The Professor|| Sylus

Choice

Mei's head throbbed as faint whispers echoed around her, distorted and strange. She blinked, struggling to focus her blurred vision. The room was filthy, with walls stained and cracked, an old single bulb flickering above, casting eerie shadows that made the room feel like a trap. She tried to move, realizing her wrists and ankles were bound tightly to a wooden chair. A rough cloth pressed against her mouth, muffling her voice as she tried to speak.

She scanned the room, noticing two men in hushed conversation near the door, their voices low and menacing. She tried to squirm, mumbling desperately, when a familiar figure stepped into view. It was Mina, she came to her unfazed. "Glad you're awake".

Mei's heart raced, a mix of fear and fury tightening her chest. She struggled harder, her words unintelligible until Mina removed the cloth from her mouth. Mei gasped, her voice trembling. "Mina? why? Wh-what are you trying to do?"

Mina's expression hardened, her tone cold. "Silence. Father will be here any minute, and I suggest you keep your mouth shut and obey his every command," she replied, a dark warning in her eyes.

"Mina, you don't have to do this! Please—" Mei's plea was cut off as Mina abruptly covered her mouth again, pressing the cloth back in place. Without a word, Mina retreated to a shadowy corner, watching Mei with a cruel detachment.

Meanwhile...

In a different part of the building, Sylus was barely conscious, slumped in a chair. His wrists were bound, and fresh bruises and cuts covered his face and body. Blood trickled down his cheek, mixing with dirt and sweat. The men around him smirked, relishing in their brutal work. But Sylus remained defiant, his voice steady despite the pain. "Is that the best you can do?" he sneered, spitting blood onto the floor.

The men exchanged looks, irritated by his resilience. Just then, one of them received a phone call. After a brief exchange, they nodded to each other, signaling that it was time. Rough hands grabbed Sylus, dragging him up from the chair and guiding him toward another room.

At the same time, Mina received a similar signal. She glanced at Mei, as she moved to untie her. Mei's heart pounded with both dread and fury, knowing she and Sylus were about to face whatever twisted plan was unfolding.

Mina dragged Mei through a long, dim corridor and into a large, dark room. Mei's heart sank as her eyes locked onto Sylus, who was being held by two men, bruised and bloodied. She broke free from Mina's grasp, rushing to his side with horror in her eyes. "Professor, what have they done to you?" Mei whispered urgently, fear breaking through her voice as she saw Sylus torn apart.

Sylus forced a weak smile, his voice gritty but unwavering. "I'm fine," he assured her, though his injuries told a different story. Mei looked over at Mina, hoping to find some hint of regret in her, but Mina turned away, visibly battling guilt.

Suddenly, the heavy door creaked open, and there he was the Corrupt Official-

Ryoichi Nakamura

He entered the room with an air of authority, his presence immediately suffocating. Men who greeted him like he was a God. His gaze swept over Sylus and Mei with a cold, calculating amusement. "At last, we meet again, Sylus," he said smoothly, rolling up his sleeves as he strolled to a chair prepared for him. Taking a seat, he lit a cigar, the embers casting a sinister glow over his face.

Sylus held Ryoichi's gaze, smirking through the pain. "Ryoichi...it's been too long," he mocked, his defiant smile still intact.

Ryoichi exhaled a cloud of smoke, chuckling. "Sorry for the rough treatment, kid. My men were starving for revenge after what you did to them." His voice was edged with malice as he flicked ashes onto the ground.

Then Ryoichi's eyes turned to Mei, studying her with a chilling satisfaction. She shivered under his gaze, her mind racing. "You...you caused the explosion!" she asked, dread knotting in her stomach.

Ryoichi gave a cruel smile, nodding as he ground his cigar under his shoe. "Had a bit of help with that one," he replied, gesturing to the shadows beside him, where Koji stepped forward, his face clouded with shame.

Mei's eyes filled with disgust as she glared at Koji, her voice shaking. "I knew it...You're just as I thought you always were. You never cared about anyone."

Koji's gaze fell to the floor, guilt flickering in his expression as he avoided Mei's accusing eyes, the weight of his betrayal heavy in the room.

Ryoichi laughed, his hand gripping Koji's shoulder firmly. "With money? Everything's possible. Loyalty, integrity—they're just illusions when the right price is on the table," he sneered. As he pushed Koji away "enough of this your money will be sent to you outside now...get out." As Koji took one last look on Mei before heading out.

Sylus, gathering all his strength, slowly pushed himself recovering. Mei leaned close, whispering, "Professor, please..."

Sylus met her worried gaze and gave a slight nod. "It's alright," he assured her quietly, then turned his steely eyes to Ryoichi, standing tall despite his injuries.

Ryoichi clicked his tongue, a sinister grin creeping across his face. "You know, I've got to hand it to you, Sylus. Taking down two of my most powerful men in one hit—that takes some guts. I raised you well," he drawled, motioning for one of his henchmen, who stepped forward and placed a pistol in Ryoichi's outstretched hand.

Ryoichi's expression turned cold as he spoke again. "But there's one thing you failed to do Sylus, you failed to protect something truly valuable to you and I." He snapped his fingers, and in an instant, Mei and Mina were seized by men, forced to their knees in front of him. Mina's face shocked as she looked up at her father.

"Loyalty" as Ryoichi held two fingers up "TWICE SYLUS! For fucking sake! You had already failed me and now try to take my daughter to your side after you let her attempt suicide? Could you fucking believe this guy?" He looks to his men scoffing.

Then Mina tried to talk "Father? What—" But Ryoichi cuts her off sharply.

"Mina. I thought I'd taught you the importance of loyalty too. And yet, here you are, caught up in Sylus's life again," he sneered, his eyes narrowing. "To think I wouldn't know what you were doing...disappointing"

Mina struggled against the men holding her, panic and betrayal flashing across her face. "please it wasn't like that—"

Ryoichi "I had completely lost you, two of you betrayed me like I did not become a father to you both"

Mei, feeling the gravity of the situation, desperately tried to intervene. "Ryoichi, sir...there has to be another way. We can work something out."

Ryoichi's cold gaze fell on Mei, a twisted smile forming as he seemed to consider her words. "Ah, but there is actually" Without warning, he tossed the gun onto the floor at Sylus's feet, then sat back in his chair, crossing his arms as if settling in for a show. "The choice is yours, my boy," he said, his tone deadly calm. "You can kill one of the most important people in your life...or you can end this miserable fight once and for all." Mei and Mina we're shocked by Ryoichi's sudden words as Mina didn't knew any of this at all.

Sylus looked down at the gun, the impossible decision in front of him. His eyes moved between Mei and Mina, both held in place, watching him with terror and helplessness. Ryoichi watched eagerly, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes as he waited for Sylus's choice.