didn't need to ask what had happened. Cuffs were slapped onto Light's wrists, while a lady officer carefully guided Jane away.
Inside the police station, tension hung heavy in the air. Officers had surrounded Prince Light after the violent clash with the kidnappers. One of the senior officers bowed slightly and said,
"Please forgive us if our treatment seemed harsh, Your Highness. But as officers, it is our duty to follow the law. Your case will be decided by your father, King Jugram. We've already sent word to him—he should be arriving any moment."
In another room, Jane sat across from a lady officer who was quietly taking her statement.
"Tell me," the officer asked gently, "why did those men kidnap you? What did they want?"
Jane lowered her gaze. "It was… a misunderstanding. I went with them of my own will."
The officer frowned. "But Prince Light says otherwise. He claims they were thugs with the intention of raping you."
Jane's lips tightened. "It's my personal matter. I don't want to press charges against them. Can I leave now?"
"Not yet," the officer replied. "Stay a little longer. His Majesty will want to ask you a few questions."
---
Moments later, the heavy doors of the station swung open. King Jugram entered, his expression stormy. He went straight to Light.
"What in the hell are you doing?" Jugram barked. "Have you lost your mind? What was the need to kill those men?"
Light lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Father. They were harassing that girl. I lost my temper."
"You could have had them arrested," Jugram snapped. "Why resort to killing? You are a prince, my son. That is the only reason this crime will be forgiven. But if you repeat this recklessness, I will have no choice but to throw you in the dungeon. Do you understand?"
Light swallowed hard. "Yes, Father. It won't happen again."
At that moment, the lady officer stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the girl refuses to file a complaint. She insists she doesn't wish to accuse the bandits of anything."
"What?" Light's head shot up. "Why would she say that?"
Jugram raised his hand, silencing him. "Let her be. If she doesn't want to pursue the matter, then she's free to go."
The officer hesitated. "Actually… she already left, sire. I tried to hold her back, but she said she had urgent business."
Jugram exhaled slowly. "Very well."
But Light couldn't stay still. Ignoring his father's words, he left the station and hailed a taxi, determined to find Jane.
---
Outside, Jane walked down the street, her steps quick and restless.
"Jane! Wait!" Light called, running after her.
She ignored him, keeping her eyes forward.
"Jane, please—don't you remember me? We were classmates back in the Academy. Same class, same year. Do you really not remember?"
Jane's voice was cold. "I know who you are. Just don't follow me."
"At least you remember me," Light said with a faint, hopeful smile. "You left the Academy a year before graduation, so maybe you don't recall everything… but I do. Just—please—stop for a moment. I just want to talk."
"I said leave me alone!" Jane snapped, quickening her pace.
Light hurried ahead, stepping in front of her to block her path. "Why were those thugs after you? Tell me. Maybe I can help you. Why didn't you file a complaint against them? They were monsters, Jane! Monsters who—"
"Monsters?" Jane's eyes burned with anger. "Then why don't you file a complaint yourself? Do you think you're any different from them?"
Light froze. "What… what do you mean?"
"You call them monsters," Jane spat, "but you killed them in cold blood. You butchered ordinary humans with your Voltra power, like they were insects. Tell me—how are you any different from them?"
Light's voice faltered. "I… I was trying to help you."
"Help?" Jane's laugh was bitter. "You think killing is help? They may have been criminals, but you're no god, Light. You don't have the right to decide who lives and who dies. The moment you took their lives, you became just like them. Don't you ever dare think you're different."
Her words cut deeper than any blade.
Light stood frozen, speechless.
Without another glance, Jane walked away, disappearing into the night.
And for the first time, Light felt the weight of her judgment—that perhaps he truly was a monster.