Chapter-74 Mysterious Serial Killer

As the room descended into a hush, Sylas mother slowly regained consciousness, her eyelids fluttering open like delicate petals unfurling in the morning light. Her gaze found Lennox, and a faint, grateful smile graced her lips "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely a whisper.

Sylas still supporting Lennox weight, took a moment to catch his breath, allowing his energy to replenish itself, as he managed a weary smile in return.

"Madam, may I check you?" Elder Alaric's voice cut through the stillness, drawing attention to his approach. As he reached Sylas's mother, she nodded, granting him permission to proceed.

With practiced efficiency, Elder Alaric examined her, his fingers deftly finding her pulse. "It's all gone," he declared, his tone tinged with disbelief that all the fog was no longer inside her.

Elder Alaric approached, his expression a mix of awe and reverence as he studied Lennox with newfound respect.

"Remarkable," Alaric murmured, his voice filled with admiration. "To think that you possess the knowledge and skill to wield such a technique Lennox, may I ask where you learned that?" he inquired.

A grateful smile played across Lennox's lips, acknowledging the elder's words with a nod of appreciation. "I don't know. I just suddenly remembered it... I know for sure I've never done or seen that before," he replied as he stood up still, regaining most of his energy.

'How can you suddenly remember something you've never experienced before... unless there's something wrong with your memory?' Elder Alaric thought.

Roran, ever the optimist, chimed in with a smile of his own. "Well still, thank you, Lennox. Without you, who knows what would have happened."

Sylas's genuine concern was met with Lennox's reassuring smile. "Thank you for saving my mother, Lennox," he said earnestly. "You can come to me in the future if you need anything. And sorry before, I just didn't know what I was thinking." With a slight bow to Lennox, he then turned towards his mother, the two of them enveloped in a heartfelt embrace.

Lennox returned the gesture, patting Sylas's shoulder in understanding. "No problem, apology accepted. I'll go home now and rest."

"Take care, Lennox," Sylas and Roran chimed in unison.

"We'll walk you out," Elder Aria offered.

Lennox nodded

As they made their way out of the house of Ignis compound, Lennox leaned in close to Roran, whispering his agreement to join his house under certain conditions. With that settled, Lennox left with the both elder as they went they separate way he retreated to his mansion, heading straight to sleep.

Still before 8, Lennox thought he should visit Kira. as he didn't know where Theo was living.

A while later, Lennox was walking through Vison City as the moon cast an eerie glow over a desolate rooftop. A figure draped in a long black, tailored coat, a black form-fitting bodysuit, sleek gloves made from neuro-fiber material, a normal mask with a sinister twist adorned with intricate etchings and dark embellishments, and a flowing cape with a belt storing small vials of poison or other covert tools emerged. 

A low hum filled the air as the person's gloved hand injected sharp needles filled with green neurotoxin Infront the person was a tied-up Nexarc who cried out in fear and struggled to break free.

The person's gloved fingers caressed the neurotoxin injector gauntlet. The needles extended with a sinister grace, dripping with a venomous concoction. With unholy precision, the person stepped closer, they gauntleted hand reaching for the Nexarc face as they whispered eerie emotionless tone, "Let's begin with your suffering." as the person injected a needle into the Nexarc left leg.

A guttural moan echoed through the cold night air as the Nexarc, bound and gagged, felt the toxin enter his bloodstream. Something bubbled in his leg as he writhed in agony, black lines spreading across his body. Under the mask, the person wore an evil smile as they inserted more needles into the nexarc's limbs. The nexarc couldn't take it anymore as he grew weak and foamed at the mouth, black lines spreading everywhere, even in his eyes.

As the person needle toxin came to an end, the Nexarc thought his tormentor was finally done. But suddenly, the person needles started to refill through a tube with a red glowing liquid. The Nexarc looked on in fear as the person quickly approached, sticking the needle into they neck. Burning sensations engulfed they body as they organs felt destroyed, and they finally stopped breathing. At the same time, the person turned around and looked behind them into the streets, then ran and jumped off the roof, disappearing into the night.

While Lennox continued walking, almost to Kira's apartment, his senses keener than normal humans, he heard the sound of muffled screams and crying. Looking toward the direction with his heightened eyesight, he saw someone on top of a rooftop injecting a needle into a man. As if the person felt his gaze, looked back at him before they ran and jumped off the rooftop, disappearing into the night. Lennox wanted to chase the person but thought it was better to call the police first and find out more later.

What the hell was that about?

Lennox felt a shiver run down his spine as he replayed the events in his mind, the images of the crime scene still fresh and unsettling. He fumbled with his outdated flip phone. "Damn, I really need a new phone," he muttered under his breath, a strained smile tugging at his lips. The prospect of shelling out money for a replacement weighed heavily on him as he couldn't afford to.

Minutes later, the wail of sirens pierced the air, signaling the arrival of law enforcement. The street outside quickly filled with curious onlookers, drawn by the commotion. Lennox couldn't shake the feeling that the perpetrator behind the crime he witnessed held a disturbing level of notoriety, given the swarm of police cars descending upon the scene. As officers approached him, questioning him about what he had seen, Lennox felt a surge of unease.

...

Meanwhile, inside a nearby apartment, was Kira as exhaustion was evident with the dark circles beneath her eyes, from sleepless nights spent searching for Lennox. The sudden sound of sirens outside drew her attention, and she hurried to the window, peering out into the night. Spotting Lennox amidst the crowd, her heart skipped a beat. "Twinkle," she whispered, a knot of worry tightening in her chest. Hastily throwing on clothes, she made for the door.

Alexel stirred from sleep, startled by Kira's movements and the flashing lights outside. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she called out to Kira, her voice laced with confusion and concern. "Kira, where are you going? What's with all the flashing light?" she asked, her words punctuated by a yawn.

"Alexel, go back to sleep. I'm just going to check things out," Kira reassured her, already halfway out the door.

As Alexel glanced at Kira with pleading eyes, resembling a child yearning for a piece of candy. "Can you please take me with you? I've been stuck here all alone," she murmured softly.

Kira nodded, acknowledging that there was no harm in allowing Alexel to accompany her. "She can learn and see more about the outside world," Kira reasoned internally. Plus, she recognized that at some point, Alexel would possibly have to join the academy. Kira had been trying to gradually alter the academy's views on her, and it seemed like there was a potential breakthrough in progress.

Together, they descended the stairs, joining the throng of curious bystanders gathered outside. Amidst the chaos, Kira's eyes locked onto Lennox, who was being questioned by a woman she recognized as Detective Evelyn. As Lennox recounted his experience to the detective, Kira's mind raced with concern. 'What's wrong with Lennox? He's been missing for the past three days'" she mused, straining to hear his conversation with the Detective over the din of sirens.

...

Detective Evelyn she stands at 5'8" with piercing emerald eyes, her dark brown hair cascading sleek and straight to her shoulders, framing her face immaculately. Clad in snug black jeans, a stylish blue jacket, and a crisp white shirt underneath, concluded her questioning, tucking away her notepad with a brisk nod. Lennox caught sight of Kira, his curiosity piqued. "Can you tell me about the killer? This seems like a serious matter," he inquired.

Meeting his gaze, Detective Evelyn nodded gravely. "As It appears to be one of your fellow Academy members no problem. But will you help us?" she asked. 

"Maybe" Lennox answered 'I have no problem wanting to help them but I need to inform Kira and the others what happened to me'

Detective Evelyn's pen clicked rhythmically as she recounted the chilling details of the Nightshade killings. "A couple of months ago, it began unexpectedly. A Nexarc students found dead, their bodies marked with black lines, organs decaying as if burned. The pattern persisted, with the killer leaving no trace behind. Some of the victims appeared to have been dead for days before being discovered almost like they want the bodes to be found mostly by other Nexarc," she explained, her tone grave. "We've dubbed the perpetrator Nightshade."

Lennox absorbed the information, a knot forming in his stomach. "Thank you for sharing. After I handle some matters at the Academy, I'll assist you. How can I reach you?" he inquired, prompting Detective Evelyn to jot down her contact details before he departed.

Detective Evelyn said as Lennox walked away "We need all the help we can get to stop this killer." her tone grave.

...

Kira rushed to Lennox's side, her concern palpable. "Where did you go? What happened? Are you alright?, " she fired off questions. "We've been worried sick about you!

Lennox reassured her with a soft smile. "Don't worry, I'm okay," he replied before recounting the events following their departure about Alexander beating him, him about to die hen the House of Ignistris saving him, sparing the details of healing Sylas mother for another time.

Kira's jaw clenched with anger as she processed the news. "That damn Gabriel... I didn't expect Alexander to stoop so low, despite being a descendant of the Phoenix clan," she muttered, her frustration evident. Turning to Lennox, she made a snap decision. "Let's go confront Alexander and Gabriel now," she declared, preparing to storm off.

In a panic, Lennox stepped in to block her path. "Whoa, wait. Don't worry about him for now. He'll get what's coming to him," he urged he then looked at Alexel, puzzled by her silent demeanor. "Who's your friend here? She just keeps looking at me," he asked curiously.

Kira introduced, "This is Alexel. I found her in Enigma Grove, and ever since then, I've been taking care of her."

Turning to Alexel, he extended his hand in greeting. "Hi, Alexel. I'm Lennox. Nice to meet you," he said warmly.

Alexel reciprocated the handshake, her movements slightly awkward. "Alexel. A friend of Kira's is my friend," she replied with a shy smile.

Lennox turned back to Kira, his expression serious. "When we meet tomorrow, I'll fill everyone in on what's happened. But there's something important I need to tell you and Theo," he added, prompting nods of understanding from both Kira and Alexel.

With their goodbyes exchanged, Lennox retreated to his mansion, and Kira returned to her apartment, Lennox his mind buzzed with the weight of Detective Evelyn's revelations. The existence of a serial killer, known as Nightshade, stalking the Nexarc students sent shivers down his spine. The methodical and sinister nature of the killings, coupled with the lack of evidence, painted a chilling picture of the danger lurking in the shadows of Vison City. but he decided to to dwell on it as he prepared to finally get some rest.

Who would do such a thing and why?