Chapter 1 Lament City

Many years ago, an island was built upon the whim of others.

It was built for the purpose of discarding waste.

At first, there were only a few dozen prisoners and guests spending their lives on an island of ruins. As time passed, more and more people came. Thus the island became the dwelling for those who have been abandoned. The predicted scene of violence was scarce. Those with a past rarely involve themselves in the conflict of others. How can they not be clear of their situation? They have been forsaken, what use is it to continue struggling? The most they can do now is rot in silence.

But-

That is not what the creators of that island want. Despair, terror, bloodshed, unending devastation. Even trash can be used as entertainment before they burn away. That's why-

"Let's make it more interesting," someone said. "If by chance, there is still a sliver of hope within them. Let us give those trash a chance to be recycled. "

The condition?

"An elaborate murder."

Near the outskirts of Lament City.

A few hours before dawn, the splashing sound of water hitting against moving objects echoes throughout the vast clearing, as silhouettes distinctly move about. Moments later, an excited voice rang out," Old Four come here, I found it!"

Affected by this shout, the field immediately clamors with activity, all running towards a tree nearest to the creek.

At this moment, as if startled awake by this yell. Daylight arrives, delivering a fragile beam of light. It pierces through the haze, landing precisely on top of a delicate face. The delicate face of a woman in her mid-twenties. Slim arms placed gently on top of a low hanging branch. Her head rests upon her arms as almond-shaped eyes dully gaze at the rising sun. An unfathomable smile graced her lips as dark blood slowly dripped downward. Staining her white dress red.

__________

Lament City is a place supposedly closed off from civilization. But every three months will bring the arrival of a new batch of citizens on ship. It is also the one and only day where the harbor is opened to the public.

"Old Four, what do you think the newcomer will look like? It's rare for anyone to transfer to our bureau willingly. I'm sure there won't be any girls that will volunteer to transfer here. So at the very least, I hope it's a real handsome guy. You know, the kind that appears in novels and looks good no matter what they do. Whether eating, sleeping, talking, walking or taking a shit."

Old Four glanced at Xiao Chen with droopy eyes as they rolled in silent annoyance.

Without waiting for any response, Xiao Chen continued this one-sided conversation between him and his wordless partner. "Everyone in the team looks so old and drab, one look and you'll know they're definitely not protagonist material." This young man here has been infatuated with novels of many kinds, thus his strange choice of words. As if listening to two different channels, Xiao Chen proceeds to imagine the joy of a colorful world. Failing to notice the blankness covering over the eyes of the man walking beside him.

Old Four "..."

"For example, Old Four, you're always wearing those black or gray suits. If I didn't know better I would've thought you were dressing up for a funeral 365 days each year! Middle-age is just right at the time where you should show off your remaining youth. Why not try wearing a yellow suit instead. It represents youth and it's bright enough that I can find you easily in the crowd."

Old Four "......."

"Say, maybe you can-"

"Found it." Old Four interrupted while pointing towards a figure not too far from them.

"...A dog?" Following the finger pointed in a certain direction, Xiao Chen's sight came in contact with a figure resting under a tree.

Old Four nodded as he walked towards the giant St. Bernard lying under the shade of a tree. As the duo approaches, the St. Bernard lifts its head up slightly while casting a lazy glance at the approaching strangers with its narrowed eyes.

Stopping a few feet away from this large creature, Old Four pondered for a moment before muttering in a hesitating tone. "Xiaoshunzi?"

Xiao Chen looked a little dazed as he tried to process what Old Four just said. As if trying to confirm his hearing, Xiao Chen glanced at Old Four then at the lethargic St. Bernard. Seeing it gradually stand up in response, Xiao Chen's confused gaze instantly turns into one full of pity whilst thinking, heavens! Even dogs have it hard these days. Of all names to choose from, your owner bestowed you with an enunch's title. Big bro, other than sympathy, I can't think of anything else.

But wait. Are you a male or female?

Leaning forward with a scrutinizing stare, Xiao Chen focused with an unprecedented amount of concentration. But no matter how closely he tried to observe the area between its legs, the long fur shielded it from view. Unless he used his hands, it would be hard to determine what's underneath and just as his twitching hands began to move. A hard smack to the back of his head brought him back to the present.

"What are you standing in a daze for? Hurry up!" Old Four scolded then departed after the dog. Leaving his partner to stand in the same spot while rubbing his head with a displeased expression.

I'm still not sure if you are a Big Bro or Big Sis, but either way, please accept my condolences!

__________

Passing through streets and alleyways. The trio slowly left behind the bustle of human activity as they gradually stepped into the much quieter part of the city. After walking for an hour or so, the St. Bernard, Xiaoshunzi led Old Four and Xiao Chen towards a shabby two-story building. The door to the building is wide open; extending an open invitation.

Xiao Chen cautiously enters the building followed by Old Four. The clacking of shoes and paws against wood echoes, causing the atmosphere to take on an eerie tone. Following Xiaoshunzi, Old Four stopped in front of a wooden door. From outside, he can hear the faint sound of paper rustling and occasional mutterings. Confirming there to be people inside, Xiao Chen lightly knocked on the door.

The movement inside paused, "come in." A low enigmatic voice sounded out from behind the door.

Pausing for a moment, Old Four opened the door wide with a light click and allowed Xiao Chen to enter first.

Swish. The sound of an object slicing across air rang out followed by the noise of piercing flesh.

"Ugh!" A surprised voice echoed across the room.

Shocked, Xiao Chen slowly looked down with trembling lips to see a dagger embedded itself deep into his chest.