Many years ago, too long for people to clearly recall, an island was built upon the simple whim of others.

  They can still remember that day when clouds broke in allowance for warm sunlight to dawn from above. Cascading upon that grand city floating above the ocean akin to the paradise of Gods.

  It was definitely an ethereal sight hard to describe with just plain words for those standing near the coast.

  Almost as though a mere blink of an eye was the result of this sudden unveil akin to curtains parting on a stage.

  A mere snap of fingers as if a trick played by a magician.

  Citizens wonder what the purpose of that breathtaking isle is for as rumors and speculations mixed then spread like wildfire amongst the crowd until finally…

  [Hey, hey, have you heard of what that island is used for?]

  A person appeared with an expression different from the blend of curiosity and interest. It was a complicated integration of amusement as well as mocking confidence which stemmed from knowing something others do not.

  [Shhh…] That person motioned with an index finger placed upon their grinning lips, [I’ve got the news from someone I know. You have to keep it a secret… that is…]

  [A place built for the purpose of discarding waste.]

  At first, there were only a few dozen prisoners and guests forced to spend their lives on this island of ruins.

  However, as time passed, more and more people came while bearing differing intentions of a similar cause.

  Thus, gradually the island became a well known dwelling for those who have been abandoned by society.

  The predicted scene of violence pictured in the mind of its creators was scarce.

  Those with a past rarely involve themselves in the conflict of others.

  How can they not be clear of their own situation? They have been forsaken, discarded, what use is it to continue struggling, caring about the happenings surrounding them?

  The most they can do now is rot in silence at a quiet corner away from the prying gaze of others.

  But-

  That is not what the creators of that island wanted.

  Despair, terror, bloodshed, and unending waves of devastation.

  Even trash can be used as entertainment before they burn away.

  That’s why-

  [Let’s make it more interesting] someone said. [If by chance, there is still even a sliver of hope within them. Let us give those trash a chance to be recycled.]

  The condition?

  [An elaborate murder]

  _____

  Near the outskirts of Lament City.

  Within an area of thick forestry where the shadows of towering trees hover above akin to giants protecting their territory.

  The silence of this solemn field was fractured by the abrupt crunches of shoes against dry leaves.

  Numerous silhouettes saunter about in this dim forest with cautious steps as they nudge away the greenery. Each deliberate pause and action foretells of a fact that those figures seemed to be searching for something important within the mist.

  The thickness of morning fog prevented anyone from seeing the area in front of them clearly; however, they pressed on nonetheless.

  Minutes ticked away while submerged in this melancholy quietness of only footsteps and rustling of bushes.

  Their vague silhouettes behind white fog are akin to monsters out of the imaginary.

  No one dared to disturb the heaviness of the atmosphere, not even animals hidden from sight.

  Until…

  It was an hour before dawn, the splash of water colliding against moving objects echoes throughout the vast clearing. Those shadows could still be seen distinctly moving about as they broke through the thickets.

  Moments later, an excited voice rang out with a shrill shout,” Old Four come here, I found it!”

  A mix of surprise and joy could be sensed in the loud tone.

  Affected by this sudden holler, it was as though a spell was broken as the field immediately clamored with activity. All rushing to run towards the largest tree near the creek.

  They were like a pack of hungry wolves whose eyes finally locked onto prey.

  At the same juncture, as if startled awake by this penetrating yell.

  Daylight arrives, delivering a fragile beam of light that pierces through the haze, landing precisely on top of a delicate face.

  Inducing those hurried footsteps to hesitate upon this picturesque scene of an ethereal kind.

  The tender face of a woman in her mid-twenties.

  Slim arms placed gently on top of a low hanging branch stretched out like an intending armrest.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Head rests upon her limbs as almond-shaped eyes dully gaze at the rising sun. An unfathomable smile graced those pale lips as dark blood slowly dripped downward.

  Staining her white dress red with tiny blooming flowers.

  What a beautiful picture.

  _____

  Lament City is a place supposedly closed off from civilization.

  But about every three months would a ship dock along with a new batch of awaiting citizens on board. It is also the one and only day where the harbor is opened to the public.

  “Old Four, what do you think the newcomer is like?”

  A chirpy voice rang out with curiosity so contrasting compared to the dull atmosphere of the pier. “It’s rare for anyone to willingly transfer to our bureau. At least, I’m sure there won’t be any pretty girls that will volunteer to transfer here.”

  ”I’ve been single for a long time…” The young man murmured with a slight tone of dejection.

  However, in the next second, the expression on his face morphed into a brighter tone as he declared with expectations. ”I hope it’s a really handsome guy.”

  “You know, the type that appears in novels with looks so appealing that it’s a sight to behold no matter what they do.” Thoughts continued to churn as Xiao Chen began counting his fingers while listing with excitement. “Whether eating, sleeping, talking, walking or even using the bathroom! The type that can bend a straight guy like me into a number eight!”

  Old Four: “… …”

  Droopy eyes slanted towards the left, rolled downwards to the ground before staring up at the sky with a helpless sigh.

  The sky sure is grey today, clouds particularly transparent, isn’t there someone here that can shut this guy up?

  The middle-aged man flitted a fatigued glance at Xiao Chen before rolling in silent annoyance. Sight locked onto the ground while increasing the speed of his steps secretly as if trying to escape.

  [I need coffee.]

  Nonetheless, without waiting for any response, the young lad proceeded with this one-sided conversation between him and his wordless partner.

  “Everyone in the team looks so old and drab, one look and you’ll know they’re definitely not protagonist material.” This young man here has been infatuated with novels of many kinds, thus his strange choice of words.

  As if partners listening to two very different channels in the same space, Xiao Chen grins in the imagination of a joyful and colorful world. While failing to notice the blankness covering over the eyes of the man walking beside. A sharp contrast of the duo’s personality shown in plain view.

  Old Four: “......”

  “For example, Old Four, you're always wearing those black or gray suits everyday. If I didn’t know better I would’ve thought you were dressing up for a funeral 365 days each year!”

  “Middle-age is just right at the time where you should show off your remaining youth. Why not try wearing a yellow suit instead. It represents youth and it’s bright enough that I can find you easily in the crowd.”

  Old Four: “... …”

  “Say, maybe you can-”

  “Found it.” Old Four interrupted with a sudden point of a finger towards a figure not too far from them.

  This sudden declaration successfully halted Xiao Chen’s incessant string of words as the young man trailed after the direction of the middle-aged man’s gaze.

  “...What?” Following the motions of his long time partner, Xiao Chen’s sight came in immediate contact with a figure resting under a tree.

  It was a huge creature half the size of Xiao Chen’s own height whose body laid without a care, curled beneath the shade of wide branches.

  As if unable to notice the change in the young man’s facial expressions, Old Four nodded as he walked towards the giant St. Bernard.

  Sensing the approachment of the duo, the St. Bernard lifted its head up whilst casting a lazy glance their way. There was no fear nor taint of caution as that gentle creature merely gaze at the two in tranquil silence, waiting for them to act.

  Stopping a few feet away from this large creature, the middle-aged man pondered for a moment before muttering in a hesitating tone. Lips and brows unintentionally twitched and quivered in this quick fraction of a moment. “Xiaoshunzi?”

  Xiao Chen: “Huh?”

  Xiao Chen’s dazed irises flitted from left to right, up then down as he tried hard to process the words of his old partner.

  As if trying to confirm his hearing, Xiao Chen dug at the canals of his ears while glancing at Old Four then at the lethargic St. Bernard once more.

  Seeing it gradually stand up in response, the young man’s confused gaze instantly turns into one full of pity.

  ‘Heavens! Even dogs have it hard these days. Of all names to choose from, your owner bestowed you with an enunch's title. What kind of sick human taste is that?! Big dog bro, my poor brother from another non-human mother. Other than sympathy, I can’t think of anything else to say!’

  But wait. Are you a male or female?

  Normally, only male eunuchs would have such names but… who knows?

  Leaning forward with a scrutinizing stare, Xiao Chen focused with an unprecedented amount of concentration.

  However, no matter how close he tried to observe the area between its legs, the long fur of the animal shielded ‘that’ truthful place from view.

  Unless he used his hands, it would be hard to determine what’s underneath and just as his twitching hands began to move. A hard smack to the back of his head brought the lad back to the present.

  “What are you standing in a daze for? Hurry up!” Old Four scolded before departing after the dog whose figure had already walked far away. Leaving his partner to stand in the same spot while rubbing the back of his head with a displeased frown and pucker of lips.

  Xiao Chen: “Tch! You could have just warned me…”

  The young man murmured while running after the two figures in front.

  _____

  Passing through streets and alleyways. The trio slowly left behind the bustle of human activity as they gradually stepped into the much quieter part of the city. After walking for an hour or so, the St. Bernard, Xiaoshunzi led Old Four and Xiao Chen towards a shabby two-story building.

  The door to the building is wide open; extending an open invitation to their guests.

  Xiao Chen: “... …”

  Old Four: “... …”

  The duo shared a quick glance between the two before cautiously entering the building.

  The clacking of shoes and paws against polished wood echoes, causing the atmosphere to take on an eerie tone.

  There were no other sounds within this establishment except for the ones made by themselves.

  The whole area is quiet with a scent of foreignness, almost as if a place without a single sign of human life.

  Following Xiaoshunzi, the middle-aged man and lad stopped a step away from a particular wooden door.

  From outside, the faint sound of rustling paper and occasional mutterings could be heard within, confirming there to be people inside.

  “... …”

  The duo shared a knowing glance once more before Xiao Chen lightly knocked on the door with slight nervousness.

  Knock. Knock.

  Xiao Chen: “Hello?”

  The movement inside abruptly halted for a few seconds before a faint, “come in,” rang out behind the barrier. A low enigmatic voice sounded from the interior.

  Pausing for a moment, Old Four then proceeded to open the entranceway with a slight step to the side. Allowing Xiao Chen to enter first as a show of politeness for the absentminded kid.

  However,

  No one could have suspected the unfurl of events.

  Swish.

  It was too quick for anyone to have reacted.

  The sharp sound of an object sliced through air followed by the dull thud of piercing flesh.

  "Ugh!" A surprised voice echoed across the room along with the rise of another holler much lower akin to a growl.

  “...?”

  Shocked, Xiao Chen slowly looked down with trembling lips and widened eyes to see a dagger embedded itself deep into his chest.