Whispers of the forgotten

Morpheus stood in silence, staring at the single word left behind in the shadows: Galdiore. He was certain it was a deliberate message from the killer. However, the revelation unsettled him. This indicated the killer possessed abilities tied to shadow manipulation, a detail not mentioned in the information he had received from the investigators.

"Who is Galdiore? And why this word?"

Driven by curiosity, Morpheus headed to the archives where decades of information and records collected by the investigators were kept. This place was overseen by Mr. Michael, the meticulous custodian of knowledge, renowned for his deep understanding and sharp memory.

Inside the Archives

Morpheus entered the vast room filled with towering shelves stacked with books and ancient documents. At the far end, Mr. Michael was seated at his desk, engrossed in writing, without lifting his gaze.

Morpheus approached and said in a calm tone, "Mr. Michael, I need your help. Have you ever come across the name Galdiore?"

Michael paused for a moment, thinking. Then he replied, "Galdiore... That name does ring a bell. Wait here."

He stood up and made his way to one of the higher shelves, meticulously scanning through the collection. After a few minutes, he returned holding an aged, dust-covered document. Placing it on the desk, he said, "This is the record you're looking for."

Morpheus began reading the document, his curiosity growing with every word.

"Galdiore was a noble who lived ten years ago. During the ceremony of class discovery, he was revealed to possess a rare class known as the 'Ethereal Shadow'—the same class I have."

The document detailed Galdiore's rise to fame among the nobility due to his remarkable talent and immense power. But his joy was short-lived, as his life was turned upside down when he was marked by Varyth the Envious, the Primordial Demon of envy

Morpheus paused his reading and asked Michael, "What are these marks? What do they signify?"

Michael leaned back in his chair and explained, "There are two types of marks, Morpheus. The first are marks bestowed by the higher beings known as the Eldarion. Those who bear these marks are considered blessed and are revered across the continent.

The second type, however, are marks left by the Primordial Demons. Those marked by demons are considered heretics, hunted mercilessly until they are killed. It is believed they become vessels for the demons' corruption."

Morpheus sat silently for a moment, reflecting on Michael's words. "I have no mark from a demon, and for that, I should be grateful. But I also lack the blessing of the Eldarion. Should I feel relieved or disappointed?"

Returning to the document, Morpheus read how the church, upon discovering the demonic mark on Galdiore, issued an order for his execution. Despite understanding the risk, his parents aided his escape.

Their support was deemed treasonous by the church, leading to their arrest and public execution as a warning to anyone who might consider helping a heretic bearing a demonic mark.

---

Morpheus stood before the record, his mind conflicted. Could the killer be connected to Galdiore? Was the killer Galdiore himself? Or was there a deeper thread weaving together even darker secrets?

He left the archives, determined to dig further into the mystery, unaware that his pursuit might uncover truths he wasn't prepared to face.