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

Chapter 290 [Historical Advancement and Concealment System] Activated! (Seeking monthly votes at the end of the month!)
Right now, Conan is mingling in that long line of fifty children who are about to experience the "Cocoon System".

These children are all descendants of political and business elites and prominent academic families, and they are the first to experience this "Cocoon System" launched globally.

And just as Hattori Heiji mentioned, it was a covert operation.

Hattori assigned him the identity of the son of a friend of the director of the GSSRA Bureau of Unconventional Threat Investigation, who was unable to come due to official business.

Conan couldn't help but sigh as he watched the children chattering and asking questions around the guide.

"Ugh--"

He felt like he was attending some kind of science and technology summer camp.

Why, when the situation has become so urgent, do I still have to participate in this activity that's all for children?
“And this event is going to last so long…”

Looking up at the exhibition hall's exaggerated, almost absurd, design, Conan finally understood why Hattori wanted him to "have more patience."

—The gallery they are in now seems to stretch on and on.

The massive, softly lit steel ceiling stretches into the distance like waves, while the surrounding walls are silver-gray, exuding a certain technological coolness.

However, he felt that the glass curtain walls that almost filled the entire wall were the real walls.

They were more like portholes that separated him from some kind of deep sea or outer space.

Conan even had a misconception.

I am not in a municipal building, but rather inside some kind of spaceship or submarine.

But when he looked up at the skylight above him...

The sun remained in the same spot, but the azure sky and clouds told him that he was still walking through the Mihana City Hall.

Those various game consoles and discs that Conan had absolutely no interest in were treasured by game manufacturers invited from all over the world and displayed in glass cases like antiques to the children in the group.

This also caused the procession to move even slower.

Amid the children's cheers, Conan felt a sense of doubt and unease.

"Is the Mihana City Hall... really that big?"

Beika Town has a population of no more than 50,000, but the municipal building he entered now looked more like the kind of building that would be built in a city with a population of one million or even more.

Moreover, it's rather strange that the opening ceremony of the Cocoon System exhibition was held on the basement level.

Well, maybe it's for connecting to some huge power supply equipment.

Or, its real purpose may be to prevent a participant from noticing changes in time in the outside world.

Wow! Is that a cocoon?

The sudden shouts pulled Conan back to reality.

It's that kid named Takizawa Shinya, the son of a high-ranking official in the ruling party.

He was practically pressed against the glass curtain wall, pointing excitedly at something below.

The other children quickly gathered around, and Conan was forced to move with the crowd and stand in front of the glass curtain wall.

—He finally saw the "cocoon".

In fact, the first thing Conan saw was that booth that looked very high-tech.

The booth was silver-gray, like a single piece of metal without any visible welding marks or other gaps.

And whatever it is, when its size reaches an astonishing scale, it will give people a breathtaking sense of beauty.

At least in 1994, this rare, simple, and unpretentious mechanical beauty elicited gasps of surprise from many children.

Then there's the "cocoon" quietly placed on the platform.

At first glance, it looks like some kind of pure white giant egg, lying quietly on a gray silk-like surface, its metallic surface gleaming faintly under the pure white light.

"It really looks like a...cocoon."

I don't know whose muttering it was.

"Yes, what you are seeing through the glass now is the 'cocoon system'."

The tour guide spoke at the right moment, and her gentle voice quieted down the somewhat noisy children.

Her face held a sacred expression, as if she were witnessing a historical moment, even a sense of ritual.

"This is a virtual world device developed by the Sindora Corporation, fully operated by the artificial intelligence Noah's Ark—it is the greatest technological achievement in human history."

"Do any children know the story of Noah's Ark?"

But before the children could answer, she continued speaking as if she had already anticipated it:

The name "Noah's Ark" comes from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament.

"Legend has it that God caused a great flood that covered the whole world in order to cleanse the world of its sins, and only Noah was chosen by God because of his faith and purity."

"He built an ark according to God's will, bringing all pure life and hope into a new era..."

Conan turned his head away halfway through the conversation, revealing an embarrassed and speechless expression.

He was hoping the guide would mention some key system structures, operational logic, or even the actual capabilities of the AI ​​Noah's Ark.

But now it seems——

"It turns out it was just to coax children into telling stories..."

……

Unlike Conan, who was "specially arranged" by Heiji Hattori and forced to participate in a three-hour tour.

Those adults who were invited, or rather, the special guests.

They certainly don't need to participate in any "children-oriented" itineraries.

After all, for them, it's better to make the most of this time without the distractions of children and exchange ideas and interests with their political and business associates than to waste time learning useless knowledge.

In fact, after handing their children over to the "professional caregivers" at the exhibition, these adults were able to talk more freely in the banquet hall about secrets that the children should never hear.

This, ironically, put Ran Mouri and Sonoko Suzuki in an awkward situation.

For example, Genta Kojima approached them with a puzzled look and whispered:
"Sister Sonoko, what does 'gift money transaction' mean? I heard those people talking about it, and they even mentioned something about profit sharing..."

"Cough cough cough cough!!!"

Without a doubt, Sonoko, who had just been a refined young lady, immediately lost her composure and put down her wine glass, coughing for a while.

Ran Mouri quickly covered Genta's mouth.

"Alright, alright, let's get out of there."

"Yes, the further away from those adults the better."

"I can't understand a word they're saying..."

After a series of awkward and unsettling conversations, the Junior Detectives were led away from the center of the banquet, finally stopping in the rest area near the entrance of the exhibition hall.

"Ugh--"

Sonoko stood with her hands on her hips, looking like she had a headache.

"So, what are you little brats doing here?"

Faced with Sonoko Suzuki's doubts, Genta Kojima patted his chest triumphantly.

"Professor Agasa brought us here!"

"Haha... I didn't expect something like this to happen either."

Professor Agasa appeared out of nowhere, scratched his head, and gave a somewhat embarrassed smile.

"I was just thinking that even if we couldn't play the 'Cocoon System,' we could still let the kids participate in that guided tour..."

"PhD!"

The moment Ran saw Professor Agasa, she rushed to his side.

"Did you see Conan? His name is on the guest list this time!"

……

Shortly after Kogoro Mouri woke up, Ran Mouri finally managed to contact Eri Kisaki.

After hearing about Conan's "disappearance," Eri unexpectedly offered to take leave to help take care of Kogoro.

Therefore, she finally had time to look for the person who had run away.

more importantly--

After every phone call she made to Shinichi went unanswered, Ran Mouri, alone and without any help, could only try to think of a way to find Conan on her own.

This girl demonstrated amazing initiative.

So, using Kogoro Mouri's identity as a "GSSRA advisor," she went to the Metropolitan Police Department to check the relevant surveillance footage, and then asked Officer Sato to access GSSRA's internal data.

After learning from Officer Sato that Conan's name appeared on the list of attendees at the Sindora Corporation exhibition, the investigation was completed.

She found a friend who could bring her to the venue, which is why she and Sonoko are here.

Ran Mouri's primary, and only, purpose for this trip was—

Besides wanting to find Conan, he also wanted to ask him a question in person.

A question she had kept in her heart for a long time, but never dared to ask.

During her time with the children, the girl had been quietly observing them and occasionally asking them about Conan.

She acted very naturally, just like a caring older sister showing concern for her younger brother.

However, Ai Haibara recognized it at a glance.

—Ran Mouri is trying to confirm something.

But she did not stop her at all.

Regardless, Ran Mouri did save her life.

Moreover, even if we strip away this veneer of human sentiment, even if we discard our own loathing for fate, and even if we glean only fragments of information from the doctor.

Ai Haibara has an inexplicable fondness for Ran Mouri.

Since all of this is going to end anyway, it doesn't matter if I hint at the truth to her, right?

So, when Ran Mouri once again asked in a gentle tone, as if she were concerned about whether Conan had gotten into any trouble lately,

"Conan?"

She tilted her head, looking thoughtful.

"To be honest, he can be just like an adult sometimes!"

“Mmm!” Ayumi Yoshida nodded in agreement, even happily echoing this view.

"Conan is always the first to deduce the truth! He's amazing, and he makes me feel so safe!"

"And that's not all!" Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya retorted, "Not only can he use deduction, but he can also defeat bad guys with soccer!"

"Is that so?" Ran Mouri's smile softened even more.

But her heart slowly sank to the deepest part of her soul, and even further down.

Ran Mouri could almost feel herself being dragged into the deep sea by some invisible force.

Those tones, those words, those seemingly naive narratives all concealed a truth she could no longer ignore:
"If...if Conan is Shinichi..."

Ran Mouri could feel a shiver rising from her heart as her fingertips unconsciously clenched into her palms.

The young girl was in turmoil, but she knew she already had the answer.

However, she still doesn't dare to admit it.

Ran Mouri was terrified; she feared that if she asked the question herself, she wouldn't get the answer she wanted.

Ai Haibara looked at Ran Mouri, who had suddenly fallen silent.

"Sister Xiaolan..."

She didn't speak, but simply placed her hand gently in Ran Mouri's hand.

……

Dr. Agasa did not stop Ai Haibara's almost deliberate hints and affirmations.

Regardless of his personal opinion on whether Ran Mouri should know Conan's identity.

From the perspective of the overall plan, this may even have some positive effects.

As long as no one enters the cocoon before—

Ran Mouri stopped Conan, beat him until he knelt down, and forced him to admit that he was Shinichi Kudo.

—It's not a big problem.

Moreover, Dr. Agasa is very clear about one thing:

The child who believed this was a "one-way trip" would never reveal his identity to Ran Mouri at this crucial moment.

Moreover, they would never meet in real life.

Because Professor Agasa has been personally "remotely controlling" the direction and timing of the fifty children's journey.

Even at the very moment Ran Mouri asked, "Doctor, have you seen Conan?"

He subtly tightened his grip on the remote control hidden under his sleeve.

……

The moment Dr. Agasa gave the signal, signs of "chaos" began to appear on the scene.

In Conan's opinion—

Perhaps it was because everyone was too crowded around that glass curtain wall.

Or perhaps it has been too long.

Or perhaps, excessive excitement caused some physical reactions.

Several children have fainted!

Amid exclamations, several doctors in white coats quickly arrived.

"Is my child okay?"

"If anything happens, I will definitely contact the municipal authorities of Beika Town..."

Then, amid the concerns or accusations of several parents, who may hold high positions, the situation escalated.

"It's not good to behave like that in front of children!" Conan's voice drew the attention of some sobbing children, as well as the doctors and adults around them.

He stood at the front of the crowd and calmly explained to the parents:

"It's probably just due to low blood sugar. You just need to eat some dessert and rest for a bit."

—Now there are six more spots available.

……

So, Ran Mouri waited anxiously.

Professor Agasa hung up the phone that had just interrupted his answer, and then continued answering Ran Mouri's question.

"Yes, it was Hattori who asked me to reserve this spot for him."

Professor Agasa looked at Ran Mouri, then pointed to the winding corridor that descended directly from mid-air to the back of the exhibition stand.

"They will probably go directly to the booth from that passage."

"Huh? Does that mean we'll never see Conan again?" Ayumi, Mitsuhiko, and Genta were all a little disappointed.

But before the children's disappointed expressions could linger on their faces for long, Professor Agasa winked at them.

"However, maybe you guys can give it a try."

"Huh?!" The children's eyes widened instantly.

"Wasn't it said there were only fifty spots available?"

Sonoko was somewhat surprised, because even she—the daughter of the prestigious Suzuki zaibatsu—hadn't managed to get a spot at this exhibition.

Dr. Agasa waved the phone in his hand, coughed lightly, and suppressed the smile on his face.

"That's how it was supposed to be..."

"However, there are six children now, and I have to retire due to health reasons."

As he spoke, he pointed to each person present with his finger.

"Ran, Sonoko, Genta, Mitsuhiko, Ayumi, and Ai... Hmm, that makes six people."

"Great! We can go in too!"

Professor Agasa twitched his beard with a smug look and gestured with his hand, making a "fingertip universe" sign.

"After all, I did participate in the manufacturing of this system, so I made a small contribution..."

“The vacant spots should not be filled, but since you are here anyway.”

"Long live the Doctor—!"

And as the children surrounded Professor Agasa, cheering and jumping for joy.

Sonoko raised the corner of her mouth, then gently nudged Ran beside her with her arm.

"Now that guy who was so eager to drag me over here has plenty of time to 'find' his lost child, right?"

Her teasing tone made Ran Mouri's cheeks flush, and she instinctively retorted, "Sonoko! What nonsense are you talking about!"

But Ran Mouri finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Although she didn't know why she suddenly felt a little relieved just because of the change in the location of her meeting with Conan.

But thankfully, she was finally able to see him.

……

In the last half hour before the press conference began.

Led by the staff, the children sat down in the cocoon-shaped recliner with curious eyes.

The bright orange full-body recliners enveloped their tender bodies, fitting them as snugly and comfortably as if they were in the womb.

Conan's gaze, however, fell to the left front of the device beneath him—

He thought he just saw someone walk through the emergency exit under the main booth into the cocoons that should have been empty.

Conan suspected that it was related to the mastermind behind it all.

But now he can't do anything, as the staff member in front of him is blocking his view.

"Please place the back of your head against the center of the headrest, ready to receive the device."

More importantly, what comes with that statement is what truly matters.

A silver-white device, resembling a helmet, was gently placed on his head. Conan felt a slight stinging sensation, though he wasn't sure if it was just his imagination.

Then came a cold, electric pulse—

"Brainwave transmission device, installation complete."

A monotone, mechanical voice suddenly rang out.

Conan froze, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down.

"I hope... I can make it back alive this time."

The capsule lid above his head began to slowly close, and as the shadow fell, Conan closed his eyes.

"Main hardware - Start connecting."

"Connecting to - [Loop Computer]".

"Connecting to - [RSI Fluctuation Adjustment Center]".

"Entering code for [Universe Two]".

"Universe Two?" Conan realized that something seemed wrong, but he felt that his consciousness had been drawn away by something much larger.

He couldn't do anything to resist, and could only comfort himself in his heart.

"That should just be the name of a virtual universe."

The cold voice continued in my ears.

"Target architecture locked, corresponding world connected."

“Ritual Cycle Number 333”

"Airspace coordinate adjustment is in progress."

"The screen displays the system initialization."

"Emotion Delay Processing Module - Ready".

"Countdown begins—ten, nine, eight..."

Just as the countdown began, the entire main exhibition hall fell into an eerie silence.

A silence that went unanswered.

There was no opening speech from the host, no applause, not even the slightest sound of breathing or the rubbing of chairs.

On the viewing platform, instead of chatting guests, there were rows of cold metal.

These cocoons, gleaming with a cold white light, stand in neat rows like tombstones, silently applauding their children.

This was exactly within those three hours and thirty-three minutes.

No, to be precise, it was everything the Alliance did when Conan went to the Twilight Mansion.

Why was the streets, buildings, and the city completely silent on the way to the city hall?

Why did Conan Edogawa walk directly from the corridor that was isolated from the outside world into the "cocoon" that had been prepared in advance?
Perhaps in Conan's view, this is just the low pressure and silence before a storm.

But the reality was far more thorough than he imagined:
"All 57 billion sets of the Cocoon System must be installed within the next 24 hours!"

The alliance mobilized everything, mobilized everything—

With no government news broadcasts and all media outlets "paralyzed" or "redirected," the situation became unpredictable.

"Attention! Emergency! All residents, move to an open area immediately."

"WARNING! All residents should go to an open area immediately."

"In case of emergency, it is necessary for the residents to move without moving."

From every remote village to the city.

In those rays of light that were not deflected by the "lens group," whether it was day or night, everyone could see those silvery-white raindrops falling from the moon's surface.

As the material recombination device began to work, one silvery-white "cocoon" after another sprang up like a forest.

And so, the whole world fell silent, leaving behind an empty shell.

All of this was accomplished overnight.

Even at the very end of the transformation, it's like the disguises that [Conan Edogawa] saw.

With the activation of the simulation device, the buildings with lights on and people moving around quietly spread from the entire Beika Town to various places.

And those intertwined threads, after completing all this, extend their reach towards the ocean, the Earth's core, and even deep space.

The ends of those silky threads shimmered with the blue light of the rift generator, stretching across the entire space and reaching into the more distant heavens.

At this moment, with those threads stretching towards infinity like cosmic strings.

The alliance then attempted to contain the universe itself, or at least a part of it, within a vast, boundless "white cocoon."

……

And in that final moment—

The central control room of the cocoon system.

Inside a silver-black main control cabin that was larger and more complex than the other "cocoons," Dr. Agasa was solemnly operating the holographic projections floating around him.

Timeline architecture, loop architecture, CYZ effect architecture...

A complex network of structures, comprised of cooperation at all levels of the alliance, comes into view.

Inside the Alliance's third central research platform, Bai Zichen and Dr. Agasa confirmed that the final system was accurate.

"【Lunar Jump Module】: Synchronization confirmed."

"【Timeline Weaving System】: Controllable time node correction in progress - currently available redundancy, 33%."

Looking at that data, Dr. Agasa broke out in a sweat.

Bai Zichen's voice rang out in the cabin.

"The redundancy is already only one-third at the very beginning, Doctor."

Meanwhile, those cold voices continued in my ears.

"【Akasha Mapping System】: Consciousness synchronization completed."

"The Ritual Cycle System is ready to go live."

"Current process usage is 30%, and the final estimated usage is 333%."

Dr. Agasa felt that Bai Zichen's voice blended in with the mechanical sounds, making it indistinguishable.

"Even with the CYZ effect, it is impossible to force it to reach 333% without crashing given the current redundancy."

"Furthermore, at the current rate, we can't wait until the moment to anchor the entire [Universe One], even if it's just an empty shell."

Clearly, only one person can complete 333% of the system's progress.

Dr. Agasa murmured.

"That child will help us buy some time."

He paused, his gaze seemingly trying to penetrate the "cocoon" that enveloped him to see the child.

"If things get to the point where it's necessary... I will proactively disconnect."

—This sentence almost exhausted all of Professor Agasa's strength.

Dr. Agasa knew very well that once the system was activated, there was no turning back.

If we cut it off, that child will never come back.

He will become part of the truth, and a victim, as he learns of it.

Professor Agasa murmured softly, as if talking to himself, or perhaps conversing with something that had long since departed:

"Shinichi...you only have one chance...we only have one chance."

"Final countdown... three, two, one."

In that final second of the countdown, Dr. Agasa gently pressed the red main control button on the central core interface.

He then revealed the true name of the Cocoon System, exposing the true nature of this "Noah's Ark".

"Activate immediately—the [History Advancement and Concealment System]!"

Thus, it seems as if something has broken through the boundary between "reality" and "virtuality" between reality and virtuality.

A membrane as thin as a cicada's wing, yet indestructible, was torn apart.

An invisible, immense force was born from the child sitting in the "cocoon" and gently pushed towards the universe itself.

Just as the countdown reached "1".

The beginning or end of that new timeline.

A terrifying, unimaginable white expanse spread across the entire timeline.

Everything was "melted" into that white light with no future.

Koizumi Akako's prediction was correct.

At the moment when [Conan Edogawa] travels to Universe 2.

A pure white universe, devoid of future, was "bloomed" in Universe One.

Now, with the start of the sixth pointer case.

A case that is truly capable of self-interpretation, self-analysis, and self-circulation.

An impossible case that could never be solved has been born.

This time, if that detective named Conan Edogawa—

If he cannot perceive that crucial juncture, and cannot restrain his pursuit of the truth...

He will be trapped in that eternal cycle.

(End of this chapter)