Interlude

A laboratory hidden on an obscure island somewhere in the Pacific opened.

DD's inorganic voice rang out-the voice of an artificial intelligence.

"Confirmed: Mr. An Xinyi's vital signs have ceased.

Confirmed: Mr. An Xinyi's brain waves have ceased.

Confirmed: Mr. An Xinyi's 'ability' crystal has been successfully recovered."

DD fell silent for a moment, then its inorganic electronic voice rang out again.

"Confirmed-

No. 143 has been decommissioned. Activating No. 144 now.

Preparing to awaken brain-wave activity-

Preparing to implant the ability crystal-

"What-what does this mean?!"

Chūya Nakahara sprang to his feet. As a product of a laboratory himself, he was especially sensitive to this.

"..."

Osamu Dazai clenched his fists so tightly that his nails seemed about to dig into his flesh.

He already understood.

Ranpo Edogawa shot to his feet, his emerald eyes wide with disbelief.

"Why would they do this..." Ranpo Edogawa could not understand.

Fyodor pressed a hand to his forehead and gave a bitter smile. "I never imagined... I thought I was crazy enough already..."

Honestly, I've never been this shocked in my life.

The view on the screen pulled back. The entire laboratory was filled with countless clone culture tanks like those they had seen in An Xinyi's laboratory, each holding a person with the same face floating in green nutrient solution.

They had gentle features and fair skin, their eyes closed and smiles resting on their lips.

That was "An Xinyi."

The An Xinyi with "144" engraved on his wrist opened his eyes.

"Welcome back, Mr. An Xinyi."