A steam train chugged steadily across the fog-covered plains, its whistle echoing faintly through the cold night air. Inside one of the carriages sat a young woman, staring through the window with a strange mix of excitement and indifference.
Casey: "I wished my first assignment would be in a place filled with cases to solve… but they sent me to a city that rarely ever has any incidents."
Two days earlier
Police Training Director – Everolna City:
"Casey, we're transferring you to Midnight City. You'll be working there for a while to complete your training. You'll be recognized as an official detective once you arrive."
Casey: "What? Why a faraway city like that? Why me?"
Director: "I know you're not thrilled, but it's part of your program. Besides, it's a very safe city — at least according to the officers stationed there."
Casey: "Tsk… fine."
Casey grabbed her papers and badge, storming out of the room in frustration.
Present time
Casey: "They're underestimating me… who do they think they are?"
Three hours later, the train screeched to a halt at the station of Midnight City — a city forever blanketed in rain and mist.
Casey stepped out, carrying her heavy silver suitcase. The humid air and cold drizzle immediately clung to her skin.
Casey: "What a miserable weather…"
A local policeman approached her.
Policeman: "You must be the new detective, Casey Folden?"
Casey: "Yes, that's me."
Policeman: "Good. Grab your luggage and follow me."
Casey: "Ugh, fine…"
As they walked, he pointed lazily around the streets.
Policeman: "To your right is Marignato's Pizza, quite popular here. On your left — a small café, nothing special, called Night Flame. Up ahead, slightly to the left, you'll see the city's clock tower. No need to buy a cheap watch here."
Casey: "Yeah, yeah. Can we just get to the station already? My arms are killing me."
Policeman: "Annoying, just as I heard. Anyway, the station's left after the second junction. Go. And don't let me see you again."
Casey: "Rude."
Policeman: "You're worse."
She followed the directions… only to realize there was no "second junction," just a narrow, dark alley cutting through the fog.
Casey: "Is the police station this hidden?"
As she stepped inside, two figures emerged from the shadows.
Thug #1: "Well, look what we've got here… a nice catch, huh?"
Thug #2: "Yeah, she'll fetch a good price in the slave market."
Casey: "Bandits? Right next to the police station? You've got to be kidding me."
Thug #1: "Police station? Hahaha! There's no police here, sweetheart. Don't make me laugh."
They rushed toward her.
Casey swiftly pulled out a small stun device and got into stance — but before she could react further, a large man appeared behind her and grabbed her arms, pinning her tightly.
Casey: "Let go of me!"
Thug #2: "Good job, Senro!"
Senro: "Hmph."
With quick reflexes, Casey jammed the stun device into Senro's side. Electricity sparked — he grunted and released her.
She bolted down the alley.
Casey: "Should've learned lightning magic… would've been way more useful!"
The sound of footsteps echoed behind her.
Rain splattered across cobblestones.
A bullet scraped the wall next to her cheek — someone had fired a pistol.
She turned sharply through a side street, her boots splashing through puddles, breath heavy.
As she darted around a corner, she collided hard with someone — a young man in a black vest and rolled sleeves, holding a tray.
Casey: "Watch out! Run — they're after me!"
But the man didn't move.
Instead, his calm gray eyes narrowed slightly as he looked past her.
Man (quietly): "Rinta… Anora."
He slammed both hands onto the ground.
A wall of stone erupted from the street, blocking the pursuing thugs in an instant.
Man: "Follow me. Those people aren't the kind you can deal with in that state."
He started running, and Casey — half out of breath — followed him through the maze-like alleys.
From behind, she could hear the thugs cursing and trying to break through the wall.
They turned corner after corner until they reached a wider street. Ahead, Casey spotted several policemen.
Casey: "Wait! There — police! We can ask for help!"
Man: "Huh?"
She waved frantically.
Casey: "Hey! Officers! There are thugs chasing
One of the policemen suddenly lunged forward with a knife.
The man reacted instantly, deflecting the blade with a silver dagger and kicking the officer backward.
Then he raised his hand — a surge of compressed air exploded outward, sending the rest of the fake officers sprawling into the fog.
Man: "This isn't the time to catch your breath!"
Casey: "What the hell is going on in this city!?"
The shouts of the gang echoed again — they were still after them.
Before Casey could think, the man grabbed her wrist.
Man: "Move!"
They sprinted through another alley, jumped over crates, and finally — after what felt like half an hour of running — stopped in front of a dimly lit back door.
Man: "What a hassle… I just wanted some rest, and then you had to show up and ruin it."
Casey (angrily): "You're complaining? We almost got killed!"
Man (coldly): "Correction — you almost got killed. Who trusts the police in this city? You're new here, aren't you?"
Casey (irritated): "Yeah, I am."
Man: "Thought so. A rookie detective… just what we needed."
He sighed.
Man: "Fine. Come in. This is probably the safest place you'll find right now."
They entered through the back door.
Inside was a cozy café — faintly lit by warm lamps, the scent of roasted beans filling the air.
A man washed glasses behind the counter, two others were playing cards at a table, and a woman sat nearby reading a book.
Woman (without looking up): "Hey, Liner… bringing us customers during break time again? You're such a pain."
Liner: "Not a customer. Just a foolish detective who stumbled in."
Casey: "Who are you calling foolish?"
Liner (flatly): "You."
The man behind the counter smirked.
Bartender: "Heh, William's not gonna like this… but fine. Deal with it later. Here—"
He tossed Liner a key.
Liner caught it effortlessly.
Bartender: "Show the lady her temporary room."
Liner: "Got it."
They climbed up the narrow staircase, passing several doors until they reached one near the end.
Liner: "This is your room."
Casey: "Why did you even help me in the first place?"
Liner (coldly): "Money."
Casey (sarcastic): "Greedy, aren't you?"
Liner: "Yes. I am."
He opened the door for her.
Liner: "If you need anything, ask Casper — the idiot downstairs."
Casper (from below): "I can hear you!"
Liner (shouting back): "So can I!"
He left, and Casey sighed, setting her half-damaged luggage down.
Most of her clothes and belongings had been ruined during the chase.
Casey: "Guess I'll have to go shopping tomorrow… if I even have any money left."