"So, what do you make of this?"
Kellan's question got everyone thinking. Before they began the actual investigations into the deaths of the chosen heroes, they needed to assemble a clear picture of purpose. That required a bit of thought.
Fortunately, the minds gathered in the room were among the world's most brilliant in investigative work. If they couldn't come up with something, then the cases could only be classified as cold cases.
The field commanders exchanged glances, wondering who would put forth their theory. Kellan simply closed his eyes, waiting for his detectives to put their words together.
Soon, one of the commanders voiced his thoughts, prompting Kellan and the others to focus on him.
"This could all be about power and control," Riven Bancroft, a commander in his early thirties, shared his theory. "The chosen heroes upset the balance of power. Someone in government might see them as a threat. Coordinated assassinations like this require resources only those in power can provide."
His words did make sense. However, it was flawed as many among the commanders furrowed their brows, pondering his words.
"But killing all thirteen future chosen heroes risks total chaos when there is a dungeon outbreak. Why would the ruling elite shoot themselves in the foot?" Riley was the first to disprove that theory.
"I agree," another commander chipped in. "No evidence of political manoeuvring benefits anyone yet. If anything, most of the elites are panicking at the loss of the heroes. Remember, those dead aren't the current ones, but the new generation who had not even touched the divine artefacts yet."
"..."
Kael couldn't help but nod his head in agreement. It was a solid point that Riley and the other detective raised. However, he wasn't quick to dismiss the theory just yet. After all, the crime had been committed already, and the killer had to have known the consequences.
'But they are avoiding the most obvious motive,' Kael had no intention of saying anything until they were all done. Perhaps that would come later in their discussion.
"That's still an angle you can explore," Kellan stepped in at this point. "We shouldn't be too quick to dismiss a motive just because it is unlikely."
The commanders nodded in agreement with their leader. They, of course, knew this was going to be the case. At the same time, they had to make sure their companion realised how it sounded.
"How about this..." Jordan decided to go next. "The gods could have changed their minds. Maybe they see this generation as unworthy."
As unlikely as this also sounded, it made sense. However, the theory proposed by Jordan was somewhat of a grey area. Religion was all over the place at the moment.
With the advent of divine armaments and the various religions that existed, everyone sought to claim 'divine intervention' for their own religion. It was a sensitive topic worldwide.
"That's actually a good point," Riven muttered thoughtfully. "But if the gods wanted them gone, why not strike them directly? Why resort to human assassins?"
"And how do you know human assassins were responsible?" Jordan shot back, shutting down Riven. "But you do have a point. We don't know how the gods actually work; we only make assumptions. Who can say they know the thought process of the gods?"
"..."
Despite all that had happened to the world, there were still many unanswered questions. Where did the dungeons come from? Why did dungeons appear on Earth, and why did the gods not destroy them instead of granting humans the ability to fight back?
"Indeed..." Kellan nodded. "This is getting more complicated, and we haven't even begun investigating too deeply."
"Maybe this is the work of monster sympathisers?" Aria Reyes, a woman also in her early thirties, proposed after some time. "We know monster-worshipping cults exist, and while they haven't done anything out of the ordinary, things could be different with them."
This theory came as a surprise to Kael. Sure, he had heard about some zealots who saw monsters as creatures to understand and accept. However, like regular people, he knew very little about them.
"Surveillance on their activities isn't as pronounced." The woman added, getting several nods in return.
"That's an angle you should explore," Kellan nodded as well, seeing how it could be possible.
While the commanders thought more about potential motives, Kael shifted his gaze to Dave, who looked back at him. With a nod of approval, Kael turned his focus to everyone.
"Is no one going to propose the most obvious of the motives?" The moment those words left his mouth, everyone directed their gaze over.
They didn't have to think at all. After all, they knew what he meant by 'obvious'.
"I can understand why you would think they're avoiding mentioning it," Kellan addressed Kael's question. "Trust me when I say this, we're all aware. However, dealing with those chosen heroes before they lose their power is begging to be killed.
"If we're going to tread down that path, extreme caution is advised," Kellan warned with a serious expression. "Also, I'll be personally taking that front."
"Ah, I see..."
Kael nodded in understanding, his gaze lowered and thoughtful. He knew the chosen heroes were strong. How strong? He didn't know.
"Is that the only angle you could think of?" Jorden didn't miss his chance to take a chance at the stranger. "Talk about disappointment."
He scoffed as he turned his gaze to Dave and then at Kael, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Hehe, not at all," Dave chuckled softly, pulling Jordan's attention back to him. "Mr. Neren said the 'obvious'; he didn't say that was his theory."
"Well, out with it. Don't keep us waiting."
Riley urged with a proud smile, leaning back into her chair to stare at her favourite person. To her antics, Dave sighed and then looked at Kael, giving him the floor to propose his theory, or their theory.
Everyone's gaze shifted to Kael, and the man did not even show any reaction to the stares he was receiving.
"Given what is at stake, only someone with an insane conviction would attempt this," Kael said.
"What exactly are you getting at, Mr. Neren?" Not everyone was as patient as the boss himself.
"What I'm saying is that the murders look like a demanded requirement for something... They look like sacrifices."