Whispers of the forgotten

Chapter 22: A Shocking Discovery

The day began with an urgent message from the investigation headquarters. Morpheus and Anvir listened carefully as they were informed of another murder. This time, however, the circumstances were unusual, hinting at a new twist in the case.

Arriving at the scene—a grand castle belonging to a noble named Gerald—they were met with an unsettling sight. The room where the murder took place was eerily quiet,Gerald's throat had been gruesomely slit his eyes and ears horrifyingly remived and written on the wall in bold, blood-red letters were the words:

"I am not a sin."

Morpheus studied the scene intently, his brow furrowed. "This is unlike anything we've seen before," he said thoughtfully.

Anvir surveyed the room with a sharp gaze. "Whoever did this is trying to make a statement. The question is, what are they trying to say?"

As they began gathering details about the victim, Morpheus asked one of the guards about Gerald's background. The response was unexpected.

"Gerald was a kind man," the guard explained. "He was known for his generosity, always helping those in need. He donated food and resources to struggling families. Everyone respected him."

Morpheus exchanged a glance with Anvir, who remained skeptical. "No one is without flaws," Anvir remarked. "Maybe he wasn't as noble as he seemed."

Morpheus ignored the comment, focusing on the message left behind. "This doesn't fit the pattern," he said quietly. "The other victims represented sins, but Gerald was a virtuous man. Why would the killer target him?"

Anvir shrugged. "Maybe the killer is shifting their focus. Or maybe this is a diversion—a way to throw us off their trail."

Morpheus fell silent, contemplating the new development. The case, which had once seemed clear, now felt more complex and layered.

As they prepared to leave the castle, Morpheus turned to Anvir. "If we want to stop this killer, we need to understand their motive. We need to know what they're trying to accomplish."

Anvir scoffed. "You can waste time pondering their twisted logic. I'll focus on practical leads. At least one of us will make progress."

The tension between them grew as they each resolved to pursue the case in their own way.

Morpheus decided to explore the philosophical and symbolic aspects of the killer's pattern. He believed that understanding the killer's mindset, particularly their focus on the seven deadly sins, might hold the key to capturing them. Thinking that the church might be the best place to gain insight into the concept of sin, he made his way to a nearby cathedral.

Inside, the dim light of stained-glass windows cast colorful reflections on the stone walls. Morpheus approached a man dressed in clerical robes—a deacon named Galdior, known for his vast knowledge of theology and religious philosophy.

Morpheus extended his hand in greeting. "Deacon Galdior, I'm Morpheus, an investigator working on a case. I was hoping you might help me understand something about the concept of sin. It could be crucial to my investigation."

Galdior nodded with a calm smile, his eyes reflecting both wisdom and curiosity. "Of course, Investigator. Sin is a deep and intricate subject. Tell me, what troubles you about it?"

As the conversation began, Morpheus felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps the answers he sought were closer than he thought.

Morpheus sat across from Deacon David in the quiet, sacred stillness of the cathedral. The faint flicker of candles illuminated their surroundings, casting dancing shadows on the walls.

David folded his hands and leaned slightly forward. "Tell me, Investigator, what exactly troubles you about the concept of sin?"

Morpheus hesitated for a moment before speaking. "The killer I'm pursuing seems obsessed with the seven deadly sins. Pride, greed, envy… all of them. But as I think about it, I can't help but wonder—why are these considered sins? They seem to stem from human nature itself."

David smiled faintly, his expression thoughtful. "Ah, a profound question indeed. You're not the first to wrestle with such thoughts. The seven deadly sins are not just arbitrary labels; they represent tendencies that, when left unchecked, can lead to harm—both to ourselves and others."

Morpheus tilted his head. "But aren't they a part of who we are? For example, pride—can't it also drive someone to achieve great things? Isn't ambition, to some extent, a form of pride?"

David nodded. "You're correct. Pride, like all the sins, is not inherently evil. In moderation, it can inspire self-respect and perseverance. But when it grows unchecked, it becomes hubris—an overinflated sense of self-worth that blinds us to our limitations and the needs of others. That is where it turns into a sin."

Morpheus leaned back, pondering David's words. "So, it's not the existence of these traits that's sinful, but the excess of them?"

"Precisely," David replied. "The same applies to greed. A desire for material security is natural, even necessary. But when greed takes hold, it can drive someone to exploit others, to hoard resources, and to disregard the well-being of their community. The sins are a warning, not against our nature, but against losing balance within it."

Morpheus's gaze grew sharper. "And yet, people are punished for these 'imbalances.' If they're part of us, how can we truly escape them?"

David's expression softened. "We cannot escape our nature, Investigator. But we can learn to master it. The teachings around sin aren't meant to condemn us for being human—they're meant to guide us toward becoming better versions of ourselves. Resisting sin is a struggle, but it is in the struggle that we find growth and virtue."

Morpheus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "But the killer… they seem to be interpreting these sins in their own way, targeting people they believe represent them. How does that align with the philosophy you're describing?"

David frowned, his voice taking on a somber tone. "It doesn't. Judging others for their perceived sins is itself a form of pride—a belief that one is righteous enough to stand above others and pass judgment. Perhaps your killer sees themselves as an arbiter of morality, but in doing so, they commit the very sins they claim to condemn."

Morpheus exhaled slowly, his thoughts churning. "So, their actions are hypocritical—a twisted interpretation of the very concept they claim to follow."

David nodded. "It seems so. And remember, sin is not just about the act—it's about the intent, the choices made in one's heart. If this killer believes their actions are justified, it reveals their own imbalance, their own inner turmoil."

Morpheus stood, a sense of clarity washing over him. "Thank you, Deacon. This gives me much to think about. Perhaps understanding the killer's view of sin will help me predict their next move."

David offered a serene smile. "May wisdom guide you, Investigator. And remember, even in the darkest moments, light can be found if you seek it."

As Morpheus left the cathedral, he felt a strange mixture of enlightenment and unease. The conversation had given him a deeper understanding of the killer's potential motives—but also raised more questions about the complexities of human nature and morality.