Chapter # 03: The First Clue
858 Words
Both detectives walked through the city square. It was a little quieter than usual. Perhaps it was because of the recent murders, or perhaps they didn’t know what was coming. Halt and Kael stopped before the ancient stone standing in the city square. Older than the city itself, it stood untouched like it had been waiting. Halt’s gaze returned to the only line carved into its surface:
“The Nameless Can’t be Forgotten.”
“The stone must be a clue. A single clue that could move the investigation forward,” said Halt.
“Yeah… but why would a dead man use his last breath just to say ‘stone’?” Kael replied.
Before Halt could respond, a messenger approached and silently handed him a folded note. It bore the mark of the Silent Eyes. The note read:
“Detectives, attend the meeting at 7 pm. Attendance is mandatory.”
— Silent Eyes
Both detectives arrived at the meeting early and patiently waited for the other members to come. As everyone arrived, the most senior detective, as well as the current head of the Silent Eyes Detective Eren Vire, stood up and started the meeting.
“This meeting will now begin,” said the Head Ervin.
“Thanks to all for coming on such short notice.”
“Head, but what exactly requires the attention for all the detectives in the city?” said one member.
Head Erin replied, “For the past six months, we have investigated these murders. No witness. No motives. No useful records. Even Archive has failed us.”
“Then something must have changed with the recent murder,” said another member.
“Otherwise, you wouldn’t have called this meeting.”
“The Medical Division has finally found the clue regarding the eighth victim,” Head Ervin replied. Furthermore, he added, “Reports suspect the involvement of an Absolute Shade.”
The room went silent.
“I agree, Head,” another member said.
“The methods of killing are too different to ignore.”
“Every member of the Silent Eyes is now on active duty. Any suspicious activity must immediately be reported to the organization. Your Shades are also authorized for any unrestricted investigative use.”
Head Ervin further added.
“One more thing.”
The room fell silent.
“No Shade is to be used in front of civilians unless absolutely necessary. Any violation will be investigated by the Silent Eyes.”
“Not everyone in this room possesses a Shade.” The detective aze shift towards Halt.
“And yet he is the one leading the investigation.”
Kael folded his arms.
“My partner has solved more cases without a shade than most detectives solve with one.”
“Who are you to question his ability, Mr. Ace?” Head Eren's eyes narrowed.
“If anyone belongs in this investigation, it's him.”
No one argued further.
The room remained tense, but the silence had settled into something controlled like even the air was waiting for permission to move.
Head Eren Vire looked up.
“Mr. Fool, come inside.”
Everyone gazed towards the door, and a young man entered the room.
“This is Mr. Fool, and he will also be helping in the investigation,” Head said.
“Also, he is the new shade that has recently joined us, and I’m assigning Mr. Fool as the temporary partner of Mr. Dead.”
The room went silent. Several eyes shift towards Detective Halt.
“That concludes the meeting,” Head Eren said. “You are dismissed.”
Without another word, he turned and left the room.
At last the silence broke, chairs moved and detectives began to leave one by one.
Lucien Vale and Halt stood facing each other for a moment, but neither spoke.
Finally, Halt said, “We are going to the first clue.”
Lucian tilted his head slightly, “Where, Sir? Isn’t the first clue the Absolute Shade?”
Halt said calmly, “It’s the stone…”
Lucien didn’t fully understand at first but he didn’t stop to ask.
He simply followed Halt.
A moment later, three of them arrived at the stone in the city square, but this time, something felt different. Halt immediately moved closer to inspect the stone up close. Lucien watched in silence, slightly confused by his actions. When Halt moved towards the back of the stone, he stopped. There were carvings there newer than the rest. A symbol. Intentionally placed… pointing at something.
Halt called out to Lucien and Kael, and when Lucien saw the symbol, a chill ran down his spine.
“This…this symbol.” He said quietly, “It was carved onto my father's grave a month ago when he died.”
Halt expression changed instantly.
So this wasn’t just a clue.
It was connected to Lucien’s past.
Halt immediately turned towards Kael,” Copy the symbol and report it to the Silent Eyes immediately, and
Tell them Mr. Dead has not only found the first real clue…”
His gaze returned to the stone.
“…but we may now have a lead on the second.”
- Writer
