Kid's manager hesitated, fingers tightening around the car door.
"You're going to that hotel again? Don't you think it's risky? You've been too visible lately.
If Mr. Liar finds out—"
Kid slowly turned his head.
"Whose dog are you?" he asked calmly.
"Mine… or his?"
The manager swallowed. "Yours, sir."
"Then do what I tell you." Kid leaned back, eyes half-lidded. "No one even knows if he's alive. There's been no news for months."
"I just… I sense danger in public places lately."
Kid smirked. "The only danger was Knuckle. And that street dog is dead."
He tapped the window impatiently. "Give me my drugs. Drop me at the hotel. I can't wait to meet my darling Erika."
The car rolled forward, headlights cutting through the night.
Meanwhile — The Hotel
Jason stood near the cracked window, weight resting carefully on his injured leg.
"I told you the plan," he said quietly. "If you do your part, I'll pay you whatever you want."
Erika crossed her arms, amused. "Aren't you being too cocky about Kid?"
"One more thing," she added. "Why should I follow your plan? Kid is my customer. A rich fool. Men like him throw money at women like me."
Jason paused, eyes dark.
"Because gangsters and police always come with problems. And no matter how stupid he is… he holds power. Power you can't escape forever."
That made her expression change — just for a second.
"That's why you'll help me," Jason continued. "Before this turns into something you can't run from."
Erika exhaled, then smiled. "When did you become so smart?" she teased, stepping closer.
"Fine. I'll keep Kid busy. My workers will distract his bodyguards. You make your way through the building to the fourth floor."
She tilted her head. "Sweet and simple. Just like you."
Jason met her eyes. "Don't let them suspect anything. And don't get hurt."
She laughed softly. "You think you can fight with that leg?"
Jason opened his mouth to respond, but Erika suddenly hugged him from behind.
"…You're not going to die, right?" she whispered.
Jason stiffened. For a moment, he saw his best friend again — the girl who once waited for him after training.
Then she pulled away instantly.
"Who cares," she said coldly, already walking off.
"Don't make me wait."
Jason watched her disappear down the hallway.
Then he turned, limping silently into the shadows of the neighboring building.
A black car rolled to a stop.
Three armed guards stepped out first, scanning the area. Kid followed, adjusting his coat, fingers twitching briefly — a habit he never noticed himself doing.
Erika stepped forward, smile dangerous.
"Come inside," she purred. "I've been waiting since last night."
Jason watched from above.
So that's Kid…
Jake… don't worry. I'll finish what you couldn't.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the Knuckle mask.
The moment it covered his face, his breathing slowed.
Jason disappeared.
Knuckle remained.
Three guards stood at the entrance.
Suddenly—
thud.
A small ball rolled across the pavement.
One guard frowned. "What the hell?"
They laughed nervously. "A ghost playing games?"
"Go check it," one said.
The guard walked over and picked it up.
Something was written on it.
"You are next."
He chuckled. "Stupid trick."
Then he turned around.
The other two guards were already on the ground — eyes open, bodies twisted, blood pooling silently beneath them.
His smile vanished.
A presence loomed behind him.
The air felt… heavy.
He tried to scream.
CRACK.
One clean blow.
The city went silent.
The Door
Knock. Knock.
Inside, a guard approached the door, annoyed. "Took you long enough—"
The door opened.
Knuckle stood there.
For a split second, Jason's voice echoed in his own head:
This is it. No crowd. No referee. No bell.
Only judgment.
The guard's eyes widened.
The hunt had begun.
And the darkness welcomed him back.