The higher-ranking officer stepped toward Elian and said:

  " We have arrived regarding a report of an attempted break-in that occurred on the fourth floor of this building.

  Do you have any knowledge of this? "

  " Do you mean the neighbor who lives on the fourth floor? Yes, I was present at the time when she screamed, claiming there was an intruder. "

  The officer with the yellow brassard asked instinctively: " You say 'claiming'; do you believe she is lying? "

  Elian hesitated for a moment, seemingly feeling a pang of guilt;

  but believing he could save the police's efforts, he ventured to speak:

  " Um—it is not that she is lying, but the neighbor has always been... eccentric.

  Oftentimes, she says things that lack logic, much like this incident. What she describes is unreasonable to occur, and I saw no one. Thus, none of the neighbors or shopkeepers on the street take her seriously.

  Of course, I do not mean she is lying or delirious; she is merely a lonely lady who feels anxious because she lives by herself, and she often exaggerates her fears. "

  The officer with the orange brassard reflected for a moment.

  " Hmm, I have understood your statement. You may go— "

  " Wait a moment. "

  An intervening voice came from behind the gate, followed by two steps until the surprise guest of the incident appeared before continuing his speech:

  " I still have a few questions to direct toward you. "

  Elian was momentarily bewildered by the approaching speaker.

  It was evident that the other two were from the police forces, as they wore the official white uniforms of the constabulary, and their ranks could be inferred from their badges.

  For the police system followed simple ranks accompanied by colors displayed openly to project the authority and power of both the state and the individual, and for ease of recognition.

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  The pristine, snow-white police uniform was a testament to the cleanliness and strength of the regime and the power responsible for its enforcement.

  Indeed, this color made it easier to spot bloodstains or grime on the officers' attire;

  but this was an explicit challenge from the state of Ellis—

  in fact, it was a challenge from all the nations participating in the "United Circles Alliance."

  ' The officers of our nation shall never be found humiliated; they shall always be in their most splendid form to maintain order! '

  But this was what made Elian more perplexed in reality.

  For the rank of the officer in orange was not a low one;

  it surpassed both the white and yellow ranks.

  It was truly strange for an officer of an orange rank to be summoned to handle a case of assault or burglary.

  His kind only appeared in cases of homicide or terrorism.

  Now, upon reflecting deeply, Elian could sense many peculiar points.

  While he was still attempting to assemble the full picture, the mysterious man in dark clothing interrupted him.

  " 'Elian Or Sen, a student at Alvaron University,' specializing in Programming and Information Engineering.

  Your father left the home, and you live alone with your mother and your brother— "

  Before the mysterious man could continue speaking, Elian interrupted him with a somewhat angry tone:

  " And who are you? Isn't it proper to introduce yourself to others first?

  From where did you gather all this information? I could file a stalking case against you! "

  *Heh.* The mysterious man laughed slightly.

  Then, he reached his hand into the inner pocket of his suit to produce a silver badge bearing the emblem of the Ellis government.

  " As for my identity, I am a private investigator working for the government to assist the police.

  And the information I mentioned about you is merely superficial; I have not truly requested a search of your records yet, for I am not treating you as a criminal.

  But what I possess, instead of your information—

  is an investigation warrant. "

  " What? "

  Elian was slightly confused, trying to verify if he was hearing incorrectly or if this was a heavy-handed joke.

  But the reality was heavier upon him than any jest.

  The investigator in black looked at him, carrying a gaze of mockery and self-confidence as he delivered his statement:

  " Elian Or Sen.

  You are a suspect in a crime of top priority.

  And I declare, by my authority and by the prosecution's warrant, that you are under investigation. "

  " WHAAAAT?!! "

  -------------------------------------------