Clues

Spreading the papers on his table, Daniel picked up the most recent case of murder.

"A girl?" Daniel muttered in surprise. Checking all the previous files, most of the recent cases are directed towards young girls.

Reading it a few more times, he noticed something suspicious about the case.

When guys are targeted, it's usually those who have bad records like delinquents.

But if girls are targeted, most of them are actually pretty clean. No bad record or anything.

The only part that made him raise his eyebrows is that most of the girls are lesbian which he quickly threw out of the window and just assumed it's the world's fault for making it like this.

"Putting that aside, why would the killer target those girls?" Daniel is confused. He could understand if it's for the sake of justice but this?

Could it be really that the murderer is just a psychopath and wasn't some sort of vigilante?

"Possibly." 

It's not really strange if you think about it.

"Tch, I should just continue this tomorrow." Looking at his watch, he put the papers back to the folders and did some workout before going to sleep.

—

"Ugh…" Groaning, Daniel immediately stood up to prepare for his work.

He's intending on finishing it earlier than usual to begin his investigation.

Before leaving, he did his usual set of exercises to stretch his body while also making it familiar to various movements.

He needs his body to be in peak condition when he's doing this kind of dangerous thing.

After he's done, he immediately changes to his uniform and grabs his equipment before exiting the dorm.

"Most of the victims are girls…" Recalling what he read yesterday, he couldn't help but get a headache.

Chiba Academy is a good target for this.

The question is, if a girl is targeted, what is the motive?

"Damn this Detective Conan stuff." Immediately starting his work, he muttered angrily under his breath.

—

"Ahh…" Yawning, Kiana made her way to the Chiba Academy. She's not really used to waking early but she has some important things to do.

Despite her usual lazy attitude in school or in studying in general, she's not the one to be lazy when it comes to investigating.

After leaving yesterday, she patrolled the nearest place where the murder happened but to no surprise, there was no clue.

She's starting to doubt that it was made by Honkai.

"Daniel should be awake right?" She didn't know why it suddenly became comfortable walking alone. She wasn't like this back then.

"Kiana!" As she was deep in her thoughts, she heard a shout behind her.

"Asakura?" Kiana called in surprise. Why would she not? It's 4 am! She specifically woke up at this time so there would be few people outside.

"Kiana, what a coincidence seeing you." She approached her with a smile. 

"Hahahaha, yeah." Kiana scratched her head.

"Are you going to school? Could we go together?" Asakura asked with a hopeful tone.

"Are you sure? Isn't your school the other way?" Kiana asked in confusion. 

"So we can't?" She asked while looking down at her toes.

Seeing this, Kiana felt guilty and immediately waved her hands, "It's not that! I just don't want to bother you… but if you want, that's fine."

After seeing her downcast expression, Kiana agreed.

Hearing this, Asakura went back to her usual cheerful self before grabbing Kiana's hand and making their way to Chiba Academy.

Kiana didn't realize that behind Asakura's smile, a demon was lurking waiting for her.

—

"Finally." Daniel breathed out as he packed the last garbage bag.

Now that he's done, he has a lot of free time in his hands.

Walking down the gate while pulling a cart full of garbage bags, he heard a familiar voice calling out to him.

"Kid… just what kind of vitamins are you taking?" The guard said with a shocked expression. 

"Nothing? Anyway, good morning." Daniel said with a strange expression before waving his hand.

"Morning to you too kid, and what is this? You got somewhere to go? Maybe a date?" The guard asked with a teasing voice.

"No, I just want to get this job done for now." After this, he'll come back for breaktime, he now has a few hours left before that.

"Seriously kid. A foreigner carrying garbage? That's something you don't see everyday." 

"Well, whatever you're doing, be careful. Don't want our newbie to be behind bars or smth." The guard said.

"Actually… I have a question." Daniel asked as he was removing his gloves.

"Sure, what is it?" 

"The murders. Do you have some idea about it?"

"Huh?" The guard looked at him with narrowed eyes. 

"What? I heard that it targets young girls currently. Who knows? I might meet them here." Seeing his expression, Daniel explained himself.

"Kid you do—!" Before the guard could complete his sentence, they heard footsteps coming their way.

"I knew it! Daniel, you're awake." He saw Kiana along with a girl.

"Oh, this is Asakura Mizuki." Kiana introduced her, "Asakura, this is Daniel, he's okay I guess." She added with a contemptuous smirk.

"... Didn't expect you to find a girl early. I guess your dedication to Raiden Mei isn't that much after all." Glancing at her, Daniel sneered.

"Why you…!" 

"Kiana, can I talk to you for a moment before I go?" Since she's in school now, Asakura would like to say something before she goes.

"Umu." Nodding, she gave Daniel a glare before following her to the side.

Seeing this, Daniel just shook his head before packing the garbage.

"Weird." He heard the guard mutter.

"What?"

"That girl is familiar." The guard held his chin in thought.

Daniel is confused when he hears this. 

"I remember! She's a victim of bullying from another school. I heard that the case even went to the police but unfortunately, it didn't go to her favor and she has to transfer to a different school." 

"It's a good thing that she's smiling now. That event must be traumatizing for her." The guard finished with a sigh.

Daniel's eyes widened hearing that. 

To the side, Asakura is fidgeting as if she wants to say something very important.

"Kiana… After school, there is something I want to tell you." She said with a blushing face.

"Can you meet me after that?" 

"I don't mind." Kiana didn't see a reason to refuse.

Asakura beamed after hearing that and quickly said goodbye.

"What was that about? Did you scare her?" She heard Daniel from behind.

"Do I look scary to you?" Kiana bared her fangs.

'Cute.' Daniel said inwardly, "You're right, you look stupid instead. She's probably afraid that you'll infect her." However, what he said outside is different.

"Grrr… whatever. I'm leaving, hmph." Stomping her foot, she walked hurriedly towards the campus.

Seeing this, Daniel didn't stop her but instead, looked at the direction where Asakura left.