Teer (steady, calm): I was the One Sach at that time.
Hearing this, the guard's mouth fell open. He shook his head slightly, then forced himself to regain composure and burst into loud laughter.
Third Guard (jokingly): You really make some great jokes!
Teer gave no response. But now, a faint uneasiness began to creep into the guard's mind.
Third Guard (thinking, uneasy): He didn't say that just to disturb me… did he? No… no, I shouldn't feel uneasy. I just need to calm down.
The guard glanced at Teer again, then drifted deeper into his thoughts.
Third Guard (thinking): He's too calm… I've never even seen a machine this calm. What does that mean? A law-abiding detective… the leader of the most wanted murder syndicate? Impossible. And if he's really that cunning, why would he reveal it to me? Maybe he's just trying to shake me. But… his presence feels suffocating. What if… he actually is the ghost leader?
(annoyed) Damn it! Why am I thinking like a madman?
The guard had begun to overthink. By now, they had reached the fourth floor. It had around twenty-eight lockers, guarded heavily. Teer carefully examined everything and noticed something unusual—there were fourteen rooms on each of the lower floors, but double on the fourth.
He decided to ask.
Teer (in a soft, strange tone): Why are there twice as many rooms on this floor as compared to the others?
The third guard seized this chance to steady himself, but his tone was now more cautious.
Third Guard (carefully): I can't tell you that so easily. Give me some time. You're a detective—you understand why I can't trust you.
Teer: Alright. Take your time. Let's go to the fifth floor.
As Teer stepped forward, the third guard suddenly grabbed his shoulder and stopped him. He looked visibly nervous.
Third Guard (whispering in panic): Stop! You can't go up there. No one even tries. If you do, we'll both get caught.
Teer: Why? What's up there?
Third Guard (slightly angry): You can't go because I'm telling you not to!
Teer: Fine. Calm down. But then how exactly are you planning to get me out of here… so that I can help you and your friend escape?
Third Guard: That's why I asked for time. Let me think.
Teer (mockingly): Alright. Until then, I'll just stand here… and observe this painful sight. Prisoners banging on their locker doors, some crying out in despair… while guards sit calmly, sipping tea and chatting. What a… family-like atmosphere.
The third guard was already uneasy, but now the pressure of helping Teer escape weighed heavily on him.
Third Guard (thinking): He's clever. Once he gets out, he'll inform the police and expose all of us. And from his behavior, it doesn't seem like he even cares about his granddaughter's life. Escaping from here is dangerous—even I can't do it alone. But… what if what he said is true? What if he really was the ghost leader of Katil? Then… it would be better to use him… even sacrifice that brute guard if needed.
Third Guard: Stay here. I'll be back.
Teer (smiling faintly): Quick thinking.
The third guard went up to the fifth floor. That floor had no prison rooms—only a kitchen and an officer's cabin. The corridor was dimly lit, almost swallowed by darkness, with a single door at the end.
He entered the officer's cabin and approached the senior officer.
Third Guard (lighting a cigarette): Sir, I have something important to report.
Senior Officer (calmly): What is it? You seem worried. Sit down… want some water?
The guard closed the door carefully and spoke in a hurried tone.
Third Guard: Sir, among the recently kidnapped prisoners… one of them is Teer Jwala.
Senior Officer: What are you saying… Teer Jwala?
Third Guard (insisting): Yes, sir. And… he claims to be the ghost leader of Katil.
The senior officer burst into laughter.
Senior Officer: I can believe that Teer Jwala is a prisoner… but the ghost leader of Katil? That's impossible. The hunter chasing the prey cannot be the prey itself.
The guard then explained everything from the beginning, assuring the officer that he was only extracting information.
Third Guard (nervous): You trust me, right, sir?
Senior Officer (confident): Of course. You've worked with me for ten years. If not you, then who should I trust? Bring him here.
The guard felt relieved, but still warned him.
Third Guard: Sir… Teer is like a silent breeze—once you try to stop it, it suffocates you.
He's extremely clever. When he's quiet… the person in front of him is already trapped.
Senior Officer (smirking): Sounds like a movie protagonist. Good. Let's defeat him in cinematic style.
The officer handed a gun to the guard and kept one for himself.
The third guard smiled like a cunning fox and hurried back to the fourth floor.
Teer stood leaning against the wall, eyes closed, arms folded, lost in thought. As the guard approached, Teer opened his eyes and walked toward him.
Third Guard (nervous): Listen, Teer… I don't think you should leave. But if you betray us, your granddaughter will be killed. Now hear me—there's a special room upstairs where the exit keys are kept. No one is there right now. We'll sneak in, get the key, and get you out. But you'll have only two days to ensure our safety. After that… all the prisoners will be transferred for organ extraction.
Teer stared silently into his eyes.
Teer (thinking): Why does it feel like he's hiding something?
They moved toward the fifth floor.
Teer (analyzing): No prison rooms here… and this seems to be the final floor. That means only 70 prisoners are here. Where are the remaining 50?
The guard led him into the officer's cabin. The room was pitch dark.
As soon as Teer stepped inside, the lights turned on.
The senior officer sat before him, pointing a gun. Behind Teer, the guard closed the door and aimed his weapon at the back of Teer's head.
Third Guard (slowly): Sir… this is Teer Jwala. He tried to escape by telling us about the Holy Dictator.
Senior Officer (greedy smile): So… who are you really, Teer Jwala? The Holy Dictator?
Or should I ask… who is One Sach?
Teer stood still, eyes closed, listening calmly. Then he pulled down his handkerchief from his face, and his lips moved slowly.
Teer: Shoot yourself.
Third Guard (laughing): Haha… what did you say?
The senior officer's body suddenly went stiff. His expression turned blank. Slowly, he raised his gun… and pointed it at his own head.
Snap!
[Chapter 9: One Sach or Holy Dictator Ends]