Chapter 214: Infrared Detection
Then there was the matter of a young woman named Sucrose, publicly known as Albedo's research assistant. The FBI had, of course, looked into her as well.
Their investigation revealed she worked in a laboratory under Albedo's direct supervision and had produced some peculiar research findings. These included, but were not limited to, a potion designed to increase the nectar yield of flowers, a spray that significantly extended the shelf life of fruit, and a series of other strange, yet surprisingly practical, inventions.
The FBI, however, clearly didn't pay much attention to this unassuming young woman. They dismissed her as someone with little genuine research talent, likely just a subordinate Albedo had hired to handle menial chores. They even theorized that her supposed research breakthroughs were probably Albedo's own work, attributed to her name for convenience.
All their focus remained squarely on Albedo. They were convinced that he was the true developer of the miraculous life-restoring potion associated with Kaeya.
While Jodie was silently observing Albedo from a distance, a flicker of movement caught her eye. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw the small figure of Conan Edogawa darting up to the alchemist.
Just as Albedo was about to leave with Klee, Conan intercepted him. "Big Brother Albedo," he began, his voice a perfect imitation of childish innocence, "Klee told me that Big Brother Kaeya is leaving. Will we ever see him again? We're all going to miss him so much."
The words had barely left his lips when a prickle of unease crawled up his spine. Forcing such blatant insincerity made his entire body feel out of sorts.
Albedo couldn't suppress a faint, knowing smile as he watched Conan's unconvincing performance. He knew perfectly well the boy wouldn't miss Kaeya in the slightest.
Still, his expression remained placid. "Of course you can. Once he finishes his current work, he should return to Japan."
"Then what about you, Big Brother Albedo? When are you leaving Japan?" This was the question Conan truly wanted to ask, a probe for Albedo's movements. "If you leave, does that mean Klee has to go too? If you're going to leave, could you let us know beforehand? We want to have one last get-together with Klee before you go."
'Based on what Klee said,'Conan analyzed internally,'Kaeya likely handed over the business negotiations with the Organization to Albedo. That means after Kaeya leaves, Albedo becomes the point of contact. Knowing when he plans to leave Japan will indirectly tell me if the potion trade between Teyvat and the Black Organization is still active.'
"Certainly," Albedo replied, easily guessing a part of Conan's intentions. He didn't mind. After all, Klee would undoubtedly look forward to such a gathering. He readily agreed to the boy's request.
Hearing Albedo's answer, the Detective Boys visibly brightened, their sadness over Klee's potential departure softening just a little.
Meanwhile, the appointed time arrived. Shuichi Akai drove to the designated rendezvous point on Raiha Pass, just as he and Kir had agreed.
Parked a safe distance away, concealed from the meeting spot, sat a Porsche 356A. Inside, Gin and Vodka occupied the front seats, their eyes locked on a terminal. The screen displayed a live feed from a micro-camera on Kir's chest, capturing her tense negotiation with Shuichi Akai.
On the screen, Kir prepared to divulge the information she intended to trade with the FBI. The plan was simple: the moment Akai's guard dropped upon hearing the intel, she would shoot him in the lung.
The feed showed the muzzle flash, followed by the dark spray of blood blooming across Akai's chest. In the Porsche, Gin and Vodka's pupils constricted in unison. A heavy, disbelieving silence descended upon the car's interior.
It was a voice from the back seat that shattered the frozen atmosphere.
"That's it? Seriously, that's it?" The tone was laced with incredulity, the words dripping with disdain. "So this is how easily Shuichi Akai dies? Wasn't he supposed to be the Organization's greatest threat? And this is the grand finale? He just stands there and takes a bullet from an enemy without even trying to dodge?"
The Wanderer shook his head, a look of deep dissatisfaction on his face. "I came all this way because I heard Kir was making a move. Tsk. I figured if a fight broke out and she was outmatched, I might have to lend a hand. Seems it wasn't necessary at all."
"How utterly boring. A complete waste of my time. What a loss." With his final pronouncement, the Wanderer slumped back against the seat, the very picture of boredom.
Vodka shot a frustrated glance into the rearview mirror. The guy had practically forced his way into the car, and now he had the gall to complain. He truly couldn't fathom why Gin hadn't just kicked him out.
Gin, however, had long since learned to filter out the Wanderer's meaningless provocations. His gaze remained fixed on the terminal, scrutinizing the real-time footage, seeking absolute confirmation that Shuichi Akai had been shot.
But even as he ignored him, the Wanderer's words echoed in his mind.
Though he couldn't spot any flaw in the recording, the truth was obvious—the Wanderer was right. Shuichi Akai had gone down far too easily.
To be certain, he keyed his own mic. "Kir. Shoot him in the head. One more time."
Hearing Gin's command, the Wanderer sat up straight again, leaning between the front seats to peer at the terminal with renewed curiosity. "Oh? Shuichi Akai should put up a final struggle before he dies, right?" he mused aloud. "Since he's dying anyway, he might as well try to take one of our members with him."
He glanced at Gin. "If Kir gets into trouble in a situation like this, would you help her, Gin?"
Seeing that Gin had no intention of answering, the Wanderer curled his lip and didn't press the issue.
His attention returned to the screen, watching as the camera's perspective slowly approached Akai's slumped form. He couldn't help himself. "Is Kir planning to get closer before she shoots? Is her marksmanship that bad? She can't hit his forehead without pressing the gun right against it? Then how did she manage to hit his lung from that distance?"
He watched as Kir pressed the muzzle of her pistol against Shuichi Akai's forehead. Instead of firing immediately, she spoke a few more words to him.
The Wanderer was rendered speechless for a moment before complaining again. "Doesn't she know that villains die from monologuing? Kir really isn't afraid of a last-ditch counterattack... though, I guess he really didn't counterattack."
A sharp bang echoed from the terminal's speakers. Kir had shot Shuichi Akai in the head. At the sight, a grim smile finally touched the lips of both Gin and Vodka.
The Wanderer rolled his eyes. Seizing the momentary lapse in Gin's focus, he snatched the communicator. "Wait," he said to Kir on the other end. "Turn on that terminal I gave you earlier. It has an infrared detection function. Aim it at Shuichi Akai's corpse. I want to see if he's actually dead."
Gin's hand shot out to reclaim the device, but he froze when he registered the Wanderer's words. He slowly lowered his arm.
Using infrared to confirm the kill... it was indeed a safer method.
On the other end of the line, Kir's heart seized in her chest. The heat signature of a living person, even one gravely injured, was completely different from that of a corpse. If they used infrared detection, her deception would be instantly exposed.
And if that happened, Gin would know she had betrayed them. He would likely order her execution on the spot.
But why?
Kir couldn't understand. Why would the Wanderer suddenly make such a demand?
He knew the plan. He was part of it. Regaining the Organization's trust while establishing a deep-cover link with the FBI was a goal that aligned perfectly with their organization's objectives. So why was he doing this?
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