Judgment Day

1v1, gong protagonist, HE, the Smith couple

Not a classic crime investigation story. The setting includes Cthulhu elements.

The chief detective "HD" of the Gastras Police Department was an aloof, no-nonsense man who wasted no words and acted decisively. A military veteran, he had an exceptionally accurate aim and had been the police department's hand-to-hand combat champion for five years running.

Beneath the man's always immaculate, perfectly pressed suits and shirts was a straight back and muscles packed with explosive strength. He was a model leader, the very definition of an "exemplary police officer."

When his deep, icy blue eyes swept over you, they could freeze everything in their path into shards of ice.

But a certain former war correspondent knew that the detective had plenty of surprising little secrets.

Like the red roses he lovingly tended.

A fleeting glance on a smoke-filled battlefield, blurred by the passage of time.

...And the man bowing his head to kiss him with resolute passion as a red countdown flashed in a moment of peril. His moist blue eyes, glowing in the shadows, were extraordinarily beautiful.

He, too, kept all those secrets hidden in the shadows.

Until the day when nothing could be concealed any longer, and the sea and forest turned their desolate, frigid gazes upon them both.

...Gastras was hit by a once-in-a-century blizzard. This winter was colder and longer than any before it.

Amid the thick, sticky blood covering the ground, a strange sigil glimmered red.

The police arrived late. From the shadows at the front, someone heard the commotion and turned around.

At the moment their eyes met, the gun in HD's usually steady, unwavering hand began to tremble. Even his voice grew hoarse and halting.

"Langman..."

"It's been a long time since I've seen you like this, Detective."

His lover, who had once been as gentle as the warm autumn sun, looked at him with a hint of amusement.

"Please smile. After all, you're going to kill me with your own hands, aren't you?"

You are Gastras.

You are a harbor city facing the deep blue sea, a place of blazing, deafening sunlight and torrential rain steeped in blood and gunpowder.

You are an abyss that gives birth to chaotic evil, a land of ruin where every step sinks deeper as the snow and wind rage.

You built a city-state with the hottest summers and the warmest lies. Even now, it holds a golden, dazzling light and a courage that refuses to fade.

Here, the children most favored by ■■ will endure the most brutal suffering. The searing flames will devour their ribs, and the darkness still circling overhead will forge the resolute, shining glimmer in their eyes when they look at one another, like a blade bright enough to slay a tyrant in a world-famous grand opera.

One day, those sleepless eyes will see through the deep darkness, through the pounding heart and the boiling mind.

They will begin to judge the last flickers of a living conscience, and the reason and kindness teetering on the brink.

When the final verdict is delivered

This is Judgment Day.

- Short Skit 1.0 -

Langman Charles: "Why were you only the combat champion for five years running, HD?"

HD: "...Because the champion in the sixth year was a new intern."

Wuni (giving a thumbs-up): "Yep, that was me! Pretty impressive, right?!"

- Short Skit 2.0 -

Langman Charles (sighing): "I've been meaning to say this for a while. HD isn't quite as well-behaved as he looks."

Bell: "?"

Bell looked at the man currently pinning a criminal down and beating the daylights out of him.

Bell: "...You should get your eyes checked, Charles."

·Advance Notice·

1. My writing isn't great. The whole story is a product of my personal tastes.

2. A long, serious story... estimated at over 600,000 words.

3. The initial concept is a bit complicated. We'll see if I can write it with my limited skill. (Bows to the ground.)

4. [Important]

This is a completely fictional world! The city "Gastras" is fictional!

The plot is entirely fictional. Please don't compare it to reality!

5. Everything is shrouded in mystery!

6. Many thanks to all the readers who enjoy this! Special thanks to my friends for their generous support, and for kindly providing character profiles!!! (Blows kisses.)

7. [Important] I've invited the "hope we do not die." Immortal Squad from Crossing into Exile to star in this story!

(Red carpet, flashing cameras, screams, applause, flower petals~)

But this story's worldbuilding and plot have no connection to Crossing into Exile!

8. The midday sun in August isn't as dazzling as you.

9. The blurb is subject to revision. This is just an advance notice! If you like it, please add it to your favorites!!

(Wink.)

There are countless great stories on Jinjiang.

If all else fails, we can always switch to another one.

Theme: Justice will surely triumph over evil. Turn the tables against the odds and hold on to hope