Leipzig · Thirteenth Department Anomaly Affairs Department.
The Anomalous Intervention Department established by the [Thirteenth Department] in Leipzig presented itself as a public gallery, open to all. It displayed all manner of outstanding paintings, along with anomalous artworks created by anomalous artists, such as the one before Xia Xiu.
The colors within the painting constantly expanded and shifted, brilliant hues layering over one another to render its painted waves in three dimensions.
The painting depicted a ship rocking in a violent storm. On its deck, a boy sobbed uncontrollably, holding a dead compatriot in his arms. Hazy mist already wreathed the sea, and flashes of lightning flickered through it. Sailing alone across this painted ocean, the solitary vessel swayed uneasily with the waves.
These images appeared before Xia Xiu in three dimensions through a memetic medium.
"Obituary."
That was the work's name. Xia Xiu glanced down at the date of creation beneath its frame.
1589.10.02.
It had been created shortly after the "September 29 Massacre," so the meaning this work titled "Obituary" sought to convey was self-evident.
"No one stops working for an obituary." A voice reached Xia Xiu's ear, and he turned toward its source.
An exhausted-looking man stood near Xia Xiu. His dark eye circles and the oppressive air surrounding him, despite his efforts to keep himself going, all spoke of his fatigue.
"Wendell Asriel, captain of Glowmist, the special operations team established by the [Thirteenth Department]."
The weary Wendell approached the blond young man, extending his hand as he introduced himself.
"Xiu Abraham. Professor Nimus sent me to assist the [Thirteenth Department] in handling the anomalous community incident."
Xia Xiu reached out and shook his hand.
"I heard you're an Angel of Heaven studying abroad at Deer College," Wendell continued.
"Yes."
"Nimus, the former president of the