Chapter 98
Thanks to the unspoken understanding between Dazai Osamu and Fyodor, the final plan proceeded smoothly.
Just as Ranpo happily went to the detective competition with Akiko and Rimbaud, Mary Shelley left Japan with Adam and Verlaine, and Ivan boarded a plane to Russia with Pushkin, the wanted posters for the detective agency were released at the opportune moment.
The Armed Detective Agency is classified as a "transnational supernatural criminal terrorist organization."
According to the president, his teacher later went to negotiate, arguing that under no circumstances should a legitimate agency with a license to operate special abilities be labeled as a criminal organization, causing an uproar among local residents and police officers who had received assistance from the detective agency.
However, the government leadership rejected Natsume Soseki's negotiations with an extremely cold attitude.
"Compared to realizing your unrealistic 'Three-Part Concept,' which even requires us to make concessions, Natsume-sensei."
The government official replied to Natsume Soseki with a smile, "We prefer to hold all the power in the world in our own hands."
“How are you going to do that?” Natsume Soseki couldn’t understand. “Don’t forget the political scandals that have been frequently exposed recently… Public support has been declining, to the point that people are even questioning your very existence.”
"So what?" a senior government official said dismissively. "They will soon see the glorious achievements we are about to make. No one will even bother to talk about such a trivial scandal."
“…”
Natsume Soseki was silent for a moment before continuing to ask him, "I heard that you mobilized a special unit from the military and police. Was it to apprehend the escaped members of the Detective Agency?"
"Of course, they are the strongest superhumans in the military and police." The tone of the high-ranking government official was arrogant.
"Even if the Special Abilities Division refuses to assist in the pursuit, citing the excuse that the [Special Dangerous Ability Users] refuse to take action and are difficult to force, we are not without options."
"In fact, there's an even more exciting show about to unfold, Natsume-sensei."
—Following this unpleasant conversation, Natsume Soseki specifically reminded his students to pay attention to government developments, especially the special unit within the military and police, the "Hounds."
In particular, the members of the "Hound" are not only top-tier superhumans, but their physical abilities have also been specially modified by superhuman technicians, far exceeding those of ordinary people.
“I heard that Fukuchi Sakuragi, the captain of the Hound, is a friend you’ve known since childhood,” Natsume Soseki suggested on the phone. “If you negotiate with him and he takes the lead, there might still be room for maneuver in this matter.”
"Thank you for your help, Natsume-sensei," the club president replied earnestly. "Please don't worry, I'll handle it."
After exchanging a few more words, the president, who was sitting behind his desk, hung up the phone and remained silent.
Despite his authoritative and composed tone when dealing with Natsume-sensei, which was full of reassuring persuasiveness, he himself had not been told the specific details of the plan by Dazai... He was only told to go with the flow and let the government do whatever it wanted.
If being wanted by the government was part of the plan, then what should he do next? Cooperate with Genichiro's arrest and surrender...?
Upon meeting the president's gaze, Dazai Osamu spread his hands and said, "We're the ones who would surrender without a fight. President, you'd better try your best to get us out."
President: "…………"
I didn't understand at all, and I'm still completely clueless about what role he's supposed to play in the plan.
...Didn't you give me even the slightest hint, Dazai-kun? He's not Ranpo.
However, upon closer examination, the known information is that Genichiro has allied with Fyodor and intends to use that vampire count to achieve world peace... vampire?
The president, who had suddenly figured this out, looked surprised, which earned him a knowing smile from Dazai Osamu, who had been carefully observing his expression.
"The president has already noticed, hasn't he? That's right, the operation to transform vampire familiars has begun. But this time..."
"Even the government became his accomplice."
Snap.
It was the sound of ammunition running out and the gun slipping from someone's hand and falling to the ground.
What followed was a terrified wail and scream, blood gushing from the neck, forcing the person to tremble and raise their hand, trying to struggle and cover the wound—but soon, even this futile effort would turn to nothingness, the victim quickly transformed into a new vampire familiar, and became the next promoter of fear.
Panic spread rapidly like a plague, and the vampire army's invincibility brought smiles to the faces of the higher-ups.
They would be more than happy to start another war they are sure to win and rewrite the world order.
The name "[Undying Legion]" is an inaccurate one when applied to an army that once relied on Mori Ougai and Yosano Akiko's healing abilities but still suffered a crushing defeat in the battle of Tokyo Island.
But wouldn't it be too apt to call this vampire legion that way?
"The government is stupid."
In the dark, sunless underground hideout, Fyodor spoke softly.
"They trusted Fukuchi Sakura's abilities and relied on his past heroic deeds, believing that he would be loyal to the country and act only for the interests of Japan."
The computer screen in front of him flickered with a dark red light, and red dots spread rapidly and irresistibly across the pixelated world map like a tidal wave.
This is the true power of Bram Stoker, one of the "Ten Great Calamities" capable of destroying the world.
Generally speaking, the attack range of superhumans is limited. Even the most powerful attacks are extremely difficult to completely destroy the world.
But Bram's ability is extremely special. He can infect humans indefinitely to become his vampire followers, who will lose consciousness and completely obey his commands. He is a genuine one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse who descended to this world, the Plague.
However, this power to command vampire servants has now been transferred to Fukuchi Sakura.
The true power of the holy sword originally named Solzreuni was to fuse supernatural abilities with the human body and control them.
This means that Fukuchi Sakura only needs to insert this holy sword into Bram's body, and he can then control Bram's superpowers at will.
"And, out of fear of their own death, the government readily believed Fukuchi Sakura's proposal and allowed the army to be transformed into vampire servants."
To eradicate the Mafia, it is necessary to also purge politicians; however, the power wielded by politicians makes them cowardly when faced with threats to their lives, and also motivates them to use more resources to consolidate their rule.
However, the deeper the "eradication" process goes, the more likely it is to trigger a frenzied backlash.
At such times, they would hold tightly in their hands even if only a single spider silk were hanging down.
"Thank you for your indulgence, Dazai-kun. My plan is progressing very smoothly."
With a slight smile, Fyodor's fingertips landed on the keyboard, gently tapping one letter after another as if playing a percussion instrument.
"Possessing Oguri Mushitaro's special ability, 'Perfect Crime,' even if the vampire army begins to infect civilians on a large scale, gradually dragging the whole world into the abyss, no one will discover the culprit."
【Perfect Crime】—When this superpower is activated, it releases mysterious creatures to rewrite reality, destroy all evidence of the crime, and allow criminals to go unpunished.
The only drawback is that the memories of witnesses cannot be rewritten, but this is insignificant. They only need to keep the number of people who know the truth as small as possible. The rest are simply tools for carrying out instructions, disposable items.
All he had to do was use his friend as a bargaining chip, and Oguri Mushitaro would have to agree to join his plan.
"In this way, apart from the person involved, the few [hounds] under Fukuchi Sakura's command who are completely unaware of the plan will still obey his orders and hunt down Dazai-kun and the others."
The screen, glowing with a dim red light, reflected Fyodor's eyes, as if the earth were boiling in raging flames, with magma gushing out from the cracks that pierced the heavens and earth, engulfing all still-living life.
"And your next move, Dazai-kun... I'm looking forward to it."
…………
"Ah—I surrender, I surrender."
As Dazai Osamu raised his hand to indicate that he had given up resisting, he was so exhausted that he was supporting his knee with one hand and panting heavily.
"I can't run anymore. I'd rather lie down in a prison bed and sleep right now than do any more strenuous physical exercise..."
Standing in front of him was one of the "Hounds," Suehiro Tetsuo, dressed in a dark red military uniform.
At this moment, Suehiro Tessou's eyes were deep and focused. He held the military knife, his usual weapon and the object of his supernatural power, tightly in his hand.
As it was swung, the sun cast a light arc of light on the sharp blade, brushing intimately against Dazai Osamu's neck, leaving only a tiny gap between it and the fatal spot.
So Dazai Osamu surrendered without batting an eye, without putting up any resistance.
This unusually demoralizing statement even made Chuuya Nakahara, who was fighting another member of the "Hounds" not far away, unable to resist glancing at him sideways.
"...You really should go for a run with Pushkin every day!"
They surrendered so easily just by dodging attacks; how embarrassing!
"What?! I tried so hard to dodge, Chuuya!" Dazai Osamu protested loudly, "Do you know that his sword can extend at will? I almost got stabbed in the butt several times! Do you want to make me the next Pushkin?!"
Even if the knife's ability to extend is forcibly canceled when touched—but the knife is real after all, and his physical abilities, which are hundreds of times stronger than his, are also real; he can even cleave bullets with the knife!
Besides, physical skills and physical strength are not the same thing. Who can beat Superman? Anyway, he can't beat him, so he might as well just raise the white flag and surrender, and go to the police station to eat fried pork cutlet rice as soon as possible.
"You should have told me to deal with him!"
Chuuya Nakahara was astonished, but he was also at a disadvantage in the battle and could not use [Gravity] to finish off his opponent.
The reason for this is...
"Your [gravity manipulation] requires contact with a mass to take effect."
One of the "Hounds," Seikiku Tōno, smiled.
"With my ability to molecularize my body to evade attacks, I must be quite a troublesome enemy for you, right?"
"Your breathing is erratic, and your heart is beating a beat faster... Hmm, it's the smell of tension. Are you already afraid? Afraid that my comrade will cut off his head."
"Who's afraid, you bastard?!"
Enraged and furious, Chuuya threw a punch that was powerful enough to easily pierce through any defenses, but it missed its mark once again on the granulated part of the body.
Chuuya, his teeth grinding even more violently, couldn't find an opportunity to switch enemies with Dazai.
It would have been better to have Dazai deal with this mist-like guy instead of the knife-wielding guy. Knives couldn't hurt him at all, and Dazai could completely nullify the guy's molecularization ability.
However, the enemy knew their special abilities inside and out and launched targeted attacks, giving them no chance to choose their opponents.
Damn it... Was this information also provided by Fyodor?!
Chuuya was secretly furious, but there was nothing he could do.
"I advise you to surrender as well, just like I have to."
Dazai Osamu had even stretched out his hands, allowing Suehiro Tetsusuke, who had also put away his sword, to handcuff him, while he continued to persuade his comrade to surrender.
"After all, those who can molecularize their bodies are your natural enemies."
"…………"
Chuuya had a tense expression, looking extremely displeased.
“Hmm, I agree with him,” said Tōno Saikiku. “Wouldn’t it be easier for you to give up sooner?”
"So what if I can't hit you?" Chuuya narrowed his eyes, clearly in a terrible mood. "Do you think you can hurt me? Even if I leave now, you guys can't do anything to me."
"Yes, but your companion is already in our hands,"
Tōno Saikiku vanished like a thin mist, only to reappear beside Dazai Osamu a moment later, the military sword in his hand once again pressed against his neck.
"If you want to run away, let's see how long we torture him before you obediently come back?"
"No way, I hate pain!"
Before Chuuya could even utter a harsh threat, Dazai Osamu shouted, "Chuuya, just admit defeat—admit defeat, admit defeat, admit defeat—"
Chuuya, seemingly booed and driven off the stage by the audience: "…………"
That bastard deserves a beating!
Reluctantly withdrawing his powers, Chuuya landed back on the ground and walked over with a sour face, reaching out his hand.
Since ordinary restraints are ineffective against Chuuya, who can bounce off using [gravity], Tōno Saikiku cleverly used a thick rope to tie Dazai Osamu and Chuuya's hands together, ensuring that the nullification ability could continue to be activated with their skin touching, preventing Chuuya from using [gravity manipulation] to counterattack.
In this way, even using only a knife, they wouldn't dare to make any rash moves.
As for their other hands...
"It would be easier to just cut it off... Ouch!" Jou no Saikiku complained as she pinched her chin, pondering the feasibility, "Don't poke my butt every time!"
If Pushkin were here right now, he'd probably shout, "Brother, I totally understand how you feel!"
“Even criminals are not to be subjected to vigilante justice.” Suehiro Tetsusuke sheathed his sword. “Besides, they have already surrendered.”
Dazai Osamu immediately chimed in, "That's right, that's right."
Chuuya let out a particularly disgusted "tsk," forced to accept this method of confinement.
"...Okay, okay, then I'll ask another question."
Just as Chuuya had to compromise for Dazai Osamu, Tōno Saikiku could only back down in front of his partner, turning his face back to Dazai Osamu, "Where are your accomplices? I remember your detective agency also has..."
"What detective agency?" Dazai Osamu smiled, his tone smug.
“We are not members of the Armed Detective Agency. They are just too stupid to realize that they have been deceived by us, the ‘Rats in the House of the Dead’.”
Tōno Saikiku: "...Hmm?"
Chuuya kept his head down and remained silent, “…………”
"Any questions? Think about the previous underground organizations that were wiped out. Whether it was the Port Mafia, the Holy Staff, or the Takase Society, including the politicians who made money off them, it was all done by the House of the Dead. What connection does that have with the Armed Detective Agency?"
"They were just approached by us with their identities concealed, and ended up as scapegoats."
Dazai Osamu's eyes darkened and turned cold, and even the slight upturn of his lips revealed a cruel and dangerous aura.
Despite losing her sight, Tōno Saikiku is able to "hear" emotions through breathing and heartbeat, and is surprised to find that Dazai Osamu's heartbeat has remained extremely stable from beginning to end.
This means he wasn't lying.
As for the other one... perhaps because he lost his powers, his heartbeat had been very tense since the beginning. Was he worried about his own life and that of his companion?
"You can go to the prison and ask the survivors of the [Holy Heaven Staff] and the [Takase Society], the police officers. Ask them if they know anything about [Dazai Osamu] and [The House of the Dead Rats], and you'll know everything."
"Including [Assassination King] Verlaine, who also came to form an alliance with us [Rats in the House of the Dead]... Hmph, but some unexpected things happened along the way. I didn't expect that the Detective Agency had a hidden Transcendent who was able to fight Verlaine to the death, causing him to leave Japan and the alliance to fail."
“I see… We will arrange for someone to verify the authenticity of your statement.” Tōno Saikiku tilted his head slightly. “In fact, I am not entirely ignorant of the ‘Rats in the House of the Dead’.”
Dazai Osamu blinked. "Oh?"
“Not long ago, I was still a member of a criminal organization.” Tōno Saikiku made no secret of his past identity, “before I went to prison.”
“Ah,” Dazai Osamu opened his kite-like eyes wide, revealing an exceptionally cute expression of realization, “So you’re the defeated opponent whose name I didn’t remember.”
Chuuya and Suehiro Tetsugon: "...Tch."
Tōno Seiki: "…………"
Tōno Saikiku: "Can't I really cut off his hand?"
Suehiro Tetsugi: "Forbidden."
"…………"
Tōno Saikiku took several deep breaths to calm herself before speaking again, emphasizing, "My imprisonment has absolutely nothing to do with you! Never mind, that's not important. What I'm saying is, the 'House of the Dead' supernatural crime organization, which originated in Russia, couldn't possibly have only the two of you as members."
Where are your accomplices now?
"You know a lot of details. No wonder you were once on [the other side]."
Dazai Osamu's lips curved into an even more delightful smile, like a cannon fodder character in a movie who would boast about the powerful backer in front of the protagonist, and he spoke with smug satisfaction.
"That's right, our BOSS, the real mastermind behind it all—Fyodor Dostoevsky—is currently hiding safely somewhere in this land."
"You want to catch him? Hmph, that's impossible. He won't make his appearance until the very last moment when our plan is complete."
Amidst the increasingly furrowed brows of Tōno Seikiku, only Dazai Osamu's voice echoed in the air, unequivocally proclaiming the "truth" to him.
"By then, the whole world will be ours—you rats in the house of the dead—don't believe me? Just you wait and see,"
"Officer Jono."
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