Conan Rick's Investigator

"Wait a moment!" On the phone, Xinming Xiangbao's voice was a little hurried.

Qin Zhibo was stunned for a moment, "Excuse me, is there anything else?"

"Um, um..." Shinname Kaori took a deep breath and finally mustered up the courage to speak out, "I think your novel 'At the Mountains of Madness' is very well written...

Very unique style, I like it very much...

My editor told me that your novel has received very good feedback from readers this week. Everyone is looking forward to reading the revealing chapter next week, and so am I..."

Only after being reminded by Shinname Kaori did Qin Zhibo remember the matter of "Mountains of Madness".

The revealing chapter... Even I want to know what the revealing chapter looks like...

"Okay, then please look forward to it."

Qin Zhibo responded stubbornly, and Shinname Hōri on the opposite side also said "hmm" softly.

After the call ended, Qin Zhibo glanced through the glass at the owner of the fishing tackle shop who was waiting eagerly, and could only give him an embarrassed look and turned away.

……

Qin Zhibo took the earliest flight back to Tokyo.

Qin Zhibo was actually a little reluctant to leave Okinawa, after all, that was the place where he could complete the main mission.

However, if he continued to stay in Okinawa, even if he bought the tools to hunt mermaids, he would have to wait until his foot injury healed before he could take action.

Moreover, even if you can encounter "mermaids" in that sea area, it should not be seen often, and it may take a long time to wait.

From the perspective of time management, Qin Zhibo could only choose to return to Tokyo first and deal with some things within his ability.

Returning to Zhibo Detective Agency after a long absence, Qin Zhibo felt a familiar yet unfamiliar smell in the air.

This indirectly reminded Qin Zhibo that this business trip was indeed taking a long time.

First, we went to the American Island in Wakasa Bay, Fukui Prefecture, and then to Kane Town in Okinawa Prefecture in the south. We did not stop in between, and both times were major cases that were quite strenuous.

Fortunately, I did gain something. I bought [fireproof clothing] on the American island and [voice changing technique] in Okinawa Prefecture.

I have already bought 6 of the 2 items this week, progress is 6 / 2.

Qin Zhibo walked to the window, pulled up the blinds, opened the window to ventilate the room, then sat in the boss chair and called Shimabukuro Kimie.

Qin Zhibo told Shimabukuro Kimie about his investigation on Okinawa Island. The source of the medicine should be in Los Angeles, USA, in the hands of someone.

"I'm probably going to the United States soon. When I get there, I'll try to investigate this person and see if I can get the drugs."

"In the near future", "probably", "try" and "can" are four model concepts. Qin Zhibo did not make any guarantees because future matters still need to be analyzed according to specific circumstances.

But Shimabukuro Kimie did not realize the uncertainty in Qin Zhibo's words.

"I really don't know how to thank you. You are truly my benefactor!"

On the other end of the phone, Shimabukuro Kimie burst into tears of joy, and her voice, trembling with excitement, came through the phone line.

Qin Zhibo still maintained his consistent thinking. If this thing could be accomplished, there was actually a way to repay him that was to pledge his love to her...

After finishing the call with Shimabukuro Kimie, Qin Zhibo called Shinna Kaori again and told her that he had returned to Tokyo and could explain the mission to her.

The other party understood each other, and the two continued to communicate on the Nine Angels website.

[Guan: This time's mission is to catch the arsonist who has been setting fires in Tokyo. The reward is 100 million yen.]

Qin Zhibo was somewhat disappointed when he heard about this reward. For catching the same criminal, this amount was much cheaper than the previous killer, Silver Fox.

But soon, Qin Zhibo understood why the reward for this mission was not as attractive as before.

[Guan: This mission was originally being carried out by another Nine Angels agent, but he was probably discovered while tracking and assassinated by the arsonist.]

[Guan: However, in his last communication with me through the website, he mentioned "Zoroastrianism"...]

Chapter 478 Because you are a tsundere now...

Zoroastrianism.

A sect that I had only heard of but did not leave any clear impression on.

Previously, Qin Zhibo saw an advertisement in the newspaper that this sect was recruiting new believers, saying that as long as they joined Zoroastrianism and became believers, they could receive some small gifts every week.

Other than that, there's nothing special.

[Guan: The arsonist once participated in the Zoroastrianism, but his whereabouts are unknown. If you investigate, you might find some new clues.]

【Qin: Got it, I’ll start investigating now】

After finishing the call, Qin Zhibo found a report on a recent arson case and an advertisement for Zoroastrianism recruiting believers from the messy pile of newspapers on the table.

First, let's talk about the arson case. Just last night, the fifth arson case occurred in Tokyo. The police speculated that it was the work of the same serial arsonist.

As the case is still under investigation, the newspaper did not reveal much information.

The next thing was the Zoroastrian advertisement, which Qin Zhibo read carefully.

Fire is the origin of human civilization. Since primitive society, humans have developed an inexplicable affection for flames. It is a symbol of light and hope, a force that drives away cold and darkness...

The advertisement goes into great lengths to explain the significance of fire to human beings, and finally gives the address of Zoroastrianism: 40 Shinjuku-dori, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.

……

Since the Mazda 929 he rented last week had been returned, Qin Zhibo could only take a taxi.

After more than 40 minutes of driving, the driver finally dropped Qin Zhibo off at No. Shinjuku Avenue, a place called "Human Fire Culture Development Research Center".

Qin Zhibo got out of the taxi and looked up at the funny name. He guessed that using Zoroastrianism as a signboard was officially prohibited.

However, if you don’t look at the name carefully, it may be mistaken for the “Human Cremation Development Research Center”.

The research center has a transparent glass door, but behind the glass door is a thick red curtain, making it impossible to see what is going on inside.

Just as Qin Zhibo was about to walk in, he heard the voices of believers preaching coming from the intersection nearby.

"Sir, could I spare a moment of your time? Let me tell you about the story of Zuluzhi, the Holy Fire Messenger and High Priest of Fire."

"Flame is our companion. Human civilization is built on flames. Here are the flyers. Please take a look."

"Do you know why people always say that one is reborn in the flames? This is our research center. We can go in and discuss it."

At the intersection, three believers were wearing the same fiery red short-sleeved shirts and holding leaflets, preaching to passers-by.

However, most of the passers-by politely declined with a smile, or gave a look of contempt. In short, no one was interested in understanding the mystery in depth.

But at this moment, a crimson figure happened to appear at the intersection and took the Zoroastrian leaflet and looked at it with interest.

Qin Zhibo looked closely and saw that it was Koizumi Hongzi.

Seeing that Koizumi Hongzi was interested in the flyers, the three believers immediately used the Trinity formation to surround Koizumi Hongzi and brainwash her.

"Flames are good. We should worship fire..."

"Look at this girl with her beautiful red hair. It's as if she was born to inherit the will of fire..."

"Girl, are you interested? Our research center is right here. Let our priest talk to you in detail."

After being brainwashed by one man and two women, Koizumi Hongzi let out her signature laugh of "Oh, ho, ho, ho" and then walked over accompanied by three believers, bumping into Qin Zhibo who was standing at the door of the "Cremation Research Center".

"you……"

"I……"

The two looked at each other, both a little surprised that the other appeared in this place.

In Qin Zhibo's impression, Koizumi Akako has always hated this kind of pseudo-magic. For example, she dislikes Kaito Kid because Kaito Kid always uses magic to ruin the reputation of magic.

Of course, all of this is what Koizumi Akako thinks herself.

But this time, she actually became interested in a mere Zoroastrianism, which really made Qin Zhibo a little confused.

If these people knew that Koizumi Akako could start a fire with just one finger, they would probably worship her as the "God of Fire".

"Why are you here?" It was Koizumi Hongzi who asked first.

Qin Zhibo couldn't tell the three Zoroastrians that he was investigating an arsonist, so he could only explain, "I was just passing by..."

Just as Koizumi Hongzi was about to continue speaking, the three believers next to her immediately took advantage of the opportunity to interrupt, their smiling eyes seeming to have seen today's headcount KPI.

"Since you two are friends, let's go together. You two can look after each other."

"There's no harm in going in and finding out."

"Come on, come on..."

In this way, the two of them reluctantly entered the "cremation center".

……

Entering the Zoroastrian headquarters, Qin Zhibo found that the decoration here was no different from that of an ordinary office, except that various pictures of flames of various shapes and colors were hung on the walls on both sides of the corridor.

Under the guidance of the believers, the two were sent to a room similar to a reception room, where two fake fire props for film and television shooting were set up.

"Please wait here for a moment, our priest will come out soon."

The three believers retreated one by one, and Qin Zhibo and Koizumi Hongzi had a brief chance to talk.

"How will you be here?"

Koizumi Hongzi asked first. She used her witch's sixth sense to feel that Qin Zhibo's appearance here was not accidental.

Qin Zhibo explained, "I'm investigating the recent arson incident in Tokyo..."

Suddenly, Qin Zhibo thought of a possibility and changed the subject, "Could it be you who did this?"

"Hey, hey!" Koizumi Hongzi's face was a little angry. "Although I am the heir of the Red Magic Clan and use fire magic, I would never set fire to the city."

Qin Zhibo's eyes rolled when he thought of Koizumi Akako's previous record of using a magic circle to cause a power outage in the entire city in order to capture Kaito Kid.

"Okay, I believe it."

Koizumi Hongzi: "..."

Qin Zhibo truthfully told the reason why he was here, and then asked Koizumi Hongzi about her motives.

Qin Zhibo was also somewhat surprised by Koizumi Akako's explanation.

"Zoroastrianism is not some random sect founded by ordinary people. It is an ancient sect with a history of over 3500 years. It is famous for its worship and belief in the 'holy fire' and is known as 'Zoroastrianism' in China."

"I really want to try to join this 'Zoroastrianism'..."

Koizumi Akako said "ao jiao" in a serious manner using the Chinese character pronunciation, but this word should actually be "Zoroastrianism", pronounced "xian".

Moreover, Qin Zhibo felt that Koizumi Akako had no need to join the "Zoroastrianism".

"Because you are a proud and arrogant person now..."

Chapter 479: The Fire of Truth - Cthugha

"I'm a tsundere?"

Although Koizumi Hongzi can recognize some Chinese characters, she is still not able to understand homophones. She pointed at her nose and asked, "When did I become a Zoroastrian?"

Just when Qin Zhibo wanted her not to care about these details, the door suddenly opened and a man in a red robe walked in. Qin Zhibo and Koizumi Hongzi stood up politely to greet him.

The man had a kind face and his figure hidden under the red robe could not be seen, but Qin Zhibo saw the name hanging above his head: Xiumu Feiyan, 46 years old.

Such a chuunibyou name...

"You two, sorry for the wait."

"My name is Kuchiki Feiyan, and I'm a priest of the Japanese Zoroastrianism. Before you join the cult, you can call me Kuchiki."

Qin Zhibo stretched out his hand and shook hands with Xiu Mu Fei Yan, but through the fiery red leather gloves, Qin Zhibo could not find out any information.

"Please take a seat, both of you."

Xiumu Feiyan gestured to Qin Zhibo and Koizumi Hongzi to sit down, while he took out the book in his other hand and placed it on the coffee table.

"Since you two have entered our church, it means you are interested in our Zoroastrianism."

"Please allow me to introduce Zoroastrianism to you first."

Xiumu Feiyan opened the book in his hand to the first page. It turned out to be a church reading material similar to an album.