Chapter 24: The Timing is Off

At the time of the crime, besides the suspect being spotted in the hallway of the victim’s residence, there was no evidence of anyone else’s presence. So, who could have killed the family of three? Could it be a ghostly deed?

【Ding, case activation successful.】

【Police God case sign-in initiated.】

【Host, would you like to sign in?】

Xiao Yu, “???”

How does this system always appear out of nowhere? Do you know how startling that can be? I am a human being, after all. Can’t I get a little respect?

After a moment of hesitation, Xiao Yu silently agreed in his mind, ‘Sign in.’

【Ding, congratulations on your successful case sign-in!】

【System Reward: Firearms Expertise!】

【System Task Assigned: Solve the Major Homicide and Dismemberment Case!】

【Deadline for solving the case: Ten days.】

【If the host completes the task within the time limit, an additional System Skill, ‘Nose of the Monarch Butterfly,’ will be awarded.】

【If the host fails within the time limit, the granted system abilities will be withdrawn.】

【Countdown for the time-limited task begins now.】

In a flash, a tidal wave of ‘firearms knowledge’ forcefully flooded into Xiao Yu’s brain. Not just that, his body was also imprinted with an array of ‘firearms skills.’ The sensation was nothing short of magical, endowing him with an innate understanding and proficiency in countless types of firearms.

Having already experienced the ‘combat expert’ skill previously, he wasn’t too taken aback this time. However, what intrigued him was this new ability, ‘Nose of the Monarch Butterfly.’

Filled with curiosity, Xiao Yu pulled out his phone to search for information on the Monarch Butterfly. The revelation was startling. 

Monarch Butterfly: The creature with the most acute sense of smell, capable of detecting the scent of its female counterpart from several kilometers away.

Xiao Yu was astounded. Was this an olfactory ability surpassing that of a dog’s nose?

Recalling how he received the ‘Falcon Eyes’ after solving a case a few days ago, which gave him eyesight rivaling the sharpest in the animal kingdom, he realized something. He had once thought his system was low-end and useless, but now he understood that his system was, in fact, incredibly powerful.

With a snap, a hand landed on Xiao Yu’s shoulder, startling him out of his excited daze. He nearly jumped out of his skin.

“Master, you scared me,” Xiao Yu exclaimed, turning to see Guo Qiang.

“Stop joking around,” Guo Qiang chuckled. “Little Xiao, don’t call me ‘Master.’ I really can’t handle that kind of honor.”

Xiao Yu laughed in response. The police force, in some ways, resembled the military. It values seniority, rank, and, most importantly, ability.

Even a talented soldier at the rank of Sergeant Major could command respect. Sometimes, even a general would salute such a soldier first. This Sergeant Major might have trained numerous junior officers, field officers, and perhaps even generals. Maybe he didn’t rise through the ranks for certain reasons, but his skills were undeniable.

Who in the Criminal Investigation Brigade wasn’t aware of Xiao Yu’s ability now? The higher-ups had declared that once the warehouse murder case was closed, there would be a collective third-class merit and an individual third-class merit awarded. Solving the case within a limited timeframe had its pros and cons.

Successfully solving a case within the deadline often resulted in substantial recognition and rewards from higher-ups. 

However, failure to do so within the time limit came with severe consequences. Light internal warnings were just the beginning, more severe repercussions could include being stripped of your duties and potentially ending your career in law enforcement.

For the warehouse murder case, everyone in the brigade was well aware that significant credit and a handsome bonus were at stake. As for the individual third-class merit. It was undoubtedly reserved for Xiao Yu.

Wasn’t that enviable?

Inside the Criminal Investigation Brigade, everyone, without exception, coveted such recognition. 

Take Guo Qiang, for example. In his sixteen years of service, he had at most received a few honorary medals within the city’s police system. But a third-class merit? Such commendations were rare throughout the city’s entire police force.

There was a saying that perfectly captures this. “Third-class merits are received standing, second-class lying down, and first-class merits are received by family members.” 

While it was an exaggeration, it spoke to the harsh reality that higher-level merits often come at the cost of great personal risk. Even a third-class merit was a significant achievement in its own right.

With this merit under his belt, once Xiao Yu officially became a full-fledged officer, his police rank was set to automatically advance one level. Indeed, in the police system, meritorious service often led to rank promotions. 

Though police rank typically didn’t directly correlate with one’s position, it did have implications for salary and future promotions. Advancing one rank meant an additional pay of more than 300 yuan a month.

But more importantly, holding a certain rank might not guarantee promotion, yet lacking the necessary rank almost certainly prevented it.

“How’s the case file looking?” Guo Qiang, with a glance at the file in front of Xiao Yu, asked with a beaming smile.

The young man had potential. Perhaps he could unearth some clues.

“The suspect, despite lacking an alibi and leaving various traces at the crime scene, is…” Xiao Yu shook his head confidently, “unlikely to be the murderer.”

“What?” Guo Qiang was astounded. “Why are you so sure?”

‘You haven’t even been to the crime scene. How can you be so certain he’s innocent, based solely on the file?’ Guo Qiang thought.

“There seems to be an oversight by the case handlers, either due to negligence or carelessness,” Xiao Yu pointed at the file, “The timeline just doesn’t add up.”

“Timeline?” Guo Qiang looked puzzled, his expression mirroring a question mark.

A moment later, his eyes sparked with realization. He dashed off, leaving behind a cryptic remark, “Wait here.”

Wait for what? Xiao Yu was left bewildered.

Soon after, he found himself summoned to the conference room. The captain, deputy captains, and others were present, all eyes fixed on him.

“Explain what you mean,” Zhao Changshan’s voice was stern. “What’s wrong with the timeline?”

‘This is what I dread the most, having teammates who don’t get it,’ Xiao Yu thought, a hint of frustration in his mind. If only the case file had provided a clearer sequence of events, he wouldn’t have to exert so much effort in piecing together the truth.

Faced with questions from his superiors, Xiao Yu assumed a serious demeanor.

“The timing of the suspect’s alleged crime… it just doesn’t make sense.”