The blood splattered her pristine white lab coat, leaving a crimson stain that spread like a careless brushstroke.

“Oops,” Hange muttered, glancing at the mark. She decided it didn’t bother her too much; after all, it wasn’t the first stain, nor would it be the last.

She was immersed in an autopsy, working on a body that had arrived at the morgue that morning. Her hands moved with precision, guided by years of experience, as the metallic scent of blood and the chill of steel filled the room.

Suddenly, the creak of the entrance door shattered the silence. Hange cursed under her breath, annoyed at the interruption.

“Is this the autopsy room?” a soft but firm voice asked.

Hange looked up and saw a girl with porcelain-pale skin, jet-black hair streaked with pink and lilac, and dressed entirely in black. Over her clothes, she wore a white lab coat, identical to Hange’s, though hers looked freshly donned.

“That’s right, dear,” Hange replied, adjusting her glasses with a quick gesture. “I’m in the middle of something here. If you have any questions, come find me in a couple of hours.” She turned back to her work.

But after a few seconds, she noticed no footsteps retreating. Frowning, Hange turned again, only to meet the girl’s gaze, fixed on the body with an almost magnetic fascination.

“I came to observe your work,” the girl said seriously. “I want to specialize in forensic medicine.”

She took a step closer, her face a mix of awe and insatiable curiosity.

“Great,” Hange murmured to herself, feeling a spark of excitement ignite in her chest. In all her years at the morgue, few people had shown such genuine interest in forensic medicine. No one, really, with the same intensity she felt.

“Alright!” she exclaimed, unable to contain her enthusiasm. “I can work and explain the findings as we go. Let’s get to it!” She returned to the body but paused for a moment. “By the way, what’s your name?”

“Jade,” the girl replied, her eyes still glued to the table. “Jade West.”

Hange flashed a wide smile. “Pleasure to meet you, Jade. I’m Dr. Hange Zoe.” And with a renewed spark in her eyes, she resumed her work, this time with more energy than she’d started the day with.