Genius Devil

Seven years have passed since the Shadow Collective abducted the boy from the streets. Now fifteen, he is known as Shin—a prodigious talent who defies belief. Despite the passage of time, Shin's appearance remains unchanged, a testament to his unnerving stability. Once a lost child with a vacant gaze, Shin has transformed into a master of laws, manipulation, and martial arts—both basic and advanced. His prowess is unmatched; he is a genius whose abilities surpass those of ordinary humans.

The Shadow Collective, however, had vanished from the cityscape five years prior, their operations ceasing abruptly due to a relentless detective who had dismantled their network. The detective's omnipresence and manipulation had led to the group's downfall, and for five years, the city had been left in uneasy peace.

Then, one fateful night, an unprecedented catastrophe struck. A massive accident plunged the city into darkness, and chaos ensued. In the confusion, bullets flew in every direction, leaving a scene of pandemonium and death. The Shadow Collective's remnants—now just a few scattered operatives—were caught in the crossfire, unaware that they were firing at each other until the police arrived.

In the aftermath, a disheveled group of surviving operatives huddled in the dimly lit room. Panic was palpable as they tried to make sense of the disaster.

"F*ck! We're late!" Kell exclaimed, his voice tinged with frustration.

"It's okay, Detective Kell," one operative replied, though the anxiety in his voice betrayed his unease. "But something is unaccountable. Why would they shoot each other?"

"That's because of the plotter," Kell said tersely.

The operatives exchanged confused glances. They began an exhaustive investigation, but their efforts yielded no clear answers. The scene was void of clues, and every lead seemed to disappear into the void of darkness.

"Why! Why are there no signs of clues!" Kell demanded, his disappointment evident.

"Sir, we've checked every inch of this area, but there's no reason for them to kill each other. I also checked the list of Red Masters' members and the kidnapped children reported—except for one," the operative reported, handing Kell a tattered list.

Kell's eyes narrowed as he studied the list. "Why is this kid's detail cracked, and his picture is blank?"

Jasmine, an operative who had been less than helpful, snorted, "Lol! Why do you ask me, and how would I know?!"

"Tsk, you're not worth talking to," Kell muttered before focusing again. Jasmine, undeterred, raised her voice, "Back to you!"

Kell scrutinized the list further and noticed a small, nearly invisible detail on the back. It read, "Untitled Genius 'Sh--' 'Sh??'"

"So, this is more challenging. Well said. Now I believe what they've been saying—God will give you a challenge to test you," Kell said with a smile that was equal parts satisfaction and intrigue.

As a fifteen-year-old genius in strategy, statistics, tactics, intelligence, reasoning, and planning, Kell had solved every case with an air of disinterest. He had longed for a challenge, something that would truly test his limits. Now, faced with this cryptic clue about the enigmatic "Sh--," he was exhilarated.

Kell's investigation would lead him into the shadows of a mystery that had eluded the collective's remnants and defied the city's detective force. His next step was clear: uncover the truth behind the missing child, the untitled genius, and find out where the elusive "Sh--" had disappeared to. For Kell, this was not just another case—it was the ultimate test of his abilities, a challenge that promised to be as complex and profound as his genius could handle.