The Tragic Crime Scene

The moment the white cloth was lifted, everyone froze in place.

The condition of the bodies was beyond anyone's imagination. The woman's body had been dismembered into multiple pieces, her limbs deliberately placed at unnatural angles. Her skin had been completely turned inside out—flesh and blood exposed outward while the outer skin was crudely sewn back into the body, stitches rough and dense. Blood seeped from the seams, staining the ground.

The girl's corpse was even more horrifying. Her head was barely connected to her body by a few strands of muscle and skin, her face twisted beyond recognition. Her limbs were fractured and exposed, making her look like a discarded doll after a frenzied attack.

"Ugh—" Xu Jiayin immediately covered her mouth, barely restraining the churning of her stomach. She took two steps back, bracing herself against the wall, her face pale as paper.

Zhang Yao lost her usual composure, taking several steps backward. She inhaled sharply before forcing herself to stabilize her emotions. "Is this guy... a lunatic?"

Wang Yanfai stared at the corpses, his throat dry and constricted. Suppressing his nausea, he took deep breaths to steady himself. "Not just a lunatic... this guy enjoys the process. His technique is too practiced—like someone with experience."

Liu Fu crouched down, scanning the area around the bodies. "The drag marks are clear. The killer moved the bodies here and possibly adjusted their positions on purpose. This wasn't random—this was planned."

Standing beside the corpses, Han Zijian frowned deeply, his voice low. "This isn't just reckless slaughter; there's a clear intention behind it. He's sending a message, or... provoking someone."

"Provoking the Guardian Squad?" Li Yucheng asked in a hushed voice, his fingers unconsciously tightening. "Or does he just want everyone to see his 'work'?"

"Stop guessing," Wang Yanfai took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "Whatever his motive, our job is to find him and stop him before he kills again."

Xu Jiayin raised her head, trying to steady herself, though her voice still trembled. "The killer has an extremely twisted psyche. He carefully arranged these bodies—not to hide them, but to ensure they would be found. Can we track his movements from here?"

"The blood trails are inconsistent, but they extend toward the back alley." Liu Fu murmured. "This may be where he finished his work, but not necessarily where it started."

"Then we follow the trail." Han Zijian straightened, his tone resolute. "We start from the blood stains and tracks—see if there's any other information left behind."

"Stay focused." Wang Yanfai swept his gaze across the team, his eyes firm. "This is our first real case. No matter how disturbing it is, remember—our job isn't to be scared, it's to catch the guy."

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When they stepped out of the crime scene, everyone's face looked grim. No matter how much they tried to adjust, the gruesome sight remained etched in their minds like a brand.

Instructor Lin stood outside the cordoned-off area, leaning against a Guardian Squad patrol car. When he saw them emerge, his sharp gaze swept over them. "What did you find?"

Wang Yanfai was the first to speak. "The killer is experienced. The way he arranged the bodies suggests ritualistic intent. We believe he's sending a message."

"We also found some drag marks on the ground, meaning he moved the bodies after the kill," Liu Fu added.

"The blood trail continues toward the back alley. We may be able to track his path further," Han Zijian said.

Instructor Lin listened to their report, nodding slightly but showing no particular approval. His gaze lingered on them before he spoke. "You've noted the scene well. But have any of you considered—why?"

"Why?" Zhang Yao blinked. "You mean… why did he choose them?"

"Or rather, why was the crime reported?" Instructor Lin's tone was calm, but his words made everyone stiffen. He looked at them one by one before continuing, "The crime scene is important, but never forget—who gave the first piece of information?"

"The person who reported it!" Xu Jiayin suddenly realized. "We haven't questioned them yet!"

"Exactly." Instructor Lin nodded. "The first person who noticed the crime might hold crucial details that direct your entire investigation. Don't rush into assumptions—start with the basics before moving forward."

Wang Yanfai smacked his forehead, frustrated. "We completely overlooked that. That was careless."

Instructor Lin didn't say more. He simply gestured with his hand. "Go. Find them quickly. Recognizing key details is part of your training."

The team nodded and moved swiftly toward the location of the witness.

—-----------

By the time they arrived at the small clinic where the witness was staying, daylight had fully settled in. A uniformed Guardian Squad officer stood outside, nodding at them before quietly warning, "The witness is in unstable condition—be careful with your wording, don't push him too hard."

Wang Yanfai acknowledged with a short nod and led the group inside. The clinic was small and simple, with just a few chairs and a single consultation room. Sun Zhijun, the man who reported the crime, sat curled up in the corner. His eyes were hollow, and his body language screamed despair.

Xu Jiayin took a step forward, lowering her voice into a soothing tone. "Mr. Sun, we're with the Guardian Squad, here to help. My name is Xu Jiayin. We understand this is difficult, but any details you can share will be invaluable in catching the perpetrator. Can you talk to us?"

Sun Zhijun slowly raised his head. His lips moved slightly, as if trying to form words, but his voice was stuck in his throat.

"Don't worry," Xu Jiayin continued gently, her voice firm yet warm. "You only need to tell us what you know. We will do everything to bring justice."

Sun Zhijun finally inhaled shakily before rasping, "I… I came home this morning and saw… the door was open. The house was a mess. When I walked in… I saw…"

His voice broke. He buried his face in his hands, trembling with silent sobs.

Wang Yanfai handed him a bottle of water, his tone steady but urgent. "We know this is painful, but the killer might still be out there. Every detail is important. Did you notice anything unusual in recent days? Anything odd about your home, your family?"

Sun Zhijun hesitated, his expression twisting in thought. After a moment, he murmured, "For the past few weeks… I kept feeling like someone was watching our house. When I left for deliveries, I sometimes saw a man standing at the street corner—always wearing a dark coat. I never saw his face. But whenever I came home quickly, he was gone."

"You're sure he was watching your house?" Zhang Yao pressed, keeping her voice even.

"I… I don't know," Sun Zhijun admitted. "But he was always there, always at the same spot."

"Did your wife or daughter mention anything strange recently?" Liu Fu asked.

Sun Zhijun hesitated before shaking his head. "No… my wife and daughter had a normal routine—school, home, no odd interactions."

"Have you had any conflicts with anyone lately?" Han Zijian added.

"No… I'm just a truck driver. I don't have enemies. Our life was simple."

Wang Yanfai frowned. Something wasn't adding up. He leaned toward Xu Jiayin and muttered, "Anything else you can think to ask?"

Xu Jiayin thought for a moment before asking, "Mr. Sun, have you received any unusual gifts lately? New furniture, packages, anything unexpected?"

Sun Zhijun's eyes flickered with sudden realization. "A month ago… someone sent us a box of chocolates, said it was from a school event. My wife sniffed it and threw it away—she said it smelled strange."

The entire team exchanged glances.

"Do you still have the box?" Wang Yanfai asked.

"It was tossed in our garbage can… it might still be there," Sun Zhijun replied hoarsely.

"Let's go," Han Zijian said firmly. "We need to find that box."

As they rushed out of the clinic, the case took its first real turn.