"Capture him!" the gang leader barked, his voice slicing through the cold night. "If he resists, beat him hard. As long as you don't kill him, the boss will be satisfied."
"Aye!"
"Yes, leader!"
"Consider it done!"
The responses came fast and eager, like hungry dogs finally unleashed.
Seventeen men moved at once, spreading into a loose circle around Ethan.
Under the harsh glow of the car headlights, steel flashed as each of them pulled out a blade.
Ethan glanced at the knives, then back at the men. His expression remained calm, almost amused.
Without anyone noticing, the blade at his back moves into his hand, prepared to strike anyone who stands before him.
One of the thugs lunged forward, impatient. Another cracked his neck, grinning. Snow fell thicker now, dusting their shoulders and hair, turning the scene strangely cinematic.
"Are you guys attacking me together?" Ethan asked, his voice smooth and steady.
The leader smirked. "Scared now?"
