"In medicine, modern hypnosis traces to 1843, its name derived from the Greek word for sleep."
"Simply put, hypnosis leverages two layers of human thought: consciousness and subconsciousness."
"Normally, consciousness dominates when awake. Hypnosis focuses consciousness on a single point, freeing the subconscious from suppression. This opens both layers simultaneously, allowing direct communication with the subconscious, bypassing consciousness."
"Types of hypnosis include…"
"…"
"…"
Hayato Masaki had been studying diligently.
He'd picked up a few beginner books on psychology and hypnosis, diving into them earnestly.
It was a profound but dry subject.
Truthfully, he wasn't fascinated—just pragmatic. It was useful, so he'd learn.
Book knowledge alone was shallow, though. Hayato planned to master the basics, then experiment with Spider's gear.
"Bookstores have slim pickings on this. Better check the library."
Snapping the book shut, he glanced at the time and decided to head out.
He drove from his apartment's garage.
Libraries usually closed at 6:00 p.m. It was just past 5:00 p.m.—he'd arrive around 5:30, plenty of time.
Soon, he reached the library.
It was oddly quiet for after-school hours, with few people around.
Hayato didn't dwell on it. Following signs, he took the elevator to the third floor.
The doors opened—
In a bright, spacious area, near rows of bookshelves, a familiar group of kids and a big goofball were chatting.
Conan, Kojima Genta, and the rest…
"You guys here to study?" Hayato asked, approaching with a friendly smile.
"Huh?"
"Big Bro!"
"Hayato-nii?"
His arrival sparked varied reactions from the kids.
Yoshida Ayumi beamed with delight, Tsuburaya Mitsuhiko and Conan were polite, while Kojima Genta pointed, shouting, "I know you!"
Hayato glanced at him, unbothered, and casually ruffled Ayumi's hair.
She glowed, cheeks flushing.
"We're here to read and write book reports. It's homework due tomorrow," she explained.
"Nice work," Hayato said.
"Are you reading too, Big Bro?" Ayumi asked.
"Came to borrow some books," Hayato replied, still smiling. "Know where the psychology section is?"
"Over there," Mitsuhiko pointed promptly. "I saw it earlier."
"Thanks."
Hayato strolled over.
The shelves held a solid collection—quite comprehensive.
Hypnosis, a psychology subset, had its own dedicated section.
Hypnosis by Voice, The Power of the Subconscious, Self-Healing Hypnosis, Hypnotic Memory Techniques…
Eyeing the titles, Hayato reached for one, but with Conan nearby, he grabbed a general psychology book instead.
His movement caught Conan's eye.
"Hayato-nii, you're wearing a ring?" Conan noted.
"Yeah, a friend's gift. Too flashy?"
"Not flashy, but it's unique."
Conan's face turned serious. "Hayato-nii, I need to tell you something."
"Go ahead," Hayato said, listening attentively.
"An employee here went missing. Megure-keibu and the police were just searching the place—"
"Hey, Conan! You weren't supposed to spill!" Mitsuhiko cut in.
"Yeah, didn't we agree the Detective Boys would solve this ourselves?" Genta huffed.
Hayato glanced at them, smiling but ignoring their protests, and asked Conan, "What's the deal?"
"It's like this, Big Bro," Ayumi jumped in eagerly. "Megure-keibu said an employee named Tamada vanished the night before last. He's super diligent, always calling his wife from here before heading home… but that night, he didn't."
"He always called home from the library?" Hayato echoed.
He recalled it now.
Few Detective Conan episodes stuck with him, but the library case, with its eerie vibe, had left a mark.
"You're thinking since he didn't call, something happened here, right, Hayato-nii?" Conan said. "The police searched but found nothing."
"So you're not here for homework—you're hunting clues?" Hayato asked, grinning.
The kids puffed up proudly, some even rubbing their noses.
Not cute at all…
Hayato wasn't fond of reckless kids, especially oblivious ones.
"By the way, how're your grades?" he asked.
"Ayumi's great!" Ayumi chirped.
"I'm near the top, too," Mitsuhiko added.
"What's with you guys bragging?" Genta grumbled.
Conan stayed quiet, letting Ayumi and Mitsuhiko bask while Genta sulked.
Hayato just smiled, browsing the shelves again.
Seeing no reaction, Conan pressed, "Hayato-nii, don't you care about the missing employee?"
"Not that I don't care. But didn't you say the police searched and found nothing?"
"Maybe they missed something—"
"That's not our place to meddle," Hayato replied, scanning books. "Police need warrants to search homes. Us poking around a public space without evidence isn't right."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Genta snapped, indignant.
***
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