Code red (1)

In the Northern Empire, Zintis was known as the largest city, the heart of the north, and the center of excellence. Yet, despite its size, it wasn't the most populated nor the one with the highest industrial and economic value.

That title belonged to Falnora, the blue city. Contrary to what one might think, it wasn't named the city of blue for its beauty. In fact, Falnora was far from beautiful. Instead, it was named the blue city because its lawlessness was akin to the sea's chaos.

Legend had it that long ago, before men dominated the sky and birds went extinct, the sea was where men reigned. They built massive ships and battled for gold and riches.

Falnora mirrored this chaos. It was a lawless city dominated by three parties of nearly equal standing: the Blue Legion, Azure, and Crimson.

For years, these factions had been in a stalemate, until tonight.

It was another night in Falnora, with the streets filled with businessmen, entrepreneurs, rogues, assassins, and tramps. It was a circus of various classes of humans parading about.

The wise knew better than to stay out too late in Falnora.

The city had three major districts: Torgard, Papati, and Crisoto—uptown, midtown, and downtown, respectively. Tonight, the scent of blood, chaos, and something far more sinister filled the streets of Papati.

Red and blue lights flashed as patrol vehicles scoured the area, and military scouts were mounted on high buildings, surveying the scene.

Below them, black and yellow barriers gleamed, illuminated by the red and blue hues. The area was sealed off from pedestrians.

But that didn't stop people from snooping around. In a lawless place like Falnora, information sold for a high price. Many tramps would risk their lives for a bit of news. Their next meal depended on it.

This was why even more military officers patrolled the area, clad in heavy-duty uniforms with steel batons and shields, ensuring to keep prying eyes away.

While it might seem like overkill, in Falnora, you never knew what the citizens might get their hands on. Better safe than sorry.

Most of the officers were recruits and privates; the higher ranks were occupied with paperwork, investigations, and other crimes happening all over Falnora.

A young man walked through the row of military officers, nodding as they saluted him. He was also dressed in a heavy-duty uniform: helmet, steel-soled boots, joint guards, gloves, and a kinetic vest.

His shoulder bore an epaulet showing his rank, and in his left pocket was a name tag.

Rhashan Trudene.

He walked past the black and yellow barricades into the crime scene, instinctively raising his hand to cover his nose, only to be blocked by his helmet.

"Tch, what a mess," he clicked his tongue, walking past blood stains, bits of flesh and viscera, and burn marks.

He bent down, his eyes narrowing as he touched a purple stain on the floor. He brought his gloved hand to his nose, raising his helmet's transparent shield as he sniffed at the purple stain.

"Opium… a pretty strong one."

At that moment, Rhashan heard footsteps approaching. He stood up and turned around to see two men walking towards him.

They were both dressed in casual outfits. On the left was a familiar face: dark hair, red eyes, and an athletic build—Captain Gilbert of the Blue Legion squad, Rhashan's direct superior.

Beside the captain was a lanky man with a slim build and long legs. He looked about the same age as the captain, probably younger.

Unlike the captain's rough, barely average looks, this unknown guest was what one would call a pretty man. He also had red eyes and dark hair but wore a simple three-piece suit with a leather coat hanging off his shoulder.

Rhashan walked up to them as they passed the barricade, saluting the captain immediately.

"Welcome, sir," he greeted.

"Rhashan, brief me," Gilbert said curtly, extending his gloved hand to shake Rhashan's. Rhashan shook Gilbert's hand before leading them to the center of the crime scene, briefing them about the situation as they walked.

The chaos had been swift and its cause was unknown. By the time the blue legion arrived, it was already too late. The culprits had vanished and the street was littered in blood and gore.

"It was extremely messy, captain. For some reason, the gangs seem to care less about what the legion would do and more about covering their tracks."

"Gangs?" the lanky man asked, his voice thin and smooth as Rhashan had imagined.

Rhashan looked at Gilbert. While he knew that this lanky pretty man was no ordinary person to be brought to the heart of the scene by his captain, he also knew better than to assume things.

"Oh, sorry for the late introduction," Gilbert apologized to the lanky man, then looked at Rhashan, whose brows were furrowed.

"Sergeant Rhashan, meet Major Heinrich."

Rhashan's eyes widened, and he immediately saluted the lanky man. He was shocked but only at the fact that the man had taken such disrespect from him.

"You don't look that much surprised," Heinrich chuckled, his red eyes scrutinizing Rhashan.

"Forgive me, sir, but I've seen my fair share of extraordinary individuals. I don't judge a book by its cover."

"Good. It seems like Captain Gilbert's praises about you weren't all talk."

Heinrich walked forward, looking around the scene, his eyes narrowed as he tried to piece together what had happened.

"Tell me, Sergeant Rhashan, what did you mean when you said gang? Surely you don't think Azure and Crimson are behind this?"

"No, sir. I'm sure they are."

Heinrich looked at Gilbert and smiled, then walked towards Rhashan.

"And on what basis do you pin this theory? Azure and Crimson know better than to act like kings in our backyard."

"I found traces of opium, sir," Rhashan replied, his gaze firm.

Heinrich raised a brow, glanced back at the scene, his eyes narrowing before he glanced at Gilbert. He had a hint of surprise in his red eyes.

I didn't notice it earlier….

Gilbert nodded and chuckled,

"I told you he's exceptional. Unfortunately, he's yet to gain enough merit for a promotion. I would have loved to make him my lieutenant."

Heinrich nodded, impressed by Rhashan's sharpness. He scanned the area, a strange glint in his eyes.

Suddenly, his eyes widened. He slowly turned around, heading towards a particular corner. He bent down and picked up an object, bringing it up for a closer look.

It was an eye.

How did he see it? Rhashan wondered, staring at Heinrich in shock. He had searched the whole area for traces and clues, yet he missed the eye.

Heinrich looked back at Gilbert and Rhashan, his expression grim as he approached them.

"Where were the bodies taken?" Heinrich asked.

"The morgue, sir."

"Lead the way."

"What did you find?" Gilbert asked as the trio headed back to a waiting hover vehicle.

"I can't confirm it yet, but if I'm right… it means we have a code red."