Chapter 10
Where there is a beginning, there is also an end.
The prolonged gunfight entered a lull.
This temporary peace did not come from the deaths of Void or Woodburn, but because they had run out of bullets.
Void’s group quietly held their breath, clicking empty magazines.
Had the others run out of bullets too?
Why weren’t they firing?
Were they waiting?
They remained behind cover, trying to guess the situation, but the bounty hunters stationed on the second floor had accurately ‘grasped’ it.
“It’s done. They’re out.”
Flash.
As the owner reflected light with a mirror, the same signal came from various places.
A double check that Void had run out of bullets.
Woodburn, drenched in sweat, looked around at the surrounding second floors.
His expression asked what to do next.
“Hey, Void! And Woodburn!”
The owner shouted loudly from behind the window.
His voice carried so strongly that Jaei frowned, covering one ear.
“I don’t know why you’re doing this, but the residents have nothing to do with it! Give us some time to get out of here. After that, tear each other apart however you want! How about it?”
Woodburn smirked.
So, the next phase begins.
It also meant Void had run out of bullets.
He cleared his throat and responded.
“I don’t mind. They were the ones who attacked first, so convince them. We, Woodburn, will never harm innocent civilians. I swear to God!”
“Good! Void, now it’s your turn to answer!”
At the owner’s shout, Void’s subordinates glanced at their boss.
He looked suspicious.
“The one making that proposal—aren’t they Woodburn’s men? I thought shots came from that side too.”
“Not sure. We couldn’t see them.”
“Seems like the second floor of the building in front, but it’s unclear. Still, boss, whether they’re Woodburn or not, this isn’t a bad offer for us.”
If they let the residents out, a report would surely reach the Security Force.
It was ridiculous for a gang to rely on them, but they had no choice.
They had run out of bullets and were isolated.
This was exactly why they had kept them well-fed all this time.
“The Security Force can target Woodburn from behind. It’ll be resolved quickly.”
“By the way, boss… haven’t reports already been made elsewhere? The fact that there’s no response yet suggests they don’t consider it serious.”
Void scratched his head irritably.
If he had known this would happen, he wouldn’t have sent someone to the sheriff!
He looked at his subordinates with bloodshot eyes.
“Who’s the newest recruit?”
“Th-that’s me.”
“You. When the residents come out, blend in with them and slip away. Then bring the Security Force. Got it?”
Since he was new, Woodburn’s side wouldn’t recognize him.
The recruit swallowed hard and nodded.
Void then shouted outside.
“Fine! We also want the residents safe! When I count to three, come out and run! This place will soon be soaked in Woodburn’s blood!”
Woodburn chuckled, dragging the barrel of his gun across his neck.
A desperate outburst—pleasant to hear.
“You all heard that? You only get one chance, so gather your courage!”
“I’ll count! One—!”
“Two!”
But not a single door opened.
Of course not.
Just moments ago, both sides had been firing like mad.
Even if they reached an agreement, how much trust could there be?
As expected, Jaei signaled with his hand.
“Three!”
Bang!
At that moment, a large man burst through a door.
He awkwardly stood there holding the handle, then hesitated before letting out an unnatural scream and running.
“Ah, ahh! I-I’m running away! Everyone, come out! If you don’t, you’ll die!”
Awkward and terrible acting.
The owner smacked his forehead in frustration, while Jaei lowered his supporting gun.
They had decided this role by rock-paper-scissors since no one wanted it.
If he had known, he would’ve done it himself.
“This is ridiculous.”
His acting was far from convincing.
Jaei rotated his hand again, signaling for the next person.
One, two, three…
The bounty hunters who had been hiding stepped out one by one, shouting for residents to come out as they exited the alley.
Then—
Creeeak!
“Come this way!”
“Don’t shoot! I have a child!”
“Please, we beg you!”
The residents who had been hesitating finally appeared.
Wrapped in blankets, protecting their heads with baskets, they ran desperately.
Jaei fixed his gun toward the left—toward Void’s side.
Just in case.
Tap tap!
The residents safely escaped the alley.
The moment they felt safe, they collapsed and began calling for the Security Force.
“W-what is the Security Force even doing?”
“Exactly. Haa, I thought I was going to die.”
“Haa—oh! Someone’s there! Hey! Please help us! We have a child!”
“Are you all alright? The gunfire was insane.”
“Void and Woodburn have both gone mad. Those vermin. But where is the Security Force?”
“Well, the Security Force—”
At that moment, Libero pushed through the crowd.
He comforted the newly escaped people, patting them reassuringly.
“Oh dear, you must all be shaken. We tried to report it to the Security Force repeatedly, but would you believe it? Their office was closed!”
“The office was closed? Now that you mention it…”
“You’ve heard it, right? If they’re not at the sheriff’s office, they say to go to Void’s establishment. But how could we go there in this situation? It’s too dangerous.”
Libero’s eyes grew moist as he gathered people around him.
While chaos erupted inside the alley, he had been gathering the fleeing residents outside.
With his excellent acting and eloquence, the frightened residents naturally rallied around him.
“That’s right. What if they mistake us for Woodburn’s group and attack? They’ve lost their minds.”
“And more importantly, I heard someone reported it at the very beginning! But they dismissed it like it was nothing!”
“What? If that’s the case, they should at least manage Void properly. Does this make any sense!”
Residents who had previously had no complaints began to flare up.
As fear subsided, anger rose.
Libero raised his hand, signaling them to calm down.
“Now, now. We still need to report this to higher authorities. The Security Force won’t move, so let’s go to Mayor Edgar.”
“That’s a good idea! At this rate, we might as well elect a Mexican next election!”
“Well, that’s a bit—”
“It’s just an expression!”
“Alright, let’s move! If anyone is still hiding, come out! We’re going to protest to Mayor Edgar! Together we’re safe, divided we’re in danger!”
“Together—!”
“Safe!”
“Divided—danger!”
At Libero’s cry, the residents united, raising their fists.
They held brooms, pickaxes, and shovels.
Then—
Bang! Bang!
Gunfire rang out again.
The startled citizens flinched, then began moving toward Mayor Edgar’s residence.
Libero continued shouting slogans, strengthening their resolve, and winked at the bounty hunters standing at a distance.
“Smooth-talking bastard.”
“Exactly.”
The bounty hunters who had exited first reloaded and waited on both sides of the alley.
Cross support—and preparation for the next phase.
***
Splash!
“Gah!”
A Security Force member, sleeping in, jolted awake screaming.
Someone had poured leftover alcohol onto his face.
Before he could fully open his eyes, slaps rained down on him.
He blinked in shock.
“M-Mayor Edgar?”
“Where’s Charlie?”
“Y-you mean the sheriff?”
“Do I know any other Charlie?”
Smack!
Another Security Force member woke up in alarm.
Mayor Edgar, neatly dressed in a suit, was grabbing one of them by the collar, while outside, a crowd had gathered.
Still half-asleep, he couldn’t understand the situation.
“Drinking on duty and sleeping?”
“W-wait, Mayor.”
“Where is Charlie?!”
Edgar shook him aggressively.
At the same time, he subtly signaled with his eyes—aware of the watching residents.
“He should be at <Purple Swan>. Probably.”
“These idiots have no discipline. Everyone! Don’t worry—this Edgar will personally reprimand Sheriff Charlie. He’s at <Purple Swan>! Let’s go!”
Leaving the Security Force behind, he headed to a nearby establishment.
<The Purple Swan> was also a gambling house run by Void.
“Please wait here.”
“Why? Let’s go together!”
“It’s cramped inside. You might get hurt. I’ll bring Sheriff Charlie out shortly.”
“Alright. You’d better hurry!”
Edgar nodded and descended into the basement.
There, he found Charlie sleeping with his pants pulled down.
“Charlie, Charlie!”
“Mm…?”
“This isn’t the time! There’s a huge problem outside! Do you know Void and Woodburn are clashing?”
“Uh… I think I heard… but what’s the problem? Woodburn should’ve been dealt with already.”
“I don’t know, damn it! Something’s gone wrong. The residents are swarming, demanding you fix it immediately. Otherwise, they say they’ll elect Baba next time!”
“Baba… your escaped slave?”
“Do something. Please.”
Edgar ground his teeth in frustration.
He didn’t know what was happening, but it was serious.
If the mayor changed, budgets would change—and so would the sheriff’s income.
“Jimmy! Jimmy!”
The sheriff called for the deputy.
“Wake up. Emergency.”
“Y-yes! Everyone up! Assemble!”
The Security Force members hurriedly dressed and went outside.
Angry residents were waiting.
“So you were all sleeping here! Even Deputy Jimmy—impressive!”
“Ahem. Move aside.”
“Void and Woodburn are tearing Mollibay apart! Do something!”
Charlie roughly adjusted his tangled beard and pushed through the crowd.
At Jimmy’s signal, the Security Force armed themselves and moved toward the conflict area.
What greeted them—
“Oh? Bounty hunters?”
“Sheriff Charlie. Long time no see. With the office closed, we thought we’d never see you again.”
“What are you doing here?”
Bang! Bang!
Charlie flinched at the gunshots.
The bounty hunters deliberately showed their guns.
“We’ve been keeping watch so those guys don’t come out. Didn’t see a single Security Force member.”
“Should I thank you? Now that we’re here, step aside. You—take the opposite alley entrance and hold position!”
“Yes, sir!”
At Charlie’s command, the Security Force members hurried off.
The bounty hunters watched them go, then spoke.
“By the way… do you know?”
“Know what? I’m busy—move aside!”
“Inside, about thirty Void members are facing Woodburn in a standoff. With your numbers, won’t that be insufficient?”
“They brought all thirty?”
And Woodburn was holding them off?
Charlie’s eyes widened.
Then how many were actually inside?
“If you want, we can lend a hand.”
“No, wait.”
“Void and Woodburn won’t stop easily. It may have started small, but now it’s about pride.”
“A small start?”
“So you really don’t know.”
One bounty hunter chuckled bitterly.
Charlie drew his gun.
But there were too many eyes watching—and Edgar, who wanted no trouble, trembled.
“If you want to help, tell me everything you know.”
The bounty hunters added, just as Jaei had instructed.
“······What was it again… an ‘assignment,’ they called it.”