Chapter 1.

The First Victim.

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It was a cold, cloudy morning when Detective Officer Iraide Dagna received the call. A body had been found in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. Iraide shuddered at the thought of what she might find, but she knew it was her duty to investigate. With a heavy heart she headed to the scene.

The warehouse was surrounded by a police precinct when she arrived. The sound of radios and officers' voices filled the air, creating an atmosphere of tension. Iraide stepped under the yellow tape and entered the dark building accompanied by her assistant, Detective Jared Guit.

The scene that unfolded before her eyes was grotesque. A man hung from a beam, his feet severed and a trail of human fat dripping from his body. Blood had pooled on the floor, forming a thick, dark puddle. Iraide felt a wave of nausea, but forced herself to maintain her composure.

It's horrible, Jared muttered, his voice shaking slightly. ¿Who could do something like that?

The medical examiner, Dr. Marissa Cole, stood over the body, taking notes and examining the wounds with professional precision. Marissa was known for her ability to remain calm in the most gruesome situations, but even she seemed disturbed by what she saw.

The victim was found in this state, Marissa reported, her voice shaking.

Marissa nodded. I've looked at old reports of similar crimes. This modus operandi matches a series of murders that occurred over three centuries ago. The victims were found in the same way: with their feet cut off, hung up, and stripped of their fat.

¿Are you saying it could be a copycat? Jared asked, surprised.

It's possible, Marissa replied. But there's something else. The pattern is too exact. It's like someone has studied these crimes in detail.

Iraide felt a chill run down her spine. The idea that someone could be recreating the heinous acts of a centuries-dead killer was disturbing. We need to investigate further, she said determinedly.

Jared, take care of looking through the historical files. I want to know everything about those old crimes. Marissa, continue with the autopsy and look for any clues that might help us.

As Jared headed to the municipal library and Marissa continued her work at the crime scene, Iraide was left alone with her thoughts. She looked at the hanging body and felt a mix of anger and sadness. She knew she had to solve this case, not only to get justice for the victim, but also to prevent more lives from being taken in such a brutal way.

Hours later, Jared returned with a folder full of old documents and newspaper clippings. I found information on a man known as the Renové Ripper, he said as he spread the papers out on a table. He was a sadistic criminal who terrorized the city for decades. His victims were found in the same manner as our victim today.

Iraide examined the papers carefully; The Renové Ripper died over 300 years ago, she muttered. It's impossible for it to be him. But these crimes are identical. 9?

It could be someone trying to imitate him, Jared suggested. A sick admirer who wants to continue his legacy exactly like the previous Ripper did because no criminal, unless they're immortal, can live for more than 100 years. And these crimes have a 300-year line, so it's a long line of copycat fans.

Iraide nodded, her mind working quickly. We need to find out who this copycat is and stop him before he strikes again. There's something more to these crimes, something we don't understand yet. But we'll find out, whatever the cost.

With renewed determination, Iraide and Jared dove into the investigation, aware that time was running out. They knew they were facing a cunning and ruthless enemy, but they also knew they couldn't give up. The truth was out there, hidden in the shadows, waiting to be unearthed.