1.2 : The First World

Author/Note:

( )-System speaking

{ }-Ryan speaking

***

(Host, the plots, and the missions...?)

White Ball tried to probe the host's mental state.

{Can we discuss this silly matter tomorrow? I'm currently having a mental breakdown.} Ryan replied irritatingly. He is glaring at the innocent system.

(But, host-)

{Oh, come on. Have some common sense, please?! I'm already dead! Now, I'm talking with a mechanical system and forced to do unimportant missions for a nobody! Right now, my self-esteem is in grave danger! For me, being branded as a killer had the same effect as anyone facing the zombies for the first time! Can you, at least, tried to understand my difficulty?}

What's wrong with the host's unique comparison and common sense? Please! Which system had that kind of feature installed in them? I am an AI, though? Or, did I supposed to evolve?

While Ryan is still drowning in his self-pity state, in another place, chaos had erupted. Another woman is killed two days later, after the first killing. The owner of the construction site had reported to the police as soon as he discovered the corpse. Luckily, it is early in the morning, and the other construction workers are still sleeping peacefully at their homes. The owner never checked the alley, as people rarely using the road. But, this morning, while he is taking a stroll with his beloved dog, Mochi, Mochi suddenly acted aggressively and kept barking when they passed the abandoned alley. When he reluctantly went to check, the gruesome sight of a woman's corpse is ambushing him back.

Derrick Lee is valiantly leading his team to the crime scene.

The corpse is found in that abandoned alley, fully dressed. The woman is stabbed several times by a sharp weapon, like the first victim. And, she also had a suspicious J mark on her neck, carved with a small knife. Her belonging is all there, without missing anything. Her phone, her golden ring, and her money are tucked safely in her handbag.

"Team leader, the modus operandi is similar to the last one. There's even an initial J carved on the side of her neck. Is this the same killer that killed the late of Sue Anna?" Kim Yohan glanced at his superior.

"This is not a coincidence, that's for sure." Derrick Lee didn't deny his subordinate's opinions. "But, the timing is a bit weird. And so sudden. Why would the killing happen twice in the same town? Is the killer in a rushed state? He's quick in finding his target."

"Boss, we found the victim's handbag and already checked her possession. In her wallet..." Alex Wang showed him the pink wallet that smeared with dried blood. A picture of her and someone is what attracted his attention. "The victim is also the acquaintance of that man."

Derrick Lee's eyebrows furrowed. He is contemplating a crucial matter right now.

"He is still in the precinct, right? The man is still there?"

"He should be released in an hour, as we cannot detain him longer than 48 hours without evidence."

"Informed Sarah to hold him first. We need to ask him a few more questions after all."

Alex Wang nodded his head.

***

Ryan gloomily stared at the bright sky. Too bright, and it is only 8.00 in the morning.

Ah, such a warm sun, and today is yet another good day. Well, it's not a good day for him.

(Your inner monologue and expression didn't match at all, host. What did you try to prove anyway? The system didn't understand your thinking at all.)

Ryan decided to ignore the pitiful system 398, a.k.a. White Ball.

Where is the original body's house? Even though he knows the address, he is a map killer. Ryan cannot differentiate direction that well. He knows which way is right and which way is left. But, which way is indicating north, or south, or east or west? Hmm, did the sun rises from the west or the east? He even forgot such a simple question. He should go this way, isn't he? To the left?

(No, host. Your house at the Crystal Park Condominium. It's on your right. The bus stop is over there. You probably should take the bus. It will take at least an hour on foot if you stupidly decided to walk.)

{I am not going to walk!} Ryan retorted.

"Mr. Zhang! Please wait a moment!" A petite young woman is rushing after him.

Ryan looked back and tilted his head. He hummed gladly in his heart. Wow, what a great catch.

"What's wrong, miss? Do I know you?"

"Please wait for a while. My team leader wanted to ask you some questions."Sarah panted in agony. She had hit her limit. Running from the third floor to the lobby while using stairs is not an easy feat. She needed to catch up to this person desperately. "I am Sarah Lee, Chief Inspector Derrick Lee's subordinate. It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Zhang."

"Ah, Miss Lee." Ryan casually said. "But, your leader had more questions to ask? On what matter?"

"Let's wait in our meeting room first. The room is this way. Please follow me."

Ryan shrugged his shoulder and followed the cute girl from behind. If only she is a bit older, she will suit his taste.

White Ball gave him stink eyes. What an honorable police officer? The host acted more like a perverted criminal. In his head, 3/4 part of his brain capacity is wandering about women than on his work. He used his superior memory and intelligence in the wrong way.

Ryan sighed heavily. He scanned Sarah Lee from her head to her toe. Ah, what a waste. Since I came to this world, I encountered nothing except bad lucks. I got accused as a killer, went through an interrogation process, and even when I got released, I got called back. Just why? Unfortunately, the girl that suited my taste is a lot younger than I expected. I get to know many women in my life. With a single glance, I can guess her age correctly. I cannot touch her.

"Miss, can I ask something?"

Sarah glanced at him with a confused expression.

"Yes?"

"You're around 20 or 21 years old, right?"

"How did you know?" She looked surprised when Ryan could guess her actual age. People usually thought she is around 25 and above.

"Well, you did look younger than I anticipated, but...how miserable. You are too young..." Ryan said the last sentence in a mumble. "If Da Kyung knows I tried to mislead a young girl to corruption, she will castrate me."

"Pardon?" Sarah tilted her head. "Is something wrong, Dr. Zhang?"

"Nothing, miss. Nothing at all." Ryan awkwardly smiles. The girl turned her body, sauntering herself into an empty elevator.

Ah, Da Kyung. What is that brusque woman doing right now? His thought is drifting to the past. I missed them. A hint of melancholy flashed inside his brown eyes. He exasperatedly ruffled his messy black hair.