Chapter 167: Backpacker

**Harborview City, 9 PM.**

Another day of overtime. Li Shou, the young director of the Harborview City Police Department, had just picked up a few household items from a nearby convenience store and was heading home with his shopping bag.

His limited savings didn't allow him to buy a car just yet, but he didn't mind. The walk from the police department to his apartment took about 20 minutes, and he saw it as a chance to get some exercise during his morning and evening commutes.

However, this routine of his had caught the attention of some unsavory characters.

From the moment he left the convenience store, a shadow began following him. The figure was wrapped in a large overcoat, hat, and sunglasses, blending into the crowd while maintaining a steady distance behind him. The stalker was skilled, moving through the streets in a way that wouldn't raise suspicion.

Li Shou, seemingly unaware, walked casually, answering a phone call along the way and sounding irritated as he muttered something before turning into an alley. It was the shortest route to his apartment, though dark and poorly lit. It would only take him two minutes to cross, but that was more than enough time for a team of killers to strike.

The shadow sped up, turning the corner about 20 seconds after Li Shou had. But as the figure entered the alley, they stopped in surprise.

It was empty. Li Shou was gone.

Suddenly, the sound of rushing wind came from behind.

The figure reacted quickly, shifting to the side to dodge a punch. Turning around, they saw that Li Shou had somehow circled behind them, turning from prey to hunter.

"You'll need more than military training to follow me."

Li Shou threw two more punches as he spoke.

"Who are you? What do you want?!"

Caught off guard, the figure barely managed to dodge and block his attacks. Li Shou's hand then struck, aiming for the figure's shoulder, but they slipped out of their coat, leaving it behind as they created distance. 

Li Shou's eyes widened as he realized his pursuer was a woman. Under the coat, she was dressed provocatively, her tattooed shoulder drawing his attention. He immediately recognized the mark.

"Green Snake? You're with the Black Sun, aren't you?"

Green Snake smirked but didn't respond. Before Li Shou could react, another assassin, tall and thin, appeared behind him, swinging a gleaming knife that barely missed him.

**Ambush!**

Despite the danger, Li Shou remained calm. His combat experience allowed him to evade the next strike, kicking the tall man in the chest and sending him staggering back. But before he could catch his breath, a third figure emerged from the shadows—a huge man. As Li Shou turned, the giant's fist collided with his face.

**Boom.**

Pain shot through him as blood spattered from his mouth. He had underestimated them.

Green Snake moved in with a quick kick, while a fourth man, knuckle-duster in hand, struck him from behind.

Li Shou dropped to one knee, surrounded by the four assassins, all sneering. This brief pause gave him a moment to gather his thoughts and identify them—Black Hawk, Green Snake, Kestrel, and Ghost Face. Each one was a top-tier killer, known to be the best in their field. And now they had all come for him.

"Twice."

The tall, thin man, Ghost Face, spoke, licking his knife blade.

"You're a step above the usual Police Department fools," Black Hawk sneered. "No wonder you took down the venomous bee."

Li Shou quickly understood what was going on. These killers thought he was responsible for taking out one of their own. The media had dubbed him the "Heroic Chief" after Venomous Bee had been found beaten and strung up. But in reality, he hadn't even seen the guy before his arrest.

Still, explaining that wouldn't help him now.

Li Shou took a deep breath. "You do realize what you're doing, right? You're attacking—"

"The head of the police department, we know," Black Hawk interrupted. "Normally, it'd cause some issues, but if people higher up want you gone, that's another story. Trust me, Director, our organization's reach is far. Taking out someone as unpopular as you? It's nothing."

Li Shou stood up, gathering his strength. "Four of you ambushing an unarmed man? You call yourselves professionals? Afraid to fight me one-on-one?"

Classic provocation, but killers like these were often prideful. 

Sure enough, Black Hawk took the bait.

"Interesting," he said, rubbing his fists. "I haven't had a decent challenge in a while."

Green Snake crossed her arms. "Here we go again."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll end it quickly. None of you interfere."

Black Hawk stepped forward, motioning for Li Shou to bring it on.

Li Shou focused, pushing all distractions aside. He had to deal with Black Hawk first. But he underestimated his opponent. After a few exchanges, a heavy uppercut rattled his jaw, sending one of his teeth flying. His head spun.

**So strong.**

Now he understood why Black Hawk was one of Black Sun's top killers. He wasn't just good with weapons or stealth; even in a direct fight, he was nearly unbeatable—a true master.

Li Shou forced himself to stay upright, narrowly dodging another punch. But Black Hawk's feint caught him off guard, and a second punch slammed into his face.

By now, Li Shou's face was swollen, bloodied, and bruised. His vision blurred, but he stayed conscious, still unsure which big shot he had crossed to end up in this situation.

"You're a good fighter," Black Hawk said, watching Li Shou struggle to get up. "But there are few better than me."

"Stop wasting time," Green Snake said impatiently. "Let's finish this and—"

She cut off mid-sentence.

They all heard it—footsteps. Slow, deliberate, coming from the deeper shadows of the alley.

Everyone turned toward the sound, and what they saw left them speechless...

...a bat.