Chapter 1

The busy streets of Mondstadt were loud and full of commotion like any other day. Ever since the floods in Fontaine occurred two years ago, most civilians moved to Mondstadt, resulting in an unexpected boom in population. As the population grew, criminal activity skyrocketed. The Favonius Police, a once organized defense force against crime, could not sustain increased crimes as their available jails dwindled. The police were overworked, exhausted, and understaffed.

On this rainy late afternoon, a green jeep frantically weaves in and out of traffic, driving at 80+ miles per hour. Laughter could be heard from three passengers and a driver. Two of them brandish semi-automatic rifles around like cowboys, firing rounds in the air, causing pandemonium in traffic. Cars spiral out of control, creating multiple traffic jams. The jeep leaves the field of destruction behind them with their increasing speed down the freeway. The thrill of the intense driving and sense of invincibility added to their recklessness.

When the laughter died, they resumed talking about how they had just scored the biggest heist in Mondstadt's history. Thirty minutes prior, they robbed one of the largest national banks. Despite the police chase, they were able to get away. One of the gunners acknowledges how intelligent their boss is in foreseeing over 5,000,000 mora ripe for the picking. The others nod in agreement, eagerly awaiting the next robbery.

They arrive at the harbor southwest of the Mondstadt/Inazuma border late evening. Multiple armed personnel guarded different areas around the harbor, giving the robbers clearance to the port where numerous boats were waiting. They exit the vehicle, relieved and eager to complete their task. A tall man wearing sunglasses and a tux approaches them. The former driver of the jeep, recognizing the man, happily meets him halfway. They exchanged pleasantries for a moment and then showed the inspector the loot.

Once the money was accounted for by the men waiting at the harbor, multiple lights flashed around the entire port, blinding them. The temporary stun gave their party crashers a moment to surround them. It was revealed to be the Favonius Police, and at the Helm, a voice spoke out. Her voice instilled fear in the criminals after learning it was Detective Lawrence on the loudspeaker with a commanding voice.

"Everyone, put your hands in the air to see them. Put up a fight, and you'll taste my vengeance, earning yourselves a one-way ticket to the Wangsheng Parlor for your trouble. If you surrender peacefully, you will get three meals and a bunk at the New Haven jail, courtesy of Detective Lawrence of the Favonius Police."

Not a single round was fired as the criminals knew the jig was up. The driver recalled the lack of police presence earlier. He curses under his breath, realizing they were used as bait to locate where the drop would be. The man in the tux looks over at the four, giving a head gesture to keep their mouth shut. Favonius Police moved into the area, arresting everyone at the port.

Detective Lawrence strides over to the boat, lifting the cover with anticipation. Her instincts had been spot on; inside were crates marked with the insignia of a renowned smuggling ring. She felt a rush of satisfaction, knowing she had just uncovered a significant operation. As her fellow officers' flashing lights and shouts filled the air, Eula returned to the scene, hearing the sound of cameras clicking as evidence was documented. Feeling a familiar weight in her chest, she reached her vehicle parked a little distance away.

This was another day on the job, another case to wrap up, and Eula knew the Favonius Police would manage the scene without her supervision. As she settled into her driver's seat, Eula took a moment to reflect. After all the chaos and crime, the satisfaction of bringing justice to the streets rang true. It was a feeling she had grown used to, yet each case still held its distinct weight and significance.

The Favonius Police taped the entire vicinity and bagged all of the evidence. Meanwhile, Detective Lawrence reviewed the files and documents of the case. Hours passed, and the police left the crime scene to finish processing all the evidence. Much to their surprise, Eula had already submitted all the paperwork and the crime scene photos with the help of a new technology device invented in Sumeru that wirelessly sends photos or recordings via Bluetooth. Without any further work to be finished, they celebrate the case being declared closed.

Eula was one of the missing staff members, standing alone at the pier's edge. The gentle lapping of the waves filled the air as she gazed up at the vast night sky; her vehicle was parked a considerable distance away from the lively party where her colleagues were gathered, laughter and music drifting faintly in the background.

She reached into her coat pocket and retrieved a golden badge inscribed "Officer Dayes." The weight of the badge felt heavy in her hand, a poignant reminder of her previous experiences. As she examined it, a deep solemnity washed over her; she had navigated this emotional terrain before, each case closing marked by a complex mix of triumph and loss.

With a soft sigh, she whispered to the night, "Another case completed, Amber." The name carried a bittersweet resonance, and for a moment, she allowed herself to reflect on the memories associated with it, filled with dedication and sacrifice.

After deep breathing, she returns the badge to her pocket and enters her vehicle. She heads back to the police station to ensure the case documents and data are all accounted for. Just another long night for Eula Lawrence, who always preferred to work evenings when no one was around. She arrived at the station forty minutes later. She places her suitcase on the desk only to get a call from her phone. Eula lets out a sigh upon realizing it was Commissioner Ningguang.

Eula answers the phone, "Detective Lawrence."

Ningguang humorously replies, "It's an after-hours detective; no need for formalities."

Eula was slightly annoyed at her boss's nonchalance, "I'll be out in five minutes."

Without a second thought, she hung up the phone before resuming her original reason for stopping by the station. She knew the Commissioner's motive for calling was to ensure she did not do additional work that night. True to her word, she removed all the files from her suitcase and filed them on her desk so she could resume in the morning. She would work the whole night if she could, but she got reprimanded the last time. She'd rather not have to deal with the headache. The night was finally over for her as she arrived home.

Eula couldn't turn on the lights, the oppressive weight of countless sleepless nights pressing down on her weary shoulders. The air felt thick with the remnants of her relentless pursuit of a solution to the case that had consumed her. As she stepped into her dimly lit apartment, a familiar dark hush enveloped her, the only sound being the faint rustle of her footsteps on the hardwood floor. Finally, she mustered the energy to reach for the lamp, and with a soft click, the warm glow of light spilled across the room, banishing the shadows that had gathered in the corners.

With the illuminating warmth providing comfort, Eula let out a deep, weary sigh that echoed off the walls, resonating with the exhaustion that had become her constant companion. She shuffled towards her bedroom, each step heavy with fatigue. Changing into her nightwear felt like an arduous task that stretched for ages.

At long last, clad in soft, familiar pajamas, she stood momentarily, leaning against the doorframe. The soft bed, with its inviting rumpled sheets, beckoned to her. Without a moment's hesitation, she threw herself onto the mattress face-first, the superb fabric providing instant solace to her aching body. As she lay there, the outside world faded into a distant murmur. With a heart free of concerns and a mind weary from strain, Eula surrendered to the soothing embrace of sleep, slipping away into a peaceful oblivion where nothing could reach her.