store becomes a battleground! Shelves are toppling, packages of Fritos scattering, and debris flying through the air as Derek firmly fights them off.

The last of the robbers, emboldened by this unexpected turn of events, lunges at Derek. Derek meets him with a shoulder roll that would make a rugby player proud, sending him rambling into a display of discount toilet paper.

Derek stands over him, a dark maestro, the symphony of violence finally complete.

Over the counter, Aria isn't screaming. No. Her terror has morphed into something more profound – a chilling fascination. Her wide eyes reflect not just fear, but more or less of respect, a dark thrill at the outrageous power and combat skills on display. This isn't heroism. This is a brutal exhibition of dominance, a predator culling th...

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