Whispers of the forgotten

Chapter Ten: A Month of Change:

A month had passed since Morpheus officially became a Third-Tier Investigator. The month was a whirlwind of new experiences—chasing criminals, uncovering hidden truths, and grappling with the harsh realities of his new role.

The Investigators were defined by a strict hierarchy, each level represented by their unique attire. Their uniforms resembled the ancient hunters' garb: long, dark coats made of black leather with faint red stitching, accompanied by gloves, military-style trousers, and tall boots. Their masks, resembling long-beaked bird visors, offered protection against toxic gases and polluted environments.

Third-Tier: Identified by a simple engraved emblem on their shoulders.

Second-Tier: Distinguished by additional red lines on their sleeves and a glowing insignia on their chest.

First-Tier: Donned silver-threaded coats, detailed masks, and a fully illuminated emblem symbolizing their immense strength.

Legendary Investigator: Adorned with luxurious golden-lined attire and a small chest plate bearing an ancient insignia, reflecting power surpassing known ranks.

The job was perilous, but the rewards were significant. Morpheus earned 15 gold pieces per month, a fortune compared to his previous impoverished life.

Morpheus adhered to a strict morning ritual. Before starting his day, he visited a small café at the corner of the street for a cup of black coffee. Afterward, he stopped at a nearby bakery to buy his favorite strawberry cake.

Meeting Elena:

At the bakery worked a young woman named Elena. She had a serene beauty—her features harmonious, her black hair flowing like a quiet night, and her blue eyes reminiscent of a clear sky.

Elena (smiling): "Strawberry cake again, right?"

Morpheus (calmly): "You know me well."

These daily conversations were brief but comforting. Though Morpheus was not naturally sociable, he felt a peculiar sense of peace during his exchanges with Elena.

Saying Goodbye to Uncle Jayden:

With his first paycheck in hand, Morpheus decided it was time to start anew. He visited his uncle Jayden one quiet evening to bid him farewell.

Jayden sat at the table, a cup of coffee already placed before him.

Jayden: "So, you're moving out now?"

Morpheus: "Yes. I need to focus on my work and live more independently. It's not an easy choice, but it's necessary."

Jayden gazed at Morpheus, a mix of pride and worry in his eyes.

Jayden: "You've changed a lot over this past month. I see someone stronger in your eyes... but also someone more distant."

Morpheus (with a faint smile): "I'm still me, Uncle. Just learning to navigate this harsh world."

Before Morpheus left, Jayden placed a hand on his shoulder and said warmly:

Jayden: "Remember, I'll always be here if you need anything."

Morpheus rented a modest house in a quiet neighborhood. The small home had a simple bed, a wooden table, and a tiny closet filled with his tools and weapons. On the walls, he hung a few books he started reading to deepen his understanding of Aether's mysteries.

Each morning, Morpheus drank his coffee and ate his strawberry cake from Elena's bakery.

He then headed to the Investigators' headquarters, where his assignments varied from solving mysterious crimes to confronting Aetheric creatures escaping the labyrinths.

Though strong and intelligent, Morpheus preferred staying out of the spotlight, earning admiration from some colleagues and envy from others.

One night, sitting alone in his new home, Morpheus stared at the gold coins neatly lined up on his table.

"Money can ease life, but it doesn't lift the weight I carry. The deeper I delve into this world, the more questions I find without answers."

The Investigator Council gathered to formally grant Morpheus his title. The room was dimly lit, with faint glimmers of Aether swirling in the air. A senior investigator approached, carrying the uniform.

Senior Investigator: "From today onward, you are a Third-Tier Investigator. Wear this with pride."

As Morpheus donned the long black coat and mask for the first time, he felt the heavy weight of his new responsibilities. His reflection in the mirror revealed a hunter of shadows, bound to seek out the truths lurking in the dark.

The next morning, before heading to work, Morpheus stopped by the bakery again. Elena greeted him with her usual warm smile.

Elena: "You look different today—more... serious."

Morpheus (with a slight smirk): "Part of the job."

Elena handed him his strawberry cake, her eyes lingering on him for a moment.

Elena: "Be careful out there."

Morpheus (nodding): "Always."

Morpheus stood outside the bakery, the morning light casting a golden hue over the street. Holding his coffee in one hand and the cake in the other, he stared into the distance. The road ahead was uncertain, but for now, he savored this fleeting moment of peace before plunging back into the chaos of his new life as an Investigator.