Incline 13: Surgeon Stolpzhen

"Hard day at work?" the hotel staff at the front desk asks me as I walk into the building. Given what I have had to put up with today, hard might've been an understatement. Yet, now I just needed to figure out what I could do. Was I allowed to leave or was I expected to defy this mad killer?

He had done what should've been impossible... It was often said that if I had gone down a different path. I could be as powerful as a member of the Ordoar Staguiffmani. The Valkinvar that used their magic to cast terrifying spells.

I, however, could not see it. I was a surgeon that guided tremendous loads of magic to heal. I did not wipe out armies or cities with flicks of my hands. I helped people and I did a damn good job of it!

But, not today... Much to my perpetual frustration. I had built my reputation and pride off of a simple idea. That my ability to heal the sick and wounded was unparalleled throughout the land.

Yet, here I was, undone by a single serial killer who had a city under a reign of terror. I wanted to just get it over with a leave. To say goodbye to this failure and to just pretend it didn't exist. Besides, it's not like news of it would go beyond this city.

Or even this street for that matter. The news outlets were obsessed with drowning the people in a bleak outlook. Nothing was going to stop this man's cruel actions. He was free to act however or whenever he pleased.

"Hm...?" I let out in confusion as a lamp suddenly fell down off its table. When I moved closer to pick it up, I noticed the issue. Its leg had given way to prior damage. Most likely a couple knocked it over and failed to hide the damage.

Yet, I was too tired to sort it out myself. Not that I was obligated to either way. I just put it back and brought out my room key. It had gotten quite late so maybe Elizana had already gone to bed.

And that was perfect, because I was absolutely knackered. I just wanted to undress myself and collapse into the nearest bed. Even if it was a cheap hotel one. However, there was really nothing wrong with this place.

It was cheap, but, it was well looked after and it was a fine place on its own regardless. One thing I particularly liked about the rooms was how they gave off a false feeling. The beds and that were on a wooden platform above everything else. So it was like a small, very modest house.

"Yeah, she's asleep." I comment tiredly as I walked under the bed. Having just heard the sound of someone moving. Yet, the sound of a soft splash made me stop. I quickly groaned in the dark and then tried to find a light.

Yet, it went on without me doing anything, "Just in case you needed further encouragement to stay away, Doctor." a mad man laughed. A bloody sword nonchalantly waved at me while I froze up in terror. It was then that I realised that the liquid was blood. And it was dripping straight from the bed...

"What did you do...?" I asked as I slowly backed away. Was he likely to turn that sword on me!?

"Isn't it obvious? No, wait, pardon me. I've made a good effort to hide that, actually. Just, remember these words, okay? Stay out of it." he rambled before he brought his malicious grin close to my face. And it only disturbed me more as I got a close look at his cut-open cheeks. His white teeth were fully visible.

And it elongated his already lengthy, creepy smile with its curved pattern...

"I... I understand..." I nod in understanding as that blade lingered near me. But, within but a blink, he had vanished. And I was left patting myself down to make sure he had not attacked me. Elizana's body, however, was now before me...

"Hello? Room ser- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"