THE FOOL-Chapter 35: Cruel Truth

I could clearly see the exhaustion, fear, and pain etched across Lara's face.

Her body had finally given in to the overwhelming fatigue and trauma she had endured.

I carefully lifted her into my arms, holding her with both hands—but not before making sure to put my mask and gloves back on. I couldn't risk even a trace of my blood touching her.

I turned to Phoebe, signaling that we needed to leave immediately.

Lara's life was more important now than chasing after that wretched excuse of a man—Pastor Jun, who had already managed to slip away.

Phoebe understood the situation, but she insisted that she would be the one to carry Lara.

She said it would be safer to bring Lara to her private residence, where she could immediately call for her personal doctor, rather than risk exposing her to the chaos of a public hospital.

It was a good call—Phoebe's decision made perfect sense.

Because the truth was, I couldn't just let this opportunity slip away.

I needed to secure the evidence—everything that proved this secret gathering of vile, powerful people who had come together to support that corrupt man, Pastor Jun, in the upcoming election.

I also couldn't walk away without rescuing the remaining women—the innocent girls who had been kidnapped and offered like objects to these so-called VIPs at this depraved "celebration."

Now, those so-called "important men"?

They were nothing but lifeless bodies, collapsed in disgrace.

Exactly where they deserved to be.

One less group of monsters in the world.

When I saw that Phoebe and Lara had made it out safely, I turned my attention to the next important step.

I pulled out the cellphone I had taken from the arrogant vlogger—the one related to one of the so-called VIPs.

I unlocked it, aimed the camera at myself, and hit record.

"You don't need to know my face—only the truth I carry.

I am The Fool.

A name once meant for jest... now a name feared by those who've made a mockery of justice.

To the corrupt, to the predators who hide behind wealth and titles—your sins are no longer unseen.

I'm not here to scare you. I'm here to end you.

One by one, I will cleanse this world—not with mercy, but with judgment.

Because if the law won't punish you...

I will."

Those were the words I delivered with full confidence—my identity safely hidden behind the mask Phoebe had given me. One of its most useful features wasn't just how well it concealed my face, but how it slightly altered my voice. That way, even if someone heard me speak, they wouldn't easily recognize who I was.

I pointed the camera next to the women I had saved—survivors who were moments away from being treated like disposable toys by the so-called VIPs in this wretched gathering. I wanted the world to see the truth. I wanted to expose how cruel this system is—how easily the rich can buy silence, power, and even people.

I didn't stop there.

I showed the faces of the VIPs one by one—lifeless, crumpled on the floor in the very place where they once laughed and drank, thinking themselves untouchable. I wanted the world to know what I had done—and that I did not regret any of it.

Once I finished recording, I uploaded the entire footage using every platform linked to the vlogger's phone—his YouTube channel, his Facebook account, and every other social media handle I could find.

I wanted the world to see it.

To feel it.

To know the dark truth that has been hiding in plain sight.

And most importantly—I wanted them to know that I am here...

To cleanse this world,

of every rotten, powerful parasite

that feeds on the innocent.

Afterward, I told the women to stay together and assured them they had nothing to fear from me—that I would never harm them. I strictly warned them not to eat or drink anything laid out on the tables, as it could still have harmful effects on their bodies. I also made sure that none of them would be affected by my ability.

One by one, I untied the ropes binding their hands and feet. Slowly, they began embracing each other, some crying uncontrollably, finally able to breathe freely, finally able to move again.

I could feel the overwhelming relief in their hearts—and in that moment, I, too, felt a sense of quiet joy. At least for now, I had managed to protect the people who needed protecting.

I led them outside, away from that hellish place, and found a large truck nearby—likely the very same one used to transport them here. It was big enough to carry them all safely.

The only problem...

I wasn't sure if I could drive something that massive without putting them in even more danger.

But...

That wasn't the only problem I was about to face.

I thought our nightmare had finally ended that night—but suddenly, a voice echoed from inside the venue, stopping me in my tracks.

A deep, mocking laugh filled the air.

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"Hahaha..."

It came from a man holding a knife and something else I couldn't clearly make out. The object he carried seemed to be dripping—water or some other liquid falling onto the ground.

"The Fool," he said, his voice dripping with menace, "I've searched for so long... and here you are, right where I never expected."

At first, I didn't intend to pay much attention to him. It was just a knife. I had dealt with far worse. I turned to the women behind me and ordered them to get into the back of the truck, hoping they could rest and stay safe there.

But then—

I froze.

The man dropped the knife, reaching into his coat pocket. The lighting behind him made him appear like a shadow, cloaked in mystery. But in that silhouette... I caught a glint.

A familiar shape. A familiar glow.

No doubt about it.

What he pulled out was a tarot card.

I knew that shine. That design. That ominous presence. There was no mistaking it.

This man...

He was an Arcana.