Prologue (1)

Purport

Blatherskite

Philotimia

Paradox

Pyromania

"Boom!"

On Nov 26, 2021, the world was rocked by the loud explosions that took out half of the city of Ardem.---------

In the rainy smog, two men wearing black coats, typical to a detective are rushing towards a hastily set up tent. Firemen and doctors can be seen rushing around near them. Dogs can be heard barking in the background as the two men stumble in their haste as they knock into many people.

All around them are the remains of what was once a bustling city, famous for its colleges and institutions, and known to be a youth-centric city. Gravel and dust mar the entire view and the scorch marks left by the fires and the explosion that ended it all.

"John, this is insane. The Major is going to have our neck." The lanky and tall one with black hair and a chiseled face said to the other one.

"Yes. The major does have a particularly nasty case of the philotimia. And this... this disaster has put a dent in her perfect image. She was responsible for this side of the country and I can only imagine the outcome this will have on her prospects." John, a tall and burly man, replied in a gruff voice.

"Her prospects. I am more worried about the country and the world." Richard responded.

As they spoke, they reached the tent and went inside with disregard for manners and etiquette they might have been inclined to follow. As they entered the tent, they saw a strangely beautiful woman, uptight with her chin slightly raised, and black hair tied in a bun, seated at the centermost chair on the table, going through sheets of paper and giving commands to the nearby people bustling about.

There were two soldiers acting as bodyguards to her, while three people were working on different machines. A young woman, in soldier attire, was working on radio and coordinating with other people outside. A young man in spectacles was furiously typing away on his laptop. He was muttering something as sweat beads fell down his hair. It looked like he was somewhat of a blatherskite. Another man was taking commands from the Major and talking in his earpiece as he relayed the commands to the relevant people.

"Oh, look here. The Majesties are here." The major looked at the two men who just entered and spoke sarcastically. A strange hush fell in the tent.

John did not respond nor show any signs of being embarrassed, while Richard just scratched his nose sheepishly.

"Sorry, we were caught up in the bustle outside. Good morning, Major." After a few moments, the two men greeted the major as the noises began sounding again.

"You are late. Tell me what you know. Be quick." She commanded.

"First, we have been purported to disclose this as a terrorist attack to the media. Now, here is the file" - as John took out a file from under his coat - " regarding our investigation. We believe this to have been the work of Ventor Rathor. A graduate of the Rumpet Kronos Institute, on which we are now standing. Ventor is believed to have a proclivity for pyrotechnics and he was diagnosed with pyromania when he was a child. After some medication, he was believed to have been controlled and was thought enough to enjoy a normal life without damaging others. This seems to be his best work, I guess."

"Done with the quip, Richard." The major berated as she took the file from her secretary.

"Yes." A crisp but sheepish sound came out of Richard's mouth.

"Good. Now then, we will look into what you said. You are to hand over all files and all information related to this matter to us, as directed by your superior. You will no longer meddle in this matter. This is now a national security matter. You may leave." She waved her hand and started going through the sheets of paper in front of her. The new file sat at the corner of the table.

John hesitated for a bit as he met eyes with Richard, also looking uneasy. After some deliberation, just as he was about to open his mouth, a voice next to him cut him off.

"Uhh... Major. Although we believe this to be the work of Ventor, we also believe that he might have not done it. I know it is a bit paradoxical. But if you look at the file and then at the scene, you will understand what we mean. There seems to be something big going on here that we seem to be missing. I hope you get to the bottom of it."

As Richard finished his sentence, he rushed out of the tent and John followed. The major looked at them leaving her tent as a slight smile hung on her face.

"Heh. Not as stupid as they look." Muttering slightly, she went back to giving orders and looking through the documents on her table as another person entered the tent.