Waking up from a sleep, I found myself carrying the burden of 20 homicides 【II】

I cautiously made my way through the ruins and dark corridors of the factory, feeling a mix of nervousness and unease. I observed my surroundings, searching for any clues that could help unravel the mystery.

Inside a room weathered by time and debris, I discovered a seemingly worn-out note. It had a few words written on it: "The key to memories lies underwater." Those words shook me and sparked a glimmer of hope within.

A vague image of a body of water appeared in my mind, perhaps the place where I would find the answers I sought. Leaving the abandoned factory behind, I followed the trail of my memories, heading towards the body of water.

Upon reaching the water's edge, I discovered it to be a deserted dock. The lake water was calm and dark, with only faint moonlight casting a reflection on its still surface. I didn't know what I was searching for, but I firmly believed that the answers lay beneath the water.

With determination, I plunged into the lake. The coldness of the water sent shivers down my spine, but I pushed forward, driven by an irresistible force. As I looked up, I spotted a faintly glowing object suspended underwater.

I swam towards the object and found it to be a heavy iron box. Struggling, I pulled it to the surface and opened it, revealing a handful of photographs. These photographs depicted me with different people and in different locations, as if they captured fragments of my lost memories.

Each photo had a date and location marked on the back, and I began piecing together these fragmented memories. With each photo's connection, I slowly recollected bits and pieces of my past. I realized that I used to be a private detective investigating a series of mysterious murders.

But that wasn't all—I also remembered a crucial fact: the suspects and victims in these murder cases were all my former clients. I had become entangled in these crimes while obsessively seeking the truth.

My heart raced, and the confusion in my mind deepened. Did this mean I was a contradictory being? Someone who pursued the truth while also committing heinous acts?

The desire to uncover the truth intertwined with inner turmoil. I realized that to unravel the mystery, I needed to confront my past and face the inescapable truth.

As I confronted my past and the inescapable truth, I decided to follow the clues of the final murder case, hoping it would lead me to answers. Using the dates and locations marked on the photos, I determined that the last case took place in an abandoned warehouse.

I arrived at the warehouse, feeling the desolation and oppressive atmosphere. It had once been a crime scene, and the memories of bloodshed still lingered in the air. Carefully navigating through the wreckage, I searched for any traces that could provide me with clues.

Finally, in a corner of the warehouse, I discovered a forgotten room. The door lock was rusted, and I struggled to open it. As I stepped into the room, a sense of unease and tension filled my heart.

The walls of the room were covered in photographs, red strings, and notes. These photos and strings formed a complex web, connecting the victims and suspects of the various murder cases. I carefully examined each photo and its corresponding mark, attempting to unravel this perplexing puzzle.

Suddenly, one photo caught my attention. It showed me standing alongside a stranger, their expression filled with cunning and mockery. It dawned on me that this individual was the mastermind I had been searching for.

I picked up the photo and turned to leave the room. But just then, the door slammed shut with a heavy thud, emitting a dull sound. Startled, I turned around to see a stranger with an evil smile standing at the doorway.

"Finally, you've come to find me," the man said coldly, his eyes radiating malevolence.

I tried to open the door, but it was locked firmly, refusing to budge. Fear and confusion intertwined within me as I found myself trapped in this enigma, unable to escape.

"Do you really think you can unravel everything?" the man's voice dripped with scorn and provocation. He approached me, emanating an aura of wickedness.

I didn't know the connection between this man and myself, why he had entangled me in this string of murders. But I knew that I had to confront him, face my own past, to unravel this perplexing finale.