Empire of Shadows

On Wednesday morning, the overweight businessman Johnny arrived at Jingang City’s Urban Court, seated in a wheelchair pushed by his daughter. His case was scheduled to be heard today.  

Jingang City was a bustling metropolis, with numerous cases requiring hearings daily. Minor disputes were handled in expedited court sessions, but criminal cases like assault required formal proceedings to ensure both plaintiff and defendant had the opportunity to defend themselves and assert their legal rights—something enshrined in the charter.  

“I’m a little worried, Dad,” Johnny’s chubby daughter said, seated beside him. Her body odor was so intense that even Johnny struggled to endure it. He couldn’t help but wonder if her boyfriend had chronic sinusitis or if she had some inexplicable charm that kept him around. These thoughts flitted through his mind briefly before he maintained a confident expression.  

“I consulted with our lawyer already. This is a small case; there won’t be any surprises,” he reassured her.  

They had discussed this twice before, but his daughter’s unease persisted. “But they hired a lawyer.”  

Johnny’s patience thinned, and his voice unconsciously grew louder—a common trait among those from humbler backgrounds when their authority was questioned.  

“I told you, I consulted the lawyer! I’m the undisputed victim here. A judge won’t ignore my injuries just because they hired a lawyer and claim I attacked them alone!”  

“This case will boil down to one thing: how much they’ll compensate me and whether I’ll forgive them. That’s it!”  

As he spoke, a man in formal attire approached. Given the sweltering mid-September heat, wearing a full suit was a testament to his dedication—or insanity. Johnny guessed this man was a lawyer, as only lawyers would dress so impeccably.  “Mr. Johnny?” The lawyer’s tone was haughty as he extended a hand, expecting Johnny to shake it.  

That condescending gaze made Johnny feel humiliated, even though the lawyer had done nothing more than address him.  

After a brief pause, Johnny nodded but motioned to his immobile hands. “That’s me, so…”  

The lawyer retracted his hand and glanced back. Only then did Johnny notice a group of young people laughing and chatting at the other end of the hallway.  

He recognized them instantly. The memory of their brutal attack replayed in his mind, his blood pressure rising. “You want me to forgive them?”  

The lawyer shook his head. “I mean to suggest a settlement out of court. I understand this may sound unreasonable, but—”  

Before he could finish, Johnny roared, “I’m the victim! I decide how this case ends, not you!”  

“Now take your damned arrogance and get away from us!”  

Turning to his daughter, Johnny added, “Push me somewhere else. Just seeing someone like him—willing to do anything for money—makes me sick!”  

His daughter shot an apologetic glance at the lawyer. “I’m sorry, I…”  

The lawyer shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s your choice.” He turned and walked toward the young defendants.  

As Johnny’s daughter pushed him aside, she admonished, “You shouldn’t have said that. Lawyers can make life difficult for us if they want.”  

Johnny dismissed her concern. “Let him try! These bloodsuckers only act if there’s something to gain. Settling out of court? Don’t even think about it!”  

The mere thought of that night—their ruthless violence ignoring his pleas for mercy—fueled his anger. Money was no longer the issue; he wanted revenge.  

His daughter’s unease deepened. “At least hear him out. Maybe—”  

“Don’t even dream of it! I wouldn’t listen to him even if I were on my deathbed or falling off a cliff!”  

Once Johnny’s temper flared, no one could calm him—not even the woman who had left him. His daughter sighed. “I think we’re going to mess this up.”  

Johnny scoffed, saying nothing, already rehearsing how he would passionately describe the lawyers’ and those kids’ despicable actions to the judge, just like in the courtroom dramas he’d seen.   ȐАꞐОᛒЕⱾ

The lawyer returned to the young defendants, wearing an expression of regret. “The other party has refused an out-of-court settlement. My goal now is to minimize the damages you’ll pay and reduce any potential prison time.”  

Some of the defendants’ parents wanted to speak with Johnny, but the lawyer discouraged them, though he didn’t outright stop them.  

As expected, Johnny immediately told them to “get lost.” This infuriated the parents, who felt that while their children were at fault, it wasn’t their problem. They had come with good intentions.  

Twenty minutes later, the session began. Johnny was wheeled to the plaintiff’s seat, and the judge entered hurriedly, looking fatigued.  

After the formalities, the judge glanced at Johnny. “Did your lawyer arrive late, or did you not hire one?”  

Johnny shook his head. “Your Honor, I consulted a lawyer. He advised me that this was a straightforward case, and I didn’t need representation to defend myself.”  

The judge suppressed a chuckle. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Then, turning to the defendants and their lawyer, he said, “The plaintiff has no representation. You may proceed.”  

The lawyer stood, bowing respectfully. “Thank you for your time, Your Honor. I am Anthony from Golden Diamond Law Firm, representing the defendants in this case.”  

“First, let me introduce my clients…”  

The lawyer presented documents showing that four of the defendants had been diagnosed with conduct disorders and a predisposition toward violence. He explained that the incident wasn’t a case of premeditated or random crime but an impulsive act.  

At the behest of a friend, the group sought revenge against an exploitative boss. However, due to their youth, immaturity, and violent tendencies, things spiraled out of control.  

He submitted various certificates, including proof of their community service participation, completion of high school with at least a C+ average, and statements from neighbors attesting to their otherwise respectful and helpful behavior.  

His argument aimed to frame the incident as a regrettable mistake rather than a deliberate crime.  

As expected, much of the blame shifted to the apprentice, who had convinced his friends to act.  

The apprentice’s mother had begged the lawyer for help, using every means at her disposal. Touched—or persuaded—the lawyer took on the case, though he warned her that her son was likely to face a sentence of three to five years.  

He explained that a reduced sentence or acquittal was possible if she could provide $50,000, but she couldn’t afford such an amount.  

After reviewing the documents, the judge noted that the defendants were not exemplary youths but fit the description of average, acceptable Federation citizens.  

Turning to Johnny, who sat cluelessly in his seat, the judge asked the lawyer, “You mentioned that one of these youths was oppressed and humiliated?”  

The lawyer looked to the apprentice, who stood and replied, “Yes, Your Honor.”  

The judge pursed his lips. “Can you explain how he humiliated you? And this document also mentions your mother…”