This so-called Dark Court Enhancer Tribunal was clearly the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Drug traffickers across the Americas held mixed feelings toward the DEA - they loved the corrupt agents they could collaborate with, who provided an escape route when cornered, yet hated the agency's brutal and overbearing nature.
Both Pablo Escobar, the former Colombian drug lord, and El Chapo Guzmán, Mexico's top trafficker, had ultimately fallen to the DEA.
These three men before him were all connected to the DEA, indicating Big Daddy Juan was already under close surveillance.
As Wayne circled the three men while chanting incessantly, the trio kneeling among five sugared apples grew increasingly agitated.
The gang member named Mateo fixed a cold stare on Wayne and slowly said:
"Kid, I'll never be a DEA dog. If you dare bark recklessly, I'll make you regret spouting nonsense!"
Having finished a chant, Wayne slowed his pace and nodded:
"This time, it's indeed not you."
He then turned to Miguel nearby and suddenly called out:
"Ahem... Luis?"
Miguel froze, nearly responding instinctively before catching himself, though his reaction had already betrayed him.
Wayne continued asking:
"How much did the DEA pay you?"
Miguel paled, trembling as he spoke:
"What Luis? I... I don't know what you're talking about."
Ignoring him completely, Wayne tilted his head as if listening to whispers from the five sugared apples on the ground.
He then showed surprise and said to one sugared apple:
"Tracking device? Which molar?"
Miguel sprang to his feet, shouting:
"You're insane! A fraud! What nonsense are you spouting? Big Daddy, this white boy is a liar trying to turn us against each other! Kill him! Kill him now!"
Pointing at him, Wayne said:
"He's a DEA informant... ahem... hid a tracker in his molar... the apple told me..."
Big Daddy Juan sat expressionless in his chair nearby, making a gesture. Tattooed Dick and others immediately stepped forward, using rifle butts to knock out all of Miguel's teeth on the spot.
When all four molars were shattered, a tiny chip was indeed revealed.
"Miguel, you son of a bitch! You dared betray us!" Tattooed Dick cursed, pressing his gun against Miguel's forehead.
"I... I was wrong... sorry... Big Daddy... they forced me..." Miguel wept bitterly, blood streaming from his mouth as he crawled on his knees toward Big Daddy Juan.
He was met with a Nepalese kukri.
Pulling the blade from Miguel's skull, Big Daddy looked at Wayne and offered a rare smile:
"Kid, you did well."
Maot, whose hands were bound, stood up and spat on Miguel's corpse, saying:
"I never would have guessed Miguel was the traitor... But boss, I suspect this white kid is a DEA agent. All that Voodoo Mediumship is fake—they just sacrificed Miguel to gain your trust."
The gangsters present narrowed their eyes at these words.
They knew all too well about the DEA's filth and ruthlessness. Sometimes it was hard to tell who were the real drug dealers.
Wayne, however, seemed completely oblivious to the hostility around him. He once again leaned in as if listening, speaking to the Sugared Apple on the ground:
"What's that? Maot kept that batch of goods for himself and framed you? Follow the money?"
Hearing this, everyone present erupted in uproar. Maot's eyes widened, his face flushed red as he lunged toward Tattooed Dick, trying to snatch his gun, shouting:
"I'll kill this damn liar!"
Bang! A gunshot rang out. Maot clutched his stomach and collapsed to his knees, looking in disbelief at Big Daddy, who stood nearby holding a smoking gun.
Seeing the other's expression, he finally understood—Big Daddy had suspected him all along.
He just needed a reason.
Wayne acted as if nothing had happened, turning to the last gangster named David:
"The apples tell me you became a DEA informant."
After what had just transpired, David was utterly convinced Wayne was a Medium. He dropped to his knees with a thud, weeping and begging:
"Boss, I was wrong... but I never dared to identify you! I only agreed to point out some peripheral members for them..."
A confession without coercion.
Wayne's expression remained calm. He pressed his palms together and gave a slight bow to the five Sugared Apples, saying:
"Thank you. You may go now."
A gust of wind blew past, scattering the sugar coating on the apples as if something had departed.
Clap... clap... clap... Big Daddy Juan gently applauded, praising Wayne:
"Kid, you truly are a Medium. Absolutely remarkable..."
If he had only gotten one right, it might have been a DEA setup. But getting all three correct in a row—only a Medium could explain that.
Wayne quickly replied:
"Unfortunately... cough... I can only manage simple communication... I don't know how to perform Summoning the Dead... cough... That's Old John's specialty."
Though he had momentarily fooled these gangsters, Wayne knew he must not let them develop a lasting interest in him. Otherwise, if he failed to meet any of their demands, he might end up like the Sugared Apples.
Never underestimate a drug dealer's unpredictability and lack of scruples.
Juan frowned. He had indeed wanted Wayne to summon the spirit of his younger brother, Emiliano.
Ordinary Voodoo Mediums weren't rare.
As he assessed Wayne's value, he said:
"Kid, you've proven your innocence. You didn't lie to me..."
Just then, his phone suddenly rang. Juan answered, responding briefly before his expression shifted abruptly. He then said to Wayne:
"By tradition, since you sold Old John's body, his debts now fall to you. I'll give you... one week. Repay the debt, or work for me—find all the traitors in the organization. Now, you may leave."
Wayne breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"Thank you, esteemed Mr. Juan. I hope you'll allow me to take these... apples. I promised to bury them."
A trace of pity appeared on Big Daddy Juan's face as he said:
"Oh, poor Alejandro's family. It's all because of that damned Maot. My kind heart aches... Of course, you can take them. Forever."
As he spoke, he gave a meaningful glance. Tattooed Dick quickly brought two subordinates to pack the five Sugared Apples into a bag. Suppressing the odor emanating from them, they accompanied Wayne back to the Toyota pickup truck they came in and drove back the way they came.
Only after leaving the dilapidated neighborhood did Wayne finally relax completely, his back already soaked with sweat.
As a former police officer, he knew full well how cruel and terrifying these drug dealers could be. Everything that had just transpired was akin to making a deal with the devil.
No matter how perfectly he had performed, they could have suddenly changed their minds over the slightest matter.
Wayne had been prepared to seize a weapon and fight for his life.
Fortunately, he had succeeded.
For now.
[Great adventurer, congratulations! You cursed three Two-headed Ogres to death and safely left the Two-Headed Ogre Tribe! EXP +20]
[You obtained the title: Voodoo Medium]
[Bard Performance (Beginner 20% +10%)]
[You obtained Basic Magical Artifact materials: Sugared Apple ×5. Begin crafting Basic Magical Artifact?]