Akashic_Tales Originals
Hades, Inc.: The Billionaire God of Death's Chaotic System
Chapter 7: Kyra's Suspicions
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Detective Kyra Moon prided herself on three things: her intuition, her attention to detail, and her ability to function on minimal sleep. All three were being tested to their limits by the case that had landed on her desk three weeks ago.
Four victims. Four bodies with inexplicable damage. Four crime scenes devoid of physical evidence.
And one infuriatingly enigmatic consultant who seemed to know far more than he was sharing.
Kyra stared at the evidence board in her small office at Seoul Metropolitan Police Headquarters. Photos of the victims were arranged chronologically, connected by red string to locations, timelines, and the few concrete clues they had managed to gather. In the center was a sketch of what the latest victim had described before dying: a figure with golden wings.
"Angels don't kill people," she muttered to herself, rubbing her tired eyes. "That's literally the opposite of their job description."
Yet here she was, seriously considering the possibility that a celestial being was murdering Seoul's elite. The evidence, or lack thereof, pointed to something beyond conventional explanation. No fingerprints, DNA or witnesses. Just bodies with impossible wounds and the faint scent of ozone and incense.
Her phone buzzed with a text message. Message from Haiden Black, again.
*Found something interesting about our mutual friend with the golden accessories. Dinner tonight? I know a place that serves excellent secrets.*
Kyra frowned at the screen. Haiden's texts always read like they were written by someone who learned human communication from a combination of film noir and fortune cookies. Yet she couldn't deny he had been helpful, in his own cryptic, occasionally infuriating way.
The coroner had been unable to explain how the victims' hearts had combusted from within. The forensic team had no explanation for the residue found at each scene, a substance that seemed to change its molecular structure when examined too closely. But Haiden had taken one look, sniffed the air like some kind of predator, and immediately started talking about "divine signatures" and "celestial fingerprints."
It was nonsense. It had to be nonsense.
And yet, every lead he had provided had panned out in some way.
[New Quest: Investigate Haiden Black]
[Reward: Enhanced Perception (24-hour duration)]
[Penalty: Temporary Blindness to Supernatural Elements]
Haiden froze as the System notification appeared. This was new. Usually, the System assigned quests related to good deeds or ridiculous social situations. An investigation quest targeting Detective Moon was unexpected, and concerning.
"What are you playing at, Father?" he muttered, glancing at the ceiling.
No response came, but Haiden could almost feel Chaos's amusement rippling through reality.
With a sigh, he texted Kyra back:
*I'll pick you up at 8. Wear something that won't burst into flames. Just a precaution.*
Her reply came almost immediately:
*That's not funny. And I'll meet you there. Send the address.*
Typical. Detective Moon was careful to maintain professional boundaries, never allowing him to know where she lived or to drive her anywhere. Smart, from a mortal perspective. Futile, given that he could locate any soul in existence if he really wanted to, but he appreciated her caution nonetheless.
It was one of the things he found most intriguing about her, that blend of sharp intelligence and stubborn rationality, even when faced with evidence of the supernatural. Most mortals either denied the impossible outright or embraced it too eagerly. Kyra did neither. She observed, questioned, and adapted, all while maintaining her skepticism.
Haiden sent the address of a small, exclusive restaurant hidden in one of Seoul's oldest neighborhoods. The place catered to a very specific clientele, those who existed between worlds. The owner was a minor deity of hospitality who had retired from godhood around the same time humans invented indoor plumbing.
[Quest Update: Dinner meeting arranged]
[Progress: 25%]
[Suggestion: Reveal enough to gain trust, not enough to expose identity]
"Yes, yes, I know how to handle mortals," Haiden muttered to the floating text. "I've been doing it for millennia."
He checked his watch. Six hours until dinner. Plenty of time to prepare, and to figure out exactly why the System wanted him to get closer to Detective Moon.
---
Kyra arrived at the restaurant fifteen minutes early, a habit ingrained from years of police work. The place was tucked away in an alley that somehow felt both ancient and timeless, with a small wooden sign that simply read "Ambrosia" in faded gold letters.
No menu posted. No hours listed. The kind of exclusive that didn't advertise.
She was dressed in what her partner Detective Park called her "intimidation outfit", black slacks, charcoal blazer, and a deep blue shirt that brought out the intensity in her eyes. Professional enough for work, sharp enough for confrontation.
Because tonight, she was determined to get answers from Haiden Black.
The door opened before she could knock, revealing a smiling elderly man with eyes that seemed to contain galaxies.
"Detective Moon," he greeted her warmly. "We've been expecting you. Mr. Black's table is ready."
Kyra blinked in surprise. "How did you know my name?"
The man's smile deepened. "Mr. Black described you perfectly. 'Look for the woman who enters like she's already solved the case.'"
Despite herself, Kyra felt a small smile tugging at her lips. That did sound like something Haiden would say.
She followed the host through the dimly lit restaurant, noticing that each table was separated from the others by what appeared to be curtains of mist. Soft conversations in languages she couldn't identify drifted through the air, along with the scent of dishes that made her mouth water despite not recognizing any of the aromas.
Haiden was already seated at a corner table, looking perfectly at ease in a suit that probably cost more than her monthly salary. He stood as she approached, that infuriating half-smile playing on his lips.
"Detective," he greeted her. "Right on time. Or fifteen minutes early, knowing you."
"Mr. Black," she replied coolly, taking the seat opposite him. "I assume you didn't invite me to dinner just to show off your knowledge of my punctuality habits."
"Direct as always," he said with approval. "One of your many admirable qualities."
The host poured two glasses of a pale golden liquid that shimmered slightly in the candlelight.
"I didn't order yet," Kyra pointed out.
"This establishment operates differently," Haiden explained. "They serve what you need, not necessarily what you think you want."
"That sounds like a convenient excuse for poor service."
Haiden laughed, a sound that seemed to warm the air around them. "Try the wine before you judge. It's from a very special vintage."
Kyra cautiously lifted the glass, sniffed it, then took a small sip. The flavor was unlike anything she had ever tasted, honey and sunlight and something indefinable that made her feel instantly more alert, more alive.
"What is this?" she asked, unable to hide her surprise.
"Just a local specialty," Haiden replied vaguely. "Now, about our case."
"Our case?" Kyra raised an eyebrow. "Last I checked, you were a consultant, not a detective."
"Semantics," Haiden waved dismissively. "The point is, I've discovered something about our killer that changes everything."
He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "The murders aren't random. They're targeted. Each victim had a connection to a very specific type of... let's call it 'insurance.'"
"Insurance?" Kyra frowned. "What kind?"
"The kind that promises rewards after death," Haiden said carefully. "Specifically, guaranteed passage to a better afterlife, regardless of how one lived."
Kyra stared at him. "You're talking about some kind of religious scam?"
"In a manner of speaking. Except this particular scam had real power behind it. Someone was selling legitimate divine favors."
"Divine favors," Kyra repeated flatly. "Right. And you know this how, exactly?"
Haiden took a sip of his wine, considering his words carefully. The System had instructed him to reveal enough to gain trust, but not enough to expose his identity. A delicate balance.
"Let's just say I have experience with the afterlife industry," he said finally.
"The afterlife industry," Kyra echoed. "Do you hear yourself? You sound insane."
"And yet you're here," Haiden pointed out. "Drinking wine with an 'insane' man, discussing divine murder. Why is that, Detective?"
Kyra set down her glass, her expression hardening. "Because four people are dead, and you're the only one who seems to have any idea why. That doesn't mean I believe your supernatural theories."
"What do you believe, then?" Haiden asked, genuinely curious. "You've seen the evidence. The impossible wounds. The residue that defies analysis. The victims' last words about golden wings."
"I believe there's a rational explanation," Kyra insisted. "Some kind of advanced technology, perhaps. A new weapon. A chemical agent that creates the illusion of... whatever this is."
"And me?" Haiden pressed. "What's your rational explanation for how I know the things I know?"
Kyra leaned forward, her eyes intense. "That's exactly what I intend to find out. I've been investigating you, Mr. Black."
[Quest Update: Detective reveals investigation]
[Progress: 50%]
[Suggestion: React with amusement, not concern]
Haiden's lips curved into a smile. "Have you now? Find anything interesting?"
"That's just it," Kyra said, frustration evident in her voice. "There's nothing to find. Haiden Black appeared out of nowhere five years ago with enough money to found Elysium Corp. No background, no family history, no education records. Just wealth, connections, and an uncanny ability to succeed in everything you touch."
"Perhaps I'm just lucky," Haiden suggested.
"Nobody's that lucky," Kyra countered. "Your company specializes in 'afterlife management systems', whatever that means. Your inner circle includes a CFO who's never seen in daylight, a K-pop star with no birth certificate, and a niece who hacked the National Intelligence Service at age sixteen."
"Allegedly hacked," Haiden corrected. "Charges were dropped."
"Because the evidence mysteriously disappeared," Kyra added. "Along with the lead investigator, who suddenly decided to become a monk in Tibet."
Haiden shrugged. "Career changes happen."
"Not overnight, they don't." Kyra took another sip of the strange wine, finding it oddly calming despite the tension of their conversation. "So here's my theory: you're running some kind of elaborate con. Using inside information and technological tricks to create the illusion of supernatural knowledge. Maybe blackmail, maybe corporate espionage. I haven't figured out the angle yet."
"An interesting theory," Haiden acknowledged. "Completely wrong, but interesting."
"Then enlighten me," Kyra challenged. "Who are you really, Haiden Black?"
For a moment, Haiden considered telling her the truth. It would be so simple to show her, just a glimpse of his true nature, enough to shatter her skepticism forever. But the consequences of such a revelation would be far-reaching. Mortals weren't meant to comprehend divine reality. Even the strongest minds could break under the weight of such knowledge.
"I'm someone who can help you solve these murders," he said instead. "Isn't that enough for now?"
Before Kyra could respond, plates of food appeared before them, served by waiters who seemed to materialize from the mist. Kyra's plate contained what looked like a perfectly prepared steak with sides she didn't recognize but somehow knew she would love. Haiden's plate held something that shimmered and changed shape slightly when not viewed directly.
"I didn't order this," Kyra said, though the aroma was making her mouth water.
"As I said, this place serves what you need," Haiden replied. "And right now, you need sustenance. You've been surviving on coffee and determination for days."
Kyra narrowed her eyes. "Have you been having me followed?"
"I don't need to follow you to know when someone is running themselves into the ground," Haiden said gently. "It's written all over you. The slight tremor in your hands from caffeine overload. The shadows under your eyes that you've tried to conceal with makeup. The tension in your shoulders that speaks of too many hours hunched over case files."
His perception was unnervingly accurate. Kyra had indeed been working almost non-stop, sleeping at her desk more often than her apartment.
"Fine," she conceded, picking up her fork. "I'll eat. But this doesn't mean I trust you."
"I wouldn't expect it to," Haiden said, beginning to eat his own mysterious meal. "Trust is earned, not given. Especially for someone in your position."
They ate in silence for a few minutes, Kyra reluctantly admitting to herself that the food was possibly the best she'd ever tasted. Each bite seemed to restore energy she hadn't realized she was missing.
"The victims," she said finally, returning to the case. "If they were all connected to this... afterlife insurance scam, who was selling it?"
"That's the interesting part," Haiden replied. "The seller appears to be our killer."
"That makes no sense. Why would they kill their own clients?"
"Because the clients discovered the truth," Haiden explained. "The 'insurance' was legitimate, but it wasn't the seller's to give. They were stealing divine favors and selling them to mortals who could pay."
"Divine favors," Kyra repeated, still skeptical but willing to use the terminology for the sake of the conversation. "Stolen from where? Or whom?"
"Heaven," Haiden said simply. "Or more specifically, from a particular division of Heaven responsible for redemption credits."
Kyra set down her fork. "You're saying someone is embezzling from Heaven. Like it's a corporation with accounting issues."
"That's actually not far off," Haiden mused. "The divine bureaucracy is surprisingly similar to mortal organizations, just with more dimensions and fewer coffee breaks."
"And you know this how?" Kyra pressed.
Haiden met her gaze steadily. "Let's just say I have... competitors in the afterlife industry."
A flash of insight struck Kyra. "Elysium. Your company name. It's from Greek mythology, one of the realms of the afterlife."
"Very good, Detective," Haiden said with approval. "Your classical education is showing."
"And Hades ruled the Underworld," Kyra continued, the pieces starting to align in her mind. "Is that what this is about? Some kind of elaborate role-playing? You think you're Hades?"
Haiden's smile never wavered, but something flickered in his eyes, something ancient and dark and decidedly not human.
"What I think doesn't matter," he said softly. "What matters is stopping these killings before more people die."
Kyra felt a chill run down her spine, though she couldn't explain why. Something about Haiden had changed, just for a moment, a shift in the air around him, a deepening of the shadows.
"The next victim will be Kim Sung-ho," Haiden continued, his voice and demeanor returning to normal so quickly that Kyra wondered if she had imagined the change. "Hedge fund manager, philanthropist, and recent purchaser of a 'guaranteed salvation package' from our celestial embezzler."
"How could you possibly know that?" Kyra demanded.
"The same way I knew you take your coffee black with two sugars, that you have a scar on your left shoulder from a childhood accident, and that you've been having dreams about falling from great heights ever since you took this case," Haiden replied calmly.
Kyra stared at him, genuinely unsettled for the first time. She had never mentioned the dreams to anyone, not even her partner.
"Who are you?" she whispered.
"Someone trying to help," Haiden said, his expression softening. "The question is, will you let me?"
[Quest Update: Trust beginning to form]
[Progress: 75%]
[Suggestion: Provide actionable evidence to cement alliance]
Haiden reached into his jacket and produced a small envelope, which he slid across the table.
"Kim Sung-ho's address, schedule, and security details," he explained. "If I'm right, our killer will make their move within the next forty-eight hours. This is your chance to catch them in the act."
Kyra hesitated, then took the envelope. "If this is legitimate, I should bring in a full team. Set up surveillance."
"The killer would sense it immediately," Haiden warned. "They can detect large groups of mortals, especially those with focused intent. It needs to be a small operation. You, me, and perhaps one or two others you trust implicitly."
"That's not how police work is done," Kyra objected.
"This isn't ordinary police work," Haiden reminded her. "Unless your department has a 'Celestial Crimes Division' I'm unaware of."
Kyra sighed, rubbing her temples. "I must be losing my mind to even consider this."
"On the contrary," Haiden said gently. "You're expanding your mind to encompass possibilities beyond your previous understanding. That's not insanity, it's growth."
"It's career suicide if I'm wrong," Kyra muttered. "Or worse, if someone dies because I followed the advice of a consultant with delusions of godhood."
"I prefer to think of it as accurate self-assessment," Haiden quipped.
Despite herself, Kyra felt a smile tugging at her lips. "Your ego is certainly of mythological proportions."
"One of my more charming qualities," Haiden agreed with a wink.
The rest of the dinner passed in surprisingly comfortable conversation, with Haiden sharing insights about the case that were both bizarre and strangely compelling. By the time dessert arrived, a confection that tasted like childhood memories and new possibilities, Kyra found herself reluctantly enjoying his company.
As they left the restaurant, Haiden paused on the threshold. "One last thing, Detective. When you go to protect Kim Sung-ho, bring something made of iron. Cold iron, specifically. It disrupts divine energy."
"Iron," Kyra repeated skeptically. "Like in fairy tales?"
"Myths often contain kernels of truth," Haiden replied. "Just as skepticism often contains seeds of wisdom. Good night, Detective Moon."
He walked away into the night, somehow disappearing into shadows that shouldn't have been deep enough to conceal him.
Kyra stood for a moment, the envelope heavy in her pocket. Part of her, the rational, methodical detective, wanted to dismiss everything Haiden had said as elaborate nonsense. But another part, the intuitive investigator who trusted her instincts, couldn't ignore the fact that every lead he had provided so far had proven accurate.
As she turned to leave, she noticed something strange on the ground where Haiden had been standing: a small black feather that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it.
She picked it up, and for a brief moment, she could have sworn it whispered her name.
[Quest Complete: Investigation Navigated Successfully]
[Reward: Enhanced Perception unlocked for 24 hours]
[Note: The detective is now aligned with your interests, though her suspicions remain]
Haiden watched from the rooftop across the street as Kyra pocketed the feather, a small token of his true nature that he had deliberately left behind. Not enough to reveal everything, but sufficient to plant a seed of belief.
The System's approval glowed before him, but Haiden's satisfaction came from something else entirely. For the first time in centuries, he had met a mortal who challenged him, who didn't simply accept or reject the supernatural but questioned it intelligently.
Detective Moon was becoming more than just a useful ally in his investigation. She was becoming interesting.
And in an immortal existence spanning eons, "interesting" was perhaps the rarest and most valuable quality of all.