The establishment of the Time Travelers Alliance began in the first year of Conan

Chapter 206 The Dual Timelines Want a "Human Heart"

For the two timelines, the Alliance's humiliation of the timelines and its rewinding actions that violated the rules of the timelines have finally come to an end!

How joyful!

How joyful!

In the void, Lin Sheng could even feel a sense of joy from the fluctuations emanating from the [story timeline].

The timeline was once a flowing river.

Later, they became wild beasts that refused to dry up.

Now, they are trying to grow wisdom from chaos, trying to shed their fur, trying to stand up from being four-legged beasts...

They tried... tried to think like Shinichi Kudo.

The dual timelines attempt to possess a single personality.

Their wisdom led them to consider this to be of utmost importance and paramount importance.

Think about it!

Everything, past and present, is a part of you.

This will continue into the future!

Even if you can't personally anchor the future due to certain obstacles, like that pale sun, you can still influence it and make the future a part of what you want it to be.

But the prerequisite is a “captivating story,” an “extraordinary case,” and a “detective’s history.”

If the most sublime and sacred being in this universe considers itself a "human being" and decides to become a "detective"...

So there's only one thing left to do!

I, the Timeline, am going to try to truly possess a personality!
The existence of Shinichi Kudo confirms the existence of "detective" and the sacredness of "humanity".

Just as the Alliance discovered that after the RSI background value of the universe rose, Shinichi Kudo attributed the concepts of "murder" and "murder" to all civilizations, all intellect, and all existence.

Just think about it, how many civilizations in a universe could be beyond human imagination!
Who would believe that a planet would willingly plunge into the sun out of jealousy of a star's brilliance?

Who could imagine that a grain of sand could "murder" a drop of water, or that an atom could "murder" the electron orbiting it?
However, "Detective Conan" doesn't need to consider any other factors; those are issues that the [real timeline] needs to consider.

In this Conan universe, cases are not merely social phenomena, but rather an inevitability, an ironclad rule of narrative.

Just like the laws of physics, the occurrence of the incident was unavoidable.

Because "detectives" must exist, and the existence of detectives must be accompanied by mysteries and death.

In this Conan universe—

Greatness never belongs to those who transcend detectives; rather, it is the detectives themselves who define what greatness is.

The existence of Shinichi Kudo dictates that greatness itself must be part of this thing.

So naturally.

Murder as perceived by humans, crimes as perceived by humans, reasoning as perceived by humans...

These concepts clearly cannot exist in isolation; therefore, they, along with everything human, must become part of this great whole.

Therefore, if understanding "human" thought and acquiring a "personality" can better satisfy the need to "create a story"—

Then why not?
What a chilling concept that is.

Just like the league has always faced—

The timeline is not a passive record of the past, but an active planning of "the best detective story," even going so far as to create a real "personality" to accomplish this mission.

This process actually started a long time ago.

[Story Timeline] The "intimidation" of Professor Agasa, Ran Mouri, and Shiho Miyano creates the historical illusion of "Ms. Miyano" from a non-existent timeline...

[Real-world timeline] Guiding Heiji Hattori and Yusaku Kudo, striving to establish GSSRA, even if it's just a somewhat clumsy attempt to write a so-called "science fiction detective story"...

All of this is one of the attempts by the two timelines to have a single personality, and the logic of all these "stories" is based on Shinichi Kudo himself.

This personalized, even personally involved, behavior brings such great convenience to the dual timelines.

So, what is the cost of all this?

In the void, the source of the universe eternally shines its light—

As a detective.

……

Time, history...

They were firmly established as Conan ran.

At this moment, the two timelines are beaming with pride because of their successful planning.

Now, the league is no longer an obstacle.

However, the tacit understanding between the two timelines was fleeting, and they almost immediately broke away from their "intimate" cooperation.

Now, their goal has shifted to fighting over the child standing downstairs at the office.

[Real-world timeline] They immediately found themselves in the same position as the Alliance—

It will try to take over the alliance's "contingency plan" tonight and protect "Shiho Miyano" in the shadow of GSSRA.

Don't forget that the historical momentum led by the alliance will not end; in fact, the alliance's actions have only benefited it!

If Conan discovers something amiss with the corpse, the [real-world timeline] will have the confidence and reason to involve GSSRA in this matter.

The same applies to the [story timeline]; it will try to prevent reality from unfolding and even bring Conan more mysteries and confusion.

The storyline will try to stall for time, try to postpone the time when Shiho Miyano becomes Ai Haibara, and add more information that is favorable to itself in the process.

However, because they still need to maintain such a non-ritual, non-cyclical case—

Just as the alliance anticipated, no matter how much the two timelines clash, they must maintain a balance in this case.

They must make the story self-consistent, but they cannot cross the boundaries of reality.

Therefore, the intensity of this case was naturally limited to a suitable range.

Now the enemy is in the open, while the alliance is in the shadows.

……

For Vermouth, everything has settled down.

The two timelines borrowed the power of Shinichi Kudo to create a "Hirota Masami corpse theft case" in an irreversible way.

Therefore, the fact that "Vermouth learned the truth" was also established.

Even after those thirty-three backtrackings, the Alliance only needed to backtrack for a very short time—

For example, immediately after resetting her timeline, you can rewind her story and make her remember everything again.

But that's still not enough.

As that deep and sacred voice said, the key to victory or defeat was not her memories, but her persona.

Vermouth cannot refuse the Boss's orders, nor can she deviate from the plan on her own.

The misjudgment caused by the dual timelines and the underestimation of Vermouth must continue.

Otherwise, it would turn into a pointless war of attrition.

With little redundancy remaining due to the CYZ effect, the alliance is bound to fail.

So, when the timeline stopped rewinding, and Conan stood panting in front of her, saying, "The famous detective upstairs can solve your case..."

Vermouth immediately began to act according to the plan spoken of by those voices.

She knew in her heart that she had to achieve a result within a few minutes.

He must stay by Shinichi Kudo's side until he arrives at the funeral home.

The actions I just took were the last task sent by the Boss that I needed to carry out.

According to the boss's plan, I should use an accident to cleverly extricate myself from this mess.

Boss has already had Bourbon prepared on the road to the funeral home.

He imagined being "shot" on the street and then "confirmed dead" after being taken to the hospital.

Then, his own "death" would cause Shinichi Kudo and GSSRA's investigation to shift their focus, and then...

Then, she will completely disappear from this vortex and embark on a new mission.

—If it weren't for those thirty-three echoes.

But now, Vermouth has chosen a new path.

She couldn't "exit" on the way to the funeral home as the boss planned.

She cannot disappear, cannot "die," and cannot escape the game. Instead, she must accompany Conan into the morgue and see the body of "Akami Miyano" together.

Then, Vermouth will act according to the guidance of that voice.

She would also imply in another way that "Star Viewing Tower" is an important location.

Fortunately, her current disguise is as Hattori Heiji's "secretary," which is a very advantageous position.

And Conan was right in front of him.

Therefore, the first step Vermouth needs to take is—

provocative.

She will "represent" the Black Organization and the [story timeline] in provoking Conan.

So she knelt down and, in a slightly serious and unquestionable tone, said to the child in front of her:

"No, little brother, this matter is very important, and it's not something a detective can solve. Chief Heiji will—"

"boom--!"

Before Vermouth could finish speaking, she heard a loud commotion coming from the stairwell.

The footsteps were hurried and decisive, making the stairs vibrate with a "thump, thump, thump" sound.

With a slight turn of her head, Vermouth saw Heiji Hattori and Kogoro Mouri practically sprinting down the stairs.

For Heiji Hattori, the moment he heard his secretary shout "Hirota Masami's body has been stolen," he instinctively exchanged a glance with Mr. Mori, and then the two of them rushed out the door in perfect unison.

Now, his gaze is fixed on his "secretary"—and Conan standing beside her.

Kogoro Mouri was completely unaware of Conan.

His amazing willpower made him focus all his attention on the beautiful secretary in front of him.

In that instant, Hattori Heiji and Conan locked eyes.

The exchange of glances was enough to express everything.

"Find a way to bring me along too." — That's Conan's look. "Give me a reasonable explanation." — That's Heiji's response.

Conan immediately understood.

Then, he gave a childlike smile and deliberately said in an exaggerated tone:
"Oh my! So the Heiji you're talking about is that famous detective from Kansai! Isn't he a detective?"

"Big sister, didn't you just say that detectives couldn't solve this—"

Hattori Heiji's eyebrows twitched.

He knew, of course, that Kudo had given a perfectly valid reason.
But that feigned innocent smile, and that tone that said, "I'm not acting..."

That's so annoying!

—I really want to shove this guy's head into the passenger seat.

Fortunately, now there is indeed a reason to bring this guy along.

"Conan?! What are you doing here? Hurry up and go—"

Kogoro Mouri finally saw Conan, but his voice was immediately interrupted by Heiji Hattori.

"I'm a detective too!"

With a hint of anger in his voice, Hattori Heiji yanked open the car door, secretly giving Conan a look to slip into the car first, and then using his body to block Kogoro Mouri's view.

Conan responded loudly to Uncle Mori's words, "I know!"

However, he naturally took the opportunity to shift his body slightly behind the car, and then Hattori Heiji's face revealed a perfectly timed expression of displeasure caused by his secretary's words.

He gestured for Kogoro Mouri to proceed, then added:
"Go to the funeral home immediately! And take Mr. Mori with you! He's our special advisor now!"

"This time, the commission fee will be paid at the highest standard!"

And so, under the watchful eyes of the driver, who was also a member of the Alliance task force, and amidst Kogoro Mouri's smug laughter—

A child wearing a blue coat quietly slipped into the passenger seat.

If it weren't for the fact that the Alliance specifically transferred the task force member who had been infiltrating GSSRA since the "Science Frontier" era to this mission, this task force member would have been immediately reset.

However, the results were actually quite similar.

He only remembers things related to the "boundaries of science" now.

Finally, the vehicle with its complex components carried the group away.

You'd really have to find another moment where all three factions could be present in such a confined space.

Heiji Hattori represents the [real-world timeline], Vermouth represents the [story timeline], and the special task force members represent the alliance.

Add to that Shinichi Kudo and a bumbling detective uncle.

However, I wonder if anyone has realized that something strange has happened—

Ran Mouri did not get on the bus.

……

Inside the Time Research Department, the image displayed on the Time Display made Bai Zichen frown deeply.

He immediately realized that something was wrong.

"Why didn't Ran Mouri follow?!"

"Given that Conan's skateboard was left at Professor Agasa's house, both her luck and fighting ability are factors that must be fought for!"

The Institute of Psychoanalysis quickly received the video data from the Research Department, and a few minutes later (within the Alliance [Loop]), the feedback came:

"Our conclusion is that Ran Mouri was warned by the [story timeline]!"

"Ran Mouri cannot be warned!"

He slammed his hand on the table.

On the screen next to it, the real-time data displayed by the time display and RSI detector remained stable, without any abnormal fluctuations.

"The time display device and RSI detector didn't detect any fluctuations in the [story timeline] at all!"

"Conan is downstairs right now, how can the dual timelines reset Ran Mouri? Does the [Story Timeline] even want to abandon its own historical inertia?!"

A more detailed report and summary were then sent over from the other side.

"The analysis of the facts is as follows: at that moment, according to the psychology of Ran Mouri's movements, the instant she followed Kogoro Mouri, her expression and micro-movements revealed that she was influenced by the [story timeline]..."

Bai Zichen's expression grew increasingly grim as the explanation from the other end became more comprehensive and the comparison results became more detailed.

"Damn it, it's a false alarm! The dual timelines have learned to 'deceive'!"

This matter was immediately reported to the executive level, and many members of parliament looked equally displeased.

Everyone was well aware of Ran Mouri's importance in this operation.

As Vermouth's "angel," in Ran Mouri's presence, Vermouth is not only able to escape more easily, but also to carry out more contingency plans—

She will have more reasons and more opportunities to give Conan or Ran Mouri hints.

This could give the league a higher chance of success.

"Especially since Professor Agasa's course of action for tomorrow has already been established, and the professor has already promised to take the 'Junior Detective League' camping tomorrow."

"It's impossible for the Doctor to break free from this inertia with a dual timeline."

Now, more plans need to be redesigned, and more solutions need to be prepared anew.

But perhaps, it's also possible for just one person to muster the courage to do one thing.

……

The facts are just as the league judged.

Just now, the faint "warning" that Ran Mouri felt was actually her worry about Conan.

Just like how the alliance used the "potential bad outcomes" to induce the two timelines to compromise or even make wrong judgments.

The story timeline has also learned this strategy.

It takes advantage of Ran Mouri's consistent concern for Conan/Shinichi Kudo, confusing the usual "reset warning" with her inner emotions.

So, just as Kogoro Mouri and Heiji Hattori hurriedly turned around and went downstairs, Ran Mouri's steps suddenly faltered.

A sense of familiarity welled up in her mind.

That feeling is back.

That warning that symbolizes forgetting...

Although it was only a very faint warning this time, she still subconsciously stopped in her tracks.

Once that feeling disappeared, Kogoro Mouri and Heiji Hattori, in her eyes, had already run out of the agency.

Ran Mouri dared not gamble on such a possibility.

Even the countless warnings beforehand had built an insurmountable wall in the poor girl's mind, so much so that she stopped in her tracks as soon as she saw the shadow of the wall in the distance.

She stood alone in front of the office window, her pale and helpless face reflected in the blue glass.

She saw that small figure sneak into the front passenger seat downstairs, and watched her father and the detective get into the car—

Biting her lower lip tightly, the poor girl could only watch helplessly as all of this happened!
Hurry up, Xiaolan! You should do something!
Her fingers clenched involuntarily, her nails almost digging into her palms, and helplessness surged like a tide, engulfing Ran Mouri.

She then recalled the dangers Conan/Shinichi had encountered during the two previous bombing incidents.

If Shinichi encounters danger again...

What should I do?! What should I do?!

Is there anyone...is there anyone who can help me?
Under Ran Mouri's watchful gaze, the car door slowly closed, and Conan, his father, and all the other familiar faces got into the car.

In this crucial final moment, Ran Mouri found the only thing she could do according to her "persona"—

A seemingly insignificant yet incredibly important breakthrough.

Shinichi had already boarded the train; he didn't come upstairs to collect the pastries that belonged to him, Professor Agasa, and the children.

Since I already told Shinichi this morning that I was going to prepare pastries for the Detective Boys...

This happened in front of Shinichi!
That is to say!

Just as the car door was about to close, with a piercing screech, Ran Mouri suddenly yanked open the window of the second-floor office.

"Dad! The cake that wasn't finished—!"

Her voice trembled slightly, and then, in Ran Mouri's heart filled with anticipation—

The car window rolled down, and Kogoro Mori poked his head out. He frowned and called out to his daughter somewhat impatiently:
"Why don't you just give all the cakes to Professor Agasa later!"

The car roared to life, kicking up a cloud of dust, and drove off into the distance.

Ran Mouri paused for a moment, blinked, and although her father's impatient shouts still echoed in her ears, her heart suddenly started racing.

Immediately afterwards, as if pushed by an invisible force, she ran to the kitchen and grabbed the pastries she had prepared.

She picked up the bag, quickly turned back to the office entrance, and stopped.

Taking a deep breath, Ran Mouri tentatively and cautiously took her first step.

Her body stiffened slightly as her toes touched the ground outside the door, then relaxed a little.

The warning I had was not triggered.

At that moment, Ran Mouri's heart was filled with only determination.

She made the decision at the risk of "forgetting".

Without any hesitation in their hearts, the [story timeline] gave up on further interfering with Ran Mouri.

Right now, it's focused on competing with reality for the title of [Shinichi Kudo], and it won't waste too much energy on Ran Mouri.

Finally, Ran Mouri stood at the top of the stairs, a gentle breeze blowing in from the street corner, brushing against her hair.

A slight, barely perceptible smile appeared on her lips.

Then, with unwavering determination, Ran Mouri strode forward, her grip on the bag of pastries tightening even more—

It's like a silent promise.

This time, she wouldn't let herself become a bystander who could only watch everything unfold.

The image displayed on the time display device stunned everyone in the Time Research Department for a moment.

Then, Bai Zichen's excited yet serious voice rang out, "Immediately notify the execution level!"

Soon, the communicators of the Time Research Department and the Time Sequencing Department rang almost simultaneously, and the instructions from the Execution Layer arrived.

"Immediately adjust the simulation direction! Find a plan to make Ran Mouri replace Conan as the core of the camping plan, and notify Professor Agasa immediately!"

"Be fast!"

(End of this chapter)