Chapter 99
When the president received the news, Dazai Osamu and Nakahara Chuuya had already been successfully arrested by Fukuchi Sakuragi's "Hounds" and sent to the special prison cell for superhumans.
It was a call from Fukuchi Sakura herself.
Although the superpowered prison cells built in Japan are not as impregnable or large as the Meursault prison in Europe, they are still special spaces capable of holding superpowered individuals of the "Special Danger Level".
The cells are equipped with at least one sturdy cell containing energy-resistant metal as a spatial barrier material, which has the effect of absorbing supernatural energy.
Even though such imprisonment might not be impossible for Chuuya to break through with more effort and time, since Dazai Osamu had already given instructions, he obediently followed his plan, pretending that he could not use his supernatural ability to break through the wall, so that the other party would lower his guard.
Just in case, Tōno Saikiku kept them quite far apart to ensure they could not contact each other or plan an escape.
"As for everything you've said," Tōno Saikiku said before leaving, "I will verify it carefully. If the testimony is true, then you can expect to meet your leader in prison."
"Oh, I can't wait!"
Dazai Osamu responded expectantly with an unusually beaming smile.
But to Tōno Seikiku, this statement was extremely sarcastic and incredibly mocking.
If it weren't for the stubborn Suehiro Tesso standing at the door watching him, he might have actually lost his temper and stabbed the kid in front of him.
It's infuriating! I haven't been this angry at a mere criminal in a long time!
After enduring it for a while, Tōno Saikiku simply turned and left, her dark red cloak billowing behind her in a sharp arc.
As Dazai Osamu watched his retreating figure, the expression that had just been deliberately provoking him gradually softened into indifference.
"The rest is up to you, Oda Sakunosuke,"
"And the president."
"—That's it." Fukuchi Sakura said during the call, "You've been tricked by those guys from [The House of the Dead], my friend. They just want to use you and drag you down with them."
"Now that the entire detective agency has been labeled as a terrorist organization, there's still room for change in society. All you need to do is accept detention and lay low for a while. Once I catch the mastermind, I can declare your innocence public..."
"...Genichiro."
After a moment of silence, the president asked him, "Who is the mastermind?"
"Naturally, it is the leader of the 'Rats in the House of the Dead,' Fyodor Dostoevsky."
Fukuchi Sakura replied without hesitation, "Dazai Osamu made no attempt to conceal this point in his confession. My excellent subordinate has also verified the authenticity of the confession and confirmed that the 'Rats in the House of the Dead' were behind many of the previous mass deaths of organizations and politicians."
“No. That’s not what I’m asking, Genichiro,” the president said.
Fukuchi Sakura: "Oh?"
The president's tone was extremely calm: "Who is the mastermind behind the vampires sweeping the entire world today?"
"…………"
A long silence fell on the other end of the phone.
The president held onto the phone tightly, determined to get a clear answer from the other party.
It wasn't until much later that the president heard a sigh.
"I can't stand you, Fukuzawa," Fukuchi Sakura said. "You still can't learn to be flexible, just like your sword."
“I never thought it was a bad thing.”
After giving that firm answer, the president's voice lowered again, "So it really was you..."
"Theoretically speaking, you shouldn't know about this."
Compared to the president, who still found it hard to accept even after being mentally prepared, Fukuchi Sakura's tone was much calmer.
"Who told you that?"
With Oguri Mushitaro's supernatural abilities as cover, apart from the high-ranking officials who have already been killed to silence him, and Fyodor who is hiding somewhere, no one should be able to discover that he is the mastermind behind his vampire plan.
Starting with the military that voluntarily relinquished control, infected vampires have now spread across the planet, plunging the entire world into immense panic.
Furthermore, no one can deduce or has any clue to prove that he did it.
Even though Bram, as a vampire count, should have been killed by his own hands long ago, under the influence of the [Perfect Crime] ability, others would only suspect that the immortal count had been resurrected, rather than that he had controlled him with the Holy Sword.
When he has achieved the prerequisite of remaining uninvolved, and the world is plunged into an impending catastrophe, the [Human Army], which unifies the will of all mankind, will be successfully established by him, who has the highest reputation.
To eliminate vampires, they will spare no expense, including allowing him to use one of the three great calamities—the supernatural spiritual weapon, the Great Command.
The "Great Command" is a communication device similar to a walkie-talkie, with only one effect: to require subordinates to act entirely according to the commander's orders.
In this way, by controlling the world's armies, he will be able to unify all the previously scattered nations into one country: the [Human Federation].
Then, by leveraging the power of the [Book], which can realize any future... wars between nations will permanently disappear within this unified country.
His long-cherished wish... will finally come true.
But at this moment, an unexpected variable occurred: his friend learned in advance that he was the mastermind behind the vampire incident.
"Telling you this answer is completely pointless,"
Even knowing that Fukuchi Sakura couldn't see, the president still slowly shook his head. "Stop it, Genichiro. You have no idea what kind of dangerous person you're working with."
"Are you talking about Fyodor? I think so too. He's the only one left who has the potential to leak information."
Fukuchi Sakura let out a low laugh, "But don't worry, anyone who knows what this [demon] has done will not believe his so-called 'good intentions' except for idiots."
“I have already given orders to my vampire followers to kill Fyodor on sight.”
The president suddenly fell silent, as if choked by a piece of dry, hard bread.
No…it’s okay. The person who gave him the information was Feda, Fyodor’s second personality, who is the complete opposite of Fyodor himself.
The president didn't speak, so Fukuchi Sakura didn't say anything either, but she didn't hang up the phone either, just waiting for her friend's response.
“But you won’t get peace by doing this, Genichiro.”
In the suffocatingly tense atmosphere, the president finally spoke again, "I know you did this to avoid a future world war, but I think there's a better way..."
“A better way?” Fukuchi Sakura asked. “Ah, there probably is, but I can’t wait a moment longer.”
“War teaches no lessons, my friend. Even the defeated nations of the last world war immediately agreed to hand over their armies as soon as they heard that I had a way to create an invincible [undead legion], even if it required them all to be transformed into mindless vampire servants, without caring about the will of those individual soldiers.”
"Using the [Grand Command], I can force all the world's armies to obey me, compelling all nations to lose their ability to resist and become pieces of the [Human Federation] puzzle. Don't you think this is the fastest way to eliminate war?"
“Impossible,” the president categorically denied. “The world only obeys the voice of one person; that would only lead to greater dictatorship.”
"…………"
After a moment of silence, Fukuchi Sakura slowly exhaled.
“So be it,” he said. “I didn’t call to argue with you. Since you disagree with my approach, then take up your sword and settle things with me.”
President: "...What?"
"Although that brat claims the detective agency was only deceived by him, I know that with your abilities, you wouldn't be so easily fooled," Fukuchi Sakura said. "Besides, that detective named Ranpo is one of your favorite subordinates, isn't he? My vampire followers have already tracked him down in England..."
"Genichiro!!"
"Don't get so worked up, my friend," Fukuchi Sakura laughed. "I won't do anything to him. At least not for now."
The president's fingertips pressed against the edge of the table, so hard they almost turned white. "...What do you want to do, Genichiro?"
"The [Human Army] has just been assembled, and the [Grand Order] has been unlocked. They are being airlifted from Antarctica and will arrive at the airport in ten hours. And I will take that vampire count, who is under my control, there."
Before ending the call, Fukuchi Sakura spoke into the now silent phone.
"If you want to stop me, this is the only opportunity you can have... Fukuzawa."
…………
A strong wind was blowing across the airport runway.
Okura Yoko, one of the members of "Hound" and the only female member, is currently standing hesitantly behind Fukuchi Sakura.
She didn't look old, and her face, which was usually more lively, was now dark and gloomy, as if a candle flame was about to go out in the palms of her hands.
"Captain, I..."
“It’s alright, Yezi.” Fukuchi Sakura slowly shook her head. “I don’t feel regret or sorrow about parting from you, I just want to thank you for supporting my willfulness.”
"Just step back now, and wait until the moment you really need to step up... Don't hesitate like you are now."
“…”
Okura Yoko bit her lip, endured it again and again, before turning around and leaving the space to the two top swordsmen who were about to engage in a death match—who were also her former fellow disciples and close friends.
That was a realm no one else could enter, a final journey destined to accumulate the pain of parting.
To ensure the deathmatch would proceed without interference, the coffin containing Bram was placed in the VIP lounge beforehand and guarded by airport security personnel who were unaware of and would not investigate its contents.
Tōno Seikiku and Suehiro Tetsugon were assigned to guard the outer perimeter. They only knew that their captain carried a mysterious object wrapped in white cloth, but they did not know what was inside.
Currently, passenger traffic at this airport has plummeted due to the ongoing vampire incident, but many ordinary people still travel through it—only with the addition of a medical check-up step.
In this empty waiting hall, a thin figure wearing an ordinary hat walked calmly among the crowd.
His heartbeat sounded no different from that of the ordinary people passing by, and his facial features were slightly disguised to distinguish him from his usual appearance.
Even if Fukuchi Sakura stood in front of him, she would not be able to call out his real name—Fyodor.
"In preparation for the upcoming duel and the [Grand Order], you will instead prohibit vampires from approaching the airport, causing a disturbance."
Fyodor, who had managed to escape unscathed from countless vampire searches, now raised his gaze from under his hat brim and looked out at the runway.
"As a result, the airport has become the safest place at present."
He stepped slightly past the crowd heading to the boarding gate and went alone to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.
"Well, although I can enjoy watching the life-and-death struggle between the two powerful figures from here, unfortunately, I have other things to do."
Looking at the two figures wielding swords and fighting in the distance, Fyodor's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"Lord Fukuchi, as you wished, Oguri Mushitaro's 'Perfect Crime' has now been solved. Evidence against you as the mastermind has surfaced, and the hero who slays the sinner is about to appear, and I..."
Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly stopped in his tracks as he headed toward the VIP lounge.
"And you will be captured."
With the gun pressed against the back of Fyodor's head, Oda Sakunosuke, who had also infiltrated the airport with top-notch skills, said coldly, "Don't move."
"…………"
Even with a gun pointed at him, Fyodor's smile only widened.
"How did you find me so accurately, Oda-kun?"
"In the future that I foresaw through [Seamless], I fired a shot at everyone in this waiting hall."
Oda Sakunosuke spoke indifferently, his face expressionless.
"Only you can stop my precognitive abilities."
Several years ago, when remnants of the [V] organization kidnapped Fedia and were killed by Fyodor, he attempted to fire a shot at Fyodor during the premonition activated by [Perfect Clothes].
That time, he learned that his ability to predict the future five to six seconds ahead would be abruptly interrupted by his shooting of Fyodor.
At this very moment, Oda Sakunosuke used this anomaly, unknown to anyone but himself, to precisely lock onto the disguised Fyodor, a decisive and unparalleled strike that Fyodor could never have foreseen.
"Ah...that's a really pleasantly surprising answer."
Fyodor's voice became even more cheerful. With the deadly muzzle of a gun pressed against his chest, he still managed to calmly turn around and face Oda Sakunosuke.
"But can you bring yourself to kill me?"
Oda Sakunosuke: "..."
As long as Ye Yihe remains asleep within Feodor's body, he is certain that none of them can truly bring themselves to kill him.
“I can’t physically harm you, but someone can put you in jail.”
Oda Sakunosuke suddenly raised his gun and fired several shots into the air.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The crowd erupted in chaos as several sharp gunshots echoed across the empty hall, causing them to scatter in terror and flee for their lives!
Only Fyodor did not react at all, and his smiling expression did not change in the slightest.
"You won't be afraid of my gunshots, because even though you're physically weak, you know you'll be fine."
Oda Sakunosuke lowered his hand. "Not only that, but you, who are already used to walking on the edge of danger, find it even harder to feel fear of death. So am I."
"This is our common weakness."
He stepped back a few paces and dropped the pistol.
Not everyone can control their heartbeat like Dazai.
In the next instant, the glass of the floor-to-ceiling window shattered—thanks to their enhanced physical abilities and lightning-fast reflexes, Tōno Seikiku and Suehiro Tetsugō rushed in from outside almost simultaneously, one after the other!
“Among all the heart sounds that suddenly became filled with fear,” Tōno Saikiku smiled and turned her head, the cord hanging from her right ear swaying, “only your heart sounds remained calm and normal. How striking.”
Suehiro Tetsusuke swiftly drew his sword, ready for battle. "One of them is Oda Sakunosuke, who is on the wanted list."
"Then, the other one is most likely Fyodor, the leader of the 'House of the Dead' who will only appear at the very end of the plan."
Tōno Saikiku chuckled softly, "Rebel, run away! Pain only sings a beautiful lament when fueled by despair. And what kind of pleasure will these two bring me..."
"They surrendered." Suehiro Tetsusuke sheathed his knife and pulled out handcuffs.
Two sets.
Tōno Seiki: "…………"
Resistance? Escape? These criminals in the "House of the Dead" are all the same from top to bottom; they surrendered before even getting a proper fight!
Learn from that armed detective agency president outside who's fighting to the death!
Tōno Saikiku let out a particularly disgruntled "tch," and then Suehiro Tetsuo grunted twice before handcuffing the two prisoners in front of him.
"I didn't resist because I lacked the ability to fight,"
Fyodor, with his hands cuffed, smiled and made no mention of his trump card. "Why didn't Oda-kun choose to run away?"
"Because once I find you, my mission will be over."
Oda Sakunosuke answered aloud.
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, a pale white mist blew in from behind, almost instantly spreading to most of the waiting hall—causing Tōno Saikiku's expression to change drastically. "All the fear in my heart has disappeared. This is the [White Kirin's] ability!"
"Get out of here immediately!"
"There's no need to rush, just come over and put your arm around my shoulder."
A slow, lazy voice rang out, as light as a feather falling in the sunlight.
Dazai Osamu, who was easily rescued from his cell by Gogol using his teleportation ability and came with Shibusawa Tatsuhiko, casually tossed the Holy Sword onto the ground in front of Fyodor as if he were taking a stroll in the street, carrying it in one hand.
Here, that's what you wanted.
Fyodor stood still, glancing down at the holy sword that should have been inside Bram's body, then looking at Dazai Osamu.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving it to you."
Another familiar figure emerged from the mist, passed Fyodor, and bent down to pick up the holy sword.
On the back of his right hand, there was a diamond-shaped blood-red crystal.
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