Act 4 Night

Leaving the office, he deliberately shut the door behind him, almost reverently. The solid thud of the heavy wooden door echoed down the corridor, a final punctuation mark to his departure. It was a simple gesture, perhaps borne out of politeness or a habitual instinct to maintain order in his wake. Yet, as he stood there for a fleeting moment, a twinge of introspection tugged at his thoughts. Why did he feel the need to close the door so deliberately? The question lingered, but he pushed it aside, attributing it to nothing more than a distinctive quirk of his own character.

Descending further down the building, Roger moved with an eerie calmness, seemingly untouched by the chaos and destruction left in their wake. The scene that unfolded around them was one of death and carnage, a testament to the power they wielded and the violence they had unleashed.

Broken glass crunched under their feet as they navigated through the debris-strewn corridors. The air was heavy with the acrid scent of smoke, mingling with the metallic tang of blood. Lifeless bodies lay scattered in twisted, unnatural positions, their blank eyes staring into nothingness. The walls were marred with bullet holes and scorch marks, bearing witness to the fierce battle that had taken place.

Yet, the protagonist remained undeterred, their emotions shrouded behind an impenetrable facade. To them, this was just another job, another assignment to fulfill. They had honed their skills to perfection, becoming a harbinger of destruction, a ghost who moved effortlessly through the shadows of violence and mayhem.

As they continued their descent, the distant echoes of sirens and distant shouts of alarmed voices reached their ears. The chaos they had sown was spreading, drawing the attention of authorities and the curious alike. But the protagonist remained focused, their mind unwavering, driven by a purpose hidden beneath their stoic exterior.

Their footsteps echoed through the desolate halls, each step carrying them further away from the scene of devastation. They knew that the aftermath of their actions would be dissected by others, sparking debates about morality and justice. But for now, they would disappear into the shadows, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Hailing for a taxi, Roger wearily raised his hand as a cab screeched to a halt before him. He stumbled into the backseat, his body overcome with exhaustion, and found himself drifting in and out of consciousness.

As the haze began to lift, Roger fought to regain full awareness. He forced his heavy eyelids open, his eyes widening desperately, trying to stay awake. The cab driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror, a mix of concern and amusement across his face.

"Son, the meter is already running. We can stay here as long as you need, but no dying, alright?" the cab driver quipped, his voice laced with a touch of dark humor.

Summoning his remaining strength, Roger pulled a crumpled, blood-stained note from his pocket and handed it over to the driver. The driver's eyebrows furrowed with curiosity and mild repulsion as he unfolded the note.

Without a word, the driver glanced at the address scribbled on the paper. A knowing nod passed between them as he returned to the road. Roger leaned back in the seat, a mix of relief and anxiety flooding over him.

"I know the place," the driver finally said, breaking the silence. "Just place your hand on the scanner to confirm your location and get an estimated price."

His movements were sluggish; Roger extended his trembling hand towards the scanner embedded in the backseat. With a haphazard slap, his palm made contact with the device, emitting a soft chime that signified the acceptance of the credits. The taxi lurched forward, its engine revving with renewed vigor.

As the sleek vehicle cut through the labyrinthine city streets, Roger found himself irresistibly drawn to the window, his eyes fixed upon the unfolding urban panorama. The night sky, a velvety expanse stretched overhead, was transformed into a celestial tapestry by the presence of majestic skyscrapers. These architectural marvels stood like sentinels, adorned with myriad lights that cast a resplendent glow upon their angular facades.

The city seemed alive as Roger's gaze swept across the landscape. Like a brushstroke on a canvas, each skyscraper contributed to a mesmerizing semi-mosaic painting against the inky backdrop. As stars plucked from the heavens, the shimmering lights formed intricate constellations that punctuated the darkness, injecting an ethereal quality into the urban sprawl.

Though Roger had traversed these bustling streets countless times before, in his current state, they held a surreal beauty that captivated his senses. The familiar sights took on an air of enchantment, transporting him to a realm where the ordinary was infused with extraordinary allure. The symphony of colors and lights, gracefully choreographed by the city's inhabitants, created a feast for the eyes that transcended the mundane. It was a sight he had seen countless times before, but in his current state, it held a certain surreal beauty.

Desperate to regain his composure, Roger rummaged through his bag, his searching fingers finding solace in the familiar shape of an inhaler. With a mixture of relief and urgency, he uncapped the device and inhaled deeply, his lungs greedily absorbing the medication. A sudden rush of rejuvenation coursed through his veins, invigorating his weary body.

"Hey, buddy, are you okay back there?" the driver's voice cut through Roger's momentary reverie, filled with genuine concern. "Maybe you should consider seeing a doctor instead. It wouldn't change your fare much since it's about the same distance from here."

Roger glanced at the driver in the rearview mirror, his eyes clouded with gratitude and determination. He briefly examined his body, searching for any hidden injuries or signs of further damage.

"Just keep driving," Roger finally replied, his voice unwavering. He knew he couldn't afford to delay his destination any longer. With each passing moment, the weight of his mission pressed upon him, fueling his determination to push forward.

And so, the taxi continued its journey through the bustling city streets, the rhythmic hum of the engine blending with the symphony of the urban night. Roger, his adrenaline coursing through his veins, braced himself for what lay ahead, his mind focused on the task at hand.