Lorian's expression remained completely unchanged. She simply stared with a cold, indifferent gaze, unaffected by the accusation. Landon, on the other hand, let out a quiet sigh.
Natalie: "…Huh?! H-Hey!! I just said you're accused of illegal trade! And also the premeditated murder of multiple people!!!"
Lauren raised her eyebrows for a moment, then sighed before clasping her hands and saying with a faint smile.
Lorian: "So… do you have a search warrant?"
Natalie stopped and was confused for a moment. She looked at the table, then looked up at her and said with a stammer.
Natalie: "…It will… ahem… it will be issued soon."
Lorian looked down and gave a short laugh, then looked up at her and continued.
Lorian chuckled softly, "Heh... You do realize that barging into private property and demanding an investigation without a search warrant or court order… is considered an abuse of power and a violation of property and privacy rights, don't you?"
Natalie looked at her for a few seconds, then straightened up, clasped her hands in front of her chest, and said confidently.
Natalie: "That's true, but in cases of imminent danger or threats to public security... such as endangering lives or a significant security risk... the law may grant prosecutors or law enforcement the authority to enter immediately without a warrant, in order to protect lives or prevent a crime from occurring."
Lorian, interrupted her in a calm tone: "But even in such cases, authority should be limited and constrained by law to ensure that rights are not violated without justification. Exceptions do not mean granting authorities absolute freedom."
Natalie returns and places her hands on the table, addressing Lauren directly in the eyes.
Natalie: "Certainly, but in crises, it is sometimes necessary to take swift action to save lives or prevent a greater disaster.
Balancing the protection of rights with responding to threats is what the law aims to achieve."
Lorian remains silent for a moment, sighing deeply as if weighing her words carefully, then lifts her eyes to continue speaking calmly.
Lorian: "In other words, if there is no evidence to support your claims, you'll turn back, won't you, Miss Harper?"
Natalie: "Haha, I knew you would say that..."
Natalie pulls out a set of photos, showing a truck carrying a load of knives and swords, along with a stack of documents.
Natalie: "Look!...
This photo! How do you explain this? The truck is clearly loaded with numerous knives and swords.
Do you have anything to say before I go and file for an arrest warrant?"
Lauren keeps looking at those pictures without showing any reaction, Then she looks up at her and says with a slight smile.
Lorian: "Well, regarding the swords, we run a fencing club… the most renowned and best in Raymar. We have multiple branches, so we constantly order fencing equipment to avoid running out.
Lorian opens a drawer and takes out an official document containing a certified license for the fencing club from the government.
Natalie: "...This... Damn it. Fine! What about the knives?! Don't tell me you run a vegetable trade or something!"
Lorian smiles and gestures to the right side of her desk.
Lorian: "Actually… we do."
Natalie turns around and sees several large refrigerators on the right side of the room.
Natalie: "W-W-W... What?!... "[Were these here when I entered?…]"
Natalie steps forward and opens one, finding an assortment of vegetables. She opens another and finds various fruits. In the third, she discovers different kinds of meat.
Natalie: "...This... This is impossible..."
Lorian still can't hide her smile as if she's enjoying it.
Lorian: "As you can see, we don't just run a fencing club. We are expanding our business into the trade of vegetables, fruits, and also the finest quality meats.
And this hotel is merely a place to accommodate our guests, negotiate, and manage our trade in comfort."
Natalie remains in a state of confusion, but she refuses to give up. She turns back toward Lorian and points at a set of documents.
Natalie: "What about these?! How do you explain the civilian testimonies?!
Three civilians reported seeing a group of people in black outfits and masks moving stealthily and leaping across rooftops. They stopped at the roof of a certain house, and the next day, a murder was discovered in that home!"
Natalie points to a photo showing individuals working for Lorian, all wearing black outfits.
Natalie: "Is this a coincidence?! I don't think so!!
Admit it!! You're the one running that organization known as "Noctis," aren't you?!"
Lorian: "... And how exactly did you determine that they were us? Does wearing black outfits automatically mean you're a member of Newfear or something?... Also, you said they were wearing black masks.
But… my employees don't wear anything like that."
Natalie: "The witnesses also mentioned that one of them had "Jackal" written on their back.
So… do you want to bet on whether I'll find this person among your employees if I do a little digging? I'm sure I'll find more testimonies and traces of him somewhere."
A heavy silence fills the room as Lorian briefly glanced at Landon with a subtle wink, as if sending an unspoken signal, hinting at some understanding or warning, before her gaze shifted away, regaining her usual calm composure.
Lorian: "These testimonies, did you take them from people in the district of "Silover," Rayline Street… building number… 17?
Natalie: Yeah it's-..."
Natalie suddenly stopped speaking, her gaze fixed on Lorian with eyes filled with confusion and questioning, as if the words she was about to say had gotten lost in her mind, leaving her unable to comprehend what was happening before her. Her expression was a mix of shock and bewilderment, as if everything around her had shifted in an instant.
Natalie: "Wait… How do you know their locations?! I never told you their address, so how do you know that?!!!
And also… why are you asking about this?!!"
Lorian slowly turned her chair, looking at the pictures on the table indifferently.
Lorian: "Hmm… I'm just saying…
In case there is no proof that their testimony is real…"
Natalie: "What do you mean?! I already have evid-"
Suddenly, Natalie realizes she's fallen into a trap. She quickly turns around... only to find that Landon is no longer there.
Natalie: "...W...Wha... The person who was just standing there... Where did he go?..."
Lorian maintains her calm demeanor with a faint smile, while Natalie stands in shock and confusion.
Then suddenly, Natalie is overcome with a wave of anger and panic.
Natalie: "H...How dare you?! Are you seriously obstructing justice?! If you do anything to that family, I will be the one to throw you in prison!"
Natalie pulls out her phone and dials the police while heading toward the door.
Police: "911, What's Your Emergency?
Natalie: This is Prosecutor Harper. I need immediate backup!
Natalie leaves the room.
Natalie: "This is a very dangerous emergency. We have reason to believe that a key witness in my case is being targeted and needs to be secured immediately. His name is Peter Holden, residing in Ambrai District, Rayline Street, Building 17. I need a security unit to check on his safety... I'm on my way there now.
Police: "We'll dispatch a unit immediately. Do you have any details on the threat?"
Natalie: "Information is limited, but it's reliable. A criminal organization is likely planning to eliminate the witness tonight. I need an experienced unit for such cases. I'll be there in 18 minutes. I want confirmation of his safety before it's too late."
Police: "Understood. A unit is being sent to Rayline Street now. We'll update you upon arrival."
Natalie: "Thank you. I'll be waiting."
The call ends, and Natalie sprints toward the hotel exit. But suddenly, she collides with her partner, who appears unexpectedly from the left hallway.
Natalie: "Liam!! Watch where you're going!"
Liam: "U-Uh… Oh, sorry."
Natalie: "Hurry! We have an emergency!
The witness whose statement I took is in danger."
Liam: "W-What?! But how?!"
Natalie: "Don't worry. Even if she did something, I already have a voice recording of our conversation."
Natalie pulls out a recording device and presses play. She listens while leaving the hotel, but every time she replays it, she realizes something strange... the recording wasn't working when she entered the room.
Liam: "But… I don't hear anything…:
Natalie, her eyes wide in shock and confusion: "No!... That's impossible!!!
How could the recording stop the moment I stepped inside?!
Liam: "Maybe you accidentally turned it off."
Natalie: "No, I didn't! Damn it, I need something to prove her involvement!!"
Natalie abruptly turns back and rushes toward the room. When she arrives, the guard stops her again, but she insists on entering, shouting.
Natalie: "Just let me in for one minute! There's something I need to do!"
Guard: "Apologies, Ms. Harper... I'll have to ask you to leave now before I remove you myself."
Natalie ducks slightly and dashes toward the room. The door is open, but before she can cross the threshold, the guard quickly grabs her.
Natalie: "Hey!! You ba-..."
She stops mid-sentence as she catches a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye. Her expression shifts entirely... her face turning pale and confused.
The refrigerators that were once there...
Gone completely. In their place now stood long shelves cluttered with scattered documents and books. The atmosphere in the room was heavy with cold, but these changes made the silence even more oppressive.
And the person standing in front of Lorian... was Landon, standing confidently as if nothing had happened.
Natalie, barely able to believe what she was seeing: "[Weren't... weren't there refrigerators? And also, that man... how... ?]"
The guard suddenly grabbed her arm and shoved her violently, causing her foot to slip and stumble, crashing to the floor with a heavy thud. At that moment, Liam rushed forward, helping her get up quickly.
The guard, in an angry tone: "I warned you many times! If you keep this up, I'll throw you out myself! Leave now!"
Natalie remained in a state of complete confusion and shock, her eyes scanning the room around her as if she couldn't comprehend what had just happened. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Meanwhile, Liam approached her quickly, his gaze filled with growing concern.
Liam: Hey… Natalie, get up! Are you going to abandon that witness you said was in danger?!
Natalie raises her head and stares at Liam incomprehension, as if her mind is elsewhere. Then, she begins to regain consciousness little by little.
Natalie, In a low voice, like a whisper: "...The… witness?..."
Suddenly, Natalie's mind snaps back into focus. Her eyes widen in terror, and her heart pounds violently in her chest.
Natalie, In panic: "The witness!!..."
In the blink of an eye, she stands up abruptly, turning without a word and sprinting toward the exit. Her movements are sharp... like she's running from something far worse than the danger ahead.
Liam immediately follows, his steps heavy and fast, his heartbeat matching each step.
They reach her parked car. Natalie jumps into the front seat, her hands shaking as she starts the engine. Liam sits beside her in silence.
She speeds through the streets recklessly, weaving through traffic. The dim streetlights barely illuminate the road ahead.
Though the city appears calm on the surface, beneath it lurks an undeniable sense of looming danger. With every turn she takes, Natalie feels as if she's heading toward an irreversible fate.
When they reach Rayline Street, the area is eerily silent... only the whispering wind between buildings breaks the stillness.
She slams the brakes next to the witness's building, taking a deep breath before opening the door.
Natalie steps out cautiously, her eyes darting around, searching for any sign of danger. She shuts the car door gently, as if afraid even the sound of it might shatter the tense quiet.
She turns toward the building and notices a group of police officers standing at the entrance.
They are completely silent.
Natalie walked forward with steady steps, but her heart was pounding violently. As she neared them, she raised her voice slightly, trying to hide the confusion that was beginning to show in her tone.
Natalie: "[Where is the witness?... Is he okay?!]"
Natalie walked quickly toward the police officers standing in front of the witness's building, her heart racing faster with each step. She reached them and took a deep breath before speaking in an agitated tone, filled with both anger and confusion.
Natalie: "What's going on here?! Have you ensured the witness's safety?!!"
Her words came out rapidly as her gaze shifted between the officers, her eyes filled with disbelief and shock.
Officer ¹: "Prosecutor Harper...
Are you underestimating the police!?"
Natalie is stunned for a moment as she looks around, seeing all the officers glaring at her with eyes full of malice and hatred.
Natalie: "What do you mean!?
Officer ¹, sighs: "You clearly said this was the witness's house, right?! Then why is the homeowner refusing to cooperate and claiming he hasn't seen any prosecutor in years?
Natalie: "W... What?!"
Natalie was stunned for a moment, her eyes widening slightly as she looked around, catching the glares of malice and hatred from the police officers who were silently staring at her. The air in the room was thick, and the atmosphere was charged with tension. Long moments of silence preceded every word, making her feel as though her breath had frozen in her chest.
The minutes seemed to stretch on like years, and she tried to keep her mind focused on the situation. But in that moment, she felt utterly lost.
Natalie steps heavily toward the old door, knocking quietly, but her heart is racing as she waits for a response. After a few moments, the door is thrown open with force, and the old man appears. His eyes are filled with anger, his face grim, and he shouts with a shaky but sharp voice.
Old Man: "What do you want!? I've already told you that I don't know anything about what's going on!! This has nothing to do with me!!"
Natalie: "Mr. Mclain, I'm Prosecutor Harper. Are you okay?"
The old man looked at her for a moment, his eyes narrowed in apparent confusion, then he gripped the door with his hand and said in a sharp voic.
The old man: "Huh? What?! I don't know you, young lady, now leave!!"
Natalie feels her pulse quicken. She glances for a moment toward the officers behind her, seeing their clear discontent. They looked at her with eyes full of annoyance. It was obvious they felt that Natalie had wasted their time with a false alarm. A wave of hatred surged towards her, as if they considered her the reason they were here without any purpose. She tries again.
Natalie: "Mr. Mclain, my name is Natalie. I came here yesterday and took your statement along with your family's. Don't you really remember me!?"
Mclain: "I told you I don't know you, you rude girl... leave!!"
A second officer, who seemed calmer He stepped forward and said in a steady voice.
Officer ²: prosecutor, let's go.
At that moment, from the corner of her eye, Natalie noticed an unusual movement. A woman stood at the end of the hallway, carrying a heavy black bag, rushing toward an interior room in the house. Nothing could stop her now; her instincts had exploded suddenly. Without a second thought or hesitation, she charged forward, passing the stunned old man who didn't realize what was happening until Natalie had already burst into the house.
The old man, his voice trembling with anger: "Hah! What are you doing?!!"
Natalie didn't spare him a glance; she continued running toward the woman, who was about to slam the interior door shut quickly. Without thinking, she reached the door just in time. With a swift motion, she caught the door before it could close completely, yanking the woman toward her, causing the heavy black bag to fall to the floor.
The bag opened, spilling a torrent of money onto the ground, rolling here and there. The cash scattered rapidly, as if each bill was screaming with intensity about the secret the woman had been trying to hide.
The woman screams in Natalie's face, desperately trying to collect the scattered bills.
Woman: "Get away from me! You don't know anything! This is our money!!"
Natalie stood frozen, her eyes wide, staring at the piles of money scattered across the floor in front of her. It was as if the world around her had vanished, leaving only the bills that fluttered like fragments of a truth she had been hiding. The moonlight was faint, and the chaotic sounds that followed the falling of the bag seemed to come from a distant place, as if everything around her had become hazy.
A sense of mental confusion overwhelmed her, as though her thoughts were racing and losing themselves in a sea of questions. She stared at the money in disbelief, each bill that scattered across the floor holding an answer that might be shocking. Suddenly, a weight pressed on her chest, as if the burden of something unknown was accumulating, and her mind kept spiraling in an endless loop.
Then, in a moment, the voice of the old man exploded behind her, shouting loudly. His voice trembled with rage, his eyes burning with hatred. From the corner of her eye, Natalie glimpsed his face, distorted with fury, as he approached rapidly, like an unstoppable wave.
Old Man: "What have you done?! How dare you!!"
In a split second, he raised his hand with all his might.
A harsh slap struck her face, and the shock reverberated through her entire body, while the ground beneath her seemed to shake, as if she had lost her balance. Her face jerked suddenly. The shock was evident in her features, as if time itself had stopped. The sound echoed in her ears, and everything around her began to blur, as if the pain she felt had spread throughout the room.
The sound echoes through the hallway, and silence takes over for a few moments.
Natalie stood frozen in place, her face pale as if the blood had frozen in her veins. Her eyes were locked on the old man, yet she saw nothing but the wreckage around her, as if everything had collapsed in a single moment. She had placed all her hopes on this witness to bring justice, but now the painful truth was laid bare before her.
She whispered to herself in a low voice, as if the words were almost unreal.
Natalie: "He... was bribed."
Officer ² approached and stood by the piles of scattered money on the floor, his gaze moving back and forth between the money and the old man, who was hastily gathering it up, his eyes filled with panic as he rushed to close the inner door of the house behind him.
The old man, yelled sharply as he hurried, "I'll be back in a few minutes, and I don't want to see any of you here!"
He slammed the door shut, while Officer ² continued to stare at it, his expression filled with disdain. He is a young man with sharp features and a dark allure. His messy blonde hair falls lightly over his forehead, and his deep gray eyes reflect a mix of mystery and intensity. Faint scars mark his face, adding to his imposing presence. He wears a sleek black and navy jacket of the police branch, enhancing his official appearance.
He sighed heavily, then slowly moved toward Natalie and said in a quiet voice,
Officer ²: "Are you alright, Ms. Harper?"
But Natalie remained silent. She didn't respond, only slowly rising to her feet, trying to hold herself together. Liam, standing beside her, gently took her arm in an attempt to calm her.
Liam: "Natalie, enough. Come on, we'll figure this out another way."
But Natalie still remained silent, her eyes fixed on the ground, her face still marked by confusion and bitterness. Her thoughts were drowning in disappointment. The police officers around her started to guide her out of the house, leaving the old man and the woman in the midst of chaos, with money scattered on the floor revealing the secret they had tried to hide.
After a tense moment, Natalie stopped, deep in thought amid the harsh scene. Then, without saying a word, she moved on, distancing herself from the group. Liam quickly approached her, his eyes full of concern.
Liam: "Natalie, where are you going?"
he asked, trying not to put too much pressure on her.
Natalie looked at him with pale, confused eyes, torn between anger and sadness, as if she wanted to tell him something but couldn't. She slowly wiped her face and said quietly, her voice tinged with sorrow,
Natalie: "I'll walk for a bit."
Liam tried to read her emotions but felt as though there was a wall of calm surrounding an internal storm. He paused for a moment before asking softly,
Liam: "Do you want me to come with you?"
Natalie gave a small, weary smile, as if trying to reassure him, but unable to truly do so.
Natalie: "No, I'll be fine. I just need some time."
Liam looked at her with concern, but he knew her well enough to understand that she needed a moment to herself. The officers behind him watched silently, feeling uneasy but respecting the space she needed.
Liam: "Okay... but don't go too far. We're here if you need anything."
Natalie nodded quietly, then turned and began walking slowly out of the house. The sound of her footsteps faded little by little as she moved toward the street, which seemed calm, but was filled with a pain that wouldn't easily disappear.
Natalie walked through the corridors, her steps heavy as if the earth itself shared the weight of her thoughts. The cold air struck her face, but the internal stillness she felt was even more overwhelming. She gazed at the cloudy sky, lost in deep thought about the meaning of life, the justice she sought, which at times seemed unreachable.
She looked at the ground for a few moments, then lifted her head toward the sky, which writhed under the weight of the heavy clouds. A strange sense of anxiety wrapped around her heart, as if the entire place was pressing down on her. The sounds of the city around her faded away, as though she had entered another world, a world that knew no mercy.
She closed her eyes for a moment, then reopened them slowly, as if challenging herself to continue walking despite the weight pressing in from all sides.
Natalie: "[What does all this mean?...]"
Gradually, her steps began to move again, but this time they were slower, like someone walking on unfamiliar ground, full of obstacles and doubts.
Natalie: "[Justice... It's a big word, but fragile. We talk about it as if it's something fixed, but it vanishes in the moments we need it most.
Does what I do really make a difference?... Sometimes I feel like I'm just a tiny piece in a game too big for me to understand.]"
She paused for a moment, biting her lip, before continuing to walk slowly. The thoughts swirling in her mind seemed to cling to her like shadows, but she forced herself to push them aside. Each step she took felt heavier than the last, as though the weight of her doubts and fears had attached itself to her very bones.
But then, slowly, her mind began to clear, and she allowed herself to think again. The questions lingered, still unresolved, but now they seemed more distant, as though she were looking at them from a faraway place.
Natalie: "[We chase criminals, we search for the truth... but what if the truth itself is tainted? What if everyone is corrupt, and everyone is hiding behind masks of lies?...]"
Natalie began to recall this moment, her steps heavy and her thoughts tangled, but she couldn't escape the memories that kept chasing her. As she pondered justice and its meaning, she suddenly found herself back in that painful moment in the prosecutor's office.
Her remembering this scene wasn't a coincidence. The circumstances she was facing now felt similar, as she felt betrayed by someone she trusted. In her mind, she returned to that decisive day, recalling how she had stood before the Prosecutor General in his office, how he had glared at her with anger in his eyes. The harsh words he had spoken echoed in her mind, as though they were being repeated once more.
He had thrown the papers at her face, and they scattered everywhere as he glared at her with fury. Her heart was pounding, and the air around her had become heavy, as if time had stopped for a moment.
Prosecutor General, angrily: "How dare a girl like you, who doesn't know her limits, accuse Lady Lorian of being a criminal?!!"
Lorian stood still, receiving the reprimand without responding or showing any concern. She remained motionless.
Prosecutor General: "Do you know who she is? She's not just any woman, she's the most famous and influential woman in Raymar! Lorian has funded our office for years, and you think we'll repay her by issuing a search warrant against her over illogical accusations of illegal trading and premeditated murder?!"
The Prosecutor General's words struck Natalie like a thunderclap. She felt the earth swallowing her as she faced the painful truth. The person who was supposed to be the protector of the law had sold his principles.
Natalie, with a trembling voice, but firm: "Sir... Since when has the law protected traders?...
No one is above the law!! That's what you taught us when we were students at the academy. And now, you're telling me to stop investigating a serial killer case?! Because this woman has money?"
She took a deep breath and continued, her tone tinged with anger.
Natalie: "Did she... bribe you with her money?"
Suddenly, the Prosecutor General's expression twisted into a wild rage. He advanced toward Natalie quickly, and without warning, slapped her hard across the face.
Prosecutor General, his voice shaking with anger: "How dare you!!? Are you accusing me of bribery?! You insolent little brat!"
The slap left its mark, not only on Natalie's face but also on her soul. She felt as though the world was collapsing around her.
Prosecutor, continuing with a sharp tone: "You will be relieved of your duties and suspended for three weeks. Now, get out of here!!"
Natalie stood motionless, her body stiff as if the shock had frozen all her senses. She was trapped in a whirlwind of emotions, shock clashing with the anger that burned in her heart. As she turned to leave, her gaze met that of her colleagues standing outside the office. She didn't need words; their whispers slipped into her ears like distant echoes in a desolate silence. Her steps were slow and heavy, each one feeling like an immense burden on her weary soul, and all there was around her was the quiet that wrapped around her like a thick fog.
Her thoughts were scattered, lost between memories and anxieties, trying to piece together the chaos she had just endured during the devastating confrontation. Her colleagues' murmurs scattered around her like invisible threads, weaving together her conflicting emotions from every angle, but all she felt was a profound distance, as if those words no longer belonged to her world.
Colleague ¹: "The Prosecutor General was really angry. It seems like Natalie made a big mistake. Hahaha."
Colleague ²: "It's obvious that she's just jealous of Lady Lorian."
Colleague ³: "I can't believe the Prosecutor General would act this way. But it seems Natalie really pissed him off over such a trivial case."
Colleague ⁴: "I don't know... I think the Prosecutor General was right. It seems she really doesn't know her limits. She can't just accuse someone with that much power of corruption so easily. I bet she's just trying to draw attention to herself."
Natalie stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest as the whispers of her colleagues slithered into her ears. Their words felt like distant echoes, muffled and distorted, as if she were underwater. She struggled to focus, but her thoughts scattered like leaves in a violent wind, unable to settle. Each word they spoke only added to the weight pressing on her chest, amplifying the gnawing feeling of betrayal that had taken root in her soul.
The murmurs felt like an assault... each comment a sharp, relentless jab at her resolve. She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms, but it did nothing to ease the storm brewing inside her. The anger simmering beneath her skin flared, but it was quickly overtaken by a crushing sense of disillusionment. This wasn't just about the fight for justice anymore; it was a battle for her own identity.
Her colleagues, once voices of camaraderie, now felt like strangers, their words laced with mockery and indifference. The whispers burned, but it was the finality in their tone that stung the most. They weren't just dismissing her... they were condemning her, affirming that the system she had believed in had already been corrupted beyond repair.
Her mind flashed back to the confrontation with the Prosecutor General... the way he had looked at her, his words cutting through her like ice. She had expected resistance, but not this level of betrayal. It was as if the very foundation she had stood on was crumbling, the walls closing in around her. And now, with each passing moment, it was becoming painfully clear that the fight she had thought she was part of was much larger... and much darker... than she had ever realized.
As she walked away, her body felt heavy, as if every step was dragging her further from the ideals she had once held. The whispers of her colleagues followed her like a shadow, a reminder of the world she had tried so hard to be a part of, but now knew she could never truly belong to.
Among the crowd, Liam stood watching Natalie, his face showing deep concern and unconditional support. There was no attempt to intervene or disturb her, but he watched her with eyes full of worry and compassion, as if he felt her pain and shared it.
Natalie walked down the corridor as if she were wandering through an unfamiliar world, each step reminding her of the challenges she had faced and the hope that had faded. The whispers of her colleagues seemed to seep into her depths, reflecting her feelings, but she was unable to respond or even interact. All she wanted was to escape this nightmare and find a place where she could gather herself and think about her next steps.
The Prosecutor General stormed out of his office angrily and shouted.
Prosecutor General, angrily: "What are you doing here?! Get back to work!"
Everyone returned to their tasks, then the Prosecutor General directed his sharp gaze toward Natalie, who had reached the end of the hallway, and spoke with a threatening tone.
Prosecutor General: "And you, Harper, if I find you working on this case again, I'll fire you, and I won't recommend you to any other prosecution office. Do you understand?!"
Natalie didn't respond. It felt like the words had lost all meaning. She simply continued walking slowly, her steps heavy as if each one was pulling her backward, toward something unseen, something incomprehensible.
She moved amidst the whispers, as though time had slowed around her, caught between a feeling of being expelled from a world that rejected her and a pressing sense of emptiness filling her chest. Her eyes shifted between the floor and the hallway, slowly distancing herself from the office, but with each step, a growing sense of isolation stirred in her heart.
Then, back to the present.
The painful memories she had just endured in the Prosecutor General's office slowly started to fade as she felt something cold touch her body, her memories dissolving into the fog. The scenes blurred, leaving behind a vast emptiness in her heart and mind. Then she was walking down the hallway, where the sky began to open up, and the rain started falling gently. The raindrops fell delicately on the ground, gradually picking up speed, turning into a dense mist that touched her face and body, as if washing away her sorrow and anxiety. The rain, which had started out soft, began to grow heavier, forming small puddles on the sidewalks.
As she walked, she felt as though the rain was washing away some of her burdens, but the weight inside her didn't lighten. Her feet moved as though she were navigating through a world filled with problems and challenges, searching for something that could light her way.
She then stopped and took a deep breath, looking up at the sky, trying to reorganize her thoughts and calm her emotions. She realized that the whispers she had heard in the hallway and the memories of the struggle were just a part of a long journey filled with hardships. She was searching for a purpose, for a deep meaning that could help her overcome the pain she felt.
Natalie: "Justice, truth, virtue… Empty words? Or have I become empty? I spent my life searching for something that seems to slip away the closer I get. People... they change, they break, they betray. Like the witness I trusted, who betrayed me for money.
Money... is that all it takes to destroy what we believe in?"
She slowly closed her eyes, taking shallow breaths, feeling the raindrops gently touch her skin, as if embracing her cautiously. After a moment of silence, she continued in a soft voice, barely a whisper.
Natalie: "How can I continue down this path knowing so many are walking in the opposite direction? Sometimes it feels like I'm swimming against the current, resisting a force greater than me.
Are we all in a losing war? All those illusions of justice, bravery, standing for what's right... what do they really mean? When facing entrenched corruption, it becomes hard to believe in anything.
Was my life a mistake? I think of all the moments I fought for something I believed was right, every time justice seemed within reach... only to disappear.
Is the world like this? A meaningless place, full of pain and betrayal? Or have I lost myself amidst the distorted truths?
Perhaps I was always a part of something I never fully understood."
Time slipped away unnoticed, as if the world had blurred around her, leaving only the weight of her thoughts. She wandered through her endless sea of questions and doubts, each one pulling her deeper into uncertainty. It wasn't until the steady rhythm of her footsteps began to change that she realized she'd arrived in the "Ambery" neighborhood. This part of the city, with its serene and refined atmosphere, felt like a distant world, untouched by the chaos she had just left behind.
The street, "Avenue," was lined with tall trees that swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves glistening from the earlier rain. Small cafés with cozy outdoor seating spots dotted the sidewalk, their windows softly lit, offering a sense of warmth and calm. The cobbled street seemed to absorb the noise of the city, as if here, time moved slower, more thoughtfully.
Above her, the sky had darkened further, but the rain had eased, now a soft drizzle that made the pavement shimmer with the reflection of distant streetlights. As her gaze shifted, her eyes locked onto the Steel Hotel across from her. The building stood tall, its dark glass façade catching the dim light, almost as if it were an impenetrable fortress. She stood there, rooted to the spot, her eyes lingering on the hotel for several moments, the weight of her thoughts matching the gravity of the building's imposing presence. The sense of mystery surrounding it felt thick, like a puzzle just out of reach.
Her breath quickened as she gazed at the large hotel in front of her. The dim light emanating from the wide windows, the shiny glass reflecting the glow of the city, made the place seem as though it hid many secrets within its walls.
Her gaze was filled with deep realization, as she saw all the threads of conspiracy coming together in one point. Her eyes narrowed slightly before she spoke in a calm voice filled with bitterness and loss.
Natalie: The Supernaturals...
She said it quietly, as though admitting a painful truth.
She knew very well that the Supernaturals, who she had always thought were humanity's hope, were now the very enemy hiding behind masks.
She then sat on a wooden chair near one of the sidewalks. Her mind continued searching for answers, but the silence overwhelmed her, and with it came the quiet pain.
Raindrops began falling gently, as if comforting her. Natalie looked down at the ground where small puddles formed, and with each drop, she felt as though something inside her was gradually breaking down. The rain grew heavier, and she lost her sense of everything around her.
Suddenly, she felt the soft coldness of the air on her skin as if the rain had stopped falling altogether, as though time itself had frozen for a moment. She slowly lifted her head, wondering what had caused this sudden change in sensation. As she moved slowly, she realized she was now beneath a large umbrella, shielding her from the falling rain. The umbrella covered her completely, though a small opening at the top allowed a faint bit of streetlight to filter through.
Then, the officer who had been with her earlier appeared, standing still and holding the umbrella in place as if ensuring her safety. His gaze was calm but filled with a quiet sense of care as he quickly closed the distance between them. There was no immediate exchange of words, but his steady, reassuring presence gave her a small sense of relief despite the weight in her heart.
The umbrella stretched between them, as if forming a barrier, protecting them both from a storm that seemed endless.
The Officer: "Hm? What? I can't stop the storms, but at least I can offer you an umbrella."
The officer speaks in a gentle and sarcastic tone, lightening the mood as Natalie remains silent, lost in her thoughts.
The officer sits quietly next to her, letting the umbrella shield her while she remains absorbed in her thoughts. He doesn't say a word, simply staying silent beside her, watching the overcast sky. His silence is heavy, as if words are not enough at this moment. He feels like every word spoken wouldn't break through the wall of sorrow she's surrounding herself with.
Then, Natalie breaks the silence with a faint voice.
Natalie: "Life... people... sometimes everything feels meaningless. We strive for justice, search for truth, but we encounter betrayal and corruption. In the end, is it worth it? Does humanity change by nature? Or are we fighting a losing battle?"
The officer smiles slightly, tilting his head before responding in a calm, wise voice.
The Officer: "Life isn't easy. Yes, we face betrayal and corruption, and we may not always achieve justice the way we hope. But those moments when we move forward, even if they're small, are what make the difference. People aren't perfect, but within each one of us, there's a possibility for change. We just need to keep going, not give up.
After the officer spoke his first words, silence fell between them for a long moment. The sound of the rain falling on the ground was intermittent, as if time had stopped in that instant. They sat there, neither of them speaking, only the faint whispers of the wind and the sound of raindrops scattering on the umbrella.
Natalie thought for a moment, but her eyes remained vacant, staring into space as though searching for something that wasn't there. Her thoughts raced in her mind, but the words were lost behind a wall of heavy silence. The pain in her heart was deeper than she could express.
After a moment of contemplation, she looked down, and in a soft voice, she said.
Natalie: "But why do we keep fighting when it feels like everything is against us?... Why do we search for justice in a world full of corruption and betrayal? Are we just chasing a mirage? These are the questions that haunt me sometimes.
The officer remained silent for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. His eyes lingered on the sky, and he seemed lost in his own thoughts. The silence between them grew heavier, as though the weight of their shared quiet was enough to fill the space around them.
Then, with a calm voice, he finally responded.
The Officer: "I completely understand how you feel. Life can be harsh, and we face challenges that make us doubt everything. It may seem like every effort we make is futile, and every step we take forward gets blocked."
Natalie swallowed hard, as if the words struggled to escape. She glanced down for a moment, then slowly lifted her head, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Her voice was barely audible as she spoke, almost a whisper.
Natalie: "I know I can't change the world on my own, but that doesn't stop me from feeling frustrated when I see the laws and systems that are supposed to protect people being violated. Sometimes, I find myself facing a wall I can't break through, and I wonder if justice is just a distant dream..."
The moment hung heavy in the air after Natalie spoke, the weight of her words lingering like a silent echo. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the sound of distant raindrops and the faint hum of the city. The tension in the air was thick, as if time itself had slowed down. Natalie's gaze remained distant, her eyes unfocused, lost somewhere in the vastness of her thoughts.
The Officer: "The struggle for justice isn't easy, and it's often surrounded by obstacles. But know that even our smallest efforts can make a difference. Maybe we don't see the results of our work immediately, but those small actions accumulate to bring about significant change in the long run."
Natalie, looked away and said softly: "But is there really hope for change? Or are we just deluding ourselves into thinking we're making a difference?"
The Officer: "Hope for change... that's what keeps us going, even in the darkest times.
If we stop believing in our ability to make a difference, we allow evil to sweep everything away. Change isn't always obvious or quick, but it happens slowly and steadily. Every step we take, no matter how small, strengthens our resolve and determination."
Natalie, She said in a trembling voice, overwhelmed with despair: "Why all this nonsense!? Why is everything so complicated!?"
Her eyes were filled with tears as she exploded in a sea of confusion and anger, shattering everything in her path.
The stillness was overwhelming, as if every breath she took carried the burden of her inner turmoil. It was a pause, a brief moment in which nothing could be said or done to ease the pain she felt. The quiet stretched on, neither of them moving, both trapped in the space between words and the unspoken understanding that neither could truly escape.
After a few moments, Natalie breaks down into tears, murmuring unintelligible words that express a deep psychological state of pain and exhaustion. At that moment, her sense of pressure and tension has reached its peak, as the shocks, disappointments, and challenges she faced in her work and life converge. Her tears are a reflection of an inner collapse, a surge of repressed emotions that had been building up gradually.
The unintelligible words reflect her inability to organize her thoughts or express her feelings clearly. At that point, the inner pain has reached a level where communication with others becomes difficult, and emotional breakdown takes the form of verbal chaos that mirrors the depth of her suffering and her struggle with reality.
Natalie: "W... why... why is everything... always like this? Is there an end to all this pain?... I feel like I keep trying to reach an invisible goal, and the closer I get, the farther it moves away!"
Natalie jolts suddenly from her sobs, her body trembling as if every muscle within her is being torn apart. Her words overlap with her cries, at first barely comprehensible. Her voice starts weak, then quickens as if she's trying to release everything inside her in a single moment. Her eyes are brimming with tears, unable to stop crying as the weight of the world presses down on her. Her breath is rapid, and the words seem to choke in her throat, as though she's struggling with herself to express the turmoil raging inside.
Natalie: "I've t...t...tried... I've tried everything I could. But... but everything feels pointless."
Natalie feels as though the inner pain she has endured over the past period has finally burst out of her, as if all the emotions she had been bottling up exploded suddenly.
Natalie: "I can't... I can't keep going. Why can't I see the light at the end of the tunnel? Why does it seem like every effort we make is meaningless?"
She's struck by a deep sobbing fit, feeling as if she is drowning in a sea of pain and loss. Meanwhile, the officer looks at Natalie intently, trying to find the words that truly express his understanding of her suffering, and places his hand gently on her shoulder in an attempt to calm her.
Officer: "Natalie, sometimes life is harsh, and it feels like every step we take moves us further away from our goal rather than closer. But we must realize that pain is not the end of the road, it's part of the journey. Every suffering you endure, every difficulty you face, is shaping you into a stronger, more understanding person.
Pain makes us feel as if we're drowning in darkness, but in reality, it reveals the light we couldn't see before. The tunnel may be long, and the light may seem far away, but every effort you make, no matter how small, is a step toward that light."
Natalie turned her gaze back to the sky, where the clouds filled the horizon and the sky was covered in shades of gray. She took a deep breath, as if trying to absorb the cold air that pierced her chest. Her eyes were full of contemplation, as if searching for an answer or a glimmer of hope amidst the clouds enveloping the world.
While she was lost in her thoughts, the officer continued speaking in a calmer tone, as if the words he was saying were meant for her in this moment of silence that had enveloped them.
Officer: "Sometimes, when we don't have answers, it's necessary to hold on to hope, even when it's incredibly difficult.
We don't always see the immediate result of our efforts, but we plant seeds of change in barren soil. There may come a day when we find ourselves at the top of the mountain, looking back and being amazed at how far we've come.
The battle isn't easy, but if we can continue striving and remember that every step contributes to some form of change, then all of this will not be in vain. Sometimes, hope is not just a feeling but a force that drives us to keep going, even when things seem hopeless."
The officer's words harmonized with the silence surrounding them, as if they were finding a place in Natalie's heart... words she needed more than she realized.
He smiled gently, continuing in a calm voice.
Officer: "The more you hold on to your goals, and the more you keep working for what you believe in, the more you contribute to creating a better world. In the end, even in the hardest times, we can find hope in our ability to make a positive impact, no matter how small."
Natalie stared ahead, her gaze distant, as if the officer's words had triggered something deep within her. His words, though simple, carried a weight that seemed to ripple through her. They were like a quiet whisper amidst the storm, a subtle shift in the heavy fog of confusion and grief that had clouded her mind. It was as if, for the first time in a long while, she could see a faint glimmer of light piercing through the darkness.
A quiet moment stretched between them, heavy with unspoken understanding, while the rhythmic sound of the rain falling against the pavement mirrored the stillness within her. Each drop that splashed against the ground seemed to echo her thoughts, slowly washing away some of the heaviness that had settled in her chest.
Then, slowly, Natalie turned her head toward the officer, her eyes now brimming with gratitude. It was subtle, but the shift in her expression was unmistakable... a faint glimmer of relief, like a weight had been lifted, even if just a little. His words had given her a moment to breathe, to stop and reconsider the burden she had carried for so long.
The silence between them lingered, filled only by the sound of the rain, but now it felt different. It wasn't the oppressive silence of despair, but the quiet comfort of understanding, a shared moment of connection. And though the rain continued to fall around them, Natalie felt something lighter in her heart, a flicker of hope amidst the storm.
Suddenly, a car stopped in front of them, and Liam stepped out slowly. He looked at them cautiously, then asked her in a voice filled with concern, his tension barely concealed.
Liam: "Are you okay?"
Natalie looked at him for a moment, trying to gather herself after the overwhelming emotions, then responded in a weak but steady voice:
Natalie: "Yes, I'm coming."
She then turned to look at Officer Grayson one last time. Her eyes were still filled with tears, but they appeared calmer, as if her tears no longer clouded her thoughts. She took a deep breath and hesitantly spoke, but finally said with sincerity.
Natalie: "What's your name?"
The officer, who had been watching her with understanding in his eyes, answered simply, as if he fully knew the impact his words had on her:
Grayson: "Grayson."
Natalie looked at him for a moment, her eyes still heavy with tears but deeper now, as if the weight of the days was slowly beginning to lift. She nodded her head gently, as if thanking the universe for his presence in that moment, then said in a quiet voice, full of meaning:
Natalie: "Thank you, Grayson... for everything. I didn't know I needed these words... or this conversation."
Grayson smiled lightly, a small smile that held a hint of sadness, as if it conveyed his deep empathy, then spoke in a calm but decisive tone:
Grayson: "Sometimes, all we need is someone to listen. Don't stop moving forward, Natalie."
Natalie stood in silence, as if gathering the last of her scattered strength. The silence between them held more than just quiet... it held a chance for healing. She looked at Grayson with a faint smile, as if a huge burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She extended her hand gently to shake his, but this time, her gaze was brighter.
Natalie: "Goodbye, Grayson."
Grayson took her hand gently, chuckled lightly as if trying to bring back hope to her heart, and then said with a warm smile, full of reassurance:
Grayson: "See you... not goodbye."
Natalie smiled faintly and laughed, a laugh that was light but filled with comfort. It felt as though she had just returned to herself after a long period of being lost.
Natalie: "Heh, you're right. See you then."
She took a deep breath, giving him a grateful look filled with inner peace. She made her way to the car beside Liam, and as the car slowly began to move, Natalie watched the rain fall against the window, feeling as though a part of the weight had been left behind. As she reflected on Grayson's words, she felt something new stir within her, a faint hope for the future.
She then took a deep breath, bidding him goodbye with a grateful glance, and continued on her way with more steady steps than before, climbing into the car beside Liam. As the car slowly moved, Natalie watched the rain fall outside the window, feeling as though a part of the weight she had been carrying was left behind, while she reconsidered Grayson's words, searching for hope in the future.
As the car drove away, the scene gradually faded, as if it were a distant memory. The darkness began to creep in slowly, as the real events began to regain their momentum.
An isolated area – In the heart of a vast testing ground, where candidates sought to join the "Noctis" organization.
The stands were filled with a tense crowd. Their eyes were fixed in eager anticipation, mixed with a hint of anxiety. Murmurs scattered among them blended with the rapid beats of their hearts, while others remained silent, almost as if afraid they might miss a single movement that could hold the key to understanding what was happening.