Mass Murder

Aray decided to ignore the strange smell coming from King Avanindra. The fatigue from the meeting urged him to head home, bathe, and rest. However, his steps halted when he passed by the royal garden located in the heart of the palace. The garden was extraordinarily vast, adorned with flora that seemed to originate from a magical world.

Tall trees with shimmering leaves emitted a soft glow under the sunlight, giving off a magical and harmonious impression. Some vines curling around marble pillars glowed with a golden-green light, appearing alive and subtly moving, barely noticeable to the human eye.

He continued walking, weaving through a maze of tall hedges that formed a complex pattern. Every turn in the maze held surprises—a fountain that flowed like liquid silver, graceful crystal fairy statues, and magical flowers that emitted a refreshing fragrance. Some of the flowers quivered slightly when Aray approached, as if welcoming his presence. The air in the garden was filled with magic, bringing peace to anyone passing through, as if capable of making one forget all the burdens of the world.

Aray paused for a moment in front of a giant tree standing at the center of the garden. This was no ordinary tree—its leaves changed from emerald green to gold with every breeze. Nearby was a small wooden bridge crossing a pond, home to bright fish swimming calmly. Above the pond, colorful butterflies fluttered gracefully, creating an incredibly serene scene. Despite the enchanting beauty of the garden, Aray still felt trapped in an unshakable anxiety.

He sighed deeply, trying to savor the tranquility and beauty around him. His hand touched the cold, strong bark of the tree, attempting to draw calm from the surrounding nature. But in his heart, he knew the peace was false.

"Ah, if only I could truly feel at peace," he murmured softly. Behind his indifferent demeanor, his mind was cloaked in dark memories of the past, shadows that never truly vanished.

Aray knew that behind his calm exterior lay a great secret he couldn't even reveal to himself. Unconsciously, he replayed all the memories of his life, his expression quickly hardening. He continued to endure unimaginable suffering, as if trapped in an endless cycle of hell.

Even though he tried not to remember, a part of him couldn't forget the pain. What's the point of having all this power? he thought, feeling alienated in a world full of wonders, yet imprisoned by a painful past.

[The Next Day - Sunday]

That morning, Aray woke up later than usual. His body still felt tired after yesterday's events. He sat at the dining table, having breakfast with his sister, Alicia. The voice of a news anchor from the television in the living room was faint but clear enough to catch both of their attention.

"... last night, early Saturday morning, at 1:37 AM, a mass murder occurred at the Central Electronic building, headquarters of the largest magical equipment company in our country. The reported death toll so far is 98 people. The victims' bodies were mutilated, making it difficult to recover all the parts..."

Upon hearing such horrifying news, Alicia, who was eating, paused. "98? That's a lot!" she exclaimed, clearly shocked. Her eyes widened, fear visible on her face.

Aray remained silent, spooning food into his mouth without expression. However, his mind couldn't escape what he had just heard. Things have been getting crazier lately, he thought. This wasn't the first mass murder, but this time the number of victims was much higher than before.

"There were only 10 victims last time," Aray muttered, putting his spoon down. His appetite vanished instantly. The thought of the murder began to unsettle him, even though he knew such matters were usually handled by the royal forces.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated on the table. Aray saw Daiva's name appear on the screen. He sighed, then answered the call.

"What is it?" Aray asked without preamble.

"Did you see the news?" Daiva's voice sounded serious.

"You mean the mass murder? Yeah, I saw it. What does that have to do with this call?"

"King Avanindra expects you at the palace immediately," Daiva replied firmly.

"For what?" Aray began to feel uneasy. He hoped he wouldn't have to get involved in this matter.

"It seems the king wants you to investigate this case," Daiva continued.

Aray was silent. I have to deal with things like this too? he thought. As part of the royal forces, it was perhaps expected, but still, he felt reluctant to get involved.

"Are you serious? Just me?" he asked.

"Yes, but you'll be accompanying a Major. I suppose this is a chance for you to gain your first experience as a member of the royal forces," Daiva responded.

Aray sighed. "You're not coming?" he asked again.

"No, I'm only going to accompany you to the palace to meet the king before you start the mission."

Aray felt slightly more at ease. "Alright, see you at the palace," he said before hanging up the phone. He turned to Alicia, who was watching him with curiosity.

"What's going on, brother? Is something bothering you?" Alicia asked, noticing the change in his expression.

"Nothing to worry about. I just need to step out for a bit," Aray replied, walking away from the dining table.

"That's rare… Do you have some business or something?"

"Yeah, something like that."

Aray quickly donned the black jacket hanging near the door, then turned to Alicia. "I'm heading out," he said briefly.

"Be careful!" Alicia called out as Aray disappeared in an instant, his signature teleportation leaving a small bubble that popped quietly.

Plop!

[At the Royal Palace]

When Aray appeared in the royal hall, the atmosphere was already bustling. King Avanindra sat on his throne, with Daiva and another man Aray hadn't met before kneeling before the king.

"Ah... Aray, welcome! What a fantastic way to appear," greeted King Avanindra with a warm smile.

Aray knelt, bowing respectfully. "Good morning, Your Majesty. It's a pleasure to meet you," he responded politely, though inwardly he just wanted to get this task over with.

King Avanindra chuckled softly. "From the look on your face, I doubt you're really happy to see mine," the king joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Aray didn't respond to the joke. He remained focused on what the king was about to say.

"I've called you for a task. You've heard about the mass murder, right?" asked King Avanindra.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I've heard about it," Aray replied calmly.

The king nodded. "I want you to investigate this case and capture the perpetrator. You will be accompanied by Major Abner," he explained, gesturing towards the man in dark glasses standing stiffly near Daiva. "He's your senior, so don't hesitate to ask him if there's anything you don't understand," the king added.

"Understood, Your Majesty," Aray replied.

King Avanindra smiled. "And you don't have to kneel every time you see me. It makes me seem too serious," he said with a laugh.

Aray glanced at Daiva, who gave a slight nod, then stood upright. At that moment, Abner gave Aray a sharp look and spoke sternly, "I hear you're only 16 years old. I doubt a kid like you deserves the rank of Lieutenant. If you can't help, at least don't get in the way," he barked, spitting slightly as he spoke.

Aray restrained himself from reacting, merely giving the man a lazy look.

"Alright then. Since I have important matters to attend to, I must apologize, but I need to leave first," said King Avanindra, rising from his throne with graceful yet firm movements.

Wastu, the king's loyal servant who was always by his side, quickly hurried over to him. With deep reverence, he bowed low before the king. "Please, Your Majesty," he said in a soft yet clear voice, full of respect. His face showed unwavering dedication, and his hand gestured gracefully to lead the king out of the hall.

King Avanindra walked with steady steps past Aray, Daiva, and Abner, who remained standing in place. As the king approached, the atmosphere of the room seemed to shift. The aura of power the king carried flowed around them, making the air feel heavy and filled with authority. Aray's gaze followed the king's steps, but he remained calm, showing no expression.

Wastu, without lifting his gaze from the floor, stepped behind the king, ensuring nothing blocked his path.

After the king's departure, Abner glanced towards the exit with a cold look at Aray. "Tsk..." he scoffed in annoyance, then turned and walked away without waiting for a response.

Aray just gave a small smile, chuckling quietly. Meanwhile, Daiva approached calmly, watching Abner walk away with a look of understanding.

"Don't mind him; he's always like that," said Daiva, gently patting Aray on the shoulder, trying to ease any lingering tension.

With a faint smile, Daiva pulled out a silver badge that gleamed softly under the room's light. The badge was adorned with elegant classical engravings and bore the title 'Lieutenant,' signifying Aray's official rank. "Here's your badge. Show it to the investigation team when you arrive at the scene."

Aray looked at the badge for a moment before accepting it with a slight nod. "Thank you," he said briefly in a flat tone, carefully pocketing the badge without saying much more, then activated his teleportation power.

Plop!

In an instant, Aray's figure vanished from the hall, leaving behind a burst of bubbles and a soft breeze that gently fluttered the curtains by the window.

[In Front of Central Electronic]

Aray appeared right in front of the Central Electronic building, the site of the mass murder that had been the hot topic on the news earlier that morning. The building was surrounded by police tape and several royal investigation teams already on-site.

Aray took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever he might encounter. He walked slowly toward the main entrance, passing by the investigation team members, who briefly glanced at him before pausing their work. One of them ran over to him, stopping him and asking for identification.

"Wait a minute! Please show your ID!"

With a lazy expression, Aray pulled a badge from his pocket and held it up right in front of the average-looking man's face, startling him slightly. After verifying the identity, the man politely allowed Aray to pass before returning to his work.

Skillfully, Aray lifted the police tape with his right hand and ducked under it, stepping into the Central Electronic building. Once inside the main lobby, he paused for a moment, taking in the grandeur and modernity of the place. The white marble floors gleamed beneath his boots, reflecting the soft blue light from runes etched into each tile. All around him, holographic screens floated in the air, showcasing various new magical products—wands with sparkling crystals, spell-based communication devices, and protective cloaks with magical layers resembling thin mist.

The lobby's ceiling, stretching three floors high, was adorned with crystal chandeliers emitting soft rainbow-colored light, creating an almost soothing atmosphere. Several automated guards with metallic bodies inscribed with golden runes stood rigidly in the corners, monitoring everyone who entered. In the center of the lobby, a large statue in the shape of a rotating magical wheel floated in the air, like the heart of the building.

Aray stood in the middle of the Central Electronic building's lobby, feeling the pulse of magical energy surrounding him. Deep down, he knew that this was where he needed to begin his investigation. Calmly, he closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his thoughts, then murmured,

"Tracking."

From his body, magical energy began to flow out, moving separately, spreading to every corner of the grand building, even reaching areas beyond human senses. The magical energy, like delicate tendrils, circled through each room, exploring every corner, capturing traces that might have been missed by the naked eye.

With this ability, Aray could see, feel, and find what he was looking for. In an instant, he felt the murderous aura of the previous night, the victims' fear, their agonizing screams as they were tortured and toyed with by the unexpected perpetrator.

"H-help me..." The screams echoed clearly in his ears, shattering the glamourous silence of the lobby.

Not only that, but he also sensed the joy and satisfaction of the killer as they ended the victims' lives. However, what he was feeling now was only a shadow of the pain the victims experienced that night. A sense of helplessness and frustration weighed on him, reminding him that he couldn't save them. Normally, he wouldn't care about things like this, but for some reason, this time it angered him.

The magical energy he had sent out returned, merging back with him, like a current carrying valuable information. With his search ability, the location of the murder and the whereabouts of the remaining body parts were revealed in no time.

Thirty minutes later, from outside the building, he saw Major Abner approaching with his usual cold expression and authoritarian demeanor, further emphasizing his character. However, he seemed slightly surprised to see Aray had already arrived at the scene before him, standing and looking at him with lazy eyes.

"Welcome, Major," greeted Aray, the corner of his lips rising slightly in a mocking way.

Abner quickly hid his surprise. "Teleportation, huh," Abner muttered. "What are you doing standing there like an idiot? Let's go," he sneered, realizing Aray had arrived earlier without his knowledge.

Aray chuckled, "Alright," he replied flatly.

After walking for a while, Abner pressed his palm against one side of the wall, muttering, "Search." Suddenly, he activated his search magic.

The air around them became incredibly light, and objects within the building began to glow, emitting a mysterious energy that vibrated in the atmosphere. However, the phenomenon only lasted for a moment, creating a magical moment before everything returned to normal.

"I found it, the place where the remaining body parts are hidden," Abner said confidently.

Hm, only in a matter of seconds? Aray thought, admiring his partner's skill. Maybe he's not so bad after all.

Abner immediately dashed off, heading toward the scene. Since the elevator wasn't working, he turned and ran up the stairs with remarkable enthusiasm. Aray watched Abner's frantic actions, grinning slightly.

"Sorry, I'm not doing that," he thought, preferring the comfort of his teleportation magic.

With a quiet pop, Aray's body teleported into a dark room in an instant, and he froze at the sight of dismembered bodies, soaked in pools of blood. The scene was horrifying, and a deep sadness filled the atmosphere.

From behind him, the loud sound of a heavy metal door opening pierced Aray's ears, revealing the silhouette of Abner, breathless after running up the stairs. Seeing Aray already in front of him, Abner said,

"How—" His words were cut off when he saw the horrifying scene before him.

The two of them walked deeper into the room, stepping over the scattered debris. Every step felt like entering a place that had witnessed terror. The bodies had been removed, but bloodstains and small pieces of flesh still clung to the walls and floor. The mutilated remains added to the haunting atmosphere around them.

"These are the body parts that haven't been found. Since they're in a room not visible to the ordinary eye, you opened the door with magic, didn't you?" Aray asked calmly, examining the details around him.

"Yes, because this room isn't visible from the outside. The perpetrator used a concealing spell, so I used a reversal technique to neutralize it. Judging by the door, it's clear that the perpetrator has powers on par with a general," Abner explained, quickly drawing conclusions.

Aray glanced at Abner, who was seriously inspecting the marks of the attack on the walls and floor of the dark room. "It's a clean job," Abner muttered. "The killer isn't an ordinary person, probably someone with strong magical powers."

Aray approached one of the walls marked by large slashes, as if pierced by something sharp and powerful. He sensed a strange energy lingering in the air, a residual trace of magic that was difficult to identify.

"This isn't just an ordinary attack," Aray said more to himself. "Something strange happened here."

Abner, hearing Aray's mumble, walked over. "You sense something?" he asked with a hint of mockery.

Aray didn't answer right away. He closed his eyes, focusing more on the energy lingering in the room. In his mind, he could see flashes of the events from the previous night—brutal attacks, chaos, and something very dark, involving magic far beyond the ordinary.

"Black magic," Aray whispered softly.

Abner frowned in disbelief. "Black magic? Are you sure?"

Aray opened his eyes and looked at Abner. "Yes. This isn't ordinary magic. There's something older, more evil than just regular magic," he said seriously. "And if we don't act quickly, there might be more victims."

Abner looked skeptical, but seeing the seriousness in Aray's eyes, he couldn't completely dismiss his feelings. "Damn it," he muttered in frustration. "At the very least, we need to find clues that can lead us to the perpetrator."

Aray nodded, but his thoughts were focused on something bigger. This perpetrator wasn't just a mass murderer; they had a mission, a goal that had yet to be revealed. The question that arose in Aray's mind was: Why this place? What was the killer looking for?

"Horrifying," Abner muttered, covering his mouth, his eyes showing unease as he took in the scattered body parts.

"I already know the perpetrator's hiding place," Aray suddenly said, a mysterious smile appearing on his face, creating a new tension in the air.

"Huh? How did you find it?" Abner looked confused, trying to digest the rapidly changing situation.

"You ask too many questions. Be quiet and follow me. Oh... actually, you won't be able to keep up, so I'll just tell you the location," Aray replied flatly, his gaze sharp and cold.

"Don't mock me, you little shit! I'm your superior!" Abner snapped, his voice trembling slightly with irritation, but Aray only glanced at him briefly, uninterested in explaining further.

"It's the basement," Aray stated bluntly.

"The basement? Don't joke! There's no such place in this building!" Abner shouted, his voice full of anxiety and frustration.

"Shut up," Aray retorted briefly before instantly disappearing via teleportation, leaving a stunned Abner behind.

"Hey! Don't leave me, you bastard!" Abner yelled in frustration, his voice echoing through the blood-soaked, chaotic room.