Both Silhus and Ayuru went silent, staring at each other. Then, they spoke at the same time:
"My name is Ayuru Ermis."
"My name is Silhus Shud."
They extended their hands for a handshake, but neither made eye contact. Silhus glanced to his right, while Ayuru hesitated, looking away.
Ayuru broke the silence with a firm but pointed remark. "What an undisciplined officer you are. You're late." Silhus noticed her avoidance of eye contact but chose to ignore it. "Alright, let's get to work. Tell me what you have on Hayam."
As they walked toward Silhus's office, the other officers in the room exchanged curious glances. "Hardy, get in here!" Silhus called out. "Maria, join us," Ayuru added.
Maria Nicel, Ayuru's assistant, She is Vice- Head of the Department of Krickon city held the same rank as Hardy Briels who was Vice- Head of the Department of Malonce City. As they followed behind, Silhus turned to Maria and extended a hand.
"Nice to meet you, Maria. Looking forward to working with you."
Maria smiled as she shook his hand. "Likewise, Sir Silhus. Let's crack this case." Ayuru scowled. "Are you two done with your chit-chat?" Silhus smirked but said nothing.
All four of them stepped into his office. Inside, Ayuru placed a thick case file on the desk. She leaned forward slightly, eyes sharp. "Alright, Miss Ermis, tell us what you know about the Rib Cage Killer." Silhus's voice was calm but expectant.
A heavy silence hung over the room, thick with unspoken questions. Ayuru's gaze swept across the faces before her, each one watching, waiting. She let the tension settle a moment longer before finally speaking.
"I know you're all wondering why the Chief Head Patriarch of Groom Town—CHP Sir—personally assigned me to this case."
Her words landed with weight, shifting the energy in the room. Backs straightened, eyes sharpened, and an unspoken current of curiosity crackled through the air like a gathering storm.
She took a deep breath. "Because I am a descendant of Miss Janice Cosonel." Silhus and Hardy stiffened. Their expressions froze in shock. "Yes, you heard me right," Ayuru continued. "She was my great-grandmother."
The room felt colder. Even Maria, usually composed, shifted uncomfortably. Ayuru let the silence linger before continuing. "After Hayam's death, my family was cursed. My great-grandmother, Janice Cosonel, died of cancer. My grandmother suffered a terrible accident, and my great-grandfather died in the same tragedy."
She hesitated, her fingers twitching slightly. But she quickly steadied herself, unwilling to let emotion overtake her. Then, she turned her gaze to Silhus. "Sorry for keeping you in the dark, Silhus."
She pulled out a chair, sat down, and casually propped her legs on the desk, lighting up a cigarette. On the surface, she looked composed, but the tension in her shoulders told another story.
She took a slow drag, letting the smoke swirl in her lungs before exhaling in a steady stream. For a moment, she said nothing, watching the haze drift toward the ceiling as if lost in memories she couldn't escape.
"My parents were murdered by a mysterious boy," she finally said, her voice even but carrying an edge. She took another drag, exhaled, and let a brief silence linger. "He almost killed my brother too. I was only twelve—I couldn't save them."
She stared at the cigarette between her fingers as if searching for something in the burning embers.
"My mother… she was murdered right in front of me," she murmured, eyes dark with the weight of remembrance. "My father fought back, but the boy… he had powers. Something unnatural."
The words hung in the air, thick as the smoke curling from her lips.
She took another slow drag from her cigarette, the ember flaring in the dim light. Her voice wavered for the first time as she spoke.
"He grabbed my father's chest and… tore his rib cage apart like it was nothing."
A heavy silence gripped the room. No one moved. No one breathed. The only sound was the faint crackle of burning tobacco.
Ayuru exhaled sharply, the smoke curling toward the ceiling as she steadied herself. "I was hiding in a cupboard with my little brother. We heard the sirens outside. The boy was about to kill us when the cops stormed in." She flicked ash into a tray, her jaw tightening. "But he vanished in an instant. Someone took him away before I could see who it was."
Her fingers curled into fists, the cigarette held between them trembling slightly. "Since that day, I swore I'd find the people responsible for my parents' deaths."
Her voice softened, but the steel beneath it remained. "My brother was in a coma for six years. He survived… and now, he's a professional doctor. Works at Vegas Hospital."
The weight of her words settled like a leaden fog over the room. Silhus and Hardy exchanged glances, struggling to process what they had just heard.
Ayuru's expression didn't waver, but her eyes burned with something raw and unyielding. She crushed the cigarette into the ashtray, the hiss of embers snuffed out filling the silence.
"Now," she said, leaning forward, her gaze locking onto each of them. "Are we going to solve this case or not?"
A heavy silence followed, but no one challenged her. One by one, they nodded, the weight of their mission settling in. The meeting wrapped up soon after, and the team dispersed, each carrying their own thoughts.
The next day, Silhus and Maria arrived at the towering Cronhus Company office building in Malonce City, ready to continue their investigation.
Maria approached the receptionist, who stiffened upon seeing the officers. Flashing her badge, Maria leaned in slightly. "I need a list of all the people who entered this building in the past two months."
The receptionist, visibly nervous, fumbled with her files before shakily handing one over.
Maria noticed the woman's distress and softened her tone. "Hey, there's no need to be scared. I just want to ask you something. In your opinion, who could have killed your boss? Do you think it was someone from the office, or perhaps an outsider with a grudge? Did you notice anything unusual in his behavior before his death?"
The receptionist hesitated, her fingers gripping the edge of the desk. After a few moments, she finally spoke. "I don't know who the killer might be. Our boss had a terrible temper—he would humiliate employees over the smallest mistakes and overload them with work. Many people here resented him. But..." Her voice wavered as she lowered her head. "Once, he called me into his office at the end of the workday..."
Maria waited patiently as the woman struggled to continue.
"He told me to... take off my clothes and lay on his desk... Then he..." Her words broke off into sobs, her body trembling.
Maria gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry... You don't have to say anything more. Take some time to rest."
Taking the file, Maria left the reception desk and headed upstairs.
Meanwhile, Silhus was in the boss's office with a team of officers, combing through documents and belongings for any suspicious evidence. When Maria entered the room, she handed him the visitor records.
"Sir, here are the records of visitors from the past two months. It doesn't include regular employees." Silhus flipped through the pages, nodding. "Good work, Maria."
Maria hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Sir, I also found out something disturbing... The boss was a predator. He used his position to harass female employees." Silhus exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Damn, this case is getting more twisted by the minute."
Before he could process the information further, a constable shouted, "Sir! We've found something!" Silhus quickly made his way over. The officer had discovered a hidden compartment inside the boss's desk. Inside, they found a stash of drugs. Before Silhus could react, his phone rang. He answered immediately, "What's the matter, Hardy?"
Hardy's voice was uncharacteristically panicked. "Sir... one more victim has been added." Silhus's grip on the phone tightened. "Who is it?"
Hardy gulped before responding, "It's... Mr. Hilgan Moigon, the Town Minister of Groom Town." Silhus remained composed, though something in his gut told him this wasn't just a random murder. After a brief pause, he said, "I think I'm starting to see the pattern, Hardy."
Ending the call, he turned to Maria. "Stay here. Keep digging. Inform me if anything else comes up."
He drove his car swiftly through the city streets, tires screeching as he pulled up to the office. Pushing through the door, Silhus found Ayuru standing by the case board, her sharp eyes scanning every detail, lost in thought.
"Did you hear about the latest victim?" he asked, his voice edged with urgency. Ayuru didn't turn immediately. She exhaled a slow breath, tapping a marker against her palm. "Yeah," she finally said. "And I think I know what the killer is doing. The killer is targeting the corrupt individuals in our society."
She pulled out a file from the stack on the desk and slid it toward Silhus. "James Crook—the chairman of Cronhus Company. Officially, he runs a clothing business. Unofficially, he smuggles drugs in his shipments. He's been caught multiple times, but he's too rich and powerful to be brought down."
Ayuru took a deep breath, her expression darkening. "And now, Hilgan Moigon—the one we all suspected but couldn't touch legally—has been killed as well. He was deeply involved in drug dealing and corruption but had political backing. To the public, he was a respectable minister. Only the police and his allies knew the truth."
Silhus, scanning the board, muttered, "Then the killer somehow discovered the truth and decided to take justice into his own hands."
Ayuru nodded. "Exactly. The pattern is clear—he's going after those who use their power to exploit others."
Silhus studied her for a moment before smirking. "You're as sharp as I expected."
Ayuru remained serious. "The real question now is—who's next?"
Silhus exhaled, crossing his arms. "We need to focus on those who are corrupt but untouchable by the law."
Ayuru's eyes gleamed with determination. "Then let's start hunting them down."
Silhus smirked. "Now you're talking."
The city pulsed with life, its neon lights flickering against the darkness, but within its underbelly, a shadow lurked—silent, calculated, waiting.
In a grand, beautifully designed house, Tobias Grint stirred beneath silk sheets, his body stretching lazily as the first light of dawn crept through his curtains. He exhaled contentedly, rolling out of bed with the practiced grace of a man who had never once known chaos—only control.
Padding barefoot across the marble floor, he entered his pristine bathroom, where warm steam soon curled against the mirror. Tobias relished the quiet, the stillness. It was in these early hours that he felt most at peace, unburdened by the trivialities of the world outside.
Stepping out of the shower, he draped a towel around his waist and moved toward the window, pouring himself a cup of freshly brewed tea. The needle of his gramophone lowered, and a soft, melodic tune drifted through the air. As he unfolded the morning newspaper, a particular headline commanded his attention:
"RIB CAGE KILLER TAKES ANOTHER VICTIM"
His lips curled slightly, a fleeting smile barely touching his features. Tobias took a slow sip of his tea, eyes flicking over the article with casual amusement.
""They never print any good news, do they?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. With a practiced flick of his wrist, Tobias folded the newspaper and set it aside, his thoughts momentarily lingering on the article.
He took another sip of tea, savoring its warmth before rising from his chair. Moving with his usual elegance, he adjusted his cufflinks and strode toward his walk-in wardrobe. Every item was meticulously arranged—pressed suits, polished shoes, silk ties in shades of deep crimson and navy.
Selecting a crisp charcoal suit, Tobias dressed with care, ensuring every detail was flawless before stepping out into the grand hallway of his estate. The day ahead would be like any other—filled with whispered conversations in hospital corridors, sterile operating rooms, and grateful patients who saw only the kind, brilliant doctor standing before them.
By noon, he had performed two successful surgeries. By afternoon, he had attended a charity luncheon, where he charmed the city's elite with his composed demeanor and effortless wit.
As dusk approached, Tobias leaned back in his office chair, rubbing his temple lightly as he glanced at the clock. Another long day had passed, and the hum of the hospital had begun to quiet.
Stepping out of his office, he made his way through the hospital's grand entrance, where his driver was already waiting by the sleek black Bercedes-Benz. The man stood at attention, ready to open the door as Tobias approached.
But tonight was different. Tobias flashed his ever-present smooth smile, a gesture that put everyone at ease. "Take the night off," he said, his tone kind but firm. "I'll drive myself home today."
The driver hesitated for a moment, then nodded, grateful for the unexpected reprieve. Tobias watched him leave before slipping into the driver's seat, his fingers brushing over the leather steering wheel. He started the engine, the soft purr filling the air as he adjusted the radio to a soothing classical tune.
The hospital faded in his rearview mirror as he pulled onto the road. But he didn't take the usual route home. Instead, he turned onto a desolate road, the city lights growing distant as the darkened forest stretched out before him.
Eventually, he arrived at a small, secluded hut hidden deep within the forest—a place untouched by time. Tobias stepped out of his car, the cool night air brushing against his skin. The scent of damp earth and pine needles filled his lungs as he took a slow, deliberate breath. The forest around him was eerily silent, save for the distant rustling of leaves.
To any outsider, this modest structure seemed unremarkable, a forgotten relic swallowed by nature. But Tobias knew better. This was no simple retreat.
With a practiced motion, he pushed open the creaking wooden door and stepped inside. The space was sparsely furnished, illuminated only by the soft flicker of candlelight. Shadows danced along the walls, twisting and shifting like silent specters.
Moving with ease, Tobias approached a section of the wall, his fingers tracing over an inconspicuous wooden panel. A quiet click echoed through the still air as he pressed it. With a low mechanical groan, a hidden door slid open, revealing a dimly lit staircase spiraling downward into darkness.
Humming the soft melody that had accompanied his drive, Tobias descended, his footsteps echoing in the hollow passage. The deeper he went, the cooler the air became, thick with the scent of metal and something more primal—something unmistakably human.
At the bottom, a long corridor stretched before him—a winding maze of passageways only he could navigate. The dim overhead lights flickered, casting elongated shadows that seemed to move of their own accord.
Finally, he reached his destination.
A single steel door loomed ahead, its surface marred with faint scratches and dried streaks of something dark. Tobias exhaled softly, almost amused."They always struggled at first."
He stepped inside.
A single, flickering bulb illuminated the room in an unsettling glow. In the center, bound to a chair, sat a man—naked, trembling, and utterly terrified. His breath hitched as Tobias entered, his bloodshot eyes wide with horror. The dim light reflected in them, making them look almost glassy, like a rabbit caught in a predator's sights.
Tobias moved to a nearby table, casually flipping through the pages of a worn, leather-bound book. He didn't need to look up to know the man was shaking violently, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
The minister of Groom Town. A man of influence. A man who, under different circumstances, might have thought himself untouchable.
"W-what do you want from me?" the minister stammered, his voice barely above a whimper. "Please... spare me!"
Tobias didn't respond. He simply continued humming, his fingers trailing over the book's spine as if searching for a particular passage.
The minister's desperation grew. "Listen... I'll give you anything you want. Money—power—just name it! Please, let me go!"
Tobias finally lifted his gaze, his smooth smile returning. He closed the book gently, setting it aside before taking a seat in front of the man.
Leaning in slightly, his voice came slow, deliberate—like a lullaby before the inevitable end.
"My name is Tobias Grint," he said, his words dripping with false warmth. "Congratulations, Minister. I am granting you immortality."
The minister's breath hitched. His confusion, his fear—it was intoxicating.
"W-what do you mean by that?" he rasped, his voice barely audible.
Tobias tilted his head slightly, watching the panic unfold before him. Without a word, he reached for the machine beside him, his fingers hovering over the worn buttons. The cold hum of the device filled the room as mechanical arms whirred to life, extending like grotesque metal fingers.
The minister thrashed against his restraints, his screams cut short as a metallic clamp snapped over his mouth, silencing him.
Then, with chilling precision, the sharp mechanical arms embedded themselves into his chest. His ribcage strained, his body convulsing violently as the machine tightened its merciless grip. A muffled, agonized wail tore through the air.
Tobias watched impassively as the machine did its work. Flesh tore. Bone cracked. The minister's body arched once, twice—then fell still.
Silence.
Tobias clicked his tongue, exhaling in mild disappointment. He ran a hand through his neatly styled hair, shaking his head.
"Ah, man… you died too quickly. I really wanted to grant you immortality."
Standing, he switched off the machine, watching as the lifeless body slumped in the chair. Blood pooled beneath it, reflecting the dim light above.
With a final glance at his work, Tobias turned, his footsteps echoing softly as he left the room.
Humming that same gentle tune, he disappeared into the darkness.