Conan: Above all force, there is truth!

After seeing that everyone's attention had been drawn to him, he wiped the cold sweat from his brow and glanced at Longye in horror.

This guy... definitely knows my real identity now!!!

Therefore, he immediately found an excuse to interrupt Longye, fearing that Longye might say something outrageous...

Just as he was about to apologize to everyone, saying that he had mistaken the view, the homeowner's slightly flustered voice rang in his ears: "That looks like the direction of the suspension bridge!"

Doi Takesuki: "?"

Following the homeowner's gaze, everyone indeed saw a sliver of yellow light through the window.

Due to the angle, no one could tell what was emitting the light. But after hearing the homeowner's explanation, everyone became curious and decided to go outside to investigate.

After hearing everyone's decision, Kaito Kuroba looked down at his hands and remained silent.

He just pointed randomly, right? Is there really light there?

……

Three minutes later, everyone stared in disbelief at the suspension bridge, which was already engulfed in flames and thick smoke, at a loss for what to do.

Soon after, the suspension bridge completely "died" in front of everyone, and they had no choice but to return to the living room to discuss the current situation.

"Mr. Araki Yoshinobu, besides that suspension bridge, is there any other way to leave this place?"

“That suspension bridge was the only way to get to the other side. Now that it has burned down, we have no way to leave this wooden house for the time being.”

Seeing everyone's increasingly serious expressions, Ms. Naoko Kuroda, who had remained silent until now, adjusted her glasses, attempting to ease the tense atmosphere: "Why are you all so serious? It's just a suspension bridge. We can just call someone to come and fix it, can't we?"

Upon hearing her words, Takaki Doi, his face full of exasperation, shook his head: "I've already checked. The landline here has been tampered with; it can't make calls anymore. And there's no cell phone signal in these deep mountains..."

Upon hearing this, panic appeared on everyone's faces.

If it were just the suspension bridge that burned, it could be excused by an accident or a failed magic trick. But since the landline phone was also tampered with... this is no longer a "joke".

Even more frightening is that everyone is now completely cut off from the outside world. Neither descending the mountain nor seeking help is an option.

After everyone understood the situation, Doi Takaki continued, "He burned down the suspension bridge, broke the telephone... He went to great lengths to trap us here. His goal is clear—revenge!"

"revenge?!"

"what is going on?!"

Doi Takaki's words immediately drew everyone's attention.

Under everyone's gaze, Doi Takaki did not explain the meaning of 'revenge', but instead told everyone a story.

"A few months ago, a magician who had been retired for many years announced his comeback. He planned to perform an extremely difficult 'escape magic trick' as his first act after his resurrection. Unfortunately, he ultimately failed. He lost his life because of this trick..."

Upon hearing this, the homeowner and the others looked shocked: "Are you talking about Harui Fuden?!"

Upon hearing this, Doi Takaki nodded: "Although I don't know what the hidden story is, his granddaughter is right here."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Kikue Tanaka with a complicated expression.

Noticing his gaze, everyone immediately turned to look at Ms. Tanaka.

Chapter 217 must contain some kind of mechanism!

Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, Kikue Tanaka sighed and nodded.

"No wonder you sent my grandfather an encouraging email the day before the performance; it seems you already knew his identity."

"After all, the online name 'Deceive the Child' was the pseudonym that Mr. Harui used on stage when he first debuted. As for you... actually, I recognized you the moment I saw you."

After listening to Doi Takaki's words, Ms. Tanaka sat down on a chair and glanced at everyone: "That's right, I am Harui Fuden's granddaughter. My grandfather used to communicate with everyone under the account 'Deceive the Child'."

At this point, a hint of reluctance and nostalgia appeared in her eyes: "One day, he suddenly smiled and told me he wanted to perform in an escape magic show. His strength was clearly dwindling, yet he suddenly had this idea. Seeing his confident smile, I simply couldn't bear to stop him. You all know what happened next; an accident occurred during the performance, and he passed away..."

After a moment of silence, the homeowner, Araki Yoshino, spoke up, "But why did you destroy the suspension bridge and the telephone? Is it really for revenge, as Mr. Doi said? But your grandfather wasn't..."

"Yes, that's right. He died because he impulsively decided to perform that escape magic trick. Of course, I won't hold it against you for that."

After speaking, Ms. Tanaka showed a look of reminiscence: "The reason I know about this is because when I was sorting through my grandfather's belongings, I found his printed chat logs and his diary. My grandfather wanted to reveal his true identity to everyone after the escape magic trick was successful."

At this point, a look of pain appeared on her face: "I never expected that after my grandfather died, two people would leave him 'that' kind of message! Something like, 'Being able to die on stage is what he was pursuing,' or 'This must be the old man's hope for survival,' and other mocking remarks."

After seeing these messages, I suddenly felt regret and resentment for my grandfather, which is why…

Although she didn't finish speaking, everyone understood her subtext and looked at Mr. Hamano Toshiya standing to the side. It was he and Mr. Nishiyama, the "Escape King" who hadn't arrived yet, who had spoken rudely in the group.

At that moment, the homeowner, Araki Yoshino, suddenly realized something and exclaimed in shock, "Could it be that Mr. Nishiyama, who didn't come, has already..."

"Yes, just like you think." Ms. Tanaka leaned back weakly in her chair and looked up at the ceiling.

After understanding the cause and course of events, the group lost interest in continuing the gathering and prepared to call the police.

However, the only exit from the wooden house to the outside world, the suspension bridge, had been burned down, and the group couldn't think of any other way to leave.

Ran and Sonoko also looked at Ryuno with concern, seemingly at a loss.

Noticing their gazes, Ryūno stepped forward, patted "Kuroba Kaito" on the shoulder, and chuckled, "Alright, it's your turn to step in~ Hurry up and fly to the other side to call the police for us."

Kaito Kuroba: "???"

Since Longye didn't try to hide it, everyone heard what he said and immediately looked at the two of them with curiosity.

The homeowner, Araki Yoshinori, even thought that Tatsuno was trying to cheer everyone up with a joke.

"Haha, Takeda-kun, if only Mr. Doi could really fly! Anyway, now that we know what's going on, let's all figure out a solution~"

"Hmm? I'm not kidding~" Longye blinked and looked seriously at the homeowner in front of him.

"Huh? You're not kidding?"

"Haven't you noticed yet? If you reverse the katakana of the name 'Doi Takaki,' it becomes..."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately began to think in their minds, following Longye's prompts.

A few seconds later, everyone stared wide-eyed in shock at the "Doi Tak Tree" in front of them.

"Phantom Thief Kid?!?"

Seeing that Ryūno had revealed his identity, Kuroba Kaito sighed, then reached out and tore off his disguise, revealing his "true" self.

Apart from Ran and Sonoko, who already knew the inside story, everyone stared in shock at the "Phantom Thief Kid" dressed in pure white, frozen in place.

At this moment, Phantom Thief Kid looked helplessly at Tatsuno: "It's true that I have a hang glider, but it can't fly without wind or a high altitude. Besides, why should I call the police for you? I'm a phantom thief, a phantom thief!"

"Don't worry, that's not a problem."

Looking at the "kind" smile on Ryūno's face, Kuroba Kaito couldn't help but shudder.

The next moment, Longye instantly appeared beside Kaito Kid's ear and whispered, "You don't have to take action~ After this is over, I will personally come to your house, tie you up, and deliver you to your lovely 'childhood friend,' and then in front of her father..."

"Stop talking! I'm willing to help!!!" Upon hearing this, Kaito Kuroba realized that Ryūno already knew his detailed information, and cold sweat immediately broke out on his forehead.

At that moment, he felt that Long Ye's smile was inexplicably creepy.

"You bastard, are you a devil...?"

"Hmm? What are you mumbling about?"

"No! There's nothing there! Come to think of it, this cabin doesn't seem tall enough. If there's no wind, I really can't fly."

Longye didn't explain, but instead waved to him: "It's okay, come with me."

Curious, everyone followed Longye and the other person outside.

"Takeda, you're going to... huh? Hey! What are you doing?!"

"It's okay, are you ready?"

"Prepare what... Ah!!!"

Amidst Kaito Kuroba's panicked expression, Ryūno lifted him up with one hand.

The next moment, to everyone's astonishment, Longye flung it into the air. Judging by the height, it seemed to be at least several tens of meters...

Everyone stared blankly at the Phantom Thief Kid in the air, their expressions filled with confusion.

What...did they just see? Was it some kind of magic trick?

Otherwise, how could one person throw another person so high into the air with just one hand...?

It's an organization! There must be some kind of organization!!!

Although the phantom thief Kid in the air seemed to be screaming in fear the whole time, it must have just been his acting!

He and this Takeda Tatsuno must be performing some kind of "magic trick" together!

……

Soon after, the phantom thief Kid in the air finally stopped screaming and slowly flew towards the other side in everyone's sight.

Before anyone could speak, Sonoko immediately grabbed Ran and rushed to Ryūno's side: "Hahahaha! Ryūno, I knew you were really strong! How did you do that just now?! Can you teach me?!"

Looking at Sonoko's excited face, Ran smiled helplessly.

For some reason, Sonoko always wanted to see Tatsuno "defeat" Kaito Kid. Now that she'd finally witnessed it with her own eyes, no wonder she was so excited…

Chapter 218 The Morale of the Conglomerate

— “Whoosh whoo ...

An hour later, everyone heard a loud noise outside and came out of the house.

Looking at the blue and white helicopter with the words "Metropolitan Police Department" marked in the sky, everyone felt flattered.

After the helicopter landed, Inspector Megure led Officer Takagure and others out.

As he approached the group, Inspector Megure exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? Isn't this Tatsuno? And Ran and Sonoko too! What are you all doing here?"

"..."

After exchanging pleasantries, Inspector Megure adjusted his hat with his hand: "We received a call from a guy who calls himself 'Red Herring.' What he said on the phone happens to be related to a case that Beika Police Station is handling."

Not long ago, Nishiyama Tsutomu's body was found in an apartment in Beika Town. A computer next to him contained messages left by the perpetrator and a signature that read 'Kagemusha'. According to the investigation, he had planned to attend a magic enthusiasts' gathering today…”

Upon hearing this, Ms. Tanaka slowly stepped out from the crowd: "I'm very sorry, officer, I am the criminal."

"Oh, so you're the criminal, I see... Hmm?!"

After casually answering the woman in front of him, Inspector Megure realized what was happening and immediately looked at Ms. Tanaka in surprise: "You're really the culprit? Wait, does that mean this case is solved?!"

Seeing this, Officer Takagi immediately whispered a reminder: "Inspector, Inspector..."

Reminded by Officer Takagi, Inspector Megure realized his lapse in composure and immediately covered his mouth, saying, "Ahem! Sorry. Brother Tatsuno, could you please tell me what happened?"