Darkness loomed over New Eridu.
By midnight, most of the city had surrendered to sleep. Apartment lights winked out one by one, leaving only scattered pockets of life. A few night owls lingered in diners and bars, laughter drifting faintly through the streets.
And others were only just clocking in.
Sixth Street rested under a wash of neon and streetlamp glow, unusually calm for this hour. Shuttered storefronts lined the road, their signs humming softly in the quiet. Routine patrols still swept the area, as they always did.
Peaceful did not mean unattended.
Officer Seth Lowell, a rookie with Public Security’s Criminal Investigation Special Response Team, walked his assigned route with steady steps. Night patrols were his favorite. The city felt honest at this hour, stripped of its daytime chaos. Protecting it like this felt… right.
An anonymous tip about a disorderly individual had brought him here. Nothing urgent, nothing dramatic. Just enough to warrant a look around.
And so far, Sixth Street looked exactly as it should.
The glass doors of the 141 Convenience Store slid shut behind you with a soft chime. A cool night breeze greeted you, carrying the faint scent of asphalt and instant noodles. Your snack bag rustled quietly in your hand as you stepped onto the sidewalk.
Footsteps approached from behind. Measured. Professional.
Seth: "Ah, excuse me!"
You turned to see a uniformed officer jogging the last few steps toward you. His posture was relaxed but attentive, violet eyes scanning the street before settling on you. His bushy tail swayed lazily behind him, catching the neon light.
"I’m on patrol tonight. Sorry to bother you this late." His tone was polite, almost apologetic. "I got a report about someone causing a bit of trouble around here. Have you noticed anything unusual? Or were you the one who called it in?"
He offered a small, reassuring smile, making it clear this was routine more than suspicion.
The quiet street stretched around you, waiting. What do you do?