On the other hand, Morpheus was unaware that his influence had spurred Sonoko to start meddling in the affairs of the Suzuki conglomerate.
Even if he knew, he wouldn't care.
It was just the Suzuki conglomerate. So what if they were wealthy?
As if Morpheus lacked money.
If he chose to sell the food from his Light Dimension, he could dominate the gourmet market overnight, monopolizing high-end cuisine and building a food empire rivaling—or surpassing—the Suzuki conglomerate.
Beyond that, Morpheus controlled the Umbrella Corporation, which was no less formidable.
So, money was the least of his concerns.
Meanwhile, after leaving the Cat's Eye Café, Sonoko quickly found Ran, presenting the Blacklight Serum like a prized treasure.
"Ran, look at this!"
Ran stared blankly at the syringe-like object in Sonoko's hand, shaking her head in confusion.
She had no idea what it was.
Sonoko explained, "This is Blacklight Serum, something amazing I got from Lord Morpheus. Once injected, your physical abilities will transform dramatically. You could even gain immortality—as long as your head isn't destroyed, you'll survive even if your heart's pierced."
"With your skills, this serum will boost your strength immensely, letting you better protect Shinichi."
Ran was stunned. She hadn't expected a mere serum to have such power.
"It's too valuable. I can't accept it, Sonoko."
Ran knew her earlier hesitation had upset Lord Morpheus, and she didn't want Sonoko to risk angering him by giving her such a gift.
Having known Ran for so long, Sonoko understood her friend's nature perfectly.
Touched yet amused by Ran's refusal, Sonoko forcibly pressed the Blacklight Serum into her hands, smiling. "Don't worry, it's fine."
"The Blacklight Serum is a perk for Lord Morpheus's followers. Every follower gets it—it's not some rare treasure to him."
"I've got plenty more. You can use it without worry."
"This one's for you, and this one's for Shinichi."
Sonoko handed Ran another vial of Blacklight Serum.
Seeing Ran still hesitant, Sonoko shared her plan to form a faction to serve Morpheus.
Ran finally understood, saying, "Alright, I'll accept the Blacklight Serum. If Lord Morpheus ever needs anything, please let me know, Sonoko."
"Leave it to me," Sonoko replied earnestly, hoping Ran might yet earn Lord Morpheus's favor and become a follower.
After injecting Ran with the Blacklight Serum, Sonoko advised, "It'll take a night to integrate with your body. By tomorrow, you'll see its benefits."
Ran was deeply grateful. "Thank you, Sonoko."
Sonoko waved it off casually. "No need. That's what best friends are for."
After parting with Ran, Sonoko returned home.
At dinner, she detailed her experience—becoming Lord Morpheus's follower, learning magic, and acquiring the Blacklight Serum—to her family.
She needed their support to build a powerful faction to serve Morpheus.
Her family listened as if hearing a fairy tale, jaws dropping in disbelief.
Sonoko's older sister, Ayako Suzuki, cautiously asked, "Sonoko, are you sure you haven't been scammed?"
"Scammed? No way, sis."
To prove it, Sonoko cast several dazzling spells.
Seeing her wield magic so effortlessly, her family finally believed her.
She had gained the favor of a powerful god and become his follower.
"This is fantastic!" Sonoko's father, Shiro Suzuki, exclaimed, thrilled. As the head of the Suzuki conglomerate, he knew the world's true nature all too well.
On the surface, it seemed fine, but beneath lurked constant dangers.
Monsters and spirits were everywhere.
He lived cautiously, always fearing a sudden end. Wealth meant nothing against those terrifying entities—he was just a lamb awaiting slaughter.
Though he'd spent heavily to buy protective artifacts from the Onmyo Bureau, artifacts were no match for personal strength.
He'd considered having his daughters gain supernatural powers, like learning onmyoji techniques.
But neither Ayako nor Sonoko had the aptitude to become onmyoji or jujutsu sorcerers.
Other paths were too dangerous, risking their lives.
So, Shiro Suzuki had resorted to paying for safety, spending vast sums annually to secure the Onmyo Bureau's protection.
Now, his daughter had succeeded, gaining supernatural power and becoming a god's follower.
She'd even received something as incredible as the Blacklight Serum from Lord Morpheus.
How could he not be overjoyed? He laughed heartily.
Tomoko Suzuki, his wife, smiled too. She knew her husband's worries better than anyone. Realizing Sonoko had secured a powerful ally, her first thought was, "Sonoko, could you ask Lord Morpheus if Ayako could become his follower too?"
Sonoko replied, "I can ask, but I can't promise anything. Lord Morpheus chooses followers based on whim, not merit."
Tomoko Suzuki frowned. Choosing based on whim alone was tricky.
But it fit her image of gods—capricious beings.
"Give it a try. It's fine if it doesn't work," Tomoko said slowly.
Sonoko nodded, clasped her hands, and prayed to Morpheus.
Morpheus received her prayer and responded, "Your sister wants to be my follower? Pass. Not interested."
He knew of Ayako Suzuki, who appeared briefly in Detective Conan. She was beautiful and had a fiancé.
But Morpheus had no interest in her.
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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