Demon at the Border - CHAP 1: Horrible Crime!!

“It has been 40 years since then, Mong Cai!

Ka-Long remains standing, and the water continues to flow.

The border between Vietnam and China has been officially delineated.

The Bac Luan Bridge has once again linked the two shores.”

A man in his sixties, seemingly intoxicated, recited the poem while holding a half-empty wine bottle, dressed untidily. He wandered in a haze along the pedestrian walkway on the bridge, gazing at the serene night scene in the Mong Cai area. Taking occasional sips from the bottle, he sighed contentedly, muttering to himself. Despite the late-night chill and his advanced age, he reached the bridge's midpoint, sat down, and chuckled.

- Damn!! Decades have gone by since the Chinese army invaded and left the area desolate. Now, it has transformed into a stunning place that is barely recognizable.

The old man was lost in deep thought, pondering matters that may have been long forgotten. Suddenly, he was startled by the roaring engines of two black Mercedes-Benz cars in the distance racing towards the bridge. The cars continued to honk and chase each other, reaching over halfway across the bridge, when the car behind rammed straight into the rear of the car in front. With a loud crash, the front car swerved, lost control, and plunged over the bridge railing, plummeting into the Ka-Long River below. The car behind slammed on the brakes and came to a stop. Inside the car, Hùng's younger brother was driving and turned to speak to Hùng seated in the back.

– Boss, we have taken care of the leader Nam of the gang that dared to encroach on our turf at the coal yards, boss!

Hung nodded from the back seat:

- Good. Damn!! These guys are so ignorant and audacious for daring to compete with the Eastern boss in this vast land. They dare to open a gambling den, engage in illegal business, and now they even plan to snatch the lucrative business from the boss's land. These blind fools deserve to die.

In the conversation, he called Mr. Dong:

- Hello, the group of eyeless guys has been taken care of, sir!

A hoarse voice on the other end replied:

- Good! You did a great job. Now come and finish off Nam's family for me, and remember to be ruthless. I want those jackals to see what happens when they dare to challenge the lion for meat. Once that's done, you can relax at Trang's house for a few days to lay low and make it look natural so that the cops don't suspect anything. Remember? Whatever the cost, just tell that Trang woman to talk to me, except for the money for this month's taxes.

Hung responded:

- Yes, sir, I remember. I will go to work immediately.

Hung hung up the phone, intending to order his subordinates to drive to Nam's house. But suddenly he stopped, pointing at the rearview mirror where the old man was still trembling in shock, as if he had witnessed a scene only seen in movies. His subordinates didn't understand, but Hung pointed at the mirror, signaling for them to turn off the engine. The three subordinates and Hung got out of the car, slowly approaching the old man. He absentmindedly lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke with each step. The old man, with weak legs, didn't follow his orders anymore, just sat there trembling. Hung walked up to him, blew smoke in his face, and said coldly:

- Old man, did you see what just happened earlier?

The old man, visibly frightened, stuttered:

- I don't know... I don't know... forgive me...

Hung nodded and chuckled softly, saying:

- Close your eyes, pretend you never saw this, and never tell anyone. Remember?

Seeing the old man still hesitating, Hung shouted:

- Close your eyes! I told you to close your eyes!

The old man quickly closed his eyes in fear, while Hùng nodded contentedly, reaching the side of his rifle, aiming straight at the pitiful old man's forehead. With a loud bang, the bullet pierced through the old man's forehead, blood and white brain matter splattered, and he collapsed onto the sidewalk, mouth gushing with blood before taking a few gasps and succumbing to death. Hùng blew away the smoke lingering at the gun barrel and smirked.

-Remaining completely silent is only for the dead...haha.... Blame it on bad luck, who told him to see what he shouldn't have seen. You guys, throwing his body into the river!

A group of young men pick up the body and threw it straight into the river below.

=Dirty Fingers=

Afterward, Hung ordered the group to quickly get into the car and drive to Nam's house. It was well past midnight when the car carrying four people pulled up in front of a three-story white villa. They all got out of the car and stared for a moment as if confirming the location. Hung instructed the group to use a bolt cutter to break the gate lock, then four men carried four black bags and gently pushed the gate open before closing it softly. Stepping into the courtyard, a faint fragrance emanated from the wooden trees, a sweet scent that made everyone relax. However, they all knew it was not time to enjoy it; their immediate task was the job assigned by the boss. They all looked around hesitantly, like thieves looking for a way in. One of the group cheered softly and pointed:

- There's an entrance, boss.

A group of people follows this guy pointing, which is the doorway to the house at the end of the kitchen area. Perhaps because it's Nam's house and he's a tough guy, no thief would choose a terrifying revenge to steal a few items, maybe even risking their lives. Without hesitation, Hung gently lifted his chin and smoothly passed through that door into the house. At this moment, inside the house, there were only a few dim lights softly illuminating the scene. The four guys wandered around the living room for a while, then with cat-like steps, they ascended to the second floor. Hung glanced around and noticed two closed doors. He approached the first door, turned the handle gently. Seeing it unlocked, he softly turned the handle and pushed the door aside. On the bed, a young woman, Linh - Nam's wife, was sleeping soundly. Hung silently thought to himself:

- She must be Nam's wife. So beautiful. Well... Nam, before reuniting your wife with you, I must enjoy your wife first!

With that thought, he smirked, gesturing for the other two guys to stand guard. He gently walked to the second door, finding it locked. Without haste, he pulled out a handgun from his waist and conveniently took out a silencer from his pocket, swiftly attached it, checking as if to ensure it was secure. Hung aimed the gun at the door handle, "bang," a shot that shattered the lock and handle. Swift as a squirrel, Hung along with two other guys kicked down the door and rushed in. In the room were two children, a boy and a girl around three or four years old, lying in bed cuddling their teddy bears, peacefully asleep. Startled by the noise, they woke up in confusion. Before they could cry, the two guys quickly covered their mouths and then carried them downstairs. Meanwhile, Linh woke up, only to be pinned down by the remaining guy, who promptly drew a knife and placed it against her neck. She was terrified, lying still, not daring to move, looking up with pleading eyes in the darkness, as if begging for mercy. Perhaps she still thought that no one would dare break into the home of a dangerous couple to steal. Linh nervously said:

- Please... take whatever you want... I won't report to the police. If you don't want to take anything, I can give you money and jewelry. Please spare my life.

Hung's accomplice spoke up:

- Shut up, you little b*tch! Do you believe one more word from you and I'll slit your throat?"

This guy is too aggressive, his words are not just empty talk so Linh quickly fell silent and dared not say anything. At this moment, Hung returned to Linh's room, turned on the light. Dazzled by the sudden bright light, Linh quickly covered his eyes with both hands, Hung confidently walked in, nodded at his companion, who quickly stood up and ran out of the room, remembering to close the door. As the door shuts, Hung steps closer and sits on the edge of the bed next to where Linh is lying. He raises a gun, aiming and smirking mischievously, then slowly points the gun at Linh's forehead. Linh is now sweating profusely, looking at this person whose eyes are fixed on them with hunger, she know... what this person wants. After a moment of thought, Linh speaks shakily:

- I will do whatever you want, just spare me.

Hearing this, Hung smiles with satisfaction, swiftly undresses, while Linh understands and without many words, removes her silk nightgown and dutifully serves Hung, tears streaming down. Hung's hand still grips the gun, muttering:

- Nam, take a look at this, see... your wife serving me like a prostitute... But, alas, you won't have a chance to see it, now you're at the bottom of the Ka-Long river, haha...

Satisfied, Hung leisurely puts his pants back on as Linh lies exhausted on the bed, trembling occasionally. Hung opens the room door and sees his companion standing ready, he quickly pulls out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lights one, inhales deeply creating a smokescreen, his pupils slightly dilated, he smirks at his companion and gestures to leave the room. The companion understands, pushes the room door and rushes in. Hung slowly walks down the stairs made of precious wood, gazes at Nam's house then smirks mockingly. Meanwhile, inside the room, Hung's companion grabs Linh by the hair from the bed to the ground, dragging them around, Linh in pain, hands grasping the hair being pulled tightly, begging tearfully:

- Please, spare me, I've obeyed your boss's orders already. Why do you want to harm me...

The companion slaps Linh's face, growling:

-Shut up or I'll cut your tongue now. You've obeyed my boss, but what about us? Oh...I forgot to tell you, we only care about money. We don't need you, because... you're even lower than the prostitutes at Trang's brothel.

Linh breathes a sigh of relief, quickly saying:

- How much do you need? I'll give it all to you, just spare my family...

The companion drags Linh towards where the gold and money are kept. It's a safe hidden behind a painting on the wall, a perfect hiding spot. Linh slowly pushes the painting aside, starts turning the safe's lock, hands trembling as they try but fail. The companion kicks Linh in the face, the blood spurts out from the nose and mouth, He growls:

-B*tch!! Can you open it, or do you want me to break your hands...

Linh's eyes were brimming with tears as she quickly wiped away the flowing red blood. Shortly after, a "click" sound, the door of the safe opened. Overwhelmed with emotions, he cried out as in front of him lay gold pieces, dollars, Vietnamese Dong, totaling nearly three billion Vietnamese Dong. His eyes darted around, swiftly grabbing the money and gold, stuffing them into the bag he wore. Linh sighed in relief and said:

- This is all the money in my house. Are you satisfied? Please spare me. I won't reveal this. I promise...

The man looked at Linh as if looking at a dead person. He slyly smiled and said:

- I'll spare you, but I need to consult with my boss first.

Then, he grabbed her hair and dragged him downstairs to where Hung was seated, smoking leisurely. He announced

- Boss, I got the money, almost three billion Dong!

Upon hearing this, Thang Hung opened his eyes and nodded approvingly.

- Good, show me."

Quickly, the bag full of money and gold was presented. Hung couldn't contain his excitement and let out a loud laugh. At that moment, someone in the group asked:

- What about Nam's two children and wife, boss?

Hung suppressed his smile and squinted:

- As mr. Dong advised, are you starting to sympathize with them? If so, use your own life to replace theirs!

The man trembled in fear, realizing Hung's ruthless reputation. Hung slammed the table, silencing the room, except for the rhythmic tapping of his hand. As the plan unfolded, he slammed the table again and demanded:

- You two, empty your tool bags!

The two swiftly complied, revealing a neatly rolled newspaper. Hung pulled out a long object from the newspaper. The kids tried to scream but were gagged, helpless. Linh attempted to intervene, but was held back. Hung, with his yellow-stained teeth from smoking, brandished a knife. Blood sprayed on the wall as the two heads rolled on the floor, their eyes still wide with confusion. The bodies collapsed, blood pooling on the ground. Linh finally cried out, eyes filled with rage, glaring at Hung

- You are monsters, if you're so skilled, just kill me now. I swear, even in death, I'll haunt all of you.

Hung wiped the blood off his face, chuckling:

- You want to die, huh? Fine, I'll grant your wish, reunite you with your husband below.

With that, he signaled his henchmen to restrain Linh. Powerless, Linh was held down without resistance. Hung approached, clasped Linh's mouth with his large hand, and when his tongue protruded just enough, he swiftly sliced it off. Linh screamed in agony as blood gushed from his mouth, his eyes clouded with regret, regret for challenging these demons disguised as humans. But in this world, there was no room for regrets. Hung instructed his men:

- Hold her hands.

A sharp sound of "chop, chop." Hung examined Linh's severed hands and remarked:

- Your hands are beautiful, soft... But sadly, you won't be able to use them anymore.

Then, Hung kicked Linh squarely in the chest, causing Linh to fall backward onto the floor. She was in excruciating pain, feeling as though she might pass out, observing her arms severed, hands missing, bones protruding, and sporadic spurts of blood staining her chiffon dress. She attempted to scream, but her tongue had been cut by Hung, resulting in muffled sounds. She retreated backwards as Hung cruelly smiled, a smile akin to a death knell for Linh. He swiftly approached, raising a high-heeled shoe to press against Linh's chest. Linh, using her severed arms, struggled to push away Hung's foot bearing down on her chest. Hung stopped laughing, his face turning serious. The sound of a knife slashing, the metallic clang against flesh resonated. Shortly after, Linh's pristine legs had been severed by Hung. With all four limbs now severed, Linh lay still, her truncated legs twitching sporadically. Hung continued with the knife, slicing into Linh's thigh, flesh and tendons spilling out, until with a forceful strike, her thigh bone shattered, prompting him to halt. Hung twisted his neck a few times to alleviate stiffness, admiring the gruesome scene before him like a work of art. He lit a cigarette, exhaled a cloud of smoke, while his three henchmen, initially taken aback, quickly regained composure. One of them spoke up:

- Boss... we should leave quickly, boss.

Hung nodded and swiftly produced a white plastic bottle labeled "Acid" from his pocket, pouring it directly onto Linh's face. The chemical reacted with her flesh, emitting a pungent odor and sizzling sounds, accompanied by billows of white smoke. Linh, with her severed arms, clutched her face in agony. Hung chuckled maniacally, tears streaming down his face, carelessly discarding the bottle and drawing out a small, sharp knife from his pocket. Satisfied with his choice of weapon, he playfully stabbed a few times before plunging the blade deep into Linh's heart, eliciting a final gasp before her life extinguished, her face disfigured by the acid, eyes staring lifelessly. Having finished, Hung wiped the blood off his hands, signaled for his men to retreat. Swiftly, they tossed bags of gold and valuables into the trunk of their car, and sped off into the night, leaving behind a house reeking of blood and death they had caused.

To be continued!!!

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