"Given the urgency from the editorial office and knowing that I'm your sister, they naturally sent me here, demanding an exclusive interview. The editor said if I bag exclusive first-hand information, I'll be made a full-fledged reporter, no longer just an intern. Hey, hey, my dearest brother, you wouldn't turn down your sister's one and only request, would you? And what about this disabled guy next to you? He's quite handsome; what a shame about the disability. Otherwise, I could introduce him to a few unmarried ladies from my newspaper."
Elyon could only offer an awkward smile at this.
"The gentleman is just injured, not disabled. Let me introduce you to our new clerk, Elyon, the one who handled last month's bank robbery case. That witless woman over there is my sister, Rita," Captain Kappa said with a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
Elyon shook hands with the woman in front of him with his good right hand, then sat down.
"Why not consider this young man here? A bright graduate from Aegisburg University. He even earns more than you do," Captain Kappa suggested, seeming to set up a blind date.
"If you agree to the exclusive interview, I'll consider it," Rita bargained.
"Alright, what would you like to know?"
Rita pulled out a small notebook from her pocket, set it on the desk, and took a pen, looking ready to take notes diligently.
"I want to understand the details of the murder on the night of August 1st. Was there really a secret transcendent organization involved?"
"Under investigation, details of the case cannot be disclosed," Captain Kappa nonchalantly said while preparing his hand-ground coffee.
"How did the victim die? Spectators said the victim was missing a leg," Rita pressed, seemingly intrigued by such cases.
"Cause of death is currently unknown. We've arranged for a judicial autopsy to be conducted, and we'll determine the cause based on the medical results," Captain Kappa continued to roast coffee beans.
"What exactly is this 'k' organization? Do you have any leads?"
"Not at the moment. We're planning to hand over the case and request assistance from the Special Actions Division."
Rita hadn't written anything in her notebook yet, becoming increasingly frustrated.
"Then what can you tell me?"
"Case is under active investigation. Please inform the citizens to be cautious, especially at night. If possible, carry legally permitted self-defense weapons."
"That's it? What about the note left at the crime scene?" Rita, still not giving up, continued her inquiries.
"Do you really think I'd make up something as simple as a letter 'E'?"
"I don't believe it. Even if I did, my editor would probably fire me instead of promoting me."
"Then maybe that's for the best. Quit the reporter job and find something else to do."
"No way, I don't want to be stuck in an office all day long, watching a bunch of old geezers sip tea." Rita stood up, then suddenly sat down right next to Elyon, whispering.
"Handsome, why don't you spill some secrets? Of course, if we report it, I'll split the bonus with you."
"But I really don't know any inside stories, I've just ended my leave and returned to work today." Elyon thought to himself that he'd been regarded as a cripple just moments ago, and now, suddenly, he was 'handsome,' illustrating that people only treat you well when they see value in you.
"Don't think about dragging our guy into this. He's earned 250 pounds in cash in less than two months of working here. Your shabby newspaper can't afford to pay him as much," Captain Kappa scoffed.
"Wow, that much? Maybe I should consider joining you guys."
"Weren't you just disdainful of a bunch of old men? What changed your mind?"
"If I can earn 250 pounds in two months, I don't care if you're all old men. Young man, tell me your secret to wealth."
Elyon was somewhat amused, "150 pounds was a lucky break for helping someone retrieve a necklace. As for the other 100 pounds, well, if you look at my left arm, that's what I traded for it."
Rita's eyes, which had been sparkling, lost their luster as she glanced at Elyon's bandaged arm.
"Then forget it. Not even 100 pounds could make up for the physical and psychological damage you've suffered. You take care of it."
"Remember to write the story the way I told you. As for the dialogue, you can make that up. Don't spread rumors about transcendent evil or mysterious organizations. This case might indeed involve something that requires the Special Actions Division to step in. If those black-clothed officers come knocking on your newspaper's door, your editor will surely throw you out to take the blame, and your dream career as a reporter will be over."
Rita's expression sobered, "Are things really that serious? It's not some kind of prank?"
"A body lies a hundred yards away from here. Do you think any organization or person would commit murder as a joke? If you end up on the Special Actions Division's list, no newspaper would dare to keep you."
"Don't try to scare me. We in the media aren't afraid of politicians. I even get invitations to their parties."
"Special Actions Division doesn't need votes like the politicians do. They report directly to a committee formed by the parliament, the king, and the eight orthodox religions. In some cases that can't be dealt with in the light of day, they can bypass the courts and detain someone for up to six months. Believe me, you don't want to experience what's underground at the Special Actions Division. Don't believe me? Ask Elyon; he's been there."
Rita turned to Elyon with curiosity, "Brother, is the Special Actions Division really that terrifying?"
Elyon, taken aback by her familiarity, felt obliged to respond, "It's gloomy and oppressive, and yes, you can hear creepy sounds. There are all sorts of oddballs there."
"Really?" Rita's eyes sparkled with renewed interest.
"Yeah, but they're not like the winged or four-armed creatures that people imagine."
"Is that all? No elegant vampires or dashing werewolves?"
Elyon thought to himself about introducing her to the nose-picking vampire and the werewolf who couldn't control his bloodlust, but said nothing.
"Anyways, when's lunch? I'm starving."
"It's only 11 o'clock. Half an hour to go. What's up, did our reporter run out of money for food?"
"Well, it's just the right time to wait for the autopsy results. Don't think you can fool me. Saving money comes second; the main thing is accessing information."
"You know the autopsy room is right over there, and you know Dr. Kraisinger. Why not go see for yourself? You're not afraid that he'll just repeat my silence."
"How could you make a single woman witness an autopsy? I'm starting to wonder if my brother is a full-fledged pervert."
The siblings bickered until 11:30 when lunch was served—steamed pumpkin accompanied by white bread, and the soup was fish-based. Chef Mrs. Lisa seemed quite familiar with Rita and teased her about coming to scrounge a meal, causing Rita's face to darken. As the three sat down, Dr. Kraisinger came in, looking exhausted, and with a full plate of three bread rolls. He handed Kappa a paper.
"Something strange came up; take a look. I'm off to get my food."
As Kappa read the paper, he said, "Now we're really in trouble. Looks like we'll have to call the Special Actions Division after all."
Rita reached out for the report, "Let me see."
"Do you think you can make sense of it? Not to mention medical knowledge, can you even understand Dr. Kraisinger's scrawl?"
Rita scratched her head, "True, I can't make heads or tails of any of the medical examiner's reports in your office."
"Then stop snooping around my office."
"Heh, I'll try."
"You guys have a good relationship as siblings," Dr. Kraisinger commented as he sat down beside Elyon. He seemed to have worked up an appetite during the autopsy, stacking his plate with bread.
"Good afternoon, sir. What was the real cause of death for the victim last night?"
"Didn't I give the report to your brother? He should have an opinion."
"He's mute. Respectable Dr. Kraisinger, please enlighten me."
Dr. Kraisinger glanced at Kappa, who nodded. Then the doctor continued, "I first checked the stomach. There were no obvious signs of poisoning, and the organs didn't show signs of being poisoned either. Oddly, the victim's organs showed significant atrophy, resembling those of a person in their seventies or eighties about to pass away." Dr. Kraisinger paused there, returning to his lunch as if he'd forgotten all about the conversation.
"So, how did he die?"
"Don't go publishing this in the newspaper. If you do, make sure to cite your brother as the source. I believe the victim died from a direct drain of life force by some transcendent energy, akin to natural deaths of the elderly. Although he externally appeared young, his organs were aged," Dr. Kraisinger said before continuing his meal as if he'd completely moved on from his statement.
Rita looked troubled, "As a journalist, I must report the truth, but now I can't write what you just told me."
"Exposing only part of the truth is sufficient. Most people read the newspaper only for entertainment. Sometimes the truth isn't as important to them, and after being