The next morning, as I was on my way to school, I saw a crowd blocking the road I usually take.
Could it be her again? Well, it's possible. After all, she is a famous actress.
"Looks like I'll have to take another route."
"Hurry! We need to secure the body!" shouted one of the police officers rushing past me.
Huh? A body? Could it be!?
I ran toward the crowd and pushed my way through.
To my shock, I saw a young man in a black suit lying helplessly in the middle of the street.
His whole body was dry—completely drained of blood.
Not only that, there was a puncture wound on the side of his neck—was he murdered?
"Move aside! This is not a show!" shouted the police as they tried to disperse the crowd.
I couldn't believe a murder could happen in this city. Could this be the work of a Servant? I need to confirm it with Sylvia!
"Poor guy—they said he was a film producer," said Ghoel, explaining the murder incident.
"Could he be the producer working with Marya on the current shoot? Oh no! Marya Cash—my angel, her life could be in danger!"
"Calm down, Keant. We don't know anything for sure yet."
"You're right... I just hope Marya is okay."
"At least worry about yourself."
"Ha-ha, still... this is the first murder case in our city."
"True... it's terrifying to even imagine—could it be that Jack the Ripper is back!?"
"No way. Besides, Jack's murders didn't happen here. And that was a long time ago—there's no way he could come back."
"Wait, what did you say?"
"Jack."
"Jack?"
"Jack the Ripper. A serial killer from London."
"So?"
"His true identity remains a mystery, even after more than a century. The police in that city were completely baffled. The residents lived in fear because of Jack the Ripper."
"He was a truly mysterious figure—but also kind of cool."
"Are you seriously admiring a murderer?"
"No, you idiot! I just think he was cool, that's all!"
"Murder... Jack the Ripper... and London…"
"What is it, Andri?"
"Nothing—sorry, I have to go!"
"Hey! What's wrong with you, weirdo?"
I ran through the school corridors and stopped in front of Sylvia's classroom. I burst in, grabbed her hand, and dragged her to the school rooftop.
Some students saw us together and might get the wrong idea, but I didn't care.
"...What's wrong with you!?" Sylvia asked, panting.
"Sorry... it's about this morning's murder case—I think I have some information."
"Yeah... to be honest, I was also thinking this could be a Servant's doing."
Sylvia sat down and leaned against the wall while I stood facing her.
"I have some information..."
"What is it?"
"A century ago, around 1888, there was a famous serial killer in London, England."
"His name was Jack the Ripper—he killed five women, harvested their organs, and mutilated their bodies."
"What happened here is kind of similar, don't you think? …Even if just a little."
"Makes sense... So you think this Jack guy was summoned back as a Servant?"
"It's possible—even though this time the victim was a man... I still believe it's the same culprit."
"How do you know all this?"
"Huh? Umm... from a classmate."
"So your theory comes from a classmate's opinion?"
She stared at me with sharp, doubtful eyes. Sylvia stood up and walked closer to the edge of the rooftop.
"Well... it's not like I don't appreciate the info."
"Did you see the victim's face and body condition?"
"Yes! The body was dry—just bones and skin, no missing limbs or cuts... but there was a gash on the neck."
"Good! That detail will be helpful later on."
"In any case, we can narrow it down to a specific Servant as the mastermind…"
"Yes! And if it is really him... do we fight him?"
"If he's as dangerous as Elizabeth, then we have no choice."
"Ha-ha-ha!!! What an exciting plan!!!"
Who's that!?
A loud male voice laughed, and it sounded familiar.
"You two seem to have some useful information!!!"
Nico!? What is he doing here!?
"Nico! What are you—"
Sylvia drew her sword and charged at Nico.
He blocked her strike—almost hitting his face—with a spear, seemingly one of his special abilities.
"You again!"
"Ha-ha-ha!!! I love your spirit, young lady!"
Sylvia leapt back, ready to strike again.
"Wait—Sylvia!!"
I stood between her and Nico to stop her from attacking.
"Andri!? Move! He's our enemy, you idiot!"
"I know! But this isn't the right time... Besides, we've already talked," I explained.
"Huh!?"
"What are you doing, you moron!!!"
Now she was attacking both of us.
"Oi, wait!!"
DOOOMMM!!!
A loud explosion rang out from the direction of our school—it came from the city center... could it be!?
"What was that?" Nico asked, scratching his head.
"Hey—you big idiot!!! What are you planning!?"
"You ask me, and then who should I ask?"
"...Damn it!!!"
As Sylvia tried to attack Nico again, I blocked her by using myself as a shield.
"Oi—wait, Sylvia! This isn't the time for fighting... especially not at school."
"Andri... are you teaming up with him!?"
"Ha! No, idiot!! I'd never betray you... I just invited Nico to join our alliance…"
Sylvia clenched her fist and punched me square in the face.
"You idiot!!!!! You invited a stranger into our alliance!!! Use your damn brain for once!!!"
"Sorry... I just thought he might be helpful."
"Ugh! You'll pay for this—"
"Hey you two… are you just going to ignore the chaos down there!?"
Nico pointed toward the city center and we all turned to look.
"We have to go!" said Sylvia, looking away from me.
I took a few steps forward and looked toward the chaos in the city center.
There was a massive black smoke cloud covering the city, but something felt off…
No serial killer would reveal themselves in broad daylight like this—I had to check it out.
"Sorry, Sylvia, let's put this aside for now—we need to head there immediately."
As I said that, Sylvia kicked me hard in the butt.
Her brows furrowed and she stared at me with anger.
"Tch! Fine... but after this, you're getting scolded—hey old man, don't you dare get in our way."
"Ahaha!!! I do what I want—you can't tell me what to do, little girl."
"...Whatever—let's go."
The three of us leapt into motion and ran toward the chaos.
Once we were on the street, I looked around—but Nico had suddenly vanished.
I turned in every direction, trying to find him, but it was pointless—did he run away?
Screw it! I need to stay focused.
"Stop!" Sylvia shouted.
"What is it?"
"...That…"
Looking up, I saw a building completely wrapped in thick bandages.
What the hell is this? It looked like a giant mummy.
And then—I saw several people lying limp in the street.
Their bodies were dry—just skin and bones, exactly like the previous murder victim.
"Sylvia… could this be…"
"Yes! This is the work of a Servant."
I couldn't bear to look at the bodies anymore.
I closed my eyes, carried them to the side of the street, and covered them using the bandages from the building.
That should be enough.
Just as I finished, I felt something approaching fast—ready to strike me.
"Andri! Watch out!!!" Sylvia shouted, blocking the attack meant for me.
"Ow—sorry, Sylvia, I let my guard down."
It was a bandage—wait! It pulled back!?
"Hmmm... I didn't expect little pests to interfere with my plans."
Who's that!?
"Never mind, I'll make you fall in love with me"
A beautiful and sexy woman wearing gold armor, a small crown on top of her head—her hair was also sparkling gold like a jewel.
Is he a Servant!?
"Who are you!"
"Hmmm…Not polite, You guys..bow before the great Queen!"