BWDC:SDDK Chapter 127: Abominable Vampire, Get Out of Mr. Mouri!
The Great Vampire Dracula stood before Mouri Kogoro, watching the Great Detective tremble and shake with a look of smug satisfaction.
So the so-called Great Detective's courage is only this small, he thought gleefully.
Of course, there was no such thing as a vampire in this world.
His real name was Torakura Daisuke, the master of this Dracula Villa. To ensure that Mouri Kogoro would follow his lead during their upcoming discussion, he had deliberately orchestrated this scene to give the detective a good scare.
Now, seeing Mouri Kogoro collapsed on the floor in terror, Torakura Daisuke saw no further need to keep up the act.
"Mr. Mouri Kogoro, don't be afraid," he said. "I am actually the master of Dracula Villa, Torakura Daisuke."
"Vampires simply don't exist in this world."
"Now, let's talk about the details of the commission."
However, even after revealing his identity, Torakura Daisuke noticed Mouri Kogoro's eyes widening even further. It was as if someone was standing right behind him.
Others might not know the layout, but how could Torakura Daisuke not know his own room? Although the room was pitch black, he was the only one there. There was absolutely no second person.
Mouri Kogoro is probably just trying to scare me back to save face, he thought. How could I possibly fall for such a trick?
Torakura Daisuke adjusted his cape and was about to help Mouri Kogoro up. Then, he suddenly realized something was wrong.
The only light source in this dark room was the beam from the projector. But just now, hadn't the light dimmed significantly?
It was as if someone was standing in front of the projector, blocking the light. But he had already walked past the projector; he shouldn't be blocking it anymore.
A sudden, inexplicable wave of unease washed over him.
Then, from behind him, a voice spoke.
"Do you think this is fun?"
The voice was low and raspy—far more terrifying than the voice of Dracula in the movies.
Torakura Daisuke's neck went stiff as he turned around. He saw a figure standing against the light. He couldn't make out the face, but he could vaguely feel a bone-chilling gaze.
Could it be... do vampires really exist in this world?
Torakura's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He backed away repeatedly until he hit the wall, his limbs feeling like jelly. The windows were locked tight, and the door hadn't opened. Aside from a supernatural creature like a vampire, who could possibly sneak into this room?
Had his daily act of playing a vampire finally brought about divine retribution? Had the fake Dracula finally met a real one?
"Who... who exactly are you?!" Torakura cried out in terror.
Then, he saw the light from the projector vanish. The room plunged into absolute darkness. This was usually Torakura's favorite creative environment, but now it filled him with profound dread.
Footsteps echoed, sounding now far, then suddenly close.
Torakura's eyes bulged. He instinctively fumbled for the light switch and flicked it on.
There, standing right in front of him, was the mysterious figure, quietly looking down at him.
"Don't... don't come any closer!" Torakura shrieked as he collapsed to the floor, before promptly passing out in a peaceful slumber.
Beside him, Mouri Kogoro was also shaking violently. However, his psychological resilience as a former police officer allowed him to remain conscious. It wasn't until he saw Ren Ichimonji standing under the light that his heart finally settled back into his chest.
Oh, it's just that naturally wicked brat with the bat-like aura. I thought it was a real vampire.
Wait? Do vampires and bats eat at the same table?
Mouri's eyes widened again. But then he saw Ren Ichimonji hand him a crucifix.
"I told you," Ren said calmly. "You probably need a crucifix for psychological comfort."
Mouri Kogoro: "?"
Oh, okay, we're fine. A vampire probably wouldn't be handing out crosses.
Mouri stood up, still shivering. He scanned the room, which was no longer pitch black, and realized it wasn't as terrifying as he had imagined. There was a desk, a projector, a screen, and bookshelves filled with books. The only thing remotely vampire-related was the large crucifix displayed inside.
While a cross is to Jesus what a sniper rifle is to Kennedy—a bit morbid when you think about it—Mouri had never heard of a vampire keeping a cross in their own room.
Mouri breathed a sigh of relief. He turned his gaze toward the door with a look of confusion.
"Huh? How did you get in? I didn't notice a thing."
"Mr. Torakura and I both screamed so loudly just now. Why didn't anyone come to check? Even if the staff knew it was a performance, Ran and Conan should have come to see what was happening."
His "precious daughter" didn't usually act so heartless.
To this, Ren Ichimonji replied simply, "I walked through the door. You two seemed so absorbed in your performance art that you didn't notice."
"As for why the people outside didn't react... I checked. The door to this room is specially designed with enhanced soundproofing. The walls and floors have been reinforced too."
"Even the door cracks are sealed with rubber. If it's locked from the inside, it's very difficult to open from the outside."
Mouri Kogoro rubbed his chin as he listened to Ren's analysis. He nodded repeatedly, though he felt he could have figured that out himself if he had looked.
Until Ren added: "It looks like a perfect place for a locked-room murder."
Mouri Kogoro: "?"
Why are we suddenly talking about that?
Why do you sound so certain that a violent murder is going to happen here? You've even scouted the crime scene in advance? How did you even reach that conclusion?
Mouri's gaze sharpened as he realized something was off. His "Great Detective" gears began to turn.
Ren Ichimonji wouldn't think a murder is going to happen without a reason.
But he isn't the one commissioned for this case. He doesn't know the situation here. Could it be... he just thinks I, Mouri Kogoro, am so unlucky that a murder is bound to happen?
No, no, that's impossible. How could I be as unlucky as the rumors say?
Come to think of it, that brat Conan is always present at every crime scene. Could it be that the truly unlucky one is that kid who has nothing better to do than run around crime scenes, touching everything?
"I see."
"Hey, Ren. What do you think if I stop bringing Conan along on my commissions? Now that I think about it, accidents happen every time he's with me. Could he be the actual jinx?"
Ren Ichimonji: "?"
He looked at the crucifix in Mouri Kogoro's hand. Then, from behind his back, he pulled out a specialized symbol used to deal with "Celestial Dragon" vampires. Aiming it at Mouri, he declared:
"I don't care which vampire is currently possessing Mr. Mouri."
"But seeing my symbol, you should get out of Mr. Mouri right now! Otherwise, I will raise my right hand to sixty degrees and shout the special slogan used against Celestial Dragon vampires!"
Mouri Kogoro: "?"
Is there something wrong with your head?
End of Chapter
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