Chapter 11
Sheriff Charlie narrowed his eyes and put a cigarette in his mouth.
“So, this guy named Jaei asked Woodburn to rescue two women who were being kidnapped by Void? And that’s what caused all this?”
“That’s what we heard.”
“Unbelievable.”
It was absurd.
That he made such a request to Woodburn of all people—and that Woodburn accepted it.
None of them were in their right minds.
Void had probably been taking the women because of a debt…
‘This is troublesome.’
The sheriff bit down on his cigarette and glanced back.
As expected, the gathered residents had already begun spreading the story.
“Did you hear? Woodburn didn’t start it.”
“Seems like Void was taking people away and it all blew up. Never thought I’d see a day like this. Guess it’s true they’ve been struggling after losing their territory, taking jobs like that.”
“They must’ve jumped at the chance. Probably thought it was a good opportunity to take on Void. But if they die, what happens to the debt?”
“Debt? What debt? Debt to Void?”
The residents’ eyes widened.
They had never considered that possibility.
If Void died, they wouldn’t have to repay anything.
Was there anyone here who didn’t owe them something, directly or indirectly?
The crowd began to stir in excitement.
“I-if Void dies, then the debt disappears, right?”
“Seems like it.”
“Sheriff, take this chance and wipe them out completely. Those Void bastards have been getting out of hand lately—it’s hard to live.”
“Exactly! Look at this! Shooting people just because they feel like it—does that make any sense?”
“I hope Woodburn puts a bullet right through Void’s head. Ahem. Think that’ll happen?”
“They’re holding up better than expected. Doesn’t look like Woodburn has any casualties. Meanwhile, Void already lost one.”
“With all that fighting, only one dead?”
As the residents grew louder, the sheriff blew his whistle.
“Everyone, it’s dangerous—step back!”
At his command, Security Force members pushed people aside to secure space.
When the residents protested, Mayor Edgar stepped in with a friendly smile, calming them.
Their roles were perfectly divided.
“And you lot as well.”
The sheriff was referring to the bounty hunters.
They shrugged and replied.
“Are you sure you can handle this? Seems difficult for the Security Force alone.”
“Hah, what do you take the Mollibay Security Force for? Move aside! Want to get fined for obstructing official duties?”
“If you want, we can help. This is how we make a living—hunting people like them.”
“I said move!”
Thud!
With the residents and mayor watching, the Security Force had to take the lead.
If they failed, the backlash would be obvious.
At the sheriff’s outburst, the bounty hunters exchanged glances.
“Understood. We’ll stay over there—call us if you need.”
“Jimmy! Have you deployed the men around the alley?”
“Yes, it’s done!”
The sheriff ignored them and called for the deputy.
Void would surrender with just a word from him.
The problem was Woodburn.
“If Woodburn resists, shoot to kill.”
“Understood.”
Jimmy drew his gun and gestured to his men.
Seven entering from the front, five circling behind.
That wasn’t nearly enough.
The hunters clicked their tongues and lit cigars.
Tap tap!
The operation began.
***
Meanwhile, the owner confirmed that the residents had safely evacuated, led by the bounty hunters.
Then he shouted toward Void, who were isolated and out of bullets.
“There’s ammunition in the cargo crates! Plenty of it—use as much as you want!”
Void frowned.
Something about this battle was very wrong.
Before, a trap like this would’ve meant nothing.
But now, unease crept in.
Like realizing too late you’ve already sunk into a swamp.
His men opened the crates and sighed in relief.
“Boss, it’s real. There’s ammo.”
“What are they playing at? Idiots. Want a fair fight?”
“Doesn’t matter. We’ll make them regret giving it to us. Turn them into a beehive.”
“Boss, take some too.”
Click! Click!
As his men reloaded, Void also took the ammunition.
But no matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t understand why they’d give it to them.
As if answering, the owner shouted again.
“That’s your last chance! Don’t retreat because you have no bullets—retreat even though you do! Give up the two women you tried to take last night!”
“Bullshit! Fuck off!”
Bang!
Void fired outside in response.
Retreat?
If they backed down after being challenged, it would mean the gang’s collapse.
Death wasn’t just dying—it was humiliation.
Destruction.
“Yeah. Figured you’d say that. Thanks.”
Jaei muttered and signaled Woodburn.
Woodburn, who had loaded ammo onto carts, unleashed another barrage.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Round two.
This time, pained groans began to echo.
Click! Bang!
“Aaagh!”
“Careful! Stay away from the windows!”
This time, Jaei wasn’t shooting defensively.
He was reducing Void’s numbers.
Any gap—even the smallest—he exploited.
Door cracks, broken walls, moving bodies—
Bang!
Some were fatally hit, others not.
But one thing was certain—there was no turning back now.
Woodburn gestured to his men.
Those positioned outside moved into the now-empty buildings.
The Security Force would arrive soon.
Tap tap!
“Jaei, they’re coming.”
“Yes, I see them.”
At the owner’s words, Jaei turned his gun to the right.
As expected—the Security Force entering from behind Woodburn.
Jaei quickly climbed into the attic, hid on the roof, and pulled out another gun.
Heavy.
Not easy to handle.
‘You don’t know a Sharps rifle?’
‘What a country bumpkin! Hah!’
It was a sniper rifle lent to him by another bounty hunter.
Jaei didn’t know what made it so special, but the man had insisted endlessly.
In the end, Jaei had to promise compensation if it was lost before he could take it.
Click.
‘Oh.’
Smooth.
Expensive things really were worth it.
Jaei aimed at the frontmost Security Force member—and pulled the trigger.
Ting—!
Thud!
The bullet flew a long distance and struck the head perfectly.
The men behind scattered in shock.
Jaei reloaded and braced the rifle.
‘Don’t come. If you do, you die.’
The officers hesitated, checking the body.
But orders were orders.
As they pushed forward again, Jaei’s hands moved swiftly.
Ting! Ting!
They couldn’t pinpoint the source of the shots.
Were they from Woodburn?
Or stray bullets?
Jaei kept his rifle barely exposed, making it impossible to locate him.
“The other side!”
Another group of Security Force entered from Void’s alley.
But their numbers were smaller.
They assumed Void would be easier to handle.
“Everyone stop! No more firing!”
“Stop! Or we will shoot!”
“Void! Do you hear me? Woodburn, respond!”
Void recognized Jimmy’s voice and shouted.
“We hear you, Jimmy! Kill those Woodburn bastards now! Our men are injured!”
“No! Stop! Sheriff’s orders! Cease fighting and surrender!”
Bang! Bang!
Jimmy flinched under the ongoing gunfire.
He had thought it would be minor chaos.
This felt like a battlefield.
“Hand over Woodburn, and we’ll stop immediately! Otherwise, we can’t back down!”
“That won’t happen. Void, I only saved two helpless women. That’s no crime! Even if I kill you all, this is my territory—and you started it! Self-defense. A beautiful phrase.”
“Shut up! Woodburn, stop this!”
“Deputy Jimmy, listen carefully! I can’t stop. I’ve been paid too much to abandon the job. And more importantly, as long as Void doesn’t stop, I must keep fighting—for my safety!”
Bang! Bang! Bang!
If Void hadn’t had bullets, maybe he would’ve stopped.
But now—he had ammunition.
He had already shed too much blood.
And Woodburn was right there.
Bang! Bang!
“Void, damn it!”
Jimmy couldn’t advance and retreated.
Without Jaei’s intervention, casualties began to rise.
“Ugh!”
“Ah! Damn it!”
Crash!
This was a battlefield.
Jimmy shook his head and stepped back.
Jaei confirmed the Security Force had stopped advancing from Woodburn’s side, then slowly returned to the attic.
Jimmy was retreating.
“Sir. It’s about time they take the bait.”
“Yeah. I’ll head out too.”
Jaei and the owner slung their guns over their shoulders and exited through the back.
They had seen both sides’ positions.
Now it was time for the Security Force to decide.
Leaving the ongoing firefight behind, they ran along their planned escape route.
Tap tap!
A long detour.
Through windows, across balconies, down alleys—
“Huff… huff…”
The owner stopped, breathing heavily.
Far in the distance, residents were gathered.
No one would suspect they had been at the battlefield.
“Catch your breath.”
“You first.”
They wiped their sweat and approached the crowd as if nothing had happened.
The bounty hunters waiting there recognized Jaei and signaled.
Perfect timing.
Jaei handed back the rifle and stepped forward.
“What? Neither side is backing down?”
“Yes. Void is serious, and Woodburn keeps talking about the ‘job’…”
“Job, job, job! What the hell is that job? And who the hell is Jaei?!”
At the deputy’s report, Charlie raged, throwing his cigarette.
Jaei raised his hand calmly.
“I’m Jaei.”
“······What?”
“You? You bastard!”
Charlie grabbed Jaei by the collar.
“Are you insane? Why would you take on such a job and cause all this?”
“Wait.”
Jaei calmly raised both hands and looked at the residents.
“If two women are being kidnapped, should I just stand by? Is that what a sheriff thinks?”
“You—!”
“Then arrest me properly. For what? For trying to save citizens while the sheriff was drunk and passed out?”
Charlie’s face turned red.
The residents’ gazes had turned sharp.
Even Edgar subtly signaled him to stop.
“Damn it!”
Charlie released Jaei and ordered—
“Go tell Woodburn you’re canceling the job! We need at least one side to stop!”
‘Ah. Got it.’
This was it.
Jaei lightly dusted his sleeves and smiled faintly.
It was time to make a deal.