The next day, the village was full of panic and fear after a villager reported finding dead bodies in an alleyway. The gruesome scene caused widespread fear, and the possibility of a killer lurking in the village terrified everyone.
In the alley where the bodies were discovered, ten police officers were already there as they were assigned to the village were now examining and marking the scene. Villagers gathered behind the tape, watching the officers and some being questioned, as the other watched anxiously hoping for answers and praying for safety.
Suddenly, everyone's focus shifted to the appearance of a beautiful woman. Her presence commanded attention. She wore a fitted, double-breasted black leather trench coat over a sleek, dark grey shirt. Black slim-fit tactical cargo pants and combat-style ankle boots complemented her outfit, along with black, fingerless tactical gloves and a utility belt. A dark crimson scarf around her neck and a small, silver locket on a chain completed her look.
The woman stood at 5'8" with striking features D-Cup chest and curvy body with her piercing blue eyes with a hit of gold. Her vibrant fluffy pink hair fell in sleek waves down to her lower back, with side-swept bangs gently framing her face. Two sections of hair were pulled forward from just above her ears, flowing down in front of her shoulders.
As she ducked under the scene tape, assisted by other officers, she approached a man crouched near a dead body. He was six feet tall and well-built, with a rugged yet charming appearance. His warm green eyes and tousled dark hair stood out against his dark jeans, boots, and leather jacket.
The woman surveyed the crime scene and saw the three men bodies pinned against the rough brick wall, the three bodies made a haunting tableau. Their limbs, contorted at unnatural angles, resemble tortured marionettes. Blood from their wounds flows in intricate, swirling patterns, creating a dark, baroque masterpiece.
The central figure, arms outstretched, has a halo of blood arcing around his head. To the sides, the other two gangsters hang like fallen angels, their blood crisscrossing in jagged lines. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, making the blood gleam against the rough bricks.
'What the hell... who can do this?' the woman thought before arriving at the man.
She stopped by her partner, Detective Adrian Wolfe, a 26-year-old with a dropped smile on his face.
The with her hands in her pockets she asked. "Adrian give me the rundown?"
Adrian handed her a tablet displaying all the initial reports and photographs of the scene.
"Adriana, this is a very gruesome death right here," Adrian remarked.
Adriana nodded. "Three men, all dead. Pinned to the wall like some kind of macabre display. No witnesses." She said as she read the report.
Adriana, known for her exceptional investigative skills and unwavering dedication to justice, had already solved over 30 cases in the past three years mainly by herself in the past three years.
She studied the photographs. Around one of the dead men's necks, she noticed a tattoo of a chain.
Before she could speak, Adrian added, "These men are from the Iron Chain Cartel."
Adriana eyes widened. "What the hell is the Iron Chain Cartel doing in a small village like this?" she asked shocked.
The reason she was shocked is because the Iron Chain Cartel was the third largest and one of the most feared criminal organizations in the world. Known for its ruthless and brutal methods, the cartel specialized in human trafficking, exploiting human lives for profit through various illicit activities. Their network spanned cities and countries, with strongholds in hidden bases and secret camps.
"If they're here, there's a possibility of there being a base of operations," Adrian said.
If the cartel was in the village, it meant they controlled significant aspects of village life, using fear and coercion to maintain power. They might have infiltrated local leadership or used the village's isolation to conduct their illegal activities.
Also the Iron Chain Cartel's primary activity in the world was kidnapping and selling individuals into slavery. Their operatives were trained in abduction techniques, targeting vulnerable individuals such as orphans, the homeless, and those in financial distress. Captured victims were sold into slavery, forced to work in dangerous, degrading conditions, or sold as commodities in underground auctions to become sex slaves.
"We've searched the village and found nothing. Maybe we should widen our search range to the forest," Adrian suggested.
"Yeah, you do that," Adriana said, her tone firm.
'That was cold,' Adrian thought.
Other has always often perceived Adriana as cold or harsh. However, it was just her way of staying focused on the task at hand and by little words she spoke.
Adriana's eyes narrowed as she studied the photographs, already starting to piece together the details. She stepped closer to the bodies, careful not to disturb the evidence, and examined the scene up close.
Murmuring mostly to herself she said, "Precise, methodical is he making a statement. Each body positioned deliberately... blood patterns indicate controlled targeted strikes."
Adriana's looked up at the central figure, noting the halo of blood and the outstretched arms. Her keen intellect quickly grasped the grim artistry behind the arrangement. Suddenly, her nose perked up.
'What's that strong sense of evil energy?' Adriana thought.
She walked closer to the central figure and detected the faint yet strong presence of evil. Thanks to her Keen Scent Detection, allowing her to detect subtle odors and scents that others might overlook but she mainly uses for smell of energy while before it used to overwhelmed her as she smell evil energy all over the city and everywhere she went however she learned to control it over a certain degree.
In the world, Nyx energy is the fundamental energy that permeates all living beings and the natural world. It is the energy of life itself, imbuing individuals with vitality, power, and the ability to manifest extraordinary abilities. energy flows through everything, connecting all living things in a delicate web of energy.
'This killer is definitely supernatural,' she thought before looking toward Detective Adrian. "Adrian, do you think a villager did this because they wanted revenge?" she asked.
Adrian considered the question. "Maybe. There are so many missing women; one had to be from a their family one could have wanted revenge. But how did they manage to kill three cartel members on their own?" he said.
The village, isolated and self-sustaining with its economy based on farming, hunting, and trade with nearby settlements, has struggled under the cartel's control. Merchants are forced to pay "protection fees" to conduct their business, significantly cutting into their profits. The cartel's interference with supply chains has led to shortages of essential goods and inflation, disrupting the village's stability. Despite these hardships, the villagers remain resilient, looking forward to the upcoming harvest as a symbol of hope and renewal.
Adriana nodded pondering the situation. "It's possible, but unlikely. The precision and brutality suggest someone with significant power and skill. We need to find out more about any recent arrivals in the village or if anyone has exhibited unusual abilities."
Adrian agreed. "We'll need to question the villagers more thoroughly and look for any signs of someone who might have the capability to do this. And I'll start organizing a search party for the forest."
Adrianna stepped back, taking in the entire scene once more. The gruesome display, the chilling precision, and it was like deathly message that ended up fueling her resolve.
"This looks like they want us to know he's out there, and he's not afraid. But we'll find him," Adrianna said.
Adrian walked over with his tablet in hand. "What threat level do you think this killer should be labeled as?" he asked.
Adrianna placed her hand on her chin. "This is the first time I've seen a scene decorated like this... but with them killing here, it could be their first time killing," she said. 'The energy is definitely very evil. This little remaining trace of evil energy feels strong enough to challenge mine,' she thought
"Let's go with threat level D. They are killers, which means they could attack again, but there's a chance they are scared now and might lie low not to get caught," she explained.
Threat Levels are used to classify individuals based on their potential threat, ranging from E to S. This system helps authorities and organizations gauge the danger posed by various beings, including humans, supernatural entities, and enhanced individuals. Each level encompasses a range of abilities, combat skills, and potential for causing harm.
The system was created by the Syndicate and is monitored by various organizations, including government agencies and supernatural councils, but it is primarily used and monitored by the NVCCP.
"Adrian, we need to dig deeper into the cartel's activities here. Find out if there are any recent arrivals in the village or if anyone has exhibited unusual abilities. This killer might be connected to them," Adrianna said.
Adrianna and Adrian knew they were dealing with something far more dangerous than a simple act of revenge. The presence of supernatural energy and the involvement of the Iron Chain Cartel hinted at a much deeper and darker.