Nihilism refers to the rejection of all religious and moral principles, rooted in the belief that life is inherently meaningless. For some, this perspective manifests as psychological despair, apathy, or even destructive behaviour. For others, however, nihilism can be an opportunity to embrace existential freedom, engage in personal meaning-making, and explore creative expression. The impact of nihilism on human psychology varies significantly, depending on how individuals confront, interpret, and navigate the idea of meaninglessness in their lives.
The loud sirens blared outside Jiyoon Disability High School, while the sound of rushing footsteps echoed through the halls. An hour later, Nightingale woke up in a hospital bed. "Nightingale!" said Wen-Li, sitting beside her.
"Chief!" Nightingale replied, her voice weak with worry as she sat up. She immediately asked how she ended up there and inquired about the others. Wen-Li assured her that everyone was safe but delivered the grim news: Lee Jong Suk had fallen into a coma due to severe damage to his liver and stomach.
Nightingale, still processing, asked about Principal Joonyun and the others. Wen-Li replied, "They're all dead."
"What? How?!" Nightingale asked, baffled.
"When we arrived, they had all been shot to death, along with some of the teachers," Wen-Li answered, her voice unnervingly calm.
"I heard the gunshots and the screams from the principal and the chairmen right before we collapsed," Nightingale said, slamming her fist on her leg in frustration. "Who could have done this?"
"It's 90. Agent-90," Krieg interjected from where he stood, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. As he approached, he added, "He's behind all of it."
"Agent-90?" Chief Wen-Li asked, her voice filled with confusion.
"That man!" Nightingale spat, her eyes burning with rage.
"He's a notorious assassin, and we still don't know who he works for," Krieg explained, sinking into a nearby couch. "He's the one who killed Yang Xiao Lang and Fen Gohxian."
"Is he really that dangerous?" Wen-Li asked, still perplexed.
"Ninety is more than dangerous, Chief," Nightingale responded, her tone serious. "He's the deadly assassin responsible for eliminating 73 Sinners out of 99."
Wen-Li's eyes widened in shock, a bead of sweat forming on her cheek as Nightingale continued. "Not just Sinners—he's also wiped out 107 outlaws out of a total of 20,000."
"And you forgot to mention," Krieg added, gesturing with a sweeping motion of his hand, "he's also assassinated two chairmen of the SSCBF."
Wen-Li became visibly unnerved, her voice trembling as she asked in a slow, stuttered tone, "Is he… the one… who killed… the late Chief?"
"Could be," replied Krieg, lighting a cigarette with a calm, detached air. "He's brutal, and we still don't know who he's working for."
"So, Commander Krieg," Wen-Li said, her voice now serious, "how are you so sure that he's behind the mass killing of the principal, the chairmen, and the teachers?"
"Because one of the students at Jiyoon High School described him," Krieg responded, his expression remaining composed. "She said he saved her from a science professor who was trying to assault her." He handed her a sketch. "Here's what he looks like."
Wen-Li examined the sketch of a man with deadly blue eyes behind a pair of spectacles.
"He's the most dangerous person out there," Krieg continued, his gaze drifting toward the ceiling. "Even the Sinners, the Outlaws, and the SSCBF fear him."
Wen-Li clenched the picture tightly in her hand. Noticing her tension, Nightingale asked, "Chief, are you okay?" She saw that Wen-Li's eyes had turned fierce and determined. Wen-Li quickly changed her expression, telling Nightingale to focus on her recovery and informing her that there would be a meeting once they all left the hospital. She stood, leaving the room.
Outside, Wen-Li picked up her phone and called Gonda, asking him for detailed information about Agent-90. He agreed to help, but later informed Madam Di-Xian of Wen-Li's actions. Madam Di-Xian became furious at Wen-Li's interference but tried to calm herself.
Just then, Agent-Jun entered and informed Madam Di-Xian that clients were waiting to see her. She ordered him to let them in. Two young men in their early twenties stepped into the room.
"Please, have some tea," said Madam Di-Xian as Jun served them.
"Thank you," replied the first man, accepting the tea.
Madam Di-Xian eyed them curiously. "You two look quite alike. Are you…?"
"Brothers," said the younger one.
"So, what brings you here?" asked Madam Di-Xian, twisting a strand of her hair between her fingers.
The brothers exchanged nervous glances before the older one spoke, his voice trembling with a mix of rage and sorrow.
Their names were Ethan and John. They came from a wealthy family in Vistalonia. Their father, Edward, was the head of Zain Music Industry, a leading music empire in Nin-Ran-Gi. On the outside, their family seemed perfect—successful, athletic, and well-respected. But beneath the surface, there was something far more sinister.
Edward was a paedophile and a master manipulator, using his power and influence to instil fear in those around him. Ethan, the older brother, was only five years old when Edward began abusing him. In the supposed safety of his room, Edward took advantage of his own son, violating him repeatedly. No matter how much Ethan begged him to stop, no one came to help.
When Ethan tried to tell his mother, Emily—who would sit on the couch smoking cigarettes, watching TV—her cold response cut him deeply. "You're not my son," she said, standing up. "Because of you, my life is ruined."
When John was 5 years old and Ethan was 10, they were playing in the yard while their father, Edward, sat on a bench nearby. Suddenly, John accidentally stepped on Edward's foot. Furious, Edward slapped John so hard that his head slammed into the corner of the table, leaving him injured.
At a baseball game years later, Ethan's team lost, which enraged Edward because he had funded the team. After the match, Edward dragged Ethan into the limousine and punched him in the face, breaking his teeth. Blood poured from Ethan's mouth as he sat in shock, helpless against his father's violent rage.
Later, when Ethan went to the University of Michigan, John became Edward's primary target. The abuse only intensified. John confided in Ethan about the situation, and Ethan, filled with fury, confronted their parents. At that moment, he was ready to explode. He wanted to report them to the SSCBF, but the brothers knew their father's influence—his wealth and connections would buy his way out of any legal trouble.
Desperate and hopeless, the brothers turned to one of the most feared outlaw groups in Nin-Ran-Gi—Amigu-Rumi. They sought help, knowing their father's power made him untouchable by conventional means.
Amigu-Rumi was notorious for being one of the most ruthless and feared outlaw organisations in the dystopian world of Nin-Ran-Gi. Known for their brutal methods and dominance in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and contract killings, they ruled the underworld with an iron fist. Despite their violent nature, they followed strict rules, including a code against harming civilians. However, anyone who disobeyed their orders faced certain death.
However, Amou Rumi, the enigmatic and charismatic leader of the gang, commands unwavering loyalty from his subordinates. A figure of intense discipline and fear, he is notorious for his strategic brilliance and ruthless cruelty. When the brothers tell him their story, his fury is immediate. "There's someone who can help you," he says, rubbing his forehead thoughtfully. "My man will lead you to her. Katoge!" He turns to his most trusted lieutenant. "You know what to do."
"Yes, sir!" Katoge Nakahara responds, his eyes filled with dread and determination.
Katoge Nakahara is one of the most feared and loyal members of the Amigu-Rumi gang. Serving as a close confidant and enforcer to Amou Rumi, Katoge is known for his ruthless efficiency and unyielding loyalty. He has steadily risen through the gang's ranks, becoming one of its most trusted operatives. His relationship with Amou Rumi is built on mutual respect and deadly commitment, playing a crucial role in maintaining the gang's power and enforcing its laws.
In the present, Madam Di-Xian sits in disbelief. "So, that's what happened," she murmurs, her face growing pale as she processes the story. She cannot comprehend how a father could treat his own sons with such cruelty.
Ethan, with a slow, deliberate motion, removes his wig, leaving her stunned. Beneath the wig, his head is completely bald. It is then revealed that he lost his hair at the age of 14, a result of the relentless pressure and abuse inflicted by his father. The wig, attached with silicone-based adhesives, had been his way of hiding from his parents, shielding his vulnerability.
Taking a deep breath, Madam Di-Xian clears her mind, her resolve solidifying as she says, "I will take your case."
"How could he do such horrible things to his own sons? This man doesn't deserve to live," says Madam Di-Xian, her eyes blazing with anger.
After the brothers leave, Jun approaches her. "Madam, I need to inform you of something."
"What is it, Jun?" she asks, sitting down at her desk.
"It's about 90. When you sent us to Jiyoon Disability High School, I saw a look in his eyes I've never seen before—serious, intimidating, almost menacing."
She sighs and replies, "Jun, I will tell you more about Agent-90 when the time is right."
Later, in a shadowy alley, Madam Di-Xian meets with Gonda. "So, did you collect the evidence I requested?"
"Yes, ma'am," he says, handing her a thick folder of documents. "Edward Vistalonia is indeed a paedophile and abuser. He's had affairs with multiple women and uses his power to destroy anyone who dares to stand against him. And do you know why? He was molested by his uncle. He's a true nihilist—void of any moral compass."
"What?" Madam Di-Xian exclaims, shocked. "What happened to his uncle?"
"He died in 2010 during a car accident."
She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, nodding her thanks. Gonda continues, "The brothers came to you because today's society refuses to believe that men and boys can be abused. They hide their pain, fearing their parents will disown them." He pauses and adds, "You know, if a woman slaps a man, society barely reacts. But if a man defends himself and hits back, society immediately condemns him. People think men are always strong and masculine, while women are weak and delicate. But the truth is, both deserve to be treated equally, and the government prefers to keep people ignorant of that reality."
"You're absolutely right," she agrees.
"So, the Chief asked me to give details about agent-90?!"
"Don't, if you do it will be big trouble for us and SSCBF" she replies
In the next scene, Madam Di-Xian orders Agent-90 to bring Edward Vistalonia in alive, and he accepts the task. Agent-90 walks with deliberate calm through the dimly lit parking lot, his footsteps echoing against the concrete. His sharp eyes scan the area as he approaches his car, but something feels off. Just as his hand reaches for the car door, the low growl of engines shatters the silence. In an instant, several black SSCBF vehicles surge forward, surrounding him from all sides.
The doors of the vehicles swing open in perfect sync, and the elite SSCBF task force steps out, ready for action. Lingaong Xuein, the sharp-eyed female leader, moves forward with focused intensity. Koizumoto Daishoji, a male sharpshooter known for his cold precision, flanks her, followed by Demitin Koğlulanci, the female close-quarters combat specialist. Behind them is Sakim Massersi, a towering male officer known for his brute strength, and Louisese Langermans, another male operative—calm but undeniably dangerous.
Lingaong's voice slices through the tension. "Agent-90, you're under arrest. Surrender now."
A tense silence follows her command as Agent-90 slowly turns to face them. His eyes meet Lingaong's with calculated ease, and a small, knowing smirk plays across his lips. "Surrender? You haven't even slowed me down," he taunts, his voice dripping with arrogance.
Before anyone can react, Agent-90 moves with lightning speed. He darts to the side, just as Koizumoto fires a shot, the bullet shattering the window of a nearby car. Using the vehicle as cover, Agent-90 vanishes, forcing the SSCBF operatives to adjust their positions.
Demitin Koğlulanci charges forward, her movements swift and controlled, but Agent-90 is quicker. He dodges her attack with fluid grace, sweeping her legs out from under her with a calculated kick. As she crashes to the ground, he disarms her with a flick of his wrist, sending her weapon skidding across the parking lot.
For a moment, Agent-90 stands over her, his gaze locking onto hers. "I told you, Lingaong. You can't catch me."
He doesn't finish her off, instead stepping back, allowing her to rise. It's a game to him, a challenge he clearly enjoys. The SSCBF operatives are injured but conscious, struggling to their feet as Agent-90 backs toward his car.
With one last glance at the team, he flashes a grin. "Next time, bring more than just numbers." He slides into his car, the engine roaring to life as he speeds away, leaving Lingaong and her team in the dust.
The battle was over, but it was clear to everyone that this was just the beginning. The hunt for Agent-90 would continue, but for now, he was gone.
The night in Ravenhollow is thick with tension, the atmosphere heavy with an eerie sense of dread that clings to every corner of the city. Situated on the outskirts of Nin-Ran-Gi, Ravenhollow is a place shrouded in mystery and fear. Its dark alleys and abandoned buildings evoke a palpable feeling that something sinister lurks within its shadows.
As the sun sets, the last remnants of daylight fade behind derelict structures lining the streets. Flickering neon signs, relics of a once-thriving commercial district, cast distorted light over cracked pavements and decaying buildings. The air is damp and cold, with a light fog rolling in from the marshes, obscuring visibility and amplifying the city's isolation.
The streets are nearly deserted at night; few dare to venture outside unless absolutely necessary. Every sound—footsteps, distant creaks, or the occasional echo of a door closing—seems amplified, creating an unnerving environment. The streetlights, barely functional, cast weak, uneven light, creating long shadows that seem to move with the wind. The faint stench of decay lingers, mixing with industrial pollution and something more foul beneath it all.
In Ravenhollow, there is no rest. The night is filled with unsettling sounds—the distant hum of machinery from old factories, the occasional scream or gunshot, and the low rumble of motorcycles as outlaw gangs patrol their territories. At times, an eerie silence falls over the city, as if it's holding its breath, only to be shattered by the sharp crack of breaking glass or the distant collapse of a building.
In the heart of the city lies the Central Square, once a bustling hub of activity, now a crumbling ruin. Boarded-up shops surround a rusted statue of an old political figure, now defaced and weathered, a symbol of the city's downfall. By night, the square is often used for dark rituals or clandestine meetings between powerful crime lords. Bodies of those who cross the wrong people have been found strewn about the square, serving as a gruesome warning.
When he reaches there and meet Katoge, Katoge asks Agent-90 why he's there. Agent-90 responds briefly, then Katoge explains the case Madam Di-Xian assigned to him, expressing his desire to help. Agent-90 nods in acknowledgment. Katoge informs him that Edward frequently visits a place called the Shattered Lantern. With that information, Agent-90 forms a plan and tells Katoge to follow him.
They enter one of the alleyways, a dimly lit corridor where the occasional flicker of a faulty streetlight casts weak, yellowish pools of light on the cracked pavement. Most of the light comes from distant neon signs or the faint glow of nearby buildings. In many areas, the lights are completely broken, leaving long stretches of the alley shrouded in deep, unsettling darkness. The only sounds are the distant drip of water and the scurrying of rats.
Soon, they encounter three gang members—women hardened by the streets. One is clad in a silk jacket with jeans and a hoodie pulled low over her eyes. Another is covered in tattoos, her expression one of cold defiance. The last woman, Chelsea Countessa, stands out. She wears a pink blazer over a cropped top that reveals her toned abdomen, adorned with layers of jewelry. Her pink trousers match her dull pink hair, and her red lipstick adds to her striking, elegant style. Chelsea, an A-Rank member of the Sinners, looks them over with a sly grin. Twirling her crystal jewels around her finger, she asks, "What brings you here, Agent-90, and Katoge Nakahara?"
"It's about a case," Katoge replies evenly, explaining the situation.
Chelsea giggles, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Alright, I'll help you, but there's a price. You must take me somewhere private, where no one will interfere." She points at Agent-90, her gaze playful yet dangerous.
"This guy will help make your little dreams come true," Agent-90 adds, gesturing toward Katoge.
"What?!" Katoge snaps, his voice laced with frustration.
Chelsea only winks at him before sauntering off toward the Shattered Lantern. From the outside, the bar appears rundown and forgotten, with a cracked, flickering neon sign and a heavy iron door that's rusted and grimy. But those in the know understand that the true entrance lies in a discreet side door, hidden within an adjacent alley. A facial recognition scanner ensures that only the right people—or those with enough influence—are allowed in. Chelsea, of course, manages to gain access effortlessly.
Upon entering, a winding staircase descends deep underground, far removed from the decaying streets of Ravenhollow and into the lavish heart of the Shattered Lantern, where the atmosphere shifts dramatically.
The bar is dimly lit, but intentionally so. It exudes an almost theatrical ambiance, with concealed lighting that bathes plush seating areas and polished dark wood tables in a warm, amber glow. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting their soft light through a haze of expensive cigar smoke. Every detail, from the handcrafted furniture to the velvet drapings adorning the walls, suggests obscene wealth and exclusivity.
Despite its elegance, a palpable sense of danger lingers in the air. Conversations in the Shattered Lantern are whispered, guarded, the hushed tones of deals that could topple empires or line pockets with fortunes. There's an undercurrent of mistrust—everyone knows the patrons here are as dangerous as they are rich.
At the center of the room stands a long, polished bar made of black marble, accented with veins of gold. Shelves behind the bar are stocked with the finest liquors from across the globe—bottles of rare whiskey, cognac, and wines that cost more than the average person's yearly salary. The bartenders, skilled and precise, craft signature cocktails with flawless execution, though they remain largely unnoticed by the elite, who are more focused on their high-stakes conversations.
Private booths line the bar's darker corners, offering a secluded space for clandestine meetings or intimate discussions. In these hidden alcoves, alliances are forged, deals are struck, and enemies are eliminated—quietly and efficiently.
Chelsea seats herself at the bar, casually glancing at her surroundings as the bartender goes about his work. A man approaches, asking her to leave, but she refuses, calmly explaining that she's waiting for someone. At 10:30 p.m., Edward enters the bar, his eyes immediately drawn to Chelsea. Slowly, he strikes up a conversation with her, his words smooth yet predatory. His hand drifts to her waist, suggesting they leave for his mansion.
She agrees, and they leave the bar together. However, just as they step outside, Katoge slams Edward over the head with his belt, knocking him unconscious. Agent-90 nods in thanks to Chelsea for her help, but as they prepare to leave, Katoge finds himself stuck—he must now fulfil the favour Chelsea demanded in return.
The abandoned factory loomed in the shadows, its decaying walls standing as silent witnesses to the dark events unfolding within. Rusting beams groaned under the weight of forgotten machinery, while the faint sound of dripping water echoed eerily through the vast, empty space. In the centre of the room sat Edward Vistalonia, restrained in an old hydraulic press chair, his arms and legs tightly bound. Though trapped, his eyes held a defiant coldness.
Madam Di-Xian stood before him, her posture rigid, her face a mask of cold detachment. Behind her, Agent-90 lingered in the shadows, his unblinking eyes fixed on the scene. The dim light overhead flickered, casting long, ominous shadows that danced across the factory floor.
"Why did you do it, Edward?" Madam Di-Xian's voice was steady, almost eerily calm, but the venom in her words cut through the cold air like a blade. "Why did you abuse your sons? Assault your wife? Brainwash her? What kind of monster are you?"
Edward remained silent for a long moment, his gaze locked onto hers, unreadable yet hostile. The silence stretched, thickening the tension in the room. Finally, with a cruel smirk, his cold voice cut through the quiet.
"They don't deserve to live," he spat, his tone dripping with contempt.
The room went deathly still. Madam Di-Xian's expression darkened, and the air seemed to thicken with a rage that burned just beneath the surface. Without warning, she stepped forward, her fist connecting with Edward's face in a swift, brutal motion. The crack of bone echoed through the factory as his head snapped to the side, blood spraying from his mouth. His teeth shattered, fragments clattering to the floor, mingled with the blood now pouring down his chin.
Edward gasped, his head spinning from the impact, but his eyes remained defiantly cold, even as pain twisted his features. Madam Di-Xian took a step back, her breathing steady, though her clenched fists betrayed her fury.
"You're a coward," she spat, disgust dripping from her voice. "You thought you had control, but all you are is pathetic."
Edward's mind raced, his vision blurred by pain. As he blinked away the blood that dripped from his mouth, his eyes focused on the hydraulic press hanging ominously above him. Panic surged through his veins as he realise what was about to happen.
Thrashing against the restraints, his wrists and ankles strained against the cold steel, but they held firm. Desperation clawed at him as he glanced upward, his breathing ragged and shallow. The unmistakable fear in his eyes grew.
Madam Di-Xian remained motionless, her eyes watching his struggles with icy detachment. "Now, you'll understand what it feels like to be powerless," she whispered softly.
With deliberate slowness, she raised her hand, giving a small, controlled nod toward Agent-90. In response, he stepped to the control panel and pressed the switch.
The old machinery groaned to life as the hydraulic press began its descent. The metal structure hissed as it moved downward, slow but unstoppable. Edward's panic erupted into screams, his body twisting and convulsing in a futile attempt to escape. His cries echoed through the hollow factory, but no one moved to stop the inevitable.
The press inched closer, the pressure building as it neared his body. His screams turned to gurgles as the machine crushed his ribs. A sickening crunch echoed through the room as bones snapped and shattered beneath the force. Blood sprayed from his mouth, splattering onto the floor as the press continued its slow, unrelenting path.
In moments, the factory was filled with the sickening sound of breaking bones and the wet gush of blood. And then—silence.
The hydraulic press stopped, resting on what remained of Edward Vistalonia. His lifeless body, now mangled beyond recognition, lay in a pool of thick, crimson blood that seeped into the cracks of the concrete floor.
Madam Di-Xian turned away, her expression unchanged. To her, the death of this vile man was nothing more than a task completed. Agent-90 cast a glance at Edward's remains before meeting her gaze.
"It's done," he said quietly.
She nodded slightly. "Let's leave this place."
Together, they walked out of the factory, leaving behind the bloodstained scene as the abandoned building returned to its hollow, lifeless state.