ch.1 The Mysterious Killing

In the year 1967, against the backdrop of the frigid Siberian landscape, Tuva's local police station was under the command of Officer Rosewald, a man shrouded in mystery. Even his closest colleagues knew very little about him, for he seldom spoke of his past. Tuva's sparse population and its captivating, rugged terrain, encompassing mountains, dense forests, and expansive steppes, made it a place where the whisper of crime was often muffled by the vastness of nature. Charlie, one of the newer additions to the force, had quickly gained a reputation for his sharp wit and dedication. His rise through the ranks had raised suspicions among some, who speculated that he had influential connections or financial backing. However, the truth was that Charlie's determination and resilience had propelled him forward.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day, Charlie found himself in the station's small break room, nursing a cup of coffee. He had always been curious about Rosewald's past and decided to strike up a conversation. He approached the senior officer, who was sipping tea, and began, "Sir, you've been with the force for a long time, haven't you?" Rosewald looked at Charlie, a rare hint of warmth in his eyes, and nodded. "Yes, quite a while." Emboldened by Rosewald's response, Charlie continued, "I've heard rumors about your legendary cases, but you never talk about them." Rosewald chuckled softly, the first hint of a smile Charlie had ever seen. "Well, I believe in letting my actions speak for themselves, Charlie." As the evening unfolded, Rosewald began to share snippets of his experiences and insights into the world of policing. Charlie listened intently, feeling a growing bond between them. It turned out that Rosewald had also faced skepticism and adversity during his early years on the force, much like Charlie. Over time, Charlie became Rosewald's protege, learning not only the ropes of police work but also the importance of discretion, dedication, and perseverance. The bond between the two officers deepened, bridging the gap between their different generations. One particularly chilly winter's day, the station received a report of a lifeless body, and it fell upon Junior Officer Charlie to investigate. Charlie, a young and gifted officer who had ascended the ranks at a remarkably young age, had faced whispers of jealousy from those who assumed he had connections or wealth backing his rapid advancement. Charlie was determined to prove them wrong and had worked diligently, earning recognition among his peers. As Charlie hurried into Officer Rosewald's office, he hoped this case would be his ticket to further recognition. He was met with the sight of Rosewald sipping tea, a rare moment of respite from the routine of apprehending petty criminals. Charlie began, "Sir, I believe I've stumbled upon a rather significant case." Rosewald glanced at Charlie, his eyes betraying a hint of longing for something more challenging than routine policing. Silently, he contemplated the prospect of a promotion, perhaps a transfer to a more bustling town or even a city. Charlie continued, "It is indeed an important case, sir. We have a report of a deceased individual." Rosewald, setting his tea aside, recognized the opportunity that lay before them. He nodded in agreement and instructed Charlie to prepare their vehicle, for they were about to embark on a journey that would test their mettle, revealing both the enigmatic Rosewald's hidden depths and the potential for a deep bond between mentor and protege.

The senior officer, Rosewald, leaned over to inspect the scene more closely alongside Charlie. In the dimly lit alley, the grim reality became apparent – it wasn't just one dead body but two, both horribly burned and bearing signs of gruesome cuts. Charlie, with a hint of shock in his voice, reported to Rosewald, "Sir, the bodies appear to have been burned, but it seems they were mutilated before the fire." Rosewald's expression remained composed, but his eyes conveyed the gravity of the situation. "Call the forensic team for a comprehensive examination," he instructed. "This case is more complex than I initially thought." Curiosity getting the better of him, Charlie probed further, "Have you encountered a similar case in your career?" Rosewald's silence hung in the air, prompting Charlie to move on with the investigation. While Rosewald went to question the person who discovered the gruesome scene, Vanessa, Charlie couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story. Vanessa, a 28-year-old fashion designer, had endured a tumultuous night. She had been dumped by her boyfriend, sending her into a spiral of depression. Seeking solace, she had sought refuge in Alexis Bar, a notorious establishment known for rowdy patrons and late-night brawls. Vanessa had drowned her sorrows in alcohol until she ran out of money and was unceremoniously ejected from the bar. Her intoxicated state had made her stumble through the streets, unable to focus with her blurred vision. It was in this disoriented state that she had inadvertently stumbled into the alley and lost consciousness. When she awoke the next afternoon, her throbbing headache and the putrid stench around her had jolted her back to reality. After a few disoriented minutes, she had realized she was near a charred, repulsive mass – a dead body. Vanessa's screams had attracted the attention of locals, who had immediately contacted the police. Back at the scene, Rosewald, with a hint of resignation, removed a cigarette and lit it up, drawing on old habits. Charlie, who had been aware of Rosewald's previous attempts to quit smoking, remarked, "Sir, I thought you had given up on those." Rosewald glanced at the lit cigarette and then at Charlie with a wry smile. "Need something to keep me warm on this freezing night," he replied cryptically. As the night wore on, the officers carefully retrieved the two bodies and transported them to the forensics department. Charlie, however, couldn't shake the feeling that something about Vanessa's account didn't quite add up. Though she was a respected fashion designer, his instincts told him there was more to the story than met the eye. Intrigued and driven by his gut feeling, Charlie decided to pay a visit to the bar, questioning the locals to corroborate Vanessa's story. To his surprise, their accounts aligned perfectly with her statement. With the forensic report scheduled for the following morning, Charlie returned to his apartment, knowing that the impending investigation would plunge them deeper into the mystery. Before leaving, he informed Rosewald of his departure and was reminded by his senior to be punctual the next day. Charlie returned to his disheveled apartment after a long day at the station, all his belongings scattered about. With a sigh, he muttered to himself, "I really need to hire a maid." Realizing the irony that he lived alone and couldn't afford one, he chuckled at his own expense. Not too long ago, a female friend used to help tidy up his place and cook for him, but she had recently married and moved to London with her husband. Charlie decided to do a bit of cleaning himself, putting things in order, and then opted for a simple meal of hot instant noodles before heading to bed. The promise of another perplexing day at work loomed over him. Meanwhile, Rosewald, the senior officer, made an unexpected stop at a bar on his way to the station. He ordered three pegs of Watneys Red Barrel, hoping to unwind a little before facing the day's challenges. After the third drink, he felt satisfied and planned to leave. As he rose from his stool, a familiar face slid onto the barstool beside him, whispered something into his ear, and handed him a letter. Without a word, the mysterious visitor departed, leaving Rosewald deep in thought. He stared at the letter for a moment before tucking it away in his pocket. Upon returning to the station, Rosewald succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep in his cluttered office while searching for something among his files. The morning light streaming through the window roused him, and he promptly freshened up. It was then that he remembered the letter, retrieved it, read its contents, and promptly burned it, a ritual he had performed countless times. Shortly afterward, one of his officers informed him that the forensic reports for the deceased bodies were ready. At the same time, Charlie, having had a simple breakfast at a nearby café, returned to the station. Rosewald, visibly perturbed, greeted him, "Where have you been, Charlie? The forensic report just arrived. Brace yourself, it's worse than I anticipated. Take a look." Charlie scanned the report, which detailed the condition of the two bodies. It revealed that they were a male and a female. Both had died approximately 11 hours prior but appeared to have been deceased for days. The female was identified as Tania, a 20-year-old college student who was studying science, driven by her love for physics. However, the male remained unidentified. The report described disturbing injuries – the male was missing his little and ring fingers, seemingly sliced off with a razor-sharp instrument. His right leg was also absent, the skin melted away in a remarkably short span, leaving behind fragmented bones that resembled shattered glass, including the ribcage. The cause of death was a combination of bleeding and burns, indicating a gruesome end involving slicing and burning while alive. In stark contrast, the female's death seemed even more chilling. Her left hand had been cleanly severed, her left shoulder dislocated, and the cause of death was a sharp rod-like object driven through her forehead and into her brain. Strangely, she had been burnt, presumably by coming into contact with the flames from the male's burning. Charlie recalled the scene where the couple's lifeless bodies had been found – a place devoid of blood, scorch marks, or any obvious murder weapon. He couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something peculiar was afoot. With determination, Charlie decided to delve deeper into the mystery. Summoning his courage, Charlie inquired, "How was the female victim identified so quickly?" The officer responded, "We discovered her intact identity card, miraculously spared from the flames. Unfortunately, the male victim's ID was incinerated, but a fragment of a ribbon bearing a resemblance to the female victim's ID was found." Charlie nodded, determined to unravel the perplexities of the case. "Let's pay a visit to the college," he suggested, "and gather more information about the male victim." After a few painstaking hours, the investigative team returned with crucial insights. "The college houses several science departments," they reported. "The female victim, Tania, boasted a flawless attendance record, save for the two lectures she inexplicably missed on the day of her death. Her friends informed us that she had been dating a senior student named Luther, aged 21. Although Luther was known for his brilliance, his attendance was abysmal, and he had been absent for five consecutive days. Strangely, on the evening before the tragedy, witnesses saw Luther and Tania together, strolling somewhere. Luther had a keen eye for fashion design magazines and admired Vanessa's unique style." The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to assemble, but the image remained unclear. Efforts to reach Tania's family revealed that she had been estranged from them, leaving her with no alternative but to attend the local college. Luther's parents, distraught by the tragedy, shared that their son had always been an exemplary student and that his recent absence from college had caught them by surprise. Despite the seemingly endless leads, Charlie and the officer were still struggling to make sense of it all. Feeling the frustration mounting, Charlie took a breather, stepping out for some fresh air. His respite was interrupted by the sight of a suspicious figure, but he didn't dwell on it at the time. The following morning, as the senior officer was savoring his favorite peanut sandwich, an unexpected visitor arrived – a disheveled, inebriated man who claimed to have witnessed the deaths of the ill-fated couple. He spoke of a bizarre, black-and-white spherical object resembling a miniature black hole in the alley. The outlandish account sent the entire police department into fits of laughter, dismissing it as the drunken ramblings of a disturbed individual. The senior officer, displeased with the disruption, swiftly sent the man on his way. In the days that followed, the drunken man mysteriously vanished without a trace, likely a victim of foul play. Surprisingly, no one reported his disappearance, and the police chose not to investigate further. With leads growing cold and mysteries deepening, the case remained unsolved, casting a shadow over Charlie's investigative carreer.

The following month brought with it a disturbing surge in the number of deceased individuals, each case more perplexing than the last. Among the victims was an elderly woman who appeared to have met her demise as if an invisible force had mercilessly pressed her into the ground, defying the laws of gravity. The entire department was plunged into chaos as officers scrambled to make sense of these baffling occurrences. Despite their relentless efforts, they remained locked in a harrowing cycle of discovering lifeless bodies, each marked by a different, inexplicable method of killing. A case in which a young girl, Frieda Becker, was slashed in half vertically from the head to the bellow. The internal organs pushing out of her sloth healing body, craving to attach itself back from detachment. Her screen sounded only like a broken radio. With a voice cut, she was no more louder to be heard. Her figure in half, lay useless and still on the muddy surface. In another a 35 year old man, Merten Sander, was killed when he was playing with his two kids, a boy and a girl. Firstly his arm was separated from his by being sliced and than firing a small metal like unknown object in the brain. The object when removed from the brain it disappeared in the thin air everyone was shocked by that event. This was so painful that the screams of arm being sliced was heard by all the neighbourhood. The boy, in a sudden and unfortunate turn of events, acquired a deep facial scar as a result of a severe cut. The incident traumatized the children to their core, and they were discovered unconscious. Overwhelmed by shock and grief, Charlie decided it was best to seek professional help for his beloved kids. They were immediately sent for counseling to help them cope with the emotional scars left by the accident. This tragedy was a double blow to the family, as their mother had tragically passed away just two years prior, leaving Charlie as the sole caretaker of their young lives. Coping with the loss had already been an immense challenge, and now, the family faced the added weight of the children's trauma. However, a ray of hope emerged in the form of the children's aunt, their mother's sister. Upon hearing the devastating news and witnessing the toll it had taken on her brother-in-law and the kids, she wholeheartedly stepped forward to provide support and care for the family. In another unrelated case, a grim pattern persisted as the lifeless bodies of a couple named Alik and Sasha were discovered. It happened in the evening, Sasha had decided to invite Alik to her home after their date. On the way Sasha and Alik both was happily holding hands joking and going than Sasha suddenly decided to take a short cut through a quit backstreet and it was that spot where the bodies were found. Alik's body slashed from the neck down till the stomach which was found from a little afar from the girl's body which looked worse than the boy's. Her skin of her left arm was peeled off, the girl tried to get away from there than her ankle slashed off which caused a lot of bleeding and pain as she screamed in an agony and crying bloods from her eyes. Her left leg knee was pierced with something causing her unable to run. Her body was little burnt and her internal organ was fried showing sign of being electrified for several minutes. Her screams wasn't heard by anyone as no one was there until after 15 minutes later a delivery boy was passing by who heard her scream and sound of electricity. The boy had got a quick death where else the girl was tortured to death as she tried to run. These were some of the cases which sounds ridiculous with no eye witnesses making it impossible for the police officers to solve and there are a lot more. The pressure on the police department continued to mount as the deaths of prominent individuals remained shrouded in secrecy to prevent public turmoil. While the department grappled with these unsolved cases, a letter from headquarters arrived, announcing the formation of a special team comprised of highly skilled officers from various states. Much to everyone's surprise, Charlie was chosen as a member of the team, and their department was designated as the team's headquarters due to its strategic location amidst the ongoing crimes. Despite the establishment of the special team, the grim tally of bodies did not abate. Each week, at least three more victims were discovered, with a staggering total of 14 bodies in the past month alone. The special team grew increasingly anxious and frustrated as they awaited their first meeting. One week after receiving the initial letter, on November 4, 1967, the team finally convened. The officers from Rosewald's department were taken aback by the impressive credentials of their new colleagues. The team comprised:

Merlin Reyes, the lone Spanish investigator renowned for solving 76 murder cases single-handedly.

Boris Kiselev, known for cracking numerous cases and thwarting two terrorist attacks.

Anya Kuzmina, a young and talented female officer recognized for her success in solving rape cases and quelling gang conflicts.

Ivan Pavlov, an ex-military officer who had displayed extraordinary bravery during World War II.

Alec and Viktor, the finest snipers and shooters in the force.

There were more fearsome officers present too. The meeting room exuded tension as Captain Rudeous, the leader of the special team known as X-A-P or "The Xeno-Anomaly Pioneers," commenced the gathering. His humorous and caring demeanor helped alleviate some of the anxiety in the room. The meeting kicked off with introductions, and the team began discussing the commonalities among the victims. All the victims had suffered crushed or broken bones, and some witnesses reported seeing small black orbs in the vicinity. Frustration mounted as the team gleaned no substantial leads from the recent murders. Captain Rudeous turned to Charlie for insights into the first case—the murder of the couple. After some contemplation, Charlie recalled an intriguing detail. He mentioned a woman named Vanessa who had discovered the first victim. Vanessa had exhibited cut marks and blood on her fingers, attributing them to a drunken fall in an alley. However, Charlie had grown suspicious when he investigated and found no trace of blood in the alley, even after questioning locals. Captain Rudeous found Charlie's account intriguing and instructed him to investigate the connection between Vanessa and the murders further. Additionally, he tasked Charlie with delving into Vanessa's past, including her boyfriend and the reasons behind their breakup, all while maintaining a low profile. With a substantial workload ahead and limited time, Captain Rudeous divided the team into groups, assigning some to groundwork and others to paperwork. Merlin, Boris, and Anya's team set out to investigate various crime scenes, interviewing locals and scrutinizing CCTV footage where available. Coincidentally, Merlin and Anya found themselves in the same area while conducting their investigations. Anya approached Merlin playfully, having startled him, and with a grin, Anya asked if he had gotten scared. Merlin, embarrassed, replied, "No, I am just a little hungry from working all day. Did you find anything about the case?" Anya nodded and said, "Actually yes, I found that the woman named Vanessa was sighted here. I have informed Boris and Ivan to investigate her further." Merlin replied, "Wow, you don't waste any time, do yo-" Anya interrupted him, saying, "Forget that, I am also getting hungry. Let's go to this cafe and eat something." This didn't come as a surprise for Merlin since it was his second time working with Anya, and he knew her well. In their first case, Merlin had developed feelings for Anya, but he later found out that Anya was engaged. So, he never told Anya about his feelings. Merlin and Anya entered the cafe, marveling at its splendid interior. They decided to order a variety of Russian delicacies to savor. Anya chose a coffee along with pirozhki (stuffed buns) and bubliki (ring-shaped bread rolls). Meanwhile, Merlin opted for a bliny (thin pancake served with jam or caviar) and a coffee. They took a seat near a glass window to enjoy the view outside. As they relished their meal, Merlin initiated a conversation and asked, "How was your work before this assignment?" Anya replied, "It was the usual stuff, catching ruffians and putting an end to those senseless gang fights."Merlin asked, "What do you think about whom we are chasing? Is the woman named Vanessa really the killer, or is she just a convenient suspect to close the case?" Merlin's question mirrored the thoughts that had been on Anya's mind. Sighing, he took a bite from his bliny and continued, "Forget about that for now, and let's enjoy our coffee. We can never predict what the higher-ups are thinking." Anya agreed, saying, "Yes, you're right." They both took sips of their coffee, enjoying the moment. Eventually, their conversation took a more personal turn. Merlin asked, "How are things going between you and your fiancé?" Anya grew quiet, a hint of sadness in her eyes. Merlin, noticing her discomfort, asked, "Is everything alright between you two?"Anya finally spoke, "My fiancé left me for another girl. That person is not my fiancé anymore." Merlin was taken aback by this revelation. He said with regret, "I'm sorry, I didn't know." Anya replied, "No, it's fine. It wasn't your fault, and it's all in the past." Their dialogue was interrupted when they overheard two men at a nearby table discussing the perplexing killings. According to the men, they had witnessed a gruesome murder where a person seemed to dismember another with an inexplicable power. They described a surreal scene where the victim was sliced in half without physical contact, and the assailant vanished into thin air. Merlin and Anya decided to keep this information to themselves, recalling a similar account from a drunken man who met an inexplicable fate. They continued their investigation, leaving the eerie conversation behind. Meanwhile, Boris delved into Vanessa's past, attempting to uncover any hidden connections. Ivan, on the other hand, attempted to gather evidence by discreetly entering Vanessa's residence, although he found nothing incriminating. Alec and Viktor, the sharpshooters of the team, engaged in a friendly competition, comparing their skills. Meanwhile, Charlie dedicated himself to locating Vanessa's ex-boyfriend, Roman Patrov. To gain information, Charlie approached Vanessa directly, posing as someone investigating a missing person's report for Roman. However, Vanessa proved evasive with limited information, merely revealing his name and their previous proximity as neighbors. Determined to uncover more details, Charlie embarked on an extensive investigation, questioning locals and Roman's family members. For the next three days, Charlie remained conspicuously absent from the team. The second meeting of the team occurred four days after the initial gathering, driven by the urgency of the situation and the government's mounting pressure. However, Charlie was nowhere to be found once again. The team's second meeting occurred just four days after the first, driven by the urgency of the case and relentless government pressure. However, during this time, Charlie had been diligently working on the investigation into Vanessa's ex-boyfriend. When the meeting commenced, there was a notable absence – Charlie was nowhere to be seen. Most of the team assumed he hadn't found any valuable leads and had left to avoid embarrassment. Rudes, their captain, took charge and began the meeting. Boris, the seasoned investigator, offered his insights, "Wherever these murders occurred, the person named Vanessa was found nearby. It's as if these crimes revolve around her. Even in the first case, according to her alibi, she fell in the alley at night, and the couple died just before sunrise, as per the forensic report. That means she was present there even before the murder took place. Furthermore, her past seems clean – no criminal record, a studious student who pursued a career in the fashion industry after graduation to fulfill her dream." As Rudes was about to inquire about the commotion outside, the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted him. Charlie rushed into the room, panting heavily, leaving almost everyone astonished by his unexpected return. Rudes greeted him with a smile and asked, "Charlie, did you find anything significant?" Charlie caught his breath and replied, "Yes, Captain. Vanessa's boyfriend's name is Roman, and he was a member of the VICE LORD gang." Shock rippled through the room at the mention of the notorious gang. Charlie continued, "However, Roman is dead, just like the other victims. In the course of my investigation, I discovered that he had a severe kidney failure. He hadn't informed anyone and had only a few days to live. Consequently, he felt compelled to break up with Vanessa. But there might be more to his death – he was brutally stabbed in the stomach and beheaded, with all his internal organs strewn around the crime scene." However, Charlie didn't stop there. He continued, "But there's more to this. During my investigation, I managed to uncover a series of encrypted messages on Roman's phone. They seem to hint at a clandestine meeting or exchange involving Vanessa and a mysterious figure referred to as 'The Enigma.' These messages could be crucial in unraveling the mystery behind these gruesome murders." As Charlie revealed this intriguing piece of information, the room fell into a hushed silence. The cryptic messages hinted at a deeper conspiracy, and the team realized they were delving into a far more complex and dangerous web of secrets than they had ever imagined. This revelation only heightened their determination to solve the case and put an end to the reign of terror haunting their city. Charlie had presented a compelling hypothesis about Roman's involvement with the Vice Lord gang and Vanessa's potential high-ranking position within it. Captain Rudes acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "This event is taking a very difficult turn. If we go against the Vice Lord gang, it means war within our own city. However, we cannot afford to back down now that we understand the cause of our problem. We must eradicate it entirely. I'll need full support from everyone here." Merlin and Anya exchanged worried glances, unconvinced that a head-on confrontation with the notorious gang was the right path. The room was divided, with some officers hesitant to voice their concerns while others fervently supported the captain's resolve. To ease the mounting tension, Charlie stepped in, acknowledging the shortage of weapons for a war against the Vice Lord gang. He pointed out, "They possess an arsenal of heavy weaponry, including M79s, Lithgow F1 SMGs, HOWA 64s, M134 miniguns, ArmaLite AR-18s, and more. We need substantial firepower to stand a chance." Captain Rudes reassured the team, saying, "Don't worry about the weapons; I'll personally negotiate with the government to acquire what we need. If necessary, we'll seek the assistance of military forces to eliminate the Vice Lord gang." Boris, Ivan, Alec, and Vicktor, however, were undeterred by the risks and challenges ahead. They eagerly anticipated the upcoming confrontation, confident in their skills and resolve. As the meeting came to a close, Rudes assured the team, "I'll communicate with higher-ups and the government to determine the date and time of the attack, providing you all with a three-hour window to prepare. Now, it's almost lunchtime; go and recharge." While the majority of the team departed for lunch with excitement in their hearts, Anya, Merlin, and Charlie remained subdued, their concerns about the impending clash with the Vice Lord gang weighing heavily on their minds. Charlie approached Anya, seeking more information about the Vice Lord gang. Even Merlin, who had initially been skeptical, was now intrigued by their dangerous adversaries. Anya shared her knowledge, painting a chilling picture of the Vice Lords. "They are the most formidable gang among the existing ones. They once killed 56 police officers in a single night when the police arrested one of their members. Since then, no one has dared to challenge them. They're involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including smuggling, murder, drug dealing, human trafficking, kidnapping, and more. What's especially unnerving is that they have no set pattern; they operate on impulse. The government's silence is largely due to the substantial funding they receive. However, recently, with a new leader at the helm, they've grown bolder, even withholding their funds from the government." Charlie and Merlin exchanged uneasy glances, beginning to suspect that the government might have its own motives for taking on the Vice Lord gang. Merlin quietly pondered, "Could this be a hidden agenda of the government, an attempt to eliminate a powerful adversary?" Charlie added, "It's possible, but we're caught in the crossfire now, and there's little we can do about it." Anya sighed and summed up their predicament, saying, "If the government has truly decided to take on the Vice Lord gang, then we might be marching toward our own demise." However, Ivan, overhearing their conversation, chimed in with a boisterous laugh, saying, "Don't fret; I'll make sure they all end up six feet under the ground." His unwavering determination to confront the Vice Lord gang echoed through the room, casting a shadow of both hope and uncertainty over the team as they prepared for the impending battle against an unrelenting foe. Anya grinned and playfully replied, "We'll see about that when the time comes." With a shared sense of camaraderie, they continued with their day. As lunchtime arrived, everyone gathered for a meal. Meanwhile, Merlin took a break and stepped outside for a cigarette. He lit up, taking a moment of solitude to clear his thoughts. Anya, noticing Merlin from across the courtyard, couldn't resist the opportunity for some light-hearted teasing. She walked up to him and took the cigarette from Merlin's hand, taking a single puff before handing it back. With a mischievous smile, she remarked, "You're still smoking such a poor quality brand, Merlin." Merlin couldn't help but blush at Anya's playful comment, and he chuckled in response. As she handed the cigarette back, he replied, "Well, maybe you can recommend a better one sometime." Anya flashed a knowing grin before heading inside to join the others for lunch, leaving Merlin to finish his cigarette and reflect on the approaching mission. After three hours of preparations and gathering, all the team members reconvened in the meeting room to resume their discussions. Rudes began, "The government has given the green light for our operation, and we'll be deploying within fifty-two hours. This time is crucial for evaluating the safety of civilians in the area. So, for today, I urge everyone to take some much-needed rest and start gearing up for the mission scheduled for tomorrow." Rudes continued, "Tomorrow night, we'll receive our weapons and armor along with the officers from other states, bringing our total strength to 220. We also have twenty-five military soldiers in reserve. The day after tomorrow, at dawn, we'll position ourselves according to the strategy we've discussed. Boris and Alec will lead the ground forces, while Viktor will take command of the sniper team. If things take a turn for the worse, Ivan and I will take the frontline, allowing others to focus on treating and aiding the injured." He concluded, "This is just an overview. Tomorrow afternoon, we'll go through the detailed plan step by step." With unanimous agreement from the team, the meeting adjourned. Most of them went to enjoy their free time, while some chose to spend it on additional training. Anya found herself with a half-day off and wasn't sure how to spend it. That's when Charlie approached her with an invitation, "Would you mind joining us to watch a recently released movie?" Anya inquired, "Which movie, and who else is coming?" Charlie replied, "It's just Merlin, Ivan, and myself Movie's name is The Little Fugitive, it is a touching story about a young boy named Sasha who runs away from home and goes on a series of adventures in Moscow." Anya agreed with a smile, "Sounds like a great way to unwind. I'm in." They made plans to meet up later for the movie, offering a brief respite from the intense preparations and anticipation of the upcoming mission. On their way to the cinema, Anya remarked, "I didn't imagine Ivan would be interested in watching that movie." Ivan, known for his cheerful demeanor, chuckled and shared, "When I was a kid, I dreamed of escaping my hometown to explore other countries and places. Sadly, due to the wars, I ended up signing up for the military, and life became quite a different journey." Anya quickly apologized for her earlier comment, but Ivan, always understanding, waved it off. All four of them continued on their way to watch the movie. Inside the theater, Merlin found himself seated next to Anya. In a hushed tone, he questioned her, "Do you think what we're doing is right? At first, I thought all the blame would fall on Vanessa, and it would be over, but..." Anya interrupted, "It's too late now; everything has been decided. Let's enjoy the movie and this one day we have left before we face the inevitable." Merlin and Charlie shared similar concerns about their mission. Charlie wasn't part of the attack team due to his lack of experience, so he yearned to savor this time with the others, always keeping the worst-case scenario of the operation in mind. After the movie, they found themselves emotionally moved by the film, especially Ivan, who had tears in his eyes. They decided to take a leisurely stroll around town as the evening turned to night. Hungry, they stumbled upon a charming restaurant and enjoyed a delightful dinner before heading back to their apartment. Ivan, still in high spirits, lamented, "Dinner was fine, but it would have been perfect with some beer." Merlin spotted a nearby bar and suggested, "Let's grab a drink, everyone." The group agreed and ventured into the bar. They indulged in drinks, engaged in spirited discussions, and occasionally raised their glasses for another round. As the night wore on, Charlie, aware of their mission's impending danger, restrained himself from excessive drinking. At midnight, Charlie announced it was time to return. Anya and Ivan were quite intoxicated and engaged in a passionate argument. Charlie supported Ivan, guiding him, while Merlin assisted Anya. However, on their way Merlin's hand accidentally brushed against Anya's breast, and Anya whispered with a sly grin, "P-E-R-V-E-R-T," before bursting into laughter. Merlin blushed intensely, his embarrassment evident. Charlie, concerned, asked, "Is everything okay? Your face is all red." Merlin stammered, "I-it's nothing, I-I'm just a bit drunk, that's all." Charlie offered, "If you need a break, let me know." Merlin quickly declined, "N-No, we're almost back." After a five-minute walk, they reached the apartment building where the team was staying. Charlie dropped Ivan and Anya off at their room, wished them goodnight, and returned to his own apartment. Merlin, accustomed to taking a bath before sleep, refreshed himself but still couldn't find sleep. He decided to go to the rooftop for fresh air and a cigarette. There, he spotted Anya gazing at the town below. She noticed him and remarked, "Couldn't sleep either?" Merlin, puzzled, inquired, "Weren't you drunk and having trouble walking earlier?" Anya smirked and replied, "A little drinking doesn't faze me." Merlin, taken aback, questioned, "So, you mean you were acting all along?" Anya admitted, "Yup." After a brief silence, Merlin apologized for his earlier actions. Anya assured him, "I'm not angry; I was just teasing you." They both laughed, and suddenly, Anya asked, "You have feelings for me, don't you?" Merlin, shocked, stuttered, "H-How did you know? Was it that obvious?" Anya, still smiling, said, "It's written all over your face." Then, Anya made a bold proposal, "How about we go on a date after all of this is over?" Merlin eagerly agreed, and Anya's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. Realizing it was getting late, she suggested, "It's late now; we should go to bed." Merlin nodded, but as Anya opened the door to the rooftop, she hesitated and asked, "Would you mind accompanying me tonight?" Merlin was momentarily speechless but managed to stammer, "N-not at all." They headed to Anya's room together, both looking forward to the future beyond their mission. As they made their way to Anya's room, she couldn't resist teasing Merlin one more time. With a playful grin, she said, "By the way, you know what they say about you, right? P-E-R-V-E-R-T." Merlin's face turned beet red once again, and he stammered, "I-I didn't mean to do that, it was by mistake." Anya laughed warmly, her earlier mock anger dissipating. "Relax, I'm not angry with you," she assured him, "I was just teasing you, silly." With their laughter echoing through the hallway, they entered Anya's room, leaving the playful banter behind as they prepared to spend the night together. As the morning sun gently illuminated the room, Anya couldn't help but smile at the sight of Merlin peacefully sleeping beside her. She recalled the previous night's conversation and her playful teasing. However, instead of proceeding with the planned date, she decided to take a different approach. Anya quietly slipped out of bed, leaving Merlin to rest a little longer. She went about her morning routine, preparing breakfast for both of them. When Merlin finally woke up and joined her at the breakfast table, Anya greeted him with a warm smile. "Good morning, Merlin," she said. "I hope you had a good night's sleep." Merlin returned the smile and nodded. "Yes, I did, thanks to you." Anya chuckled and replied, "Well, I was thinking about last night, and I realized that maybe we should take things a bit slower. We've been through a lot, and I want to make sure we're both comfortable with where this is going." Merlin appreciated her thoughtfulness and agreed, "You're right, Anya. We should take our time and get to know each other better without any pressure." They enjoyed their breakfast together, chatting about their pasts and plans for the future they'd share. After few while they realised that it was getting time to head for the planning meeting and they started to get dressed up. It was a sunny afternoon, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Everyone had gathered, including officers from other states who had come to lend their support. Rudes, the leader of the group, welcomed and expressed gratitude for the assistance they were receiving. He began the meeting by providing an update on the situation and outlining the plan. The attack was scheduled for tomorrow at midnight, and Rudes detailed the strategy, which was designed to minimize casualties. The room resonated with agreement as everyone recognized the wisdom of the plan, and even Charlie, who was present, couldn't help but feel relieved at the well-thought-out approach. Rudes then informed them that the weapons and armor would arrive later in the evening. He assured everyone that there would be an abundance of weapons to choose from. Rudes concluded the meeting by requesting everyone's presence in the evening to help unload the weapons and participate in the testing, which was scheduled for midnight. The meeting concluded, and the attendees dispersed, preparing for the tasks at hand. As the evening drew near, the weapons and armor arrived slightly ahead of schedule. Everyone eagerly got to work unloading the trucks, excited by the prospect of having access to top-notch equipment. The atmosphere was one of cooperation and determination. With the weapons now on-site, the officers prepared to head to an abandoned field for a testing round of live fire exercises. They knew the importance of familiarizing themselves with their new gear before the impending mission. But little did they know that something unexpected and unimaginable was about to unfold, shrouding the impending tests in uncertainty and dread.

The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows, as the officers were about to move out for the testing round at an abandoned field side, the sudden blackout in the department plunged everyone into darkness. Panic surged through the officers as they activated their weapons touch, their fears materialized when they saw injuries around them. In the shadows, the officers panicked and met terrible fates, either harmed by something like air slashes or unseen forces which squished or pressed them onto the walls and floors. Merlin, frantically searching for Anya amidst the turmoil, watched helplessly as the situation spiraled out of control. Boris, in the frenzy, fired his weapon indiscriminately, further plunging the room into chaos. Ivan, discovering a machine gun, began firing it, inadvertently causing chaos that reached civilians outside through the walls and windows. After agonizing minutes, the lights flickered back to life, and some of the officers who had taken cover on the floor from the gunfire were miraculously alive. However, the sight that followed was horrifying; Ivan and the machine gun both were sliced in the slashes, shocking everyone present. Out of the initial two hundred and twenty officers, only around eighty remained. Merlin finally spotted Anya and rushed toward her, but his relief was short-lived as he saw something ominous manifesting in the air. A dark orb, steadily expanding, dominated the room. Panic ensued, and the remaining officers began fleeing outside but it was all in vain as they died before making it out. Strange forces harmed an officer, causing distress before another slash severed him in half. Desperation filled the room as officers fired relentlessly at the dark orb, to no avail. As the orb grew larger, it exerted an irresistible force, causing harm to soldiers. Simultaneously, a barrage of attacks poured forth, affecting anyone unfortunate enough to be in their path. Merlin was inches away from Anya when a deafening scream pierced the air. Anya, paralyzed with fear, watched in horror as an attack hurtled toward her, which sliced her in two half vertically and force crushed her other half . Enraged and devastated, Merlin screamed in agony as fell onto his knees holding the other half of Anya towards his chest as her organs prolapse out on the floor. Soon a air slash came and mercilessly beheaded Merlin. Meanwhile, Charlie, who had managed to distance himself from the turmoil, bore witness to the nightmare unfolding around him. A small attack grazed his cheek, leaving a painful wound. He quickly retreated, realizing the gravity of the situation, and watched as the dark orb expanded further, engulfing the room in green flames. Within the expanding orb, Charlie discerned a figure. He observed helplessly as the officers met their grim fates, and the station became a scene of devastation. The fire unleashed by the orb spread relentlessly, consuming everything in its path. Then, Charlie noticed a wounded man stumbling out of the dark orb, which had taken on the appearance of a portal. The man clutched his bleeding stomach before disappearing back into the portal. With his departure, the portal vanished, leaving behind a blaze that raced toward the armory where weapons were stored. Charlie emerged from his hiding spot and bolted outside of the station just in time to avoid the impending explosion. He spotted Captain Rudeous, his arm mangled, desperately calling to him to seek shelter before the blast hit. Together, Charlie and Rudeous sprinted toward a nearby building's back alley, hoping it would shield them from the impending impact. However, they were just seconds away from safety when the station erupted in a thunderous explosion. The force of the blast sent both Charlie and Rudeous hurtling through the air, their bodies tossed like leaves in a tempest. The explosion's shockwave left them unconscious, sprawled amidst the wreckage.

The deafening explosion reverberated throughout the area, drawing the attention of many. Among those drawn to the fiery spectacle was Rosewald, who happened to be in the vicinity for work-related matters. Rushing to the scene, he discovered Charlie lying unconscious amidst the chaos. Instead of offering assistance, Rosewald inexplicably burst into laughter. Charlie slowly regained consciousness, disoriented and in pain. As he blinked up at Rosewald, he weakly questioned, "Was this all just a dream?" Rosewald, still chuckling, replied, "No, my dear Charlie, this is no dream." Charlie, struggling to make sense of the chaos around him, asked, "Why on earth are you laughing when so many people have lost their lives?" Rosewald, his amusement unabated, responded, "This outcome was inevitable, Charlie. Even Rudeous knew deep down, yet he believed he could defeat that entity." Charlie inquired, "The man from the portal?" A sly smile crept across Rosewald's face as he replied, "Ah, so you've encountered him. I had a feeling you would be an exception, which is precisely why I suggested your name as a team member." Charlie, his voice trembling with anger, shouted, "You knew all this would happen and willingly put my name forward to face death?" Rosewald's smirk remained as he elucidated, " The Xeno-Anomaly Pioneers was a scientific research team, investigating supernatural occurrences on Earth, including the mystery of the dinosaurs' disappearance. During an ill-fated experiment, a portal emerged, and an individuals emerged from it. It was man, scientist thought he could be a friend but in reality when the military arrived the whole research was devastated leaving no survival as the portal was still active. The superiors called the military forces, naming them after the research, to kill the individual, who was still there in their country as the portal didn't vanished. The man who later decimated the whole military forces only with his blade. Later when went, the portal vanished and a newborn child was found within the debris – that's you. This event had already transpired by the time you were born. You see, this is a recurring cycle." Charlie, overwhelmed by this revelation, struggled to accept the truth. Panicking, he asked, "What about this case, the explosion? What will happen to the people involved?" Rosewald, with a sinister glint in his eye, ruthlessly pressed a wound on Charlie's face, causing him to cry out in pain. Rosewald calmly responded, "Rest assured, we've considered every detail. Vanessa will be framed for the murders, and she will be executed for these crimes. I orchestrated the breakup with her boyfriend, ensured he left the country with a clean slate, and planted her unconscious near the crime scenes. It was a perfect plan, a beautiful coincidence that she was spotted near the corpse locations – it all played into my hands." Rosewald delivered a vicious kick to Charlie's head, adding, "As for you, my dear Charlie, you'll have plenty of time to contemplate your fate." Later the next day Charlie woke up in a mental hospital as he tied to a chair and was tortured. When he sprouted a single word about Rosewald, he subjected Charlie to repeated torture and abuse beneath the mental hospital. The mental hospital was operating on the fundings that Rosewald provided them with. He was reduced to a wretched vessel, an unwitting pawn for the nurses to channel their unrelenting torment, frustration, and festering grievances, a pitiable scapegoat writhing in agony as they reveled in their sadistic release. In the sinister underbelly of the hospital, not only did the nurses unleash their torment upon him, but even those meant to provide solace and healing, including doctors and fellow patients, found perverse amusement in toying with his shattered spirit, turning him into a dehumanized plaything amidst the twisted shadows of their shared malevolence. Charlie's life descended into an unending nightmare, with each passing day bringing fresh horrors. His desperate pleas about Rosewald fell on deaf ears, and the pain inflicted upon him only intensified. The mental hospital became his inescapable purgatory, a place where hope was a distant memory, and suffering was the only constant.

Rudeous had been the one who submitted the damning report that labeled Vanessa as the ruthless killer and leader of the Vice Lord gang. However, unbeknownst to the public, a shadowy deal had been struck between the government and the Vice Lord gang. In exchange for sacrificing Vanessa as their leader, the gang would gain unprecedented freedom to operate within the country, effectively rendering them untouchable. It was a diabolical pact that would solidify the Vice Lord gang's dominance. The court, complicit in this conspiracy, had secretly decided to execute Vanessa. The location and date of the execution were kept under wraps to prevent any interference. Throughout her time in jail, Vanessa had vehemently protested her innocence, shouting at the guards daily and pleading her case in court. But despite her protests, the judge had coldly pronounced her execution. For one harrowing week, Vanessa languished in her cell, enduring the bitter cold of winter without even a blanket to ward off the chill. It seemed as though they intended to let her die from shivering alone. But as time wore on, and Vanessa's demise remained elusive, a grim decision was made. The night before her scheduled execution, Vanessa received a surprising and uncharacteristically luxurious meal, complete with fine wine. She savored every bite, relishing what could be her last taste of freedom. She was even provided with a warm blanket, a stark contrast to the frigid conditions she had endured. Morning arrived, and Vanessa was escorted to the execution ground, a vast cage that could hold a hundred people. There, her clothing was forcibly stripped away, leaving her exposed and vulnerable. The guards locked her inside and retreated to a safe distance, leaving her alone with her thoughts, just two hours before her execution. The appointed hour arrived, and the executioners returned, ready to carry out their grim and dark duty. But as they approached Vanessa's cage, they were met with a sight that defied explanation – an empty cage. Vanessa had vanished without a trace. There were no signs of a jailbreak, and all the doors to the execution ground remained securely locked. Panic and confusion gripped the guards as they launched an exhaustive search, scouring the entire state and country in a desperate attempt to locate Vanessa. Meanwhile, they reported to their superiors, except few who knew the truth, that Vanessa had been executed and her body discarded like refuge. To the public, Vanessa's execution was officially announced, yet her mysterious disappearance remained an enigma. Some people spread rumours of her disappearance, for some people she had become an elusive enigma, evading a meticulously planned fate and leaving behind a trail of intrigue and hope for her uncertain future. Vanessa had slipped through their fingers, leaving behind only unanswered questions and the tantalizing possibility of her ultimate triumph over the darkness that had conspired against her.