By Elara Nightshade
Gothika – The magical city of Gothika is reeling from a disturbing wave of disappearances and deaths among its non-magical population, commonly referred to as Duds. Over the past fortnight, more than a dozen Duds have gone missing, only to be discovered dead in the shadowy alleys of the city’s underbelly. The common thread linking these tragic losses is the presence of a new and deadly drug known as Rize, coupled with the alarming fact that all victims were found completely drained of blood.
The first of these gruesome discoveries was made in the quiet neighborhood of Moonglow, where the lifeless body of 23-year-old Edwin Clarke was found slumped against a crumbling wall, his veins empty and skin pallid. Since then, a string of similar cases has emerged, plunging the Dud community into a state of fear and mistrust. Authorities have identified Rize, a potent substance that has recently flooded Gothika’s black market, as the suspected cause of these deaths.
Chancellor Valeria Hawthorne, the city’s current leader, is facing mounting criticism from both magical and non-magical residents alike. Hawthorne, who rose to power on a platform of unity and protection for all citizens, is now being accused of failing to uphold her promises. The recent events have led to nightly protests outside the Marble Tower, the seat of Gothika’s government, with citizens demanding greater protection and transparency.
“I used to believe in Chancellor Hawthorne’s vision,” said Lydia Frost, a local shopkeeper and long-time resident of Gothika. “But now, I fear for my life every time I step out of my door. We need answers, and we need them now.”
The Gothika Guard, the city’s magical law enforcement, is reportedly working around the clock to investigate these mysterious deaths. However, with each new victim, confidence in their ability to control the situation wanes. The Guard’s initial theory that the deaths were due to accidental overdoses has been met with skepticism, particularly given the peculiar and sinister detail of the blood drainage.
“We are exploring all possibilities, including the involvement of dark magic,” stated Captain Theron Blackwood at a recent press conference. “Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of all Gothika’s residents, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.”
The Dud Advocacy Alliance, a group dedicated to protecting the rights of non-magical individuals, has issued a public statement demanding immediate action and an independent investigation into the matter. “We refuse to be silent as our people are hunted down and murdered,” declared Belinda Gale, the organization’s fiery leader. “Chancellor Hawthorne must step up, or step down.”
The city remains on edge as the mystery deepens. Whispers of a possible connection to ancient vampiric cults circulate, adding an additional layer of terror to an already fraught situation. For now, Gothika’s residents can only hope that the Guard will soon uncover the truth behind these heinous crimes and restore peace to their beloved city.
As dusk falls and the lanterns of Gothika flicker to life, a somber cloud hangs over the once vibrant streets. The citizens, both magical and non-magical, find themselves united in fear and uncertainty, awaiting the day when they can once again walk their city without looking over their shoulders. Until then, the question lingers in the air: who or what is behind the Rize epidemic, and what will it take to stop them?
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For continuing coverage on the Dud disappearances and the Rize drug epidemic, stay tuned to The Gothika Times.