The day after being violated by "Nightmare Reem" in a dream world that mimicked reality, Shiori returned from university, went through her usual routine, and logged into the world of Fantasia World.

"Well... I wonder if there’s anything interesting."

She stood before the guild’s bulletin board in Middle City, carefully scanning for any suitable quests.

"Hmm... Oh, this is..."

Ten quest slips were posted on the wall. As Shiori read through them one by one, one particular quest caught her interest.

"’Capture of a Serial Rapist’... Hmm. Oh, that looks good."

The quest was titled Capture the Serial Rapist (Recommended Level 20). The notice explained that young women in town were being assaulted one after another, and someone was needed to find and catch the perpetrator.

Given the content of the quest, Shiori quickly realized that if she failed, her character would be attacked by the rapist. A smile spread across her face.

"It might be nice to try something simple like this for a change. Let’s get started."

Still feeling a thrill of excitement, Shiori took the quest slip and accepted it.

---

"Nice to meet you. You’re the one who accepted the request from the Guild, right? I’m a guard named Kanrei. Thank you in advance for your cooperation."

"Nice to meet you too. I’m Shiori."

After accepting the quest, Shiori arrived at the designated location and met a young guard named Kanrei, who was in charge of investigating the recent series of rapes. Kanrei introduced himself with a refreshing smile, and as Shiori gave her name, he let out a small groan.

"Shiori... I never expected someone so beautiful to come. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Now then, shall I explain the details of the incident again?"

"Yes, please."

Shiori listened to Kanrei’s explanation while reading the documents he handed her.

The first victim was identified three weeks ago. The crime came to light when a guard found the victim—raped and abandoned in an alley—and took her into custody. After that, incidents began occurring every few nights. Young women were attacked, and their bodies were left somewhere in the city.

So far, six female victims had been identified. Additionally, three other women had suddenly become reluctant to go outside or began showing signs of fear. Though they hadn’t admitted anything to those close to them, it was presumed they too were victims, since their symptoms began after nights they didn’t come home. In effect, there were nine victims.

The attacks took place at night in various parts of the city. There were no specific locations.

Most importantly, none of the women who were attacked could name the perpetrator. They said things like "I don’t know" or "I don’t remember." There was no information about the rapist at all.

"That’s the situation."

"I see..."

Shiori nodded to show she understood. Seeing her reaction, Kanrei sighed in agreement and continued. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Since the perpetrator has no fixed area of activity, we’ll have to patrol the streets at night and look for anyone suspicious. It might be difficult, but... is that alright?"

"Yes, that’s fine."

Shiori nodded. Kanrei clenched his fists tightly.

"Rapists who target young, vulnerable women... I cannot forgive them. We’ll definitely catch him, Shiori."

"Yes. Let’s do that."

---

Night fell.

Shiori stood alone in front of the Guild.

"Okay... ready?"

The guard Kanrei was nowhere to be seen. The original plan was for two people to patrol, but instead, Shiori—a young woman who fit the victim profile, stunningly beautiful with an excellent figure—would deliberately wander the city alone as bait to lure out the rapist. If the rapist appeared, she and Kanrei, waiting at a distance, would take him down together.

Because of this plan, Shiori was left alone.

"Looks like Kanrei is in position... Well then, let’s go."

After confirming Kanrei was some distance away, Shiori began patrolling alone.

As she walked through the night city, she started to think.

Still... what kind of person is the perpetrator of these serial rapes?

No testimony from the victims existed. Was he the type who attacked young women without a second thought? Was he targeting a specific type of woman? What were his motives?

And more than that, Shiori was troubled by the fact that none of the female victims could name the attacker.

Hmm... maybe...

Just as she was thinking that, several figures appeared in front of her.

"Heh heh, hey sis. Wanna hang out with us?"

"Let’s do something that feels good together."

"She’s a pretty girl, hehe."

"You people..."

Three thugs appeared, giving Shiori lecherous looks. Their expressions made it very clear what they were thinking.

Seeing them, Shiori thought for a moment about what to do... then, as if making up her mind, she quietly gripped her rapier.

"...Hmph!"

"Whoa!?"

"Whoa!?"

"Whoa?!"

The next moment, Shiori instantly closed the distance and held her blade to their necks. The thugs, completely unable to follow her swift movements, cried out in surprise and terror at her sudden appearance and the blade pointed at them.

"You’re in the way. Get out."

"I’m so sorry!"

"Ahhhhh!?"

"Whoaaaaah!"

Her cold words pushed them over the edge. The thugs fled the scene in a panic.

"Wow... Shiori, you’re strong. I can’t believe it’s over before I could even catch up."

"Oh, Kanrei."

Immediately after, Kanrei, who had been at a different location, came over.

"It looks like everything’s fine, so I’ll leave again. See you in a bit."

"Yes."

The thugs had already fled. Kanrei glanced at Shiori and quickly walked away.

After that scene, Shiori resumed her patrol.

---

Twenty minutes passed since the patrol began. The suspected rapist had yet to appear.

I wonder if this will end in a complete miss...

Aside from the earlier encounter with the thugs, nothing else had happened. Just as Shiori was starting to feel a little uneasy about what might come next, Kanrei—who was supposed to be somewhere far away—suddenly appeared.

"Shiori, you look a little tired. How about taking a break here? There’s a resting spot over there."

"Yes... that might be a good idea."

Finally, maybe something will happen.

Driven by that thought, Shiori turned her body in the direction Kanrei was pointing.

"...Hmph!"

"Eh...?!"

That was the moment.

A powerful electric shock ran through Shiori’s body.

"W-what... ah... uh... uhh..."

The sudden shock caused Shiori to fall to her knees... and then she lost consciousness.

"...Heh heh heh heh..."

The man who had shocked her—Kanrei—looked down at Shiori’s beautiful face and unconscious body with a lustful smile.