"Don't worry, I'll whip up some porridge for you. Take a nap for now," Mouri said, switching on the radio to stay alert.
"In an apartment in Beika Town, the body of 41-year-old Nishiyama Tsutomu was discovered," the news anchor's voice droned. "The body was found by his mother, who came to clean his place today. Next to the body, the computer screen displayed the cryptic message: 'One down, ShadowMage.' The police are investigating it as a criminal case."
Conan, half-asleep in the car, stirred at the news. After this whole trip, his cold seemed worse than when they'd left.
The anchor continued, "Nishiyama was an avid online networker. He was set to attend an offline meetup today as the leader of a magic enthusiasts' chatroom. Tragically, this incident occurred."
Conan's eyes snapped open, suddenly alert.
"Magic enthusiasts…" Even Mouri, who'd been chain-smoking to stay awake, perked up.
That meetup! It was at the villa where he'd dropped off Sonoko and Ran!
Mouri slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a screeching halt. The two detectives locked eyes.
"Uncle, we've gotta turn back!" Conan said, his face dead serious.
Something was definitely wrong with that meetup. One down, ShadowMage. Whoever left that message likely had another target.
Without hesitation, Mouri spun the car around, speeding back toward the villa in the mountains. But soon, he slowed down, frowning. "Didn't Dr. Agasa say…"
"Huh?" Conan blinked.
Right—the repairman was still at the villa!
With him there, things should be fine. Probably.
…Maybe not.
Before dinner.
"How's Doi Takki doing?" Aragi Yosuke asked Tsune as he came down the stairs.
He and Sugama had just prepared a feast, only for Doi to suddenly fall ill.
"Looks like a cold. He took some meds and should be fine after a nap," Tsune said, sniffing the aroma of the food and waving a hand to reassure everyone.
That guy would probably gag at the smell of fish—he wasn't coming to the table, no way.
Dr. Agasa emerged from the kitchen with a plate, beaming. "Tsune, should we save some fish dishes for him?"
Maybe because of their similar builds, the doctor had taken a liking to the friendly RedHerring.
Tsune froze, unsure how to decline politely.
Doc, you're way too nice!
"I'll make him some porridge later. Let's eat!" Aragi called, ushering everyone to the table.
Over dinner, the group debated their favorite magicians.
"My favorite's Kuroba Toichi," Aragi said, cutting into his steak. "His stage performances were nothing short of magical."
Tsune nodded. The thief upstairs, doing who-knows-what, would be thrilled to hear that.
With that thought, Tsune waved over Sugama and asked for Doi's steak to be brought to him.
"Uh… sure." Sugama blinked, watching Tsune devour a steak in two bites, unlike the others' refined manners. He went to the kitchen and brought back Doi's portion.
While Tsune happily dug in, Tanaka Kikue spoke up with a smile. "If I had to pick, it'd be Kinoshita Yoshiro. Barely twenty and already a master of every trick in the book!"
Hamano Toshiya chimed in. "I'm a big fan of Tsukumo Genkō."
Hearing they all chose long-deceased magicians, Kuroda Naoko laughed. "I prefer the current hotshot, Sanada Issei."
"Kaito Kid!" Sonoko declared.
That mysterious thief was the top pick for most thrill-seeking teens who loved magic.
"Tsune, your turn," Dr. Agasa nudged, noticing him focused on his food.
"I pick Kaito Kid too!" Tsune said, nodding at Sonoko.
For magic, you couldn't beat the Kid. His escape tricks? One wrong move, and you're locked up for life.
As night fell, Mouri and Conan finally arrived back at the villa.
They stared at the suspension bridge, now engulfed in roaring flames, and froze.
That bridge was the only way to the villa.
"Hey! What're you guys doing back?" Tsune called from the other side, waving. He'd come out for a post-dinner stroll.
The bridge was a short distance from the villa, around a slight bend, so only Tsune, out for a walk, had noticed the fire.
"What's up with this bridge?!" Mouri shouted back.
"It's tonight's magic trick!" Tsune yelled. "It just burst into flames when I got here!"
He didn't know what device was used, but he was loving the surprise.
It'd be even better when the phone lines got cut later. Classic!
Conan, seeing Tsune's relaxed demeanor, held back from rushing over. "The chatroom leader, EscapeKing—real name Nishiyama Tsutomu—was killed by someone called ShadowMage!"
"Nice!" Tsune replied with a single word.
Just then, the wooden bridge collapsed completely, its neatly cut planks falling into the ravine below, freed from their ropes.
Nice? What's that supposed to mean?
Conan didn't have time to roast him. Glancing at Mouri, he shouted in his childish voice, "Tsune bro, they might have another target! Get back to the villa!"
You're out here taking a walk at a time like this?
"You're not coming over?" Tsune asked, a bit bummed.
Why wasn't Conan charging across? With him and Kid, they could've played a round of cards or something.
"…" Conan tilted his head, his face screaming disbelief.
You expect me to fly over there?
"Tsune, we're leaving this to you! We're heading down to call the police!" Mouri said, dragging Conan to the car. They sped off.
Tsune watched the car disappear, yawned, and strolled back to the villa, hands behind his back.
(End of Chapter)
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