SERIAL KILLER SYSTEM

Arthur and Lucy arrived at the outskirts of Londonis in the morning.

The first thing they did was use a few cents to buy the daily paper.

Londonis was a bustling city, filled with more people than Arthur had even seen in his life. This made him follow Lucy closely at all times.

Especially after what happened on their car ride. He felt an even deeper connection to the woman.

After buying the newspaper, they entered a coffee store on the northern outskirts, and sat themselves in a corner after ordering drinks.

Both of their eyes scanned over the paper. They knew what they were looking for.

BLOODBATH AT LUCY ORPHANAGE: 17 DEAD IN NIGHTTIME SLAUGHTER

HENDONSHIRE. The town of Hendonshire woke to horror this morning after all seventeen children of 'Lucy's Orphanage' were found brutally butchered in their beds. The body of the orphanage's owner, Lucy Anderson, 28, was also discovered—killed violently in what police describe as a "sickening, targeted massacre."

Authorities believe the killings took place only hours before discovery. No suspects. No clear motive. Just silence and blood.

"This is evil," said one officer at the scene. "Pure evil."

The town, known for its quiet streets, has never seen violence like this.

The Defenders urge visitors to avoid travelling through this town.

———

Chills ran down Arthur's spine as he read over the article.

"That was faster than I expected." He said as he glanced over at Lucy.

However, the white haired woman was more focused on the article underneath.

Arthur quickly scanned his eyes over it.

FEARS RISE IN LONDONIS AS NOTORIOUS SERIAL KILLER SPOTTED — SPECIAL UNIT DEPLOYED

LONDONIS — Tension is mounting in the capital after authorities announced they may have sighted one of Europa's most dangerous serial killers within the city limits. While officials have yet to release a name, sources suggest the killer is ranked among the top active murderers on the continent.

In response, Queen Elizabeth of Ingland has increased the number of Defenders patrolling the capital city, with checkpoints now in place across the entirety of Londonis.

In a rare move, the Defenders Council has also deployed Squad Red, an elite task force of Defenders armed with magically-enhanced weapons known as artefacts. These artefacts, each bound with rare enchantments, are designed specifically for subduing or eliminating supernatural or high-threat targets.

"One of these top killers is rarely spotted out in the open," Commander Vale of Squad Red stated. "We won't let this opportunity slip from our grasp."

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel after dark and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

———

Arthur then realised why Lucy seemed so troubled.

They had chosen the worst time to enter the city.

He looked over at the usually confident woman, who was now biting her finger nervously.

He realised that he would never be able to look at that hand the same.

The way her fingers wrapped around him earlier...

"Do not worry, my Arthur." She said suddenly, taking a sip of her coffee. The smile returned to her face. "Everything will be fine. Squad Red are a viscuous group, but their attentions will be focused on the killer mentioned in the news."

"Who do you think it could be?" Arthur asked.

Lucy thought for a moment.

"Well, considering that it was one of the most notorious killers on the continent of Europa, that leaves many options. However, which of the top killers might have business in Londonis, the capital of Ingland?"

She posed the question like a test, as though she had the answer already, but wanted Arthur to figure it out himself.

He was not well-versed in the serial killer scene, as before he became one himself, it wasn't a problem to him. Hendonshire was far from all of this, or at least he thought.

Arthur shrugged his shoulders, so Lucy continued.

"There is one woman that I know, who would have business in Londonis. Personal, important business, that could potentially lead to her being spotted."

Mother Lucy's smile grew wider, and her cheeks seemed to blush excitedly. It was like she was some sort of fan of the perpetrator.

Then, she finally answered.

"Bloody Bethany. The forgotten princess.

Arthur felt his breath get caught in his throat. Suddenly, it all made sense to him.

But still, he couldn't believe it.

Bloody Bethany was the older sister of Queen Elizabeth, who was ruler of the Inglish Monarchy.

Bethany was meant to inherit the crown, but her parents didn't allow it, because the woman had lost both of her eyes in a tragic accident as a child.

Rumours state that Bethany murdered both of her parents afterwards, as well as many others who served under them.

Ever since then, she had ventured around Ingland, Orland, and Skotland, murdering prominent followers of the Queen.

Despite never having been seen since leaving Londonis Palace, her kills were recognisable by her signature.

Slashing out the eyes of her victim.

She was ranked 23rd in the Serial Killer leaderboard.

"So she's come to finish the job." Arthur speculated. "To kill her sister, the queen."

Lucy nodded her head. "And thus, we have been caught in the crossfire. Squad Red will be on high alert in all areas."

Arthur couldn't help but feel slightly worried.

Lucy might be strong enough to fight against the artefact wielders. He, however, felt that he would be obliterated.

Suddenly, Lucy grabbed hold of his hands, giving him comfort.

"Don't worry." She said softly. "I will make sure you—"

Her words were cut off.

At the same time, Arthur's system rang in his head.

Judging by Lucy's reaction, hers must have rung as well.

Arthur opened it up, and there waiting for him... was a quest.

[THE GREAT CULLING: LONDONIS HAS BECOME A HEAVILY PROTECTED ZONE. TAKE OUT THREE DEFENDERS TO LESSEN THE HEAT.]

[REWARD: EPIC GRADE ARTEFACT.]

Arthur felt his spirit leap.

A quest. He had finally been given a quest.

He looked up at Lucy, who had a calm, joyful smile spread across her face as she met his eyes.

Her head tilted slightly to the side. Her eyes seemed dreamy.

"Would you look at that, Arthur. It seems our luck isn't so bad after all."