"What did you just say?"
"The victim used a grappling hook to climb onto the high platform in front of Palais Mermonia, then jumped to their death?"
"Are you fucking serious? Do you have any idea what you're saying?"
"Do you think this explanation will convince Fontaine's citizens? Or Lady Furina? Or Monsieur Neuvillette?!"
"But Captain..."
"Enough! No more excuses! Your monthly bonus is gone!"
The security guard who had been desperately defending himself felt as if struck by lightning. He joined his previous colleagues who had also failed in their duties, all now muttering incoherently in the corner.
The security captain announced his disciplinary decision with blazing fury, completely unprepared for such an absurd excuse being used to cover up incompetence.
Firstly, just like previous victims, this one was merely an ordinary Fontainian. How could they possibly possess such specialized technical skills?
Moreover, why would the victim expend all their energy to climb to the heights of Palais Mermonia, only to commit suicide at the exact same location as the serial suicide case?
Did he think the security captain was some three-year-old child?!
"Enough! You useless bunch! You've been investigating this case for so long without finding a single clue. Do you think you're worthy of the Fontaine people?!"
"Some of you even resort to such outrageous excuses to cover your own failures!"
"I warn you all—next time I hear any excuse about victims climbing the platform themselves to jump, or any other such absurd explanations, you'll be packing your bags and out the door immediately!"
"Hmph. This time I'll investigate personally. I refuse to believe a criminal could commit such a crime without leaving a single trace!"
The captain's former authority still held sway, so his reprimand didn't spark resentment among the Maison Gardiennage members. Instead, when they heard he would conduct the investigation himself, visible relief washed over their faces.
Seeing this reaction, the captain wore an expression of frustration at their incompetence. He began wondering if he'd been too lenient with these guards recently.
"You're coming with me!"
With those words, the captain swiftly selected several members he considered reliable and dependable. Leading this group, he immediately headed toward Palais Mermonia.
"Captain, look at that!"
As the team approached the base of Palais Mermonia and prepared to take the elevator, a sharp-eyed guard suddenly pointed upward in shock, drawing attention to a massive opening in the palace's lower facade.
Hearing the guard's words, the captain of the Maison Gardiennage looked up in confusion, following the direction of his finger. His eyes widened in complete bewilderment.
The other guards also turned to look, and all of them were equally bewildered.
In their field of vision, a seventy-year-old woman with remarkably agile movements clung to the outer wall below the Palais Mermonia, continuously using a grappling hook tool to rapidly ascend.
Just like that, they watched helplessly as the old lady quickly climbed onto the high platform outside the palace. Then a black shadow fell from above.
With a "pop," a tomato exploded nearby, its juice splattering everywhere in a dramatic display.
Another victim? Added to the count.
After witnessing the entire scene, whether it was the captain or the guards, all of them looked bewildered, beginning to doubt if they were still dreaming.
Some time later, the captain reported the latest case to his superior, then got chewed out thoroughly.
"What did you say?"
"The victim used a grappling hook tool to climb onto the high platform in front of the Palais Mermonia, then jumped to commit suicide?"
"Do you want to listen to what you're saying?"
"Your bonus... no, your salary for this month is gone!"
"Ah bah ah bah."
The Captain of the Maison Gardiennage ceased his contemplation...
Unaware of the unfolding catastrophe among the security forces, Lofan was attempting his third climb up the wall beneath Palais Mermonia.
Compared to his previous two attempts, Lofan now moved with practiced ease. Using the footholds he'd established earlier, his ascent became swift as a bird's flight.
A smile of satisfaction spread across Lofan's face - this newly acquired ability was truly remarkable!
To be honest, the security forces' initial actions had complicated Lofan's self-destructive mission. He'd tried numerous methods, but none could breach their layered defenses.
The main issue was that the security forces had completely barred ordinary citizens from accessing Palais Mermonia's level. Even those of noble status required constant surveillance by guards during their visits, leaving Lofan with no viable options.
Thus, Lofan had turned to the System's point exchange interface for solutions.
The System offered various abilities for point exchange, but the current body required only one-tenth of the points needed to fully master any given ability.
Lofan searched through the options and quickly found a skill that could help him escape his current predicament. He spent one thousand points to acquire the ability to scale walls and run along rooftops.
Considering the practicality of this skill and its potential future use, Lofan opted for the full version.
From now on, no matter how many times Lofan changed bodies, this ability would remain with him.
After acquiring the skill, Lofan immediately tested it out.
Of course, the ability Lofan had acquired was merely an ordinary skill, not a superpower. Therefore, when climbing nearly vertical walls, Lofan still needed some suitable tools.
During his first attempt, because he wasn't yet fully proficient, Lofan climbed a bit slower, which accidentally drew the attention of others.
By the second attempt, Lofan had become much more skilled. As for the third time, Lofan felt it was no different from walking on the ground - truly like treading on flat earth.
It must be said, this expenditure of points was truly worth it!
Soon, Lofan climbed back up to the high platform in front of Palais Mermonia. He found a shrubbery to hide his tools in, then returned to his original position. Biting his finger, he wrote on the ground: "I love you, we're so alike." Satisfied, he stood up.
Lofan stood at this familiar vantage point, overlooking the entirety of Fontaine. He admired its prosperity and beauty, suddenly moved by the moment, and let out a loud shout:
"Good morning, Fontaine!"
"W-who's there?!"
The commotion from Lofan's location naturally drew the attention of the Maison Gardiennage guards. When they arrived on the scene, they saw Lofan standing at the edge of the high platform, a look of terror rising in their eyes as they imagined their bonuses growing wings and flying away.
"No!"
As the guards cried out in despair, Lofan smiled and waved at them, then without hesitation, fell backward...