By this point, in Peggy's mansion's lavish living room, the interrogation had extended till 10 pm, and Shinichi is literally running out of things to stop Felix from leaving.

And Ran, Emiko and Junko who are witnessing all of this from afar could tell. Shinichi may not have shown it on his face, but his trembling finger concealed beneath the table was a clear indicator that he is running out of ways to stop Felix from fleeing.

As the clock ticked closer to 10 PM, the tension in Peggy's mansion's lavish living room reached its peak. Shinichi had exhausted all of his tricks and psychological tactics to delay Felix's departure, but he could sense that his time was running out.

Alright, Shinichi decided....if he can't stop Felix from leaving, then he might as well come up with something that would force Felix to extend his stay. One plan that will make him miss his flight tomorrow. First, he would need to look into his own mind whether there were any Japanese laws that will do so. And he knows of one that will do so, this law doesn't even require him to gather evidence.

"Wait a minute, Sergeant Genzo. I have something important to discuss with Felix before he leaves."

Sergeant Genzo looked at Shinichi with surprise and nodded, gesturing for Felix to stay seated.

"I know you are not going to be forthcoming about her, your twin sister," Shinichi cleared his throat and began, "Which is why I just want to inform you that under Japanese law, there is a provision that allows the police to detain and question individuals for up to 23 days without filing formal charges. This provision is applicable in cases where there is a reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in a serious crime."

Seeing the confusion on Felix's face, Shinichi's cold smile appeared on his face, "In other words, Mr Felix, your refusal to corporate about that is the reason why the police have the authority to make you miss your flight for further questioning."

Felix's eyes widened with alarm as he processed Shinichi's words. He glanced at Sergeant Genzo, seeking confirmation.

Although Felix may not have known a single shred of Japanese, he knows a nod when he sees one. And Shinichi wasn't kidding.

"I didn't have anything to do with those murders!" Felix calmly replied, but the tone was betraying him.

"I didn't say you were involved in the murder, right?" Shinichi replied with a shrug. "Until we can verify your alibi overseas, we will release you. Just that you are not allowed to fly overseas, that is all."

Felix's gaze shifted nervously between Shinichi and Sergeant Genzo. He seemed to be weighing his options, his mind racing with the possible consequences of each decision.

Finally, Felix let out a defeated sigh. "Fine, I will cooperate. But I want my lawyer present during any questioning tomorrow."

"That's a wise decision, Felix. Rest assured, we will conduct a fair and thorough investigation to uncover the truth." Shinichi nodded, a small smirk forming on his lips.

Little did they know that while they were engaged in their psychological battle, Ranran and Takuma were closing in on the mansion.

..............................................................

"You heard me, let me be the bait, and by the time they go after me, Takashi would be left alone." Takuma took a deep breath to explain while returning the glasses to her.

With Ranran weighing the pros and cons, she pointed out, "The last time during the events of 'Extinction Heist', you failed to outrun The Snake's men. Can you promise me that you be able to outrun them this time?"

"We may be children, but this time I didn't come unprepared." Takuma then showed off the shoes he is wearing, "The other day, when I went to collect the motorbike-sidecar to egg that woman's house, Shinichi's neighbour gifted me this."

Takuma pointed to the shoes he was wearing, which appeared to have some modifications. They were a pair of lightweight running shoes with specialized features. "Professor Agasa has modified these shoes," Takuma explained. "He added some enhancements that will give me an extra edge in speed and agility."

"Like what? Sonic the Hedgehog Speed?"

"It ain't possible," Takuma chuckled dismissively before the wheels popped out beneath his shoes.

"Roller shoes? Seriously, Takuma?" Ranran's eyes widened with surprise as she watched the wheels pop out from beneath Takuma's shoes. She couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and amusement at the unexpected modification.

"Yep, roller shoes. Professor Agasa thought it would be a fun and useful addition to help some of us move swiftly and evade pursuers. Especially after he watched that infamous incident of you and Shinichi fleeing on the scooter and skateboard by the gunman in Shibuya on Social Media, he felt like I should try it out first before giving it to the others."

"But have you tested it?"

"No," Takuma admitted, "But I did practice a bit on low speed."

"Even if you have the wheels beneath you," Ranran frowned worriedly, "Are you at least familiar with the layout around this area? To flee out of this street?"

"I've been exploring this area for a while now, Ranran. I know the streets, alleyways, and shortcuts like the back of my hand. I've memorized the layout and practised different escape routes. I'm confident that I can navigate the area swiftly and lead them away from Takashi's location." Takuma nodded confidently.

Ranran considered Takuma's words, knowing that his knowledge of the area could be a crucial advantage in their plan. She knew that Takuma was resourceful and quick-witted, and his determination to rescue Takashi was unwavering.

However, there was also another problem.

"Takashi....if he is too ill to move, or unconscious, how are we going to get him out of this place?" Ranran found herself asking this, "We are still kids, too young to bring anything that could take him out."

Ranran's question hung in the air, their hope of rescuing Takashi dampened by the realization of their physical limitations. They were just children, lacking the strength and resources to carry out a successful rescue operation.

"I thought of that too, till as I was on my way walking back to locate you, give me a minute, I will be back with something."

Takuma quickly disappeared into the darkness, leaving Ranran alone with her thoughts. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of anxiety and hope, knowing that their plan to rescue Takashi relied on their resourcefulness and determination.

As Ranran waited, her mind raced with possibilities. She thought about the various challenges they might face and how they could overcome them. She couldn't shake off the worry that Takashi's health might deteriorate further if they didn't act swiftly.

After what felt like an eternity, Takuma returned with a rusted-looking wheelchair. "I found this at some other abandoned mansion while I was on my way to locate you."

Ranran's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Takuma pushing the rusted wheelchair towards her. She quickly assessed the condition of the wheelchair, noticing its worn-out appearance and lack of proper maintenance.

"Takuma, are you sure this will work?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. "We can't risk further injuring Takashi or causing more harm.

"I know it doesn't look great, but it's the best option we have," Takuma replied, his voice determined. "I checked it thoroughly, and despite its appearance, it's still functional. It may not be the most comfortable or ideal solution, but we can use it to transport Takashi out of here if he's unable to walk."

"Is it foldable to be brought up and down the stairs?" Ranran inspected the chair.

"It should be, I know of my relative who used this specific model before," Takuma examined the wheelchair closely, testing its foldability. After a few moments, he nodded. "Yes, Ranran, it's foldable. It will make it easier for us to navigate the stairs if needed."

Ranran's worry began to subside as she realized the potential usefulness of the wheelchair. Despite its worn-out appearance, it seemed like a viable option to transport Takashi safely if he was unable to walk.

"Alright, Takuma, it seems like we have a plan," Ranran said, a determined glint in her eyes. "You will be the bait, leading Felix's men away while I make my way to the mansion and rescue Takashi. If all goes well, we'll meet at the predetermined location outside the mansion."

Takuma nodded, his gaze focused. "Understood, Ranran. I'll do everything I can to lead them away from Takashi and keep them occupied. You focus on getting him out safely."

With their plan in place, Ranran and Takuma shared a nod of determination. They knew the risks involved, but their determination to save Takashi and bring justice to Peggy's family outweighed their fear.

"But Ranran, I am worried." Takuma frowned at her stature, "You are not that big size, would you be able to get Takashi on the wheelchair? Judging from what I saw on the glasses earlier....he too is quite a big size."

"But earlier I saw that his head was moving, meaning he is still a bit conscious," Ranran pointed out, "I don't know how much time I have left, but I will do everything within my power to get him out."

"Oh right, I almost forgot one last thing," Takuma suddenly remembered before fishing out an unusual gun.

"A flare gun?"

"Earlier after we told Miss Ohta what we are about to do, she gifted me this." He handed it to her, "Fire the flare twice, and I will wheel Takashi away. This place is after all abandoned, with no phone signal around."

"Can those shoes deal with Takashi's weight?" Ranran was in doubt.

"It can according to Agasa."

Ranran looked at the flare gun in her hands, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and determination. "Alright, I hope not to use it, but it's good to have a backup plan."

The two children stood outside the mansion, their minds focused and their hearts resolute. They knew the risks they were taking, but the urgency of the situation pushed them forward.

"Alright, Takuma, it's time," Ranran said, her voice filled with determination. "Lead them away, and remember to stay safe."

Takuma nodded, his expression determined. "I'll do my best, Ranran. Take care of Takashi. Also, be careful. Cause if Shinichi finds this out......"

"We'll deal with that later," Ranran replied, her voice filled with determination. "Right now, our priority is to rescue Takashi. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Now go, Takuma, and lead them away."

Takuma took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the mansion. He knew the risks involved, but he was ready to face them head-on. With one last nod to Ranran, he activated the wheels on his shoes, propelling himself forward with a burst of speed. To ensure that the men in the mansion will come out and leave Takashi, he knew he needed to make some noise.

And loud noise he shall deliver.

With his smartphone set to loud volume, Takuma began playing a high-pitched alarm sound, amplified by the speakers on his phone. The piercing noise echoed through the quiet streets, catching the attention of anyone nearby.

Felix's men, who had been tailing Takuma, immediately turned their focus towards him. They recognized the sound as a distress signal, alerting them to a potential threat or danger. Their training kicked in, and they quickly abandoned their pursuit of Takuma to investigate the source of the alarm.

As the men rushed towards Takuma, he skillfully manoeuvred through the streets, leading them on a chase. He zigzagged through alleys and ducked behind buildings, using his agility and the speed of his modified roller shoes to stay one step ahead.

The men, determined to catch Takuma, followed closely behind. Their footsteps echoed in the night as they raced through the streets, their attention completely focused on the fleeing boy.

"Alright, my turn," Ranran said finally, her voice filled with determination.

Ranran set off along the street and studied the door of this specific mansion, she had a triple check through the glasses heat sensor that Takashi is the only one that remained in the mansion.

Soon, the little girl approached the front door of the mansion, her mind focused on the task at hand. She knew that time was of the essence, and every second counted in their mission to rescue Takashi.

With a steady hand, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a set of lock-picking tools. Ranran had honed her lock-picking skills through various adventures and mysteries she had solved alongside Shinichi. She had become proficient in the art of unlocking doors without leaving a trace.

Carefully inserting the tools into the lock, Ranran began manipulating the pins, feeling for the subtle movements and clicks that indicated progress. Her hands moved with precision, a testament to her experience and natural talent.

After a few moments of intense concentration, the lock finally yielded, and the door creaked open. Ranran's heart raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension as she stepped into the dimly lit mansion with the wheelchair.

Inside the mansion, Ranran's senses heightened as she cautiously made her way through the dimly lit corridors. The silence weighed heavily upon her, broken only by the faint sound of her own footsteps and the distant echoes of Takuma's chase outside.

Her eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of movement or potential threats. She had to remain alert and prepared for any obstacles that may lie in her path. She navigated the labyrinthine halls, relying on her memory and intuition to guide her towards their goal.

..............................................................

As Michio continued to sprint through the crowded streets, his mind raced with thoughts of finding safety. He knew that the clinic where Miss Ohta was currently located would provide him with a potential refuge and assistance.

"Maybe I shouldn't have fled back to the neighbourhood." He muttered to himself, his heart was racing as he continued to be pursued by the van.

Michio darted through the bustling streets, trying to lose his pursuers amidst the crowd. Fear gripped him, but he remained determined to protect himself and ensure he wasn't caught by Felix's men.

He navigated through the maze of people, using his small size to his advantage. He weaved through gaps and sidestepped obstacles, his agility allowing him to maintain a distance from the van. However, the van persisted in its pursuit, its occupants relentless in their efforts to capture Michio. He knew he couldn't outrun them forever, and he needed to find a way to shake them off or seek help.

The only way was to get to the clinic where Miss Ohta is currently at as Ranran ordered.

With the clinic in mind as his destination, Michio mustered every ounce of strength and determination he had. He navigated the crowded streets, using his knowledge of the area to find the most efficient route.

With determination in his eyes, Michio altered his course and headed towards the clinic. He dodged pedestrians and manoeuvred through the busy streets, doing his best to keep the van at bay.

At the same time, he knew he had to make a quick call on the phone to Shinichi and the others, who are still at the mansion trying to stop Felix from leaving.

Michio's fingers trembled as he fumbled to dial Shinichi's number on his phone. The urgency of the situation weighed heavily on him, and he prayed that someone would pick up on the other end.

As the phone rang, Michio's heart pounded in his chest. He strained his ears, hoping to hear the familiar voice of Shinichi or one of his friends. But all he heard was the incessant ringing, no one picking up.

Frustration and anxiety swirled within Michio. He knew that time was of the essence, and every passing moment brought him closer to danger. He considered leaving a voice message, but he didn't want to risk giving away his location if the van's occupants were nearby.

With a heavy sigh, Michio made a quick decision. He would continue his desperate sprint towards the clinic, hoping that once he reached safety, he would be able to find a way to contact Shinichi and the others.

..............................................................

And there was a good reason why neither of them were able to pick up the phone.

As Sergeant Genzo and Shinichi didn't really have much but to end the interrogation and let Felix go, Felix bowed to the others before wondering. "By the way, I know I shouldn't have asked this, but where was that girl who looked like you?"

Sergeant Genzo and Shinichi exchanged a brief glance, their expressions guarded. They had been caught off guard by Felix's question about the girl who resembled Shinichi.

Of course, he had to ask about Ranran.

The apprentice was reminded about that group photo of Ranran as a 5-year-old in Edgewood Academy with the other elder children, her face was circled in red and the photo was oddly discovered in Primrose's bedroom before Primrose was murdered in the kitchen.

Neither Sergeant Genzo nor Shinichi brought up that discovery to Felix, so it was odd that he knew. Since Primrose is Felix's lover....it wouldn't be a surprise that considering Felix is likely the killer, he must have known everything about Ranran through Primrose, right?

Shinichi maintained his composure, his mind working quickly to come up with a plausible response. "Are you asking about my partner-in-crime?" he replied, feigning ignorance. "She isn't here at the moment. By the way, how did you know about her? I don't recall mentioning her to you. Also, why the interest in her?"

For some reason, Shinichi can't help but feel uneasy at his view.

"Oh, I have my sources," Felix replied cryptically. "Let's just say I have a keen interest in knowing everything about you and those close to you. It's always useful to have information, wouldn't you agree?"

Shinichi's suspicion grew as Felix's response confirmed his suspicions. It was clear that Felix had been keeping a close eye on him and his associates, gathering information and potentially using it to his advantage.

Sergeant Genzo, sensing the tension in the room, decided to intervene. "Mr Felix, we appreciate your cooperation in this investigation, but it's time for you to leave. We will continue our inquiries and, if necessary, we'll reach out to you again."

Felix chuckled, seemingly unperturbed by the request. "Of course, Sergeant Genzo. I've answered your questions to the best of my abilities. My flight is delayed thanks to this little boy who is with you, so I should be on my way. But do remember, if you need any more information or assistance, you know how to reach me."

With that, Felix turned and made his way towards the exit, but not before Felix smirked, his eyes narrowing as he studied Shinichi's reaction, "By the way, if she is around....tell her those who are the Devil in disguise won't end well."

Shinichi tensed at Felix's words, his mind racing to understand the hidden meaning behind them.

"You two are unusually alike, both of your faces. Except for different personalities." Felix chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and a hint of malice that Shinichi is able to detect.

Shinichi's heart skipped a beat as Felix's words sank in. The mention of Ranran and the observation of their resemblance sent chills down his spine. He knew that Felix had some knowledge that went beyond what Shinichi had expected.

Without waiting for a response, Felix turned and walked towards the exit, his departure filled with an air of confidence and mystery. Shinichi and Sergeant Genzo watched him leave, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"What an odd man." Sergeant Genzo crossed his arms, wondering what was with those words.

But Shinichi who felt something is really off, slipped away before attempting to dial Ranran's number, hoping she picked up her phone.

As Shinichi tried to dial Ranran's number, his anxiety grew with each passing ring. He desperately hoped that she would pick up, providing him with some reassurance and information that could shed light on Felix's cryptic words.

However, the phone continued to ring, with no response from Ranran. Shinichi's concern deepened, and he couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that something was terribly wrong.

He quickly dialled Takuma's number, hoping that he would be able to reach him instead. But once again, there was no answer, only the sound of the phone ringing endlessly. Even Michio's number for some reason wasn't picked up.

The sense of unease enveloped Shinichi, and his mind raced with possibilities. Had something happened to Ranran and Takuma? Were they in danger?

.....................................................

Meanwhile, Ranran who is in the mansion with her heat detector glasses on slowly explored the dark and eerie halls of the abandoned mansion. The heat signatures she observed through the glasses guided her as she moved cautiously, her senses heightened, and her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination.

The wheelchair she had brought with her creaked under her gentle push as she made her way deeper into the mansion. Every step echoed through the silent halls, creating an eerie atmosphere that sent shivers down her spine.

Ranran's mind raced as she considered her next move. She knew that time was of the essence, and she needed to locate Takashi as quickly as possible. The heat signature she had detected earlier gave her hope that he was still alive, but she couldn't let her guard down.

As she turned a corner, a faint sound reached her ears. It was a soft groan, barely audible amidst the silence of the mansion. Ranran's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the sound. It was the sound of someone in pain.

Heading upstairs while following the sound, Ranran's gaze fell upon a closed door. The heat signature she had detected earlier was coming from behind it. With a deep breath, she approached the door and gently pushed it open.

Inside the room, dimly lit by a single flickering bulb, Ranran's eyes fell upon Takashi.

He was bound to a chair, his body slumped forward, with no sign of breathing.

Looking at his lifeless form, Ranran noted that his head is bleeding and seemed fresh. Was he struck in the head not long ago?

Ranran's heart sank as she took in the sight of Takashi's lifeless form, her mind racing to process the gravity of the situation. The sight of the fresh blood on his head indicated that he had suffered a recent injury, which could explain his unconscious state.

Fear and urgency coursed through Ranran's veins as she realized that time was running out. She needed to act quickly to assess Takashi's condition and provide the necessary help.

Setting the wheelchair aside, Ranran rushed to Takashi's side, her hands trembling as she carefully checked for vital signs. She placed her fingers on his neck, searching for a pulse, and let out a sigh of relief when she felt a faint but steady beat.

"He's alive," Ranran whispered to herself, her voice filled with a mix of relief and determination. She knew that Takashi's life hung in the balance, and every second mattered.

Gently, Ranran assessed Takashi's head injury, noting the severity and possible implications. 

"Mr Takashi, can you hear me?" Ranran nudged his head a bit, hoping to get a response.

As Ranran gently nudged Takashi's head, hoping for a response, she was met with a faint groan. It was a small sign of consciousness, a glimmer of hope amidst the dire situation.

"Mr Takashi, please try to stay awake," Ranran urged softly, her voice filled with concern. "We're here to help you. Can you hear me?"

Takashi's eyelids fluttered, and his eyes slowly opened, revealing a glimmer of recognition. He seemed disoriented and in pain, but his gaze focused on Ranran as if trying to understand his surroundings.

Ranran took a deep breath, her mind racing with the need to act quickly. "We need to get you out of here, Mr. Takashi. Can you move? Do you think you can sit in the wheelchair?"

Takashi's voice was weak and raspy as he managed to utter a few words. "Water... I need water."

Ranran nodded, understanding his request. She quickly rummaged through her backpack, searching for a water bottle. Finding one, she opened it and helped Takashi take small sips, providing him with some much-needed hydration.

Once Takashi had taken a few sips of water, Ranran turned her attention back to the wheelchair. She carefully helped him shift his weight, trying to assess his ability to sit in the chair. It was clear that he was weak and in pain, but they had to try.

Ranran took a good look at the poor elderly man, who is still dressed in the red-and-white striped blazer, the dishevelled bow tie, and the scattered accessories, which looks dishevelled. The last time Shinichi witness him fleeing from Peggy's residence was around yesterday morning, which meant in other words...Takashi was kidnapped on the very day he was seen by Shinichi.

That psychotic bastard. Ranran can't help but flash her pearly white teeth in anger.

Felix made use of his mother's connection with Takashi...to lure the poor elderly man as Felix heartlessly murdered his mother in cold blood...and to top it off, kidnap Takashi who had no idea about this....that despicable prick!

Hoping that Takashi had good memory as to what the situation is now, Ranran knew she had to ask the right questions, "Mr Takashi, do you know where you are now?!"

Takashi blinked, his gaze shifting around the room as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. His voice was weak, but he managed to reply, "I... I was brought here... kidnapped after I left Peggy's place. This... this is an abandoned mansion, isn't it?"

Ranran nodded, relieved that Takashi was able to comprehend their situation. "What else did you remember?"

Takashi closed his eyes for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. The pain and confusion made it difficult for him to recall the events clearly, but he made an effort to remember as much as he could.

"I... I remember....seeing Peggy's corpse," Takashi began, his voice strained. "We have been writing letters back and forth for over a year since she moved here to retire."

"A-a-a year!?" Ranran was startled. "That long!?"

"Yes, that long," The man admitted, "She was lonely, her relationship with her children had been worsening. She wrote that she was very sorry for leaving behind our marriage decades ago for her career. Paid some people to track me down, found out I never married after that, and we interacted since."

"Have you....seen her in person?"

"No," Takashi took a deep breath, trying to recall more details. "Last week, she sent me a letter and told me after arguing with her kids over the phone regarding a topic about remarrying, she decided the two are not going to be given any inheritance. I was so excited, I dressed up and as you can see I am in now...but..." he croaked. "The gate was opened for me, I knocked on the door, but she didn't answer. Then as soon as I opened the door...."

Ranran recalled that was around the time Primrose drove the van into the residence, "You were shocked, you fled, right?"

Takashi nodded weakly, his voice barely a whisper. "Yes, that's right. I was shocked to see the chaos inside, and I panicked. I didn't know what was happening, but I knew I had to get away. I ran as fast as I could, but then... I was grabbed from behind. I couldn't see who it was, but they hit me on the head, and everything went dark."

Ranran's heart sank as she listened to Takashi's account of the events. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together, and it became clear that Felix had orchestrated a trap for Takashi, using Peggy's connection with him to lure him into the abandoned mansion.

"Did you get a good look over who took you?"

"No," Takashi shook his head at her.

Deciding time is running out, Ranran hastily asked, "Can you sit in the wheelchair? We'll do our best to navigate our way out of this mansion and get you the medical attention you need."

Takashi mustered his strength and nodded weakly. "I'll try my best, girl."

The problem is...is it even possible?

Though Ranran thinks she shouldn't have any issue escorting the injured Takashi to the wheelchair, the stairs are going to be a huge problem.

A lot of mansions Ranran had come across normally had steps that are less steep, this mansion however badly has anything like that. If anything, the steps were old, steep, and narrow, making it challenging to navigate with a wheelchair. Ranran's mind raced as she considered their options. She couldn't leave Takashi behind, and carrying him down the stairs would be nearly impossible given his weakened state.

One of the plans she had in mind was to have Takashi stand up using the nearby railing for support while leaning onto her as they carefully descend each step. But would be a huge waste of time before Takuma arrives. Also, as she checked the time on her watch, she knew Shinichi probably ran out of things to stop Felix from leaving.

Ranran need a good plan and fast!

"Ranran! It's me! Takuma!" 

Ranran's heart skipped a beat as she heard Takuma's voice calling out to her from outside the room. Relief flooded over her, knowing that Takuma had successfully led Felix's men away and was now back to assist her.

"Takuma! I'm here with Takashi!" Ranran called back, her voice filled with urgency. "We need your help to get out of here. We're on the second floor!"

Without wasting a moment, Ranran quickly made her way to the window of the room, pushing the wheelchair along with her. She peered out and saw Takuma standing below, his face filled with determination.

"Takuma, we need to find a way to get Takashi down the stairs," Ranran explained quickly. "But the steps are steep and narrow, and carrying him is not an option. We need to come up with a plan, and fast!"

Takuma's eyes scanned the surroundings, his mind racing to find a solution. Then, he spotted an escape route, "Used the lift outside!"

"What lift!?" Ranran then noticed a nearby balcony that connected to the room they were in, with a rusted-looking outdoor lift, providing a potential route of escape. 

"Takuma, do you think that lift is still functional?" Ranran asked, her voice tinged with hope.

Takuma approached the lift, examining its condition. The lift appeared to be old and neglected, covered in rust and showing signs of disrepair. And unfortunately, Takuma has no knowledge of mechanics and engineering, even so...

"I think it's worth a try," Takuma replied, his voice filled with determination. "If we can get the lift working, we can use it to safely transport Takashi down the stairs. It will be slower than carrying him, but it's our best option."

After a few moments of frantic searching, Takuma's sharp eyes spotted a small panel on the wall adjacent to the lift. It seemed to have a few buttons and switches, indicating that it might be the control panel for the lift.

"Takuma, I think I found it!" Ranran exclaimed, excitement coursing through her veins. "Let's see if we can activate the lift with these buttons. You remain from the bottom, while I from the top!"

Takuma nodded, his eyes focused on the control panel. He knew that time was of the essence, and they had to act quickly to get Takashi to safety. With a deep breath, he reached out and pressed one of the buttons on the panel.

To their surprise and relief, the lift made a creaking sound and started to ascend slowly. The rusted machinery groaned in protest, but it was still functional. Ranran watched from the top as the lift made its way up towards her, Takashi sitting inside the wheelchair.

As the lift reached the second floor, Ranran quickly opened the door, ready to assist Takashi in transferring from the wheelchair to the lift. Together with Takuma's guidance from below, they carefully manoeuvred Takashi onto the lift.

Suddenly, they could hear something coming from inside the mansion – the faintest movement, as if someone had been startled across the hallway from the room Ranran and Takashi are in, but had now frozen into silence. "Ranran, what is that!?" Takuma can't help but ask.

"It must be either Felix or his men! Takuma, we have to be quick," Ranran whispered urgently, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "We need to get Takashi onto the lift and get out of here before they find us."

Together with Takuma's guidance from below, they carefully yet quickly manoeuvred Takashi onto the lift. But before Ranran could join them, the door burst open to reveal Felix.

Felix stood at the doorway, a sinister smirk on his face. His eyes darted between Ranran, Takuma, and the incapacitated Takashi, his gaze filled with a mix of amusement and malice.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Felix taunted, his voice dripping with contempt as he spoke in English. "Trying to make a daring escape, are we? How predictable.

"Takuma, shut the door!" Ranran called out urgently, her voice filled with determination.

"But-"

"You need to flee with Takashi! Now!"

Before he could respond, Ranran hastily press the shut button, sealing Takuma and Takashi away from the little girl, while Takuma could be heard screaming, "RANRAN!" as the lift headed down.

By the time Felix ran over, Ranran intentionally destroyed parts of the control panel with her taser baton, which means the lift can no longer come up anymore, leaving Takuma no choice but to escape with Takashi on the wheelchair as the little boy fled on his booster roller skates. "Boy, that little girl...is she going to be alright?" The elderly man turned to Takuma from the wheelchair.

"Well, I know she had dealt with many dangerous situations, but...." Takuma's heart raced as he glanced at the closed lift door while skidding away, knowing that Ranran had sacrificed her own safety to ensure their escape, "This time, I honestly don't know...."

.....................................................

Shinichi and the three girls anxiously held their smartphones, trying to reach out to Ranran, Takuma, or Michio. 

The living room was filled with tension as they waited for a response, their minds racing with worry and concern. Sergeant Genzo had left them to talk to the other cops about their findings regarding the 3 murders.

One by one, they attempted to dial the numbers, hoping for a connection, but all their calls went unanswered. The silence on the other end only added to their growing sense of unease.

"None of them are picking up," Emiko said, her voice filled with worry. "What could be happening? Are they in danger?"

"Maybe the signal there is bad," Ran suggested.

"Even if it was bad, Ranran said she will contact us through the clinic where Miss Ohta and her old friend of hers are!" Junko clenched her hand tightly around the smartphone, frustration evident in her voice. "Come on, Michio! Pick up the damn phone!"

Finally, to the shock of everyone, Shinichi's smartphone abruptly rang.

Shinichi's heart skipped a beat as the sound of his ringing phone pierced through the tense atmosphere of the room. With a mix of relief and anticipation, he quickly picked up the call.

"Hello? Ranran? Is that you?" Shinichi's voice was filled with urgency and concern, hoping to hear a familiar voice on the other end.

But to his surprise, it wasn't Ranran's voice that greeted him. It was Michio, "Shinichi! You better come over here, quick!"

Shinichi's eyes widened in surprise as he heard Michio's voice on the other end of the line. The urgency in Michio's tone sent a chill down his spine, his mind racing with worry.

"What's happening, Michio? Are you in danger?" Shinichi asked, his voice filled with concern.

"Not at the moment, but Takuma and Ranran are!" Michio replied, his voice trembling with fear. "While walking down Suchi-no-Yūrei Lane 4254 street to locate Takashi....."

After pouring everything into the phone call, "Wait, you left Ranran alone!?" Shinichi's voice made Michio's eyes winched as he blasted over the phone in anger, "What is wrong with you two!?"

"You can scold me later, alright?!" Michio replied while continuing, "Anyway, long story short..."Michio's voice wavered slightly as he replied, "I... I lost sight of them, Shinichi. The van was tailing me, and I had to focus on getting to the clinic. I don't know where Takuma and Ranran are."

Shinichi's heart pounded in his chest as he listened to Michio's account. The realization that Ranran and Takuma were potentially in danger sent a surge of fear and adrenaline coursing through his veins.

Then came another phone call, but this time, it was from Takuma contacting Emiko.

Shinichi's heart skipped a beat as Emiko's phone began to ring. Hope flickered in his eyes as he quickly took the phone from Emiko and answered the call.

"Takuma! Is that you?" Shinichi's voice was filled with a mix of relief and urgency. "Where are you? Are you and Ranran safe?"

"About that....." Takuma's voice came through the other end, strained and panicking with some breeze sound in the background, "I am currently fleeing with Takashi on the wheelchair, manage to flee my way out and am on my way to the clinic. But as for Ranran...Ranran-she-"

Takuma's voice trailed off, and Shinichi's heart sank as he sensed the fear and uncertainty in Takuma's words. The silence that followed felt like an eternity, each passing second amplifying the tension in the room.

"Takuma, what happened to Ranran?" Shinichi pressed, his voice filled with desperation. "Is she okay? Where is she?"

Takuma's voice shook as he replied, his words rushed and filled with worry, "Ranran... she sabotage the control panel of the lift."

"Eh!?"

"After locating Takashi, we had no choice but to rely on the lift built outside the balcony of one of the abandoned mansions! But then...we saw that Felix there, and so....to ensure we both had escaped...she...." Takuma was losing it, and it was at that moment, his last words were enough to send a wave of shock washed over Shinichi as he processed Takuma's words. "She destroyed the control panel so that not only we escaped, I couldn't even save her from Felix!"

Shinichi's heart dropped at Takuma's words, a mixture of shock, disbelief, and grief washing over him. The room fell into silence as his mind struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

"No... Ranran...!" Shinichi's voice choked with emotion and horror.

"Ooi, Shinichi!" Ran and the others were shocked to see Shinichi dropping everything at his disposal before he rushed out of the bedroom while heading towards the stairs, his mind filled with a mix of fear, anguish, and determination as he tries to seek out Sergeant Genzo for help.

He knew that time was of the essence, and he had to find Ranran before it was too late.