Whispers of the forgotten

Part One: A Day Off

The sun bathed the bustling city in a warm glow, its rays cutting through the streets and casting long shadows. For the first time in weeks, Morpheus decided to take a day off. Donning a light, dark cloak, he stepped into the city's maze of alleys with an aimless sense of curiosity.

The lively marketplace was filled with the calls of merchants hawking their wares: fresh fruits, ancient books, and trinkets inscribed with mysterious symbols. A particular stall caught Morpheus's eye—a small silver ring engraved with sigils resembling those of the shadows he commanded. He lingered for a moment before moving on, a faint smile on his lips.

Eventually, he found himself at the central plaza, where a grand fountain shimmered under the sunlight. Children laughed and played, while musicians strummed gentle melodies. Morpheus sat at the fountain's edge, allowing the soothing atmosphere to wash over him.

"Can life ever be this simple?" he wondered as he gazed at the rippling water reflecting the golden light.

Part Two: The Meeting in the Investigation Office

The following morning, Morpheus returned to the Investigation Office. Stepping into Chief Investigator Germain's office, he found the man seated behind his desk, piles of reports scattered around him. As always, Germain exuded an air of authority that seemed to fill the room.

"Take a seat, Morpheus," Germain said, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of seriousness.

Morpheus sat without a word, sensing something important was about to unfold. Before he could ask, Germain continued,

"Cardinal Ivar will be arriving shortly. He has something he wishes to discuss with you."

Before Morpheus could respond, he felt it—a surge of immense energy that seemed to ripple through the air. The presence was powerful, almost overwhelming, reminiscent of Germain's own aura but tempered by a sense of tranquility and wisdom.

The door opened slowly, and Cardinal Ivar stepped into the room.

The man who entered was tall, clad in a white robe adorned with golden and purple embroidery. His long silver hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his face bore an air of calm authority. His piercing blue-gray eyes seemed to peer into one's very soul, carrying the weight of profound wisdom. He carried a staff engraved with intricate runes, which glimmered faintly with ethereal light.

"Ah, Morpheus," the Cardinal greeted with a soft, deep voice, a faint smile gracing his lips. "You executed your last mission with remarkable precision. I have come to thank you personally."

Morpheus stood and bowed slightly in respect. "Thank you, Cardinal."

But the air in the room shifted. Morpheus could feel the tension thickening between Germain and the Cardinal.

Ivar's voice, though calm, carried an unmistakable edge.

"Of course, such missions only arise when certain individuals fail to handle the remnants of the Forgotten Ones properly."

Germain's aura flared suddenly, his tone sharp with suppressed anger.

"And perhaps the Church should reconsider how it safeguards its relics, lest we face such threats repeatedly!"

The two locked gazes, their unspoken rivalry palpable.

Morpheus, sensing the escalating tension, interjected calmly,

"What matters now is that the mission succeeded and the balance has been maintained."

Both men seemed to ease slightly, though the undercurrent of their animosity lingered.

Cardinal Ivar turned his attention back to Morpheus, his demeanor softening.

"You are right, and for that, I have brought you something."

With a motion of his hand, a servant entered, carrying a polished wooden box. Ivar opened it to reveal a weapon—a sleek black katana. Its blade seemed forged from solid shadow, shimmering faintly as if alive. Embedded in its hilt was a radiant purple gem, pulsating with ethereal energy.

"This blade was crafted from shadow itself," Ivar explained, his voice tinged with pride. "It aligns perfectly with your abilities. The gem in its hilt isn't just decorative—it stores aether and can unleash it in powerful bursts when needed."

Morpheus stared at the weapon in awe, hesitantly reaching out to take it. The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt, he felt a surge of energy course through him—a power both familiar and foreign.

"It's... remarkable," he said softly. "Thank you, Cardinal."

Ivar inclined his head, a small smile on his lips. "You've earned it. But remember, such power is a responsibility, not merely a tool."

After the Cardinal departed, Germain leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on Morpheus.

"Now that that's done, we have a new task for you," he said, pushing a file across the desk toward him.

Morpheus opened the file, his eyes scanning through reports and photographs. They detailed a series of brutal murders, each more chilling than the last. The name at the top of the file read: "The Seven Sins Killer."

"A serial killer?" Morpheus asked, his tone steady but curious.

"This isn't just any killer. His crimes are deeply symbolic, and he chooses his victims based on what he considers the 'Seven Deadly Sins.' He's been eluding us for too long, and I believe you're the only one who can stop him."

Morpheus felt the weight of the new mission settle on his shoulders. He glanced down at the katana in his hand, the purple gem glowing faintly as if resonating with his determination.

"I'll find him," Morpheus said firmly. "And I'll end this."

Germain allowed himself a small smile, his trust in Morpheus evident.

"Good. Then let's get started."