/vt/ - Virtual Youtubers

>>21868078
Several wooden boxes were laid in the middle of the room. On top of them, shackles anchored to the four corners pulled the limbs of a humanoid body in a spread position. The victim appeared to be emancipated, his deathly pale skin forming a sharp contrast to the red stains covering the wooden planks, turning the bespoke business suit into an undifferentiated black. The thick stench of blood dispelled any doubts - this was a crime scene.

"Gruesome, isn't it?" The newbie constable said between the coughing noises. Melisende, on the other hand, simply marched forward and began examining the body. Despite the skinny appearance, the body felt just as heavy as a well-built man - a tell-tale characteristic of deadbeats due to their dense bones. Of course, it apparently did not save him from his untimely death, and the cause was soon made apparent. As the detective attempted to lift his arm to unshackle it, it proved to be unnecessary, as the clutched fist was pulled out from the sleeve, leaving her a gnarly stump at the wrist, causing a suppressed cry from behind.

It was not an accident of decomposition, either. After a quick examination, it was made clear that every joint of the limbs, as well as his neck, was severed by some kind of blade. Deadbeats might have reinforced bones and organs, but any ligaments soft enough to allow a normal range of movement would be no match for weapons or specialized tools. A lack of other major injuries on his body suggested that these wounds were likely what killed him, either by decapitation or blood loss.

The killer was definitely someone with extensive knowledge of the humanoid body and the durability of deadbeat bones. The cult from the alien shores appeared in her mind once again. From what Melisende heard about them, they were remarkably knowledgeable on the function of the human body - a knowledge they used to draw out the suffering of their victims before feasting upon them. Perhaps the lack of muscles among deadbeats left the last step of the ritual undone?

As the cadaver was removed from the crates, Melisende could see a pile of paper soaked in the viscous blood, alongside something shiny. Carefully reaching into it and pulling it out, the object revealed itself to be a broken piece of trinket. As the blood dripped onto the floor, she could discern the fragmented symbol despite half of it missing - a white snake coiling around a purple clock, resting on top of a golden cross.

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