Chapter 31 Luxury Hotel Murder Case ③
Meanwhile, Kogoro Mouri followed the polite front desk lady all the way to the kitchen door of the hotel.
As soon as he reached the kitchen entrance, Kogoro Mouri was met with a strong, savory aroma and the cacophony of sounds emanating from within.
Pushing open the door, Kogoro Mouri observed a bustling scene of numerous chefs in pristine white hats and uniforms diligently working at their stations.
At that moment, a chef with a noticeably round face spotted Kogoro Mouri and the receptionist. His brow immediately furrowed, and he barked at them in an unpleasant tone, "This is the kitchen! Everyone else, get out!"
The front desk lady quickly interjected, "Chef, this is the detective hired by the manager. He's here to investigate the missing person case from a few days ago. We hope you can cooperate."
The chef glared at Kogoro Mouri and retorted coldly, "I don't care who he is. Not just anyone can waltz in here. If something goes wrong, who will take responsibility?"
The front desk lady appeared slightly helpless but maintained a firm tone. "This is the manager's decision. If you have any objections, you can address them directly with the manager."
Upon hearing this, the chef's expression darkened further. He shot a fierce glare at Kogoro Mouri, then turned and abruptly left the kitchen.
Kogoro Mouri watched the chef's retreating back, his brow furrowed in thought. He couldn't help but murmur softly, "Is there something amiss with that chef?"
The front desk lady sighed and confided in Kogoro Mouri in a low voice, "Mr. Mouri, please don't take offense. There has actually been ongoing friction between him and our manager. Just a few days ago, the chef's nephew was sent to prison by the manager for assaulting a woman. So now, anything arranged by the manager is bound to be met with trouble from the chef."
Kogoro Mouri nodded in understanding, realizing that this head chef was indeed a problematic individual. However, he also recognized that in this situation, it was best to avoid unnecessary confrontations, as it could lead to complications. Therefore, he decided to focus on investigating the missing person case first, hoping to avoid any direct conflict with the head chef.
Just as Kogoro Mouri was beginning his inspection of the kitchen, a sharp, pungent smell of blood permeated the air in the manager's office.
The portly manager slumped lifelessly in his office chair, his eyes wide open and his mouth agape, his expression frozen in a mask of utter horror, as if he had witnessed something truly terrifying.
A long, gaping wound marred his neck, with blood still oozing out, staining the surrounding area a gruesome red.
The unmistakable scent of blood drifted out through the office door.
"Ugh?" Ran and Ai Haibara simultaneously gagged, their faces paling drastically as they clutched their mouths.
"Ran, Ai, are you two alright?" Sonoko Suzuki asked, her face etched with concern.
"I... I'm fine, but... where is that smell of blood coming from?" Ran asked, her voice trembling slightly as she fought to control her nausea.
"Smell of blood? No! I don't smell anything!" Sonoko Suzuki sniffed the air intently, her brow furrowing slightly, a hint of doubt in her eyes.
"What Ran said is right; there is indeed a smell of blood," Ai Haibara confirmed at that moment.
Pregnant women often possess a heightened sensitivity to smells, particularly the distinct odor of blood.
Conan also sensed that something was amiss. Like an arrow released from a bow, he dashed upstairs, meticulously searching every room as thoroughly as sifting through a fine sieve, much to the annoyance of some guests who began to grumble like agitated cats.
Finally, Conan discovered the lifeless body of the lobby manager on the third floor. His eyes were wide open, seemingly expressing his unwillingness and the injustice of his untimely death.
Chapter 32 Luxury Hotel Murder Case ④
The atmosphere within the Metropolitan Police Department was thick with tension and gravity. Inspector Megure had just received a report of a crime, and he immediately led his team to the scene. Stepping into the hotel room, his eyes instantly landed on the familiar figure of Kogoro Mouri.
"Brother Mouri, I'm not trying to be rude, but could you please try to avoid attracting trouble? When you have some free time, perhaps visit a temple and pray to ward off whatever bad luck seems to follow you," Inspector Megure said with a sigh of helplessness, his expression as gloomy as the bottom of a sooty pot.
Kogoro Mouri chuckled awkwardly. "Haha! Officer Megure, you wound me! It's not about attracting trouble; it's about a case that requires the brilliant mind of the famous detective Kogoro Mouri to solve!"
Ran, standing nearby, couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. She was beyond words when it came to her father's predictable behavior. At this moment, Ai Haibara asked Ran curiously, "Ran, does your father often act like this?"
Ran blushed slightly and whispered, "Yeah... yes, Ai. I honestly wish I didn't know him sometimes. It's so embarrassing. Fortunately, Ayu isn't here. If he saw me now, I'd probably want the ground to swallow me whole."
As they spoke, they entered the crime scene and began their investigation of the manager's office.
Upon arriving, they saw Conan squatting beside the deceased, his brow furrowed in deep thought. The floor around him was marked with the traces of his restless pacing. Two prominent "井" (well) characters suddenly appeared on Kogoro Mouri's forehead, and he proceeded to deliver a series of sharp blows to Conan's head, so forceful that a comical string of candied haws seemed to materialize above the boy's skull. Without a moment's hesitation, he then tossed the head-clutching Conan out of the way.
"Haha, little brat, you deserved that!" Sonoko Suzuki laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
Damn witch! Conan cursed inwardly, though he didn't dare voice his displeasure. He could only rub his throbbing head while continuing to ponder the perplexing case before him.
He carefully observed the deceased and began his analysis. "The victim was clearly slashed across the throat. Judging by the precision of the wound, the murderer must be someone who frequently uses knives to be able to make such an accurate cut. Moreover, the expression on the deceased's face before he died suggests that he knew his attacker."
Conan's sharp gaze scanned the room, searching for any overlooked clues.
Just then, a figure suddenly appeared before Conan, drawing his attention. It was the head chef, standing there with an innocent expression, seemingly ready to defend himself. Inspector Megure began to question him seriously about his alibi.
The chef calmly stated that he had been speaking with Kogoro Mouri at the time of the murder and had no opportunity to commit the crime.
Conan frowned, his gaze fixed intently on the chef. As a detective, his keen intuition told him that something about this chef was amiss. However, the troublesome fact remained that the chef possessed a seemingly perfect alibi, leaving Conan feeling deeply perplexed.
After a moment of contemplation, Conan decided to approach the investigation from a different angle. He turned and walked over to the front desk, politely addressing the pretty receptionist. "Excuse me, were you the one who accompanied Uncle Mouri to the kitchen earlier?"
The receptionist smiled and replied, "Yes, I was!"
Conan then inquired, "So, at that time, did you happen to notice anything unusual or out of place?"
The receptionist paused, thinking carefully for a moment, then shook her head. "Hmm... it doesn't seem like there was anything particularly special."
"The only slightly strange thing was that the chef disappeared for a short while," the front desk lady recalled thoughtfully.
Upon hearing this, Conan's eyes lit up instantly, and he immediately pressed, "A period of time? How long exactly?"
The receptionist pondered for a moment before replying, "About a minute, I'd say. I remember an apprentice accidentally dropped a dish prepared for a guest, but strangely, the chef didn't come out to deal with the situation as he usually would. Since that kind of thing rarely happens, I have a particularly vivid memory of that brief period."
Chapter 33 Luxury Hotel Murder Case⑤
(Note: ayu is the mc lin yu)
Conan lowered his head, his brow furrowed in sharp concentration. "The murderer has to be the chef, there's no doubt about it. But the crucial point is, how could he possibly run from the kitchen to the third floor and commit the murder in just one minute? There must be some hidden, special method involved."
Unknowingly, Conan found himself back at the kitchen door. He pushed it open and stepped inside. The room was deserted. The chefs had already been summoned to the main hall by Inspector Megure for questioning.
"Little brat, what are you wandering around here for?" A sharp voice startled Conan from behind. Sonoko Suzuki stood there, hands on her hips, glaring at him.
At that moment, Ran, who was following Sonoko, frowned slightly. She keenly detected a strong odor of blood in the air. This smell was far more potent than what she had noticed at the manager's office earlier. She instinctively covered her nose and retched, "Ugh!!" The overwhelming feeling of nausea became unbearable, and she quickly turned and left the kitchen.
"Ran, what's wrong with you?" Sonoko asked with genuine concern.
"No, it's okay! I just smelled a strong bloody odor and felt a little nauseous," Ran said, her face pale. She did feel genuinely unwell but didn't want to cause unnecessary worry.
Sonoko frowned. "Ran, you used to get injured every day when you practiced karate, but I've never seen you react like this. Could it be that... you're pregnant?!" Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Ran.
Ran hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded in confirmation. Everyone would find out about her pregnancy eventually, so there was no point in hiding it now.
"That's wonderful! Come on, Ran, tell me who the father of the child is? Which handsome guy swept our Ran off her feet? It can't be that jerk Shinichi, right?" Seeing Ran's confirmation, Sonoko became as excited as if she'd been injected with adrenaline, eager to know all the details.
Ran smiled helplessly, thinking that Sonoko certainly had a vivid imagination. But she also knew that Sonoko cared deeply for her, so she wasn't annoyed.
Standing nearby, Conan's ears perked up, and he momentarily abandoned his investigation. He thought indignantly, There's actually someone who dares to steal my Ran? He resolved to find out who this audacious individual was. He couldn't help but think, No wonder I've felt like there's been a weight pressing down on me lately. Turns out it's a whole green field...
At this moment, Ran said softly, "Sonoko, you've actually met him before. He's the one who apprehended the robbers at the real estate agency last time." Her tone was filled with tenderness and sweetness.
Hearing this, Sonoko's eyes widened in surprise. "It's him! I remember now, he is indeed very handsome. But I recall he's married, right? Ran, tell me quickly, has he been mistreating you? If so, let me at him!" As she spoke, Sonoko rolled up her sleeves, looking ready to settle a score.
Ran quickly shook her head and explained, "No, Sonoko. Ayu is very good to me, and Ai is also wonderful to me. We're good sisters now! Ai has a somewhat reserved personality, but today, when she heard I was coming here, she specifically came to accompany me." As she said this, a happy smile illuminated Ran's face.
Sonoko said in surprise, "No wonder she looked so familiar! By the way, does your father, Uncle Mouri, know that you're pregnant?"
Ran shook her head gently. "No, I don't know how to tell him about it yet."
"Haha, if Uncle Mouri knew you were pregnant, he would definitely go ballistic!" Sonoko burst out laughing.
"Yes, I'm worried about that too. I'm really afraid Dad will have a conflict with Ayu because of this, and the situation will become incredibly messy," Ran said, her brow furrowed with worry.
Sonoko nodded in understanding. "Yes, indeed. With your family's fighting ability, and Uncle Mouri's small frame... tut tut tut!"
After a brief silence, Sonoko suddenly asked, "Ran, what about Shinichi? Do you still have feelings for him?"
Ran lowered her head slightly, a hint of melancholy in her expression. "Maybe we're just not meant to be together. He's always so engrossed in his own world, with only solving cases on his mind. Sometimes the cases are even more important to him than I am. Since I've chosen Ayu, then Shinichi and I can only be ordinary friends. I just hope that he can find his true other half in the future and live a happy life."
Chapter 34 Luxury Hotel Murder Case ⑥
In the kitchen, Conan leaned against the wall, a solitary figure with a downcast expression. Had the opportune moment slipped away unnoticed? Ran's words had brought him to the stark realization that he had missed a crucial chance to reveal the truth to her. If only he had mustered the courage to confess everything, perhaps the chasm between them wouldn't have grown so wide. But now, he had inadvertently created an unbridgeable divide between them.
Conan was consumed by self-blame and regret, but he soon shook himself out of his despair. He knew he couldn't dwell on past mistakes and needed to focus on the present case. He resolved to follow the faint scent of blood that Ran had mentioned and thoroughly investigate the mysterious kitchen.
Conan carefully followed the almost imperceptible trail of bloodstains deeper into the kitchen, his every step cautious. When he reached the innermost section, a powerful, nauseating stench assaulted his nostrils. He suppressed his discomfort and peered around, discovering that this area was incredibly filthy, covered in layers of dust and grime. In one corner sat a dilapidated refrigerator.
With an ominous feeling in his gut, Conan slowly approached the refrigerator. He took a deep breath and cautiously pulled open the door. An immediate wave of putrid odor hit him, almost causing him to vomit. However, the scene inside the refrigerator made him freeze in shock.
The refrigerator was filled with blood, along with a gruesome collection of severed limbs and minced meat, all emitting the overpowering stench. Conan's eyes widened in horror, and his body began to tremble uncontrollably. He stared at the macabre sight, completely unable to believe what he was seeing. "This... this..." Conan stammered, pointing a shaking finger at the refrigerator, unable to form a coherent sentence.
At that precise moment, a sudden chill ran down Conan's spine. He instinctively took a step back, his arm brushing against a slight protrusion on the wall. With a crisp "click," the wall behind Conan slowly slid open, revealing a dark, hidden passage.
Conan stared at the opening, his heart pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. After a moment of deliberation, he decided to bravely face this unknown passage. Carefully, Conan stepped into the darkness.
...
Back on the third floor, at the original crime scene, a mysterious hole had suddenly appeared beside the bookshelf. After Conan emerged from it, he was astonished to find that the opening was directly behind where the deceased manager had been sitting! This angle was incredibly concealed, allowing the murderer to easily slash the victim's throat unnoticed. A sharp glint flashed in Conan's glasses as he thought to himself, So that's it... I finally understand the murder method in this case!
Now, it was time to reveal the truth. He led Kogoro Mouri back to the crime scene and then seized an opportunity to inject an anesthetic needle into the unsuspecting detective, causing him to slump into unconsciousness. Quickly, Conan positioned himself in the boss's chair where the victim had been found.
Everything was set. Conan gathered everyone together under the guise of Kogoro Mouri needing to address them. The assembled group looked at the sleeping detective with anticipation, wondering what was about to happen. Hidden behind a nearby chair, Conan activated his voice changer and began his brilliant deduction.
...
"Actually, the real murderer is you!" Conan's voice, emanating from the seemingly sleeping Kogoro Mouri, pointed accusingly at the chef in the crowd, his eyes gleaming with confidence.
A collective gasp of shock rippled through the room as everyone turned to stare at the chef.
"How is that possible? What evidence do you have to prove that I killed anyone?" The chef's face paled drastically, and he vehemently denied the accusation.
Conan calmly activated the mechanism on the bookshelf, and the hidden passage reappeared. "This is what 'Uncle Mouri' found in the kitchen. Your fingerprints should be all over it. Most importantly, the murder weapon was also found inside. Moreover, only you had sufficient motive and opportunity to commit this crime!"
The chef suddenly collapsed to the floor, his lips trembling uncontrollably, unable to utter another word. However, unnoticed by the others, the corners of his mouth subtly turned upwards, revealing a sinister smile, as if he were secretly vowing to make them all pay.
"You're so amazing, you really are worthy of being an uncle!" Sonoko Suzuki exclaimed in amazement, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Haha, it's no big deal," Conan replied confidently, a smug smile playing on his lips.
"I wasn't praising you, kid. Why are you so proud?" Sonoko rolled her eyes at Conan with playful disdain.
Suddenly, just as several police officers were about to handcuff the chef and lead him away, he violently shoved them aside and pulled a sharp kitchen knife from his clothing. The blade glinted with a cold, menacing light. His face contorted into a hideous mask of rage, his eyes burning with murderous intent. He glared viciously at the sleeping Kogoro Mouri on the floor and lunged forward, stabbing downwards without hesitation.
"Everyone, be careful!" Inspector Megure, realizing the sudden danger, shouted a warning. His eyes widened with alarm as he watched the unfolding scene.
At that critical moment, Ran saw her father in mortal danger. Without a moment's hesitation, she surged forward and swiftly positioned herself in front of Kogoro Mouri. With a determined expression and lightning-fast reflexes, she executed a precise kick, accurately striking the chef's wrist.
"Crack!" The sharp sound of bone breaking echoed through the room as the chef's wrist snapped instantly, causing the kitchen knife to clatter to the floor. The force of Ran's kick sent the chef flying backward, and he collided heavily with the wall.
The weakened walls of the old hotel hall couldn't withstand the impact and shattered instantly, sending countless pieces of debris tumbling down. The chef was buried beneath the collapsing rubble.
"Gudong!" Conan swallowed hard, his eyes wide with disbelief. He muttered to himself, "It seems Ran's strength has increased again." He glanced at Ran's seemingly delicate frame, then down at his own small body, and couldn't help but shudder, imagining himself being on the receiving end of such a kick. A wave of fear washed over him.
At this time, Inspector Megure approached Ran, giving her a thumbs-up. "Well done, Ran, but that was quite a powerful kick!"
Ran smiled embarrassedly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, and said softly, "I was just worried that Dad would get hurt..." Her eyes were filled with genuine worry and concern.
Inspector Megure patted Ran on the shoulder reassuringly, then turned and ordered his subordinates to check on the chef.
When the police carefully cleared away the debris, they found the chef lying on the ground, unconscious. They quickly assessed him and confirmed that his life was not in immediate danger, but he had sustained serious injuries.
Inspector Megure breathed a sigh of relief and said thankfully, "Fortunately, no one was killed. Send him to the hospital for treatment and then interrogate him after he regains consciousness."
With that, the police quickly sprang into action, carefully lifting the chef onto a stretcher and transporting him to a police car, preparing to take him to the hospital for further medical attention.
Chapter 35 Earthbound Spirit
Just as the police officers were attempting to lift the chef, a bizarre phenomenon occurred. Countless tendrils of black gas suddenly erupted from the chef's body. The gases were as thick and dark as ink, emitting a repulsive, fetid odor. They spread rapidly, almost instantly corroding the hands of the officers who were holding the chef, forcing them to recoil in fear and release their grip.
The chef's body began to swell at an alarming rate, a transformation visible to the naked eye. His once-fitting clothes stretched and tore into shreds, revealing his skin, now a disturbing shade of dark grey, etched with strange, swirling lines that resembled demonic tattoos.
"What's going on?" a police officer shouted in terror, his voice trembling uncontrollably.
"Oh no! He's trying to escape!" Another officer, realizing the gravity of the situation, quickly drew his firearm and discharged several shots at the rapidly mutating chef.
However, the bullets struck the chef's expanding form as if hitting solid steel. They produced a sharp, metallic clang before ricocheting harmlessly to the floor, having no discernible effect.
At this moment, the chef's jaw unhinged, and he let out a guttural roar, a sound that seemed to claw its way up from the deepest abyss of hell. A thick, black mist billowed from his gaping mouth, swirling through the room like a malevolent whirlwind. The black fog was intensely corrosive and toxic, making it difficult for the police officers to breathe and causing a burning, stinging sensation in their eyes.
Koizumi Hongzi was visibly agitated and shouted urgently, "Everyone, get out of here quickly! It's extremely dangerous! That creature has manifested!"
"Ms. Koizumi, is this the earthbound spirit you mentioned earlier?" Ran asked, her face a mask of confusion and apprehension.
"Yes, if my deductions are correct, this chef murdered the victims as offerings to the earthbound spirit, and he even surrendered his own soul to it," Koizumi Hongzi stated, her gaze fixed on the horrifying spectacle before her. She knew in her heart that the situation had spiraled out of control. "We have to evacuate immediately!"
Just then, a hazy, indistinct figure began to coalesce within the swirling black fog. Although its precise features remained obscured, a palpable aura of immense power radiated from it.
"Is this the earthbound spirit...? But this completely defies scientific understanding!" Conan murmured in a low voice, his analytical mind struggling to reconcile the supernatural with logic.
The earthbound spirit spoke, its voice a low, grating rasp, "Want to escape? None of you will leave alive today..." Before it could complete its threat, a pair of enormous, leathery black wings unfurled from its back, and it swooped down towards the terrified group.
"Bang, bang, bang!" Inspector Megure bravely directed his men to fire continuously at the earthbound spirit, but their bullets seemed to pass right through the shadowy form, having minimal impact.
The earthbound spirit effortlessly dodged the ineffective gunfire, circling the crowd in a mocking display of its ethereal nature. Inspector Megure's face grew pale as the grim realization dawned on him: ordinary weapons were utterly useless against this supernatural entity.
"Damn it!" he gritted his teeth. "Notify headquarters and request immediate backup!"
However, the powerful gusts of wind generated by the earthbound spirit's massive wings whipped up the surrounding objects with violent force. The very structure of the hotel groaned and creaked as it was lifted from its foundations, threatening to collapse and crush everyone within.
At this critical juncture, a radiant golden shield materialized, enveloping the entire group in its protective embrace.
"This is..." Conan's eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at the shimmering golden light that surrounded them like an impenetrable barrier.
"Ai, you're amazing!" Ran exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and relief.
Everyone followed Ran's gaze and saw Ai Haibara standing calmly, a handful of vibrant yellow talismans clutched tightly in her hand. The talismans pulsed with a mysterious inner light, as if imbued with boundless power.
It turned out that Ai had purchased these yellow talismans from the chat group mall, and many of them had been personally drawn by the renowned Uncle Jiu. The talisman she now held aloft was a potent golden amulet, possessing formidable power to shield its user and others from malevolent forces.
Although her personal points were limited, barely reaching double digits, she had a husband with an overflowing abundance – Lin Yu. Now, all of Lin Yu's accumulated points were entrusted to her care, making her a veritable wealthy woman within the group. Consequently, she could utilize these mystical items freely, without the slightest worry about point consumption.
"Everyone, we are safe for now," Ai said with a reassuring smile.
Koizumi Hongzi stared at Ai Haibara in utter disbelief, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Ms. Haibara, you actually possess such a powerful talisman! Where did it come from?!"
Ai Haibara gently waved the talisman in her hand, the corners of her mouth curving into a subtle, enigmatic smile. "Well," she said softly, "that's a secret."
However, as her gaze shifted towards the menacing earthbound spirit, the smile on her face gradually faded, replaced by an expression of serious determination and alert caution.