Rain fell in heavy sheets, drumming against the city streets and slick rooftops. The precinct buzzed with tension as Arata meticulously planned a high-profile sting operation. His target: a network of corrupt officials and criminal enforcers linked to major trafficking rings.
"This is it," Arata muttered, eyes scanning monitors filled with live feeds. "If we catch them tonight, we'll finally put an end to this chaos."
Officer Raghav nodded, fear and excitement mingling in his expression. "Sir… the Ribbon Reaper… what if he interferes?"
Arata clenched his jaw. "We'll be ready. Every exit covered, every alley, every rooftop… nothing escapes this net."
Unbeknownst to him, the Reaper was already inside the operation—inside Lucian's mind.
Lucian strolled down a neon-lit alley, umbrella in hand, attempting his usual playful charm as he greeted passersby. But inside, Kane's cold, calculating presence whispered:
"They're preparing a trap… act before it's too late."
Lucian froze mid-step. His hands twitched involuntarily; instincts he didn't consciously know how to perform guided him. The playful persona screamed in protest, but Kane's dominance surged, sharp and unstoppable.
A corrupt official appeared ahead, clutching documents that would expose a city-wide trafficking scheme. Kane's hands moved before Lucian could react, tying a crimson ribbon around the man's wrist—marking judgment delivered.
Lucian's inner voice screamed: "Not here! People are watching!"
From a nearby rooftop, Sera watched with wide, terrified eyes. She had been following Lucian for weeks, noticing subtle shifts in behavior. Tonight, the transformation was undeniable: precision, ruthlessness, and a cold aura replaced the playful charm.
"Lucian… stop… please," she whispered, voice trembling.
He forced a laugh that didn't reach his eyes. "I… I'm fine…"
But deep down, he knew: Kane was stronger than ever, and the balance between personalities was slipping dangerously.
Back at the precinct, monitors displayed live feeds of the streets and rooftops. Officers moved into position, surrounding the alley where the corrupt official had been spotted. Arata's heart raced.
This is it… the Ribbon Reaper will slip here if he intervenes.
As expected, shadows shifted. Kane sensed the trap, moving swiftly, silently, using every trick and hack at his disposal.
The crimson ribbons had already marked the targets, leaving confusion in their wake. By the time Arata's officers arrived, the Reaper had vanished into the darkness.
The city awoke to chaos and awe. News spread of the Ribbon Reaper's latest strike—a high-profile judgment executed with precision and terrifying skill. Citizens whispered about his godlike presence, while politicians scrambled to cover tracks.
Lucian returned to a rooftop, drenched, trembling. Sera approached cautiously, eyes wide with fear.
"You can't keep hiding this… it's going to destroy you," she said softly.
He forced a weak smile, masking the storm inside. "I… I'm fine…"
But deep down, he knew the truth: Kane's dominance was growing stronger, the fractures between personalities widening, and the collision with Arata's investigation—inevitable.