"Successfully evaded prosecution for the hundred thousandth time."
"Congratulations! You've successfully completed the SSS-level difficulty case in the dream simulation—the Train Compartment Serial Murder Case. You have now mastered top-tier disguise skills and crime scene setup methods."
"You have perfectly completed one hundred thousand simulated crimes. All crime-related skills have been fully learned. From now on, you can choose any simulated case in the dream for review at any time."
"You are my most perfect creation. From today onwards, the world will witness the perfect crime... Hahaha!"
The mysterious voice faded away.
Ethan Hunter slowly opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling as he exhaled a deep breath, muttering to himself.
"It's finally over. Was it a test from the God of Dreams or a conspiracy from Satan?"
"A hundred thousand cases, always dodging the law, from simple brawls to serial killings. Haven't had a good night's sleep in ten years."
"Every night, simulating at least eight serious criminal cases, and even more than twenty for the regular ones."
"But it was all worth it."
"Now, I guess I've got every crime-related skill in the world, huh? From picking locks in five seconds and cheating in casinos, to psychological manipulation, using firearms, even flying fighter jets—it's all up here."
"Looks like this dream guy wanted to turn me into the perfect criminal, capable of any misdeed without ever getting caught by the cops."
"But..."
Before Ethan could finish his thought, his roommate—Miles Franklin, already dressed in his police academy uniform, slapped the side of Ethan's bed.
"Ethan, come on, wake up."
"Today's our first day reporting for our internship at the Detective Bureau. Don't wanna be late and make a bad impression on the bosses!"
That got Ethan out of bed quickly, washing up and getting into his intern uniform.
That's right.
Ethan wasn't planning on being a criminal,he was gearing up to catch them as a detective.
And with the experience of a hundred thousand simulated crimes.
Three months ago, at the detective recruitment exam, Ethan scored unprecedented perfect marks!
The perfect criminal could also be the best detective!
...
At the East End Detective Bureau in Gotham, known for its high crime rate and also responsible for narcotics enforcement, officers in uniform were busy at work—some reviewing files, others planning the latest arrests.
Inside the Chief of Detectives' office, Derek Colt was flipping through personal files and looked up at the two men in front of him with a smile.
"Ethan and Miles?"
"Welcome to the East End Detective Bureau."
"You're still interns for now. After you graduate from the police academy, you'll be assigned to patrol. If you're interested in detective work, you can apply to transfer to the detective squad, followed by a one-year probationary period."
"During that year, as long as you don't screw up big time, you can officially join the detective squad, and outstanding performance might even fast-track your promotion."
"Any questions?"
An excited Miles quickly stood taller and responded.
"No, sir!"
Derek looked towards Ethan, who hadn't immediately answered, and raised an eyebrow.
"Ethan."
"Any concerns?"
Unlike the enthusiastic Miles, Ethan appeared extremely calm, ignoring Miles nudging him with his elbow, and spoke confidently.
"Report, Chief Colt."
"I'd like to be on the front lines, directly involved in solving various criminal cases, learning hands-on."
Normally, new interns at the Detective Bureau would start by reviewing files and handling miscellaneous tasks to build their character. They wouldn't be thrown straight into frontline detective work.
But for Ethan.
If he couldn't get involved in cases right away, doing meaningless busywork was no better than turning into the world's most perfect criminal!
This response clearly surprised Derek.
But after seeing Ethan's perfect score on the detective exam, Derek frowned, thought for a few seconds, then stood up.
"Alright."
"You two, come with me."
"We've got an arrest operation this afternoon. I'll have Lucas take you along. It's not a big case, but it'll give you a taste of the real world."
Derek led the way out of the office.
He approached Lucas Shaw, who had just finished setting up the arrest operation, and said without room for doubt.
"Lucas."
"I'm sending two rookies your way, they're your responsibility from now on."
"Include them in this afternoon's operation, let them see how real detectives work!"
Lucas, in his thirties, had been with the Detective Bureau for ten years. Although he always wore a uniform, his constant smile made him seem approachable.
But don't be fooled by his appearance.
When facing criminals, Lucas was as fierce as a tiger, having cracked numerous cases over the years.
Mentoring rookies was tough.
But Lucas showed no sign of impatience,passing on knowledge was a tradition in this police force.
Years ago, he was Derek's apprentice, now capable of handling things on his own.
He waved his hand in acknowledgment.
"Understood, Chief."
"You two, follow me. We've still got a few hours until the scheduled arrest."
"But we need to stake out the location first."
With that, Lucas led Ethan and Miles away to prepare for the arrest operation.
...
As the trio left, Derek approached a female officer at her desk, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Ava."
"That 5.13 Gotham University dismemberment case, bring it up for me again."
Hearing Derek's request, the officer immediately retrieved the detailed file for the 5.13 Gotham University dismemberment case and nodded in response.
"Yes, Chief Colt."
"It's been nearly twenty years since the case was opened, with only two months left until the anniversary. The details haven't been updated in five years, turning it into one of East End's biggest cold cases. Are you still interested in this case, Chief Colt?"
Derek didn't hesitate.
His fingers tapped on the desk, his voice firm.
"Process the necessary paperwork for me."
"As long as I'm here, this case will continue to be investigated indefinitely."
"I won't allow..."
"The perpetrator of such a heinous dismemberment to roam free without any burden."
"And I believe..."
"There's no such thing as a perfect crime in this world,we just haven't caught the most crucial evidence yet!!!"
After speaking, Derek returned to his office, his fingers massaging his temples.
His mind replayed the memories.
Twenty years ago, the horrific university dismemberment case he had been involved in...