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Fliodan, Cambolton Palace, Time: 7:00 AM
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"Yeah, the scene is quite grim, isn't it?" one of the guards commented, a touch of sadness in their voice.
It was evident that they were outsiders, attired in white suits adorned with intricate gold accents.
"Absolutely. It's hard to believe someone would commit such an act," the other guard added, their gaze fixed on something in the distance.
Their attention was drawn to the corroded tree that still bore the remnants of yesterday's event, with Alaric's lifeless form suspended within its gnarled branches.
Despite their efforts, the guards seemed unable to dislodge the body from its woody grasp. Frustration was etched on their faces as they worked diligently to resolve the situation.
Just as they were engrossed in their task, a calm but tired feminine voice cut through the air, causing both guards to startle at the unexpected interruption.
"Are you here to work or bird viewing?"
The speaker's eyes mirrored weariness, and any trace of joy seemed to have long faded. She sported a distinctive circular pair of glasses, her hair fashioned into a butterfly haircut of a rich brown hue.
Her attire consisted of a light brown trench coat adorned with an array of medals, showcasing her accomplishments.
Brown fur boots adorned her feet, while a unique pair of gloves covered only two fingers on each hand.
Detective Sarin stood before them, a commanding presence emanating from her worn demeanor.
As the head of WhiteClaws, she was known for her astute investigative skills and no-nonsense approach.
"I said are you here as investigators or merely visitors to the unfortunate exhibit?" she inquired, her tone a blend of curiosity and authority.
Her keen gaze scrutinized their reactions, suggesting that nothing escaped her attention.
The guards exchanged glances, slightly taken aback by Detective Sarin's directness.
Clearing their throats, one of them responded, "We're here to assist with the investigation. We're from a neighboring kingdom and were dispatched to offer our expertise."
Sarin nodded, seemingly satisfied with their response. "Very well. The more help we have, the better. This case has caught the attention of many, and we're determined to uncover the truth."
As they conversed, a soft rustling sound caught their attention.
A figure emerged from the shadows, stepping into the light with a blend of curiosity and concern on its face.
It was a young woman with vibrant blue hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. She wore an elegant robe with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer under the sunlight, giving her an almost ethereal appearance.
"Detective Sarin, I've been observing the situation from a distance," the blue-haired woman chimed in, her voice gentle yet with an air of authority. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. If I may interject, I believe this tree's corrosion is no ordinary occurrence."
Sarin turned her gaze toward the newcomer, her expression a mix of intrigue and acknowledgment. "And who might you be?"
"I'm Lyana, a mage specializing in natural phenomena," the woman introduced herself. "I've encountered similar occurrences in my studies, and I believe this could be the result of a malevolent magical influence."
The guards exchanged puzzled glances, clearly intrigued by Lyana's insight. "Malevolent magical influence?" one of them repeated, seeking clarification.
Lyana nodded. "Yes, I've encountered cases where dark magic melds with the natural world, causing such corruption. It's a dangerous combination that requires careful examination and intervention."
Detective Sarin's brows furrowed as she processed the information. "So, you're suggesting that someone intentionally caused this corrosion?"
Lyana nodded again. "It's a possibility worth considering. The unusual circumstances surrounding this event require us to explore all avenues."
Sarin's shoulders slumped as she sighed, her conflicted emotions evident even to herself.
"Lyana, it's not that simple," she finally admitted, realizing that her evasiveness might have piqued the curiosity of the observant mage. "There are personal matters intertwined with this case, matters that I'd rather not share."
Lyana studied Sarin's expression for a moment, understanding the weight of unspoken secrets. "I respect your privacy," she replied gently. "But if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."
Sarin offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Lyana. I'll keep that in mind."
With a nod, Lyana turned and walked away, leaving Sarin alone with her thoughts and the photograph in her hand.
As she gazed at the faded image of her old squad, memories flooded back – memories of camaraderie, laughter, and shared experiences that felt like a lifetime ago.
The faces in the photograph held stories of their own, stories she couldn't easily forget.
Sarin stared at the old photograph in her hand, lost in memories of a time long gone. The faces in the picture smiled back at her, a testament to the camaraderie and shared experiences they once had.
She traced her fingers over the image, her thoughts drifting back to Sugar, the enigmatic figure who had once been part of her life and a very important figure to her life.
"Things were simpler then," she whispered to herself, a mixture of nostalgia and regret tugging at her heart.
Sugar's absence from her life had left a void that was difficult to ignore, and his recent reappearance had stirred up a whirlwind of emotions she thought she had buried deep.
"Detective, we need your expertise," a mysterious voice stated as a man wearing a kitsune mask and brown curly hair in a suit walked up to her.
Sarin decided to inspect his attire and noticed The COU medal in his pocket. 'Special force...'
"And what does The COU's Special Force require from me?" Sarin inquired, tucking her photograph away and retrieving her cigarette box. The man decided to be polite and offered to light it for her.
Sarin accepted, taking a puff and coughing slightly before blowing out a cloud of smoke. 'I need to get used to this,' she thought to herself, still adjusting to smoking.
"Please come with us. We will show you the problem. I am Alocard, by the way," Alocard stated, realizing he forgot to introduce himself, and led the way for Sarin.
She followed, unaware that Layana was sneakily trailing behind, curious about what was about to unfold.
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Fliodan, Cambolton Palace: The Castle, Time: 7:30 AM
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As they made their way down the castle's corridor, Sarin couldn't help but notice the increasing number of body bags piled up, with a medical team diligently transferring them back and forth.
Maintaining her stoic expression, Sarin pondered to herself, while Layana seemed visibly horrified by the sheer amount of bodies being transported.
While she understood death was inevitable, the cruelty inflicted upon the victims was beyond comprehension.
Eventually, they reached the door that led to Morgan and his wife's master bedroom. "This way," Alocard gestured, opening the door for Sarin. She entered calmly, prompting him to follow suit.
Unbeknownst to them, Layana discreetly pressed herself against the door and peered through the keyhole. Her eyes widened in horror at the gruesome scene on the other side.
Sarin glanced over to see what had disturbed Layana, but she could only sigh at the sight before her.
It was Morgan's wife, her body crucified with her lower half nearly severed, her entrails spilling out, and two black, sharp rocks pinning her to the wall.
"Honestly, if other detectives were here, they would likely vomit at this sight," Sarin commented, her voice devoid of emotion.
She decided to examine the body more closely, her attention drawn to the rock that held it in place.
Just then, Sarin heard the sound of someone retching outside the room. Choosing not to investigate, she focused on her examination.
She knew that the mysterious slaughter at Ulvala, the case of The Collector's Office, had a similar signature.
If she could find the connection, the pieces of the case would start falling into place. "This is the same as the one in the Ulvala case."
"I shall nickname it 'God's Fortune,'" Sarin muttered to herself, giving the case a somewhat whimsical name as she allowed herself a moment of indulgence.
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