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Chapter 71: Mythology Expo
しおりを挟む
The Banana Carriage, pulled by its fried egg unicorn, slowed as it glided through the edge of space above the United States. The near light-speed journey—lasting five minutes—had left Ryo completely pale and passed out, lying flat on the cushioned seat inside the carriage. Meanwhile, the Footman and Coachman sat upright and composed, entirely unaffected by the incredible speed.
Ryo had known what to expect and had braced himself—lying down and gripping the seat as tightly as he could—but still, the sheer force had been overwhelming, even for someone who thought he was ready.
An hour later, he finally woke up. The carriage was now soaring quietly above the Atlantic Ocean, near Morocco. The Coachman cracked the reins lightly, and the unicorn neighed as it began a gentle descent, hovering at about 1,500 meters in the air.
Ryo blinked, still groggy, then sat up straight and turned to the window. The wind swept through his hair as he looked down through the clouds—and what he saw stirred a wave of nostalgia.
“Al-Munira…” he murmured, smiling faintly. “Nice to see it again from high up here.”
The time in Al-Munira was now 3 PM.
Below him stretched the vast Arabian fantasy kingdom he had once visited for a previous case. Ryo recalled Shahira telling him that Al-Munira lay about 600 kilometers west off the coast of Morocco. And now, here he was again—flying right above it.
“I wonder how they’re doing now…” Ryo said softly, as memories came rushing back.
He remembered how close he had gotten with Shahira, Amina, and the royal guard Aladdin—and even the entire royal family, except for Jamil, who was still distant and couldn’t be honest with himself.
Moreover, Ryo had explored most of Al-Munira. He remembered how Aladdin had taken him to the deserts and ancient ruins during his rest days in the kingdom, just a few days before returning home to Tokyo. He had a blast with Aladdin during those explorations—it felt like a grand tour, but on a magic carpet instead. They even shared evening meals atop a sand dune, gazing out at the beautiful Arabian desert.
It was a surreal moment.
Now that Ryo was returning home from the Fairytale World, he wondered what he should do next. Of course, he needed to deposit all that money given by Fairy Greatmother into the bank. Moreover, he wondered what he should do afterwards. It wasn’t like he wanted to start taking on new clients right away—not after that heavy fantasy case of finding Cinderella.
He let out a quiet sigh, resting his arm on the window frame. “I’ll just think about it once I get back home to my office.”
From the front seat, the Footman glanced back with his usual composure.
“Good sir detective, would you like to stop by this vast and glorious sandy kingdom below us before we continue our journey back to Japan?”
It seemed he had noticed Ryo’s gaze fixed fondly on Al-Munira.
Ryo leaned back in his seat, waving a hand lazily. “It’s alright, Juice. Sandwich. Take me home.”
Both the Footman and Coachman nodded in perfect sync, proud and loyal as ever.
“Why of course, good sir detective,” the Footman replied formally.
Then the Coachman cracked the reins. The unicorn neighed, lifting its head high, and the Banana Carriage picked up speed—cutting through the thin veil of clouds, racing eastward across the sky.
Straight toward Tokyo.
2 hours later…
Ryo finally reached the skies above Tokyo, relief washing over him — he was home again.
The time in Tokyo was now 1 AM.
Past midnight.
The city below shimmered like a sea of neon, endless lights glimmering across the sleeping skyline. The hum of nightlife still lingered faintly, but up here, above the clouds, it was quiet — calm.
The banana carriage gently descended to 1,000 meters.
Ryo frowned slightly; he didn’t want anyone in the city spotting something this magical flying around. A banana carriage pulled by a unicorn was way too weird. If someone saw it, it’d explode across social media and end up on the news. Chaos and unwanted attention — exactly what he didn’t need.
Leaning his head out the window, Ryo called out. “My breakfast crew, is there any way we can get back to my office undetected?”
The footman proudly placed a hand to his chest, turning with confidence.
“Not to worry, good sir detective! Allow me to do the honors.”
He snapped his fingers.
In an instant, the banana carriage, unicorn, footman — and even Ryo himself — vanished from sight. They were completely invisible to the outside world. Inside, though, Ryo could still see the interior.
Then the unicorn let out a loud neigh!
“Shh!” Ryo hushed in panic.
Down below, people at Shibuya Crossing glanced up, puzzled by the strange sound. But since they couldn’t see anything, they shrugged it off and went back to whatever nightlife business they had.
Ryo exhaled deeply, relief softening his shoulders.
The coachman cracked the reins again, and the invisible carriage glided silently through the night sky, heading toward Ryo’s tiny office tucked away in the quiet part of the neighborhood.
After a few minutes of flight, the familiar building came into view.
Ryo peeked down, scanning the area carefully — no one on the streets, no lights from the neighboring houses. Everyone was fast asleep. No drunks wandering about either, thankfully.
He nodded. “Alright, land here.”
The carriage descended smoothly, touching down right in front of his office — his home.
Ryo stepped out, took a deep breath of home, and sighed contently.
“Ah… home sweet home. Normal stuff. No fantasy nonsense.”
He unlocked the door, pushed it open, and turned to his crew. “Bring in my luggage.”
The footman and coachman stepped down, bowed politely, and carried his luggage inside. They placed them neatly in Ryo’s room.
The footman glanced around, spotting a thin layer of dust everywhere in the office, and made his declaration.
“Good sir detective, allow us to perform a full cleaning of your glorious home, we wouldn’t feel fulfilled without helping you tidy up.”
The coachman bowed in agreement — still silent, but eager to assist.
Ryo crossed his arms and whistled softly, touched by their helpfulness. “Thanks. Please proceed.”
The footman got to work dusting the walls, while the coachman carefully wiped the desk. Together, they made the place spotless.
Meanwhile, Ryo took out his notebook, tore out the page with Cinderella’s autograph and message, and placed it inside a frame from his cupboard. He set it proudly on his desk.
He couldn’t wait to show it to future clients — normal clients, he hoped.
He’d had enough of fantasy cases for a lifetime. From now on, he was sticking to reality.
Once the cleaning was done, the three of them stepped outside. Ryo turned to his breakfast crew with a smile.
“Thanks for the clean-up, you two.”
The footman and coachman placed a hand to their chests and bowed deeply.
“Why of course, good sir detective. It has been a pleasure to be of service to you,” the footman said proudly — then, without realizing how bold he sounded, added, “Would you like to drink me now? I could turn back into juice for you.”
Ryo flinched, uneasy. “Uh… I had enough juice from the in-flight meal. I’m good, thanks.”
The footman brightened, pleased to hear that.
Ryo turned to the unicorn, grinning. “You too, my fried egg. You’ve been a reliable engine.”
Not knowing what “engine” meant, the unicorn neighed proudly and lifted its legs high.
And with that, after serving their purpose, the breakfast crew shimmered softly — and disappeared into glitters.
Ryo then entered his office, locked the door, and went straight for a shower.
Afterward, he walked into his room and looked at his affordable yet top-tier comfy king-sized bed — the one he’d bought not too long ago.
He’d only slept on it a few times ever since returning from his previous case in Al-Munira. Such a waste, really, for a bed that comfortable.
So he simply jumped onto it, landing face-first on the soft mattress. The exhaustion hit him all at once.
After that insane near-lightspeed banana carriage journey, sleep took him instantly.
And now… he could finally rest.
The time in Tokyo was now 10:30 AM.
The sunrise had already passed hours ago.
Ryo stirred awake, yawning and stretching lazily. He grabbed his phone and squinted at the screen — already past morning.
He considered opening the office for work but quickly decided otherwise. A few days off wouldn’t hurt.
For now, he had one priority: deposit that huge reward money at the bank before anything bad happened. Leaving that much cash lying around undeposited was just asking for trouble—too risky.
He got dressed in casual clothes, grabbed his phone, and ordered a taxi using the “SuperCabGo” ride-hailing app.
A few minutes later, the taxi arrived, and the driver whisked him off to the nearest bank.
Once he arrived, Ryo stepped out, entered the building, and headed straight to the receptionist.
After explaining his request to deposit a large sum, he was directed to a teller.
He approached the counter and placed the large, heavy bag of cash on it with a quiet thud.
The teller peeked inside — and froze. His eyes widened. His face turned pale. And then, without a word, the poor man fainted, collapsed behind the counter… too much work.
The customers gasped.
Ryo leaned forward slightly, watching the fallen teller as he scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
“Sorry about that…”
Another employee rushed over, dragging the fainted teller away like a fallen soldier. Moments later, a veteran teller stepped up to take his place.
The veteran took one look at the money bag. His eyes gleamed with fire. Slowly, dramatically, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a headband, and tied it around his forehead with the intensity of a shounen hero about to enter his final battle.
“Sir,” he declared, “you don’t need to worry.”
He struck a sudden kung fu pose, his expression dead serious.
“As a teller with 25 years of experience… depositing this amount of money…” he took a deep breath and shouted, “I HEREBY ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE!”
The customers nearby jumped in surprise.
Ryo just stared blankly. “Riiiiiight…”
Then the battle began!
The veteran teller moved with lightning speed, his hands flying across the counter, counting, sorting, and stamping every bill like he was dueling the gods themselves.
Each motion came with a dramatic HA! or YAA! echoing across the bank.
Other staff and customers could only watch in awe as the man fought valiantly against the endless tide of cash.
Fifteen minutes later, the teller slammed the final bill down with a triumphant roar. “DEPOSIT COMPLETE!”
Then, dramatically, he collapsed onto the floor.
He wasn’t dead — but he looked like he’d fought a war.
“Tell my family…” he gasped weakly to his colleagues, “…that I did it.”
His juniors burst into tears, crying over him as if attending a funeral.
Ryo deadpanned at the absurd sight. “You guys can pour some water on his face — he’ll revive immediately.”
He remembered that trick worked on a certain former ghost mama.
Ryo gave the heroic teller a respectful bow. “Thanks for the effort.”
Then he exited the bank, mission accomplished.
Outside, he looked at the now-empty money bag. He didn’t need it anymore.
Just then, he spotted a hiker nearby, preparing for a trip to Mount Fuji with his friends. The hiker seemed to be struggling with the sheer amount of gear he carried.
Ryo handed him the big empty bag. “Here, you can use this.”
The hiker’s face lit up. He thanked Ryo sincerely before heading off.
Ryo waved casually. “Don’t mention it.”
Then he slipped his hands into his pockets and began walking down the street.
While he was still walking, a police car slowly approached him from behind. It slid up alongside him. Ryo blinked and turned his head—the car looked familiar.
Then, a voice boomed from the PA system. “FANTASY-CHAN HERE!”
Ryo startled, nearly tripping over his own feet. “Woah! What the hell?!”
People around them jumped, staring at the scene in confusion.
The car stopped alongside him. From the front seat, the driver rolled down his window. Eyes closed first, then a smirk. Slowly, dramatically, he opened both eyes and turned his head like an action movie hero.
Ryo sighed, arms limp. “Kaji… you didn’t have to be that loud.” He gestured around. “Everyone’s staring.”
Kaji grinned. “Sorry, partner. Feels like I haven’t seen you in forever, though it’s only been a little over a week. Did you disappear while doing your investigations undercover chibi style… like ‘Investigator Con Man Junior’?”
Of course, Ryo couldn’t tell the famous isekai-lover, Kaji, about being transported to a Fairytale world. He had to lie. Or… maybe half-lie.
“Oh yeah! Just like that chibi-style glasses kid!” Ryo said, sarcasm dripping but partially true. He shrugged. “And you know what? I got isekai’d. Totally normal stuff. Had to give my girlfriend a lot of excuses for why I couldn’t be around her all the time.”
Kaji couldn’t hold back his laughter. “HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA!” He clenched his fist and shouted, “YEEESSS!!! I MISS THESE LEGENDARY JOKES!!”
Of course, Kaji wouldn’t believe him… once again.
Ryo stared flatly. “So, what are you up to, Fantasy-chan?” Arms crossed. “Doing your usual patrolling duties?”
Kaji perked up, then remembered something. “Oh, that’s right!” He thumbed to the back seat. “Because you were gone from the force, the chief assigned me a new partner.”
Ryo blinked. “By futsal?” He turned his gaze to the backseat window.
The window slowly rolled down, revealing another familiar face—a young face with big round glasses. He was short—almost as small as the protagonist from Investigator Con Man Junior.
Ryo leaned in, narrowed his eyes. Not shocked. “Ahh… my famous former child-like colleague… been a while… Professor McShorto.”
“IT’S MEGANE! I’M TWO YEARS OLDER THAN YOU!” Megane shouted, pointing dramatically at Ryo. Clearly offended. “And as always, Ryo, your terrible naming skills are beyond absurd! Have some respect for your senior!”
“I mean, isn’t it better to be called Professor McShorto than Investigator Con Man Junior all the time?” Ryo asked, shrugging dramatically. “I remember everyone at the station mistook you for that anime protagonist, so I rebranded you for your sake.”
He continued, baffled. “And dude… you’re wearing huge glasses, and your name’s Megane. No wonder they often misunderstood you.”
Megane huffed. “Hmph!” He proudly thumped his chest. “I’d rather be called the eighth member of Snow White’s dwarf squadron!”
Kaji quickly covered his mouth to stifle laughter. “PFFTS!”
“Oh no nooo,” Ryo said with mock seriousness. “It’s not Snow White — it’s Schneewittchen! Since you’re a big fan, at least call her by the original, difficult-to-pronounce German name. Respect the source material!”
Megane gasped. “Oh, that’s right!” His eyes sparkled, hands folded, voice squealing. “My apologies, Princess Schneewittchen! This Megane-kun truly repents!”
Ryo furrowed his brows, thought. “He really took that seriously…”
Kaji couldn’t take it anymore. “HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Man, seeing you two interact never gets old. This is too nostalgic!”
“Anyways, don’t wanna disturb your patrolling duties,” Ryo said, turning to leave, waving. “I’ll see you guys soon.”
“Oh wait, Sherlock!” Kaji called, raising a hand. “It’s almost lunch time. Join us.”
Ryo remembered. He owed Kaji for giving him the nickname Sherlock—the name that had saved his life from Carabosse’s Dead Notebook-like execution.
“Alright,” Ryo said. “I’ll treat you two. How about some sushi?”
Kaji and Megane gasped, their faces lighting up with joy. Without hesitation, they invited Ryo into the police car. He slid into the front seat next to Kaji, and off they went toward a sushi restaurant.
Ryo chose the place—a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
After they arrived, they took their seats. Ryo told them they could pick as many plates as they wanted. Kaji and Megane were shocked to get this level of generosity from Ryo—they thought he was about to go broke after being dismissed from the police force.
Kaji remembered that even though he had recommended Ryo to a few clients for detective work, eventually he couldn’t recommend anyone else. He’d simply run out of people to refer.
But of course, Ryo couldn’t tell them that he had taken on two magical cases, completed them despite the burden, and received payment far beyond a regular yearly salary.
So no matter how many sushi plates Kaji and Megane took from the conveyor belt, Ryo didn’t care. Megane even threatened that he’d take 1,000 pieces from the belt to feed the entire police station staff, but Ryo just shrugged and said, “Go ahead.”
Kaji and Megane could only stare at him in disbelief, wondering what kind of cases Ryo had taken to become this financially confident.
Ryo noticed their stares, pulled out his card, and paid without hesitation—proving he wasn’t afraid of running out of money.
Kaji and Megane froze, awestruck, still unable to believe it.
“Just what kind of clients had Ryo taken on?” They thought.
The waiter and waitress began preparing the 1,000 sushi pieces for takeaway for the entire police staff. Even they couldn’t believe that this rich—but totally normal-looking—customer was actually paying for that much.
And with that, they ate their share at the restaurant.
While eating, Kaji began speaking. “Sherlock, there’s this Expo I wanna invite you to.”
Ryo took a bite of his sushi. “Expo? Not a convention? I mean, the Fairytale Convention took place just a little over a week ago. So what’s with all these sudden new events popping up?”
Megane leaned back in his seat. “You won’t believe it, Ryo. For some reason, more unique events have been popping up lately.”
Ryo raised a brow. “Okay, so what is this new event? This Expo?”
“Get ready for the reveal, buddy,” Kaji grinned, letting the suspense build. “The event we’re inviting you to is… A MYTHOLOGY EXPO: PANTHEONS & MONSTERS ALIVE!”
Ryo froze, his eyes widened into saucers.
His chopsticks slipped from his hand and clattered onto the table.
“WAIT A MINUTE!” He pointed at Kaji. “Did you just say… what now? A Mythology Expo with Pantheons & Monsters—ALIVE?!”
Kaji smacked the table, clearly pleased by Ryo’s overreaction.
“HAHAHAHAHA! WOOHOOOO!! As always, Sherlock, your overreactions are priceless!”
Megane waved a dismissive hand, resting his fist under his cheek.
“I know what you’re thinking. No, they’re not alive—not as alive as your sarcasm.”
Megane continued, explaining, “This Expo is about showcasing famous tales of mythical beings and creatures throughout history. There’ll also be activities relating to each myth.”
“And besides,” Megane added, “event organizers nowadays want to try something new to break the mold—it’s already trending online.” He showed his phone screen. “See? Even anime and gaming fans are interested.”
Ryo rubbed his chin. “How come even those fans are interested? Isn’t this Expo more mythological? Wouldn’t they be more into the anime and gaming side?”
“That’s because,” Kaji stood up with a smirk and struck an exaggerated superhero pose, “the hot staff and fans attending will be cosplaying as these ultra-level waifu mythical figures.”
Ryo stared blankly at him. “Yeah… great… guess that means more marriage proposals coming from you. I’ll just pretend I don’t know you when you get escorted out by security.”
Megane perked up. “Oh? So you’re coming, Ryo?”
“You’re coming too, Professor McShorto?” Ryo asked.
Megane puffed up in offense. “IT’S MEGANE, DAMN IT!” He exhaled. “Yes, I’m coming—and hopefully this time they don’t give me the child pass just because of my young face and height.”
Just as always, a bit of a geek himself, Ryo was too curious about this Mythology Expo. He wanted to see what the event would be like compared to the usual conventions Kaji always dragged him to.
So Ryo decided. “Alright, I’ll go with you two. I am curious. So where and when will it be?”
Kaji grinned mischievously. “In two days, by midnight, at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno.”
Ryo’s eyes widened. “HOLD UP! Midnight? In a museum?! Not the typical convention building? Not like that unique Fairytale Convention at the park? And not during regular daytime hours?”
Kaji continued, “Exactly! One of my fantasy otaku friends—he’s part of the organizers—said they wanted that surreal midnight feeling this time. So midnight it is!”
Ryo squinted at him. “What’s with you and your huge network of fantasy otaku friends working with these organizers on unique events?”
Kaji smirked, eyes closed. “Hehehe… don’t be surprised when one day an adult conve—”
“Yeah, scratch that,” Ryo cut in.
Megane grinned, arms crossed. “Better sleep in the afternoon, Ryo. We’ll pick you up at 11:30 PM that day.”
Ryo sighed. “Fine, fine… I’ll sleep early.”
And then they finally finished their meal. After receiving their large order of a thousand sushi from the tired restaurant workers—for the entire police station staff—they headed back to the car. Kaji dropped Ryo off at his tiny detective office, while he and Megane continued their patrol duties across the city.
Two days later…
The time in Tokyo was now 11:30 PM.
The roads were nearly empty—just flickering streetlights, the hum of distant engines, and the quiet of people fast asleep. But at Ueno, something big was about to begin: The Mythology Expo.
Meanwhile, a roofless convertible roared through the streets. Kaji was behind the wheel, wearing cool shades despite it being almost midnight.
At the back, Megane sat proudly, wearing something incredibly iconic and familiar. It matched his size perfectly—but absolutely did not match the theme of a Mythology Expo.
When they pulled up in front of Ryo’s office, Kaji shouted through the night.
“SHEEEEEEEERLOOOOOOOOCK! FANTASY-CHAN HAS ARRIVED!”
Ryo instantly ran to the door before his nickname could echo through all of Tokyo. He threw it open and whispered furiously.
“OI, IDIOT! DID YOU REALLY HAVE TO SHOUT MY NICKNAME LIKE THAT AGAIN?! What if my neighbors wake up?!”
Kaji burst into laughter. “HAHAHAHAHA! Don’t worry, partner! Everyone in this quiet neighborhood’s in deep sleep.”
Then, from the left, Ryo noticed one of his neighbors standing by their door—deadpanning right at them, very much awake.
Ryo muttered, “…Yeah. Totally asleep.”
He bowed in apology, and the neighbor sighed before heading back inside.
When Ryo turned back to the car, his eyes widened.
“Wait a second…” He pointed at Megane. “Is that… an ‘Investigator Con Man Junior’ cosplay?”
Megane was decked out in full glory: Red blazer, black dress shirt, green necktie, brown shorts, and yellow sneakers.
He was the anime protagonist—down to the last detail.
With a dead-serious face, Megane tapped the bridge of his glasses, which gleamed under the streetlight.
He dramatically pointed at Ryo and shouted a famous catchphrase.
“The truth burns brighter than any lie!”
Silence.
Complete, deafening silence.
Ryo blinked once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then he sarcastically groaned, throwing his arms up.
“OH GREAT! Not only are you chibi-sized, but that cosplay suits you way too perfectly! What’s next? Some incident’s about to happen at the Mythology Expo? You gonna solve a case too? Oh yeah, I’m SOOO ready for you to shoot an acupuncture needle into my neck, put me to sleep, use my voice with your necktie gadget, and call me ‘The Napping Sherlock’!”
Kaji burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. “HAHAHAHAHA!! Your legendary jokes, man—they’re unstoppable!”
Megane smirked proudly. “Don’t underestimate grand events like these, Ryo. Because you never know—a crime might occur.” He clenched his fist dramatically. “And no matter who the culprit is, I’ll catch them with my wits—and make my idol, Princess Schneewittchen, proud!”
Ryo gestured toward him with exaggerated seriousness.
“Oh suuuuuure, hopefully you brought that gadget that pops out a giant basketball so you can kick it right into the culprit’s face and call it justice.”
Megane pulled a toy magnifying glass from his pocket and held it to his eye. “Come on, Ryo. Let’s start solving mysteries.”
Ryo deadpanned. “You actually brought a magnifying glass…” He sighed. “Aren’t we supposed to enjoy ourselves at the expo?”
Kaji gestured to the passenger seat. “Hop on, Sherlock! We’re gonna have another blast tonight!”
He slowly took off his shades, gazing dramatically at the moonlit sky. “And I’m ready… to form a mythical harem…” He whispered.
Ryo rubbed his temple and muttered under his breath.
“Great… one guy’s in full chibi detective mode, the other’s delusional enough to think he’s the protagonist of a mythical harem. Just my luck.”
He locked his office door, slid into the passenger seat beside Kaji, and off they went—cruising through the sleeping streets toward the ‘Mythology Expo: Pantheons & Monsters Alive’.
Ryo’s face was full of dread.
The other two?
Completely delusional.
After a 25-minute drive, they finally arrived at the National Museum of Nature and Science for the expo. The place was bustling, though fortunately there were no long lines, since most visitors had already entered.
Frustrated by the earlier long queues that had even blocked traffic, the staff decided to start the Mythology Expo 30 minutes early.
Ryo blinked in amazement. “Wow… this is the first time an expo has no long line. It’s almost empty.”
Megane’s face was dead serious. “Come on, you two. Let’s get that adult pass.”
Ryo glanced back, unimpressed. “Good luck with that, Professor McShorto.”
Kaji parked the car, and the three of them headed to the entrance. The gate was designed to resemble a Pantheon archway, massive, glowing gold and white, carved with symbols from every mythology. Mist swirled along the ground, while statues of gods stood solemnly on either side.
Two male cosplayers, dressed as Hercules and Osiris and working as staff for the event, greeted them. Kaji’s face fell in disappointment—these weren’t the hot female mythical cosplayers he was ready to propose to.
Megane tried to pay for an adult pass. The cosplayers explained that there wasn’t a standard “adult pass” here. Visitors were given ‘Passports of Myths’, available in adult or child editions.
Ryo and Kaji paid for the adult Passport of Myths. When Megane tried, the staff stopped him. He was to get the child version, because he “looked like a kid.”
Megane went berserk—hopping, flailing, and demanding to pay as an adult. Before chaos escalated further, Ryo simply paid for the child passport for him, leaving Megane shocked.
Kaji lifted Megane by the waist, and the three entered the building while Megane continued to complain about being a child at the Mythology Expo.
Inside… it was like stepping into a Mythical World come to life.
A tall, ancient globe sat at the center, marble floors faintly glowing with veins of light leading past towering columns and interactive displays.
In the Mount Olympus Pavilion (Greek Realm), lightning arced around a kingly figure, a watchful goddess perched beside a glowing owl, a trident shimmered beside simulated waves, and mechanical beasts—a three-headed dog, Minotaur, winged horse, and multi-headed serpent—stirred as if alive.
Hall of the Nile (Egyptian Realm) glimmered with golden sands, the scent of myrrh in the air. A falcon-headed sun pantheon glowed atop his throne, a jackal-headed guardian patrolled near mummies, and holographic sphinxes posed riddling challenges.
Valhalla Hall (Norse Realm) was shrouded in icy fog, with a one-eyed ruler beneath a glowing tree, hammer-wielding pantheons sending sparks flying, and massive wolves, serpents, and eight-legged horses moving through holographic battle scenes.
Lantern-lit bridges and floating lotus petals lit the Celestial Empire Dome (Chinese Realm), where a mischievous monkey bounded, a silver moon pantheon glowed, and celestial dragons and spirits glided above fake clouds.
In the Realm of the Devas (Hindu Realm), pantheons floated atop glowing lotuses. A warrior rode a lion, an elephant-headed deity turned serenely, and winged eagles, serpents, demons, and sea creatures shimmered nearby.
Beyond these realms, the Hall of Old World Beasts (Lost Creatures Realm) unfolded as a fog-filled jungle teeming with prehistoric and mythic creatures: towering predators roared, griffins spread their wings, phoenixes glowed in firelight, and massive sea monsters glided through holographic waters, while interactive skeletons and evolutionary displays cast everything in a surreal, magical glow.
Cosplayers dressed as pantheons, monsters, and heroes, moving silently among the exhibits, performing graceful gestures, breathing life into every corner.
There were cosplayers representing:
Greek Mythology
Figures: Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Hades, Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Hercules, Hera, Hermes, Demeter, Perseus, Selene, Hebe, Eos
Beasts & Monsters: Chimera, Hippalectryon, Hydra, Gorgon, Centaurs, Cerberus, Charybdis
Norse Mythology
Figures: Odin, Thor, Loki, Freya, Heimdall, Tyr, Hel, Sif, Freyr, Brynhildr, Skadi, Frigg, Idunn, Rán, Höðr
Beasts & Monsters: Jörmungandr, Sleipnir, Valkyries, Nidhogg, Spectral Fylgja
Egyptian Mythology
Figures: Ra, Anubis, Osiris, Horus, Bastet, Thoth, Cleopatra, Nephthys, Sekhmet, Hathor, Maat, Hatshepsut, Meritaten, Tutankhamun, Ahhotep
Beasts & Monsters: Ammit, Sphinx, Serpopard, Sobek, Uraeus, Bennu, Apophis, Mummy
Chinese Mythology
Figures: The Jade Emperor, Sun Wukong, Chang’e, Nezha, Guanyin, Hou Yi, Xi Wangmu, Guan Yu, Longmu, Nuwa, Lei Gong, Mazu, Wang Zhaojun
Beasts & Monsters: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Jiangshi, Pixiu, Huanglong, Daji, Fenghuang, Dragon King (Longwang)
Hindu Mythology
Figures: Agni, Shiva, Durga, Kali, Gandharva, Lakshmi, Ganga, Saraswati, Paravati, Ganesha, Hanuman
Beasts & Monsters: Naga, Makara, Airavata, Garuda, Rakshasa, Asuras, Ifrit
And lost Creatures
Beasts & Monsters: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Griffin, Phoenix, Leviathan, Chimera, Basilisk, Yeti, Brontosaurus, Raptor, Megalodon, Dragon Turtle, Kraken, Mosasaurus, Ankylosaurus, Stegosaurus, Aspidochelone
Ryo’s jaw dropped. He clutched his head with both hands, completely in awe.
“Duuuude… I feel like I just entered a monumental mythical book!”
Kaji, hands on hips, smirked. “Cool, isn’t it? Let’s start hitting up some activities in each mythology section as we go.”
Megane, hands in pockets, glasses gleaming like a true chibi detective, dead serious.
“And I’ll keep an eye out for any criminals in sight.”
Ryo glanced down at him, deadpan. “Nice to see you look all excited, ‘Investigator Con Man Junior.’”
And so, they began walking through the museum. Before they could hit up the activities, they passed through many statues of iconic mythical figures.
At first, they stopped by a statue of a gorgon—Medusa from ancient legends. Kaji rubbed his chin with a smirk and told Ryo and Megane that she was waifu material and that he would gladly add her to his mythical harem. When Ryo and Megane asked why—despite Medusa’s power to turn people into stone with a single look—Kaji proudly explained that she’s hot anyway, and her ability would only make his manhood rock hard.
Ryo couldn’t help but facepalm at Kaji’s bold explanation, while Megane, completely unfazed, asked how he’d even sleep with her if she were real—what if the snake hair bit him? Kaji confidently said not to worry, because the moment the snakes saw his “hardened manhood,” they’d shut their eyes out of embarrassment the moment Medusa and he started their “ravishing bedroom moment.” Megane just rolled his eyes at that nonsense and kept walking.
Next, they stopped at a statue of Anubis. Kaji said he’d add Anubis to his mythical harem too—if Anubis wasn’t a man. At that point, Ryo and Megane didn’t even bother responding and simply let him continue with his harem talk.
However, as for Ryo, the moment he gazed at the Anubis statue, something within him stirred. He remembered the historical movie-hopping marathon inside his dream with Mr. Grim.
He remembered the jackal-masked priestess of Anubis, the one who decided to encase the human version of Mr. Grim—once known as Neferka—inside a coffin as his verdict, because his curse was ’overwhelmingly evil.’ She had him locked away beneath the sands in a tomb until death took him—before his rebirth as the crimson Grim Reaper, forever barred from the afterlife.
That moment, that verdict, still haunted Ryo—the cold judgment, and the cries of a man desperately wanting to escape his coffin but unable to—it all lingered like a scar carved into his memory.
Then they moved on to another statue—Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from forgotten folklore.
Ryo had always been amazed by this figure. He remembered from the mythology books he used to read back in his geeky childhood that Sun Wukong was a stone-born trickster who once challenged the gods and shook the heavens.
A creature of chaos, pride, and boundless power—yet even he found redemption on the long road West. He guarded a monk, fought demons, and learned what it meant to protect instead of destroy.
He smiled faintly at the figure. Sun Wukong’s boldness—to defy fate, to challenge the impossible—had always inspired him. That was the same fire that pushed him to become a policeman, and now, as a detective, that courage still burned inside him.
Ryo still carried that one lesson from the Monkey King within his heart: no matter how impossible the odds, never bow before them.
That’s probably why he was able to solve the two magical cases—in Al-Munira and the Fairytale World—without quitting halfway and seeing them through to the end, despite all the fantastical nonsense.
After going through the rest of the statues, they finally decided to start their first activity — the “Hall of the Nile.”
There, they were greeted by two stunning cosplayers — clearly staff — dressed as Nephthys and Sekhmet, both sisters. The entire hall shimmered with golden sand and faint incense smoke, and before them was a wide sandy platform.
Sekhmet stepped forward first, her lioness headdress gleaming in the light. Her voice carried the regal fire of an ancient queen.
“Mortals, welcome to the Hall of the Nile! Here, thou shalt test thy creativity and devotion to the gods. Before thee lies the sacred sands of Ra — shape upon it the visages of our divine kin, and the most splendid creation shall be rewarded with the Bracelet of Ra, forged beneath the dawn itself.”
Then Nephthys followed, her tone cool and enchanting, like a whisper drifting from the tombs.
“Let the sands remember the hands that honor them. Create well, and perhaps the gods shall bless thee with their eternal favor. Fail… and the wind shall erase thy effort as if it were never born.”
[Author’s Note: Draw your Sand Mosaic Art of Egyptian gods on a sandy platform. Win, and you get the Bracelet of Ra. (Yes, I simplified the old, confusing text for you)]
Ryo was clearly impressed. “Wow, they even sound ancient.”
Megane raised his toy magnifying glass to his eye, narrowing his eyes like a serious chibi detective.
“Are you two hidden culprits about to start a crime?”
Nephthys and Sekhmet blinked in confusion, then exchanged amused smiles, quietly chuckling. The adorable seriousness of the tiny detective had completely disarmed them.
Without warning, Kaji suddenly dropped to one knee in front of the two goddesses and whipped out a ring.
Ryo rubbed a hand down his face. “Great… here we go again... just like the usual…”
Kaji dramatically extended the ring toward Nephthys, voice booming across the hall like he was auditioning for an opera.
“O Nephthys, Lady of the Night Winds, Guardian of the Silent Realms! My heart trembles before your eternal grace!”
He raised one hand to the heavens. “If the stars themselves command my soul to kneel, then so be it! Let me be your shadow, your devoted moonlight servant!”
Nephthys’s eyes widened slightly, then curved into a mysterious smile. She decided to play along, her voice calm yet teasing.
“You would pledge yourself to one who walks with the dead?”
Kaji placed his hand over his heart, eyes sparkling. “Then let my love rise with them! Even in death, I shall stand beside you, my goddess!”
Nephthys placed a finger thoughtfully on her chin, tilting her head. “So eager to serve eternity, mortal? Very well. Try surviving my sister’s jealousy first.”
Kaji grinned like an anime protagonist, convinced he’d just unlocked the “Good Ending.”
He then turned to Sekhmet, puffing his chest out and pointing at her with renewed passion.
“Sekhmet! Lioness of Wrath! I bow before your unmatched might and… unearthly beauty!”
He pressed a hand to his chest. “If you are the fire that purges the unworthy, then let me be the fool who dares to burn for you.”
Sekhmet narrowed her eyes, lips curling into a sly smile as she crossed her arms, also decided to play along.
“You would stand beside me knowing I destroy all who displease me?”
Kaji’s voice boomed like a stage hero. “Then I shall live to please you every moment, until even the sun bows in envy!”
Sekhmet let out a low chuckle. “You have courage… or no sense at all. Either way, you amuse me.”
Kaji bowed deeply. “Then grant me my fate, my queen of fire!”
Sekhmet raised her hands theatrically. “Rise, mortal. Your fate is… to carry my offerings to the altar.”
Kaji looked absolutely proud, as if she’d just proposed back to him.
Then, for his grand finale, he spread his arms toward both goddesses. “Will you two join my mythical harem… and marry m—”
SLAP!
Before he could finish, Ryo smacked the back of Kaji’s head in perfect comedic timing and grabbed him by the collar, dragging him away.
“I’m getting tired of this NONSENSE, man! GIVE ME A BREAK! I’m with you right now — what if security sees me and throws me out too with Professor McShorto here?!”
Kaji, still holding the ring, reached out dramatically. “WAIT, SHERLOCK! I HAVEN’T FINISHED MY PROPOSAL!”
Megane followed behind, fists clenched, eyes blazing with chibi determination. “No matter what activity stands in my way, I’ll crush it with my wits!”
Kaji’s voice echoed down the hall as Ryo dragged him toward the activity area. “MY GODESSEEEEEEES!!!”
Sekhmet and Nephthys could no longer hold it in — both burst into uncontrollable laughter, nearly doubling over as the “mortal clown trio” disappeared into their hall.
And with amused smiles, the two sisters returned to their work — whispering that this might just be their favorite part of the entire expo.
Kaji, his arms limping, groaned, “Really, Sherlock? That was my moment.”
Ryo rolled his eyes. “I haven’t heard that line since the Fairytale Convention…”
He then surveyed the sandy platform around them, clapping his hands once. “Alright, let’s start drawing the Egyptians on the sand.”
Kaji grinned smugly and leaned close to the platform. “In that case… I’m gonna start drawing an image of me surrounded by all the ancient Egyptian waifus.”
But Megane’s mind was already on drawing something else.
A staff member handed the three of them a smooth stone to draw with.
And then, the three knelt down and began their artistic quest.
Ryo started first, sketching the Sphinx on the sand — not perfect, but recognizable enough to earn a few approving nods.
Kaji, true to his word, drew himself surrounded by all the mythical Egyptian waifus. In his picture, he was lounging like a king on a bed, with the goddesses clustered lovingly around him. The scene was ridiculously grand, and Ryo’s jaw nearly dropped at Kaji’s unexpected art skills.
Meanwhile, Megane drew something completely different: his favorite chibi anime character, Investigator Con Man Junior, proudly holding a Scepter and wearing a Pharaoh’s crown. Beside him stood Snow White — reimagined as a radiant Egyptian queen.
The nearby female Egyptian staff gasped in delight, gathering around Megane. To them, the cute small detective’s artwork looked like a masterpiece. Before long, Megane found himself surrounded by an entire crowd of admiring women — it was like he had his own Egyptian harem forming around him.
Kaji glanced over, his eyes widening in disbelief. He whispered, “But… how…”
Ryo chuckled. “It’s the classic feeling of being the side character in an anime — you never get to form the harem.”
The female staff members began patting Megane on the head, praising him for his work. Then, to everyone’s shock, a hot Cleopatra cosplayer stepped forward, swooped him up, and hugged him tightly — burying his face right into her huge chest.
Kaji screamed, veins popping on his forehead, completely jealous. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”
Megane squirmed furiously, muffled in Cleopatra’s embrace. “RELEASE ME! My heart belongs to my one and only Princess Schneewittchen!”
All the Egyptian female cosplayers squealed in unison, “KYAAAAAAA~! So cuuuuute!”
After a long and desperate struggle against Cleopatra’s affectionate squeeze, she finally released him, smiling in satisfaction.
Megane straightened his glasses, panting but victorious.
And so, Megane was declared the winner — awarded the Bracelet of Ra for his “divine creativity.” He lifted his fist proudly, the golden bracelet gleaming on his wrist.
“I dedicate this bracelet to you… my Princess Schneewittchen.”
Ryo’s group moved toward the Hindu mythology section, which was set right beside a towering T-Rex skeleton display.
But before they could reach it, Megane suddenly stopped. His sharp eyes caught sight of a little girl cosplaying as Rati from Hindu mythology — about his size — who looked on the verge of tears.
Megane tapped his glasses, and they sparkled. “Wait here,” he said, voice filled with determination. “I must solve the mystery of her sorrow.”
Ryo nodded. “Good luck, Mr. Anime Protagonist.”
Kaji gave a thumbs-up. “Go get ‘em, chibi Sherlock.”
Megane stepped forward with the confidence of a true miniature detective. “Excuse me, miss. What seems to be the problem?”
The little girl sniffled. “My childhood friend—” she pointed at the boy next to her, “—he stole my candy!”
The boy immediately protested, “She’s lying! I didn’t take anything!”
Without hesitation, Megane whipped out his toy magnifying glass and scanned the boy from head to toe. The boy fidgeted nervously.
Then Megane’s eyes narrowed behind his gleaming glasses.
He pointed sharply. “What’s that bulge in your pocket? Take it out.”
A huge crowd began to gather around, intrigued by the miniature detective scene unfolding before them. Parents whispered excitedly while kids gasped.
The boy backed away, stammering, lying, “I-It’s just a small toy!”
Megane stepped closer, glasses flashing white as his tone dropped low and fierce. “Take. It. Out.”
The boy gulped — his soul practically leaving his body — then slowly reached into his pocket. He pulled out the stolen candy and handed it over with trembling hands.
The crowd collectively gasped. The little girl’s eyes widened, her heart thumping from the sheer coolness of the chibi detective’s help.
Megane took the candy and solemnly handed it back to her. “Justice has been restored.”
Then he turned toward the “camera,” pointing at it as he delivered his famous line.
“The truth burns brighter than any lie!”
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
“He’s so tiny but so cool!”
“That’s the most adorable detective I’ve ever seen!”
“Give that boy a stage play adaptation!”
“Justice never looked this cute before!”
“I want to be like him when I grow up!”
“Grow up? But… he’s still a kid.”
The little girl’s cheeks turned red as she clutched the candy.
“M-Mr. Detective… can I be your bride?” she asked, completely unaware of his true age.
The boy froze — his heart shattering into a million pieces as his childhood crush fell for the chibi detective. Tears welled in his eyes before he ran toward his parents, crying, while they desperately tried to comfort him.
Ryo grinned. “He really just destroyed the childhood friend romance trope.”
Megane sighed and shook his head. “No. My heart only belongs to Princess Schneewittchen — no one else.”
The little girl looked desperate. “Then… then I’ll become your concubine instead!”
At this point, Megane’s mythical harem just kept expanding across the expo. He sighed in resignation and handed her his number.
Her eyes lit up like stars, cheeks pink. “I’ll devote myself to becoming your future bride!” she said, and hopefully he stays looking young like that detective protagonist forever—so she won’t have to worry about the whole age thing.
And with that, Megane walked back to Ryo and Kaji — case closed, pride restored, justice served.
They finally arrived at the Hindu mythology section, marked by a glowing archway reading “Realm of the Devas.”
Inside, the air shimmered with gold and azure lights. Incense-like fragrance filled the hall, and at the center was a majestic painting of Garuda, wings outstretched beneath a sky of swirling clouds and divine rays.
A staff member dressed as Kali—blue-skinned makeup, long flowing black hair, and a necklace of faux skulls—approached them with a grin.
“Welcome, mortals, to the Realm of the Devas! Today’s trial is called ‘Ride Garuda Through the Heavens.’ You will soar across ancient India on the back of the mighty Garuda himself.”
Kaji’s eyes sparkled. “A VR ride through ancient India? Oh, this is gonna feel like a total isekai experience!”
Ryo crossed his arms, muttering dryly, “Yeah… into ancient India. Technically, that is an isekai.”
Kaji ignored him, too hyped to care.
The Kali staffer handed each of them a VR headset. “Brace yourselves for divine wind and heavenly sights.”
The three put on the headsets… and the world around them shifted.
Suddenly, they were high above a sea of clouds, the sound of rushing wind roaring in their ears. Beneath them was Garuda, a colossal, golden-feathered being with powerful wings and a noble face like an eagle. His feathers shimmered like sunlight breaking through dawn.
“WOOOOOOOH!!” Kaji spread out his arms, his voice echoing across the skies. “This feels just like BladeCraft Online! Someone give me my starter sword!”
The Garuda let out a powerful screech and dove downward. The three clung on as the wind whipped through their hair.
Below them sprawled a breathtaking vision of ancient India—temples carved from sandstone, rivers gleaming like mirrors, and bustling towns full of color and life.
They flew past grand architecture resembling the ancient city of Pataliputra—rows of wooden houses with carved balconies, golden stupas glimmering under the sun, and towering temple spires reaching toward the sky.
Priests in saffron robes tended to sacred fires, while merchants sold silks and spices beneath colorful awnings. Women in flowing saris carried water pots upon their heads, children played with clay toys, and elephants decorated in vibrant cloth marched in a royal parade below.
Megane’s expression turned serious as his toy magnifying glass materialized in his hand.
“Kaji, Ryo, be careful! We don’t know what could happen in this VR simulation. An ancient criminal might be among them! And I’ll catch the culprit like my life depends on it!”
Ryo blinked at him, muttered under his breath. “Ancient criminal? Not the first time for me…”
Kaji laughed, riding the wind like an overexcited anime protagonist. “If I see a goddess, I’m confessing instantly!”
Ryo groaned. “You’ll get smited instantly, more like it.”
Then the Garuda tilted down sharply, gliding over a vast shimmering lake — Pushkar Lake. The waters reflected the sun like liquid gold, with pilgrims bathing along the banks and chanting prayers that echoed faintly through the air.
Ryo’s eyes widened as he took in the view. “Man… this is insane. It actually feels real.”
Kaji whistled. “If this is the afterlife, sign me up!”
Meanwhile, Megane stood on Garuda’s back with his arms crossed like a detective on a case.
“The sights may be divine… but truth remains my only compass.”
They soared higher and higher, past more temples and sacred rivers, through drifting clouds painted in sunset hues—until Garuda’s wings flared wide and carried them straight into a blindingly bright cloud.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—everything faded.
The VR experience ended.
The three lifted their headsets in unison, blinking at the real world around them.
Ryo let out a slow breath. “Okay… that was actually awesome.”
Kaji grinned ear to ear. “Best isekai ride ever!”
Megane adjusted his glasses proudly. “Another realm explored, another mystery of culture unveiled.”
And with that, the trio exited the Realm of the Devas, feeling lighthearted, satisfied, and more than ready for whatever mythical madness awaited them next.
From there, the three moved from mythical realm to mythical realm, diving into every activity the expo had to offer. They explored intricate displays, tested interactive exhibits, and took countless photos with cosplayers—both staff and visitors—dressed as pantheons, monsters, and legendary heroes.
Kaji, as usual, kept proposing to every mythical waifu cosplayer he encountered, dramatically kneeling and professing his eternal devotion. Ryo, ever the voice of reason, had to drag him away by the collar every single time before things got chaotic and they risked being kicked out of the expo.
Luckily, Ryo’s timing was perfect, and he always intervened just in time.
Meanwhile, Megane spotted multiple “cases” to solve, helping mythical cosplayers—both child and adult—recover lost items, settle disputes, or prevent minor mishaps. Each success unintentionally expanded his mythical harem, despite him insisting that his heart only belonged to Princess Schneewittchen.
The beautiful cosplayers, however, were relentless, insisting he give them his number. Megane groaned, facepalmed, and eventually surrendered. Each waifu’s eyes sparkled with delight as they received his contact, hoping for a future date, leaving Megane muttering about the unending chaos of his harem.
As the night dragged on, 4 AM arrived, and the Convergence Parade began outdoors on the road. Fireworks exploded across Ueno’s sky, painting it with bursts of shimmering color. Pantheons from every mythology marched and danced together in perfect harmony, their movements synchronized to sweeping symphonic music. Lights of every hue—gold, silver, crimson, and azure—blended into a cosmic spectrum that danced across the city.
Visitors poured outside the museum, cheering in awe. Even those who had been sleeping in nearby homes woke up, drawn by the noise, and found themselves captivated by the breathtaking spectacle above.
Ryo, Kaji, and Megane stood side by side, faces lifted to the sky, and watching as pantheons and monsters danced in unison beneath the brilliant fireworks. For a moment, time seemed to pause—they shared smiles, silent acknowledgment that they had witnessed something truly legendary. This was, without a doubt, the best expo of their lives.
By 5 AM, the Mythology Expo: Pantheons & Monsters Alive drew to a close.
The three made their way to the parking lot, hopping into Kaji’s roofless convertible. They drove through the quiet streets of Tokyo, the city still half-asleep, and accompanied Ryo back to his office. Once there, Ryo thanked them for inviting him, genuinely appreciative. Kaji and Megane waved it off, promising to bring him along for even more unique events in the future.
After they left, Ryo stepped into his office and noticed that one of his business cards was missing from his desk. He shrugged—it didn’t matter; he had plenty—and finally retreated to his bedroom.
Morning light crept through the curtains as he sank into sleep, exhausted but content, carrying the memories of a night filled with pantheons, monsters, and chaotic fun.
Meanwhile…
Far, far below…
The White Rabbit emerged from the rabbit hole—this time in Rome, Italy. He darted through the old stone streets, ears trembling, eyes darting at every human that passed.
“I have to find someone… anyone who can help her…” he whispered, heart racing.
But no one seemed suitable. Tourists, locals, priests… he froze behind crates and alleyways whenever he thought about approaching them. He didn’t know how they’d react—after all, he wasn’t human.
What if they screamed, or laughed, or even ran him over? His paws clenched as panic rose.
He whispered again, almost to himself. “I… I can’t just ask anyone… but I have to try…”
Swallowing his fear, he darted forward—then froze again at a group of people. They looked ordinary, unaware of him.
He crouched low, ears flattened. “No… no… not them…”
Defeated, he leapt back into the rabbit hole.
Next, he appeared in Kansas, USA, running through a vast moonlit field. Every barn, every tree looked like a potential shelter… or a threat.
He slowed, trembling. “Someone… please… anyone…!”
But the wind whistled past, carrying the sounds of distant animals and crickets. He felt like a tiny, alien creature in a giant world, unsure how to communicate with anyone who could help. Again, he dove into the rabbit hole.
Now, he emerged in Bali, Indonesia. Lanterns glowed above crowded night markets. People passed by in a blur, laughing and haggling. He froze behind baskets of fruit, ears twitching nervously.
“Please… someone who can save Alice…” he whispered. But approaching felt impossible—he’d stick out like a sore paw, not knowing what to do if they reacted badly.
And still… no one seemed capable.
Once more, he vanished into the rabbit hole—and surfaced in Reykjavik, Iceland. The snow-covered city stretched in every direction. His small form felt fragile in the cold streets. He crouched behind barrels, unsure if anyone would even understand him, or if they would shoo him away.
He stumbled into a hidden alleyway, exhausted and collapsed on his back in the snow, staring up at the sky.
“Is it really… hopeless?” he whispered weakly. “Can she no longer… be saved…?” And slowly closed his eyes.
Above the clouds, a divine light flickered. A tiny figure appeared, perched on a cloud, her form a hazy silhouette, eyes glowing pink.
“Chi… Chi… Chi…” she giggled, her voice softly echoing like celestial bells. “Oh, poor little White Rabbit. You’ve scoured the world and still can’t find a single soul worthy to serve as a defense attorney for your precious Alice?”
She summoned a glowing business card from thin air, letting it hover and slowly spin above her palm.
“In that case,” she said, her tone both teasing and divine, “let me give you a hand… mortal fate could use a little nudge.”
She released the card. It drifted downward, spiraling through the freezing sky, its glow fading as it fell—until it landed gently on the White Rabbit’s nose.
He gasped, trembling, and sat up. He took the card and read the words.
“Tokyo, Japan… Odyssey Investigations… Detective… Ryo Kuroda?”
He clutched the card, hope sparking in his chest. “I… I don’t know why… but it feels… like fate,” he whispered. “I’ll take my chances on whoever this detective is. I can only pray… he’s the one who can save Alice.”
Standing once more, determination replaced fear. He dove into the rabbit hole, heading to Tokyo, Japan.
Above, the chibi god watched him vanish, a sly smile on her face.
“Good luck, White Rabbit… you owe me one.” Her voice shifted into playful laughter. “Chi… Chi… Chi…”
And she disappeared in a flash of lightning, a sharp crack echoing through the air.
ONLY 7 DAYS REMAIN…
Before Alice, Once the Hero of Wonderland…
… Is Executed.
Ryo had known what to expect and had braced himself—lying down and gripping the seat as tightly as he could—but still, the sheer force had been overwhelming, even for someone who thought he was ready.
An hour later, he finally woke up. The carriage was now soaring quietly above the Atlantic Ocean, near Morocco. The Coachman cracked the reins lightly, and the unicorn neighed as it began a gentle descent, hovering at about 1,500 meters in the air.
Ryo blinked, still groggy, then sat up straight and turned to the window. The wind swept through his hair as he looked down through the clouds—and what he saw stirred a wave of nostalgia.
“Al-Munira…” he murmured, smiling faintly. “Nice to see it again from high up here.”
The time in Al-Munira was now 3 PM.
Below him stretched the vast Arabian fantasy kingdom he had once visited for a previous case. Ryo recalled Shahira telling him that Al-Munira lay about 600 kilometers west off the coast of Morocco. And now, here he was again—flying right above it.
“I wonder how they’re doing now…” Ryo said softly, as memories came rushing back.
He remembered how close he had gotten with Shahira, Amina, and the royal guard Aladdin—and even the entire royal family, except for Jamil, who was still distant and couldn’t be honest with himself.
Moreover, Ryo had explored most of Al-Munira. He remembered how Aladdin had taken him to the deserts and ancient ruins during his rest days in the kingdom, just a few days before returning home to Tokyo. He had a blast with Aladdin during those explorations—it felt like a grand tour, but on a magic carpet instead. They even shared evening meals atop a sand dune, gazing out at the beautiful Arabian desert.
It was a surreal moment.
Now that Ryo was returning home from the Fairytale World, he wondered what he should do next. Of course, he needed to deposit all that money given by Fairy Greatmother into the bank. Moreover, he wondered what he should do afterwards. It wasn’t like he wanted to start taking on new clients right away—not after that heavy fantasy case of finding Cinderella.
He let out a quiet sigh, resting his arm on the window frame. “I’ll just think about it once I get back home to my office.”
From the front seat, the Footman glanced back with his usual composure.
“Good sir detective, would you like to stop by this vast and glorious sandy kingdom below us before we continue our journey back to Japan?”
It seemed he had noticed Ryo’s gaze fixed fondly on Al-Munira.
Ryo leaned back in his seat, waving a hand lazily. “It’s alright, Juice. Sandwich. Take me home.”
Both the Footman and Coachman nodded in perfect sync, proud and loyal as ever.
“Why of course, good sir detective,” the Footman replied formally.
Then the Coachman cracked the reins. The unicorn neighed, lifting its head high, and the Banana Carriage picked up speed—cutting through the thin veil of clouds, racing eastward across the sky.
Straight toward Tokyo.
2 hours later…
Ryo finally reached the skies above Tokyo, relief washing over him — he was home again.
The time in Tokyo was now 1 AM.
Past midnight.
The city below shimmered like a sea of neon, endless lights glimmering across the sleeping skyline. The hum of nightlife still lingered faintly, but up here, above the clouds, it was quiet — calm.
The banana carriage gently descended to 1,000 meters.
Ryo frowned slightly; he didn’t want anyone in the city spotting something this magical flying around. A banana carriage pulled by a unicorn was way too weird. If someone saw it, it’d explode across social media and end up on the news. Chaos and unwanted attention — exactly what he didn’t need.
Leaning his head out the window, Ryo called out. “My breakfast crew, is there any way we can get back to my office undetected?”
The footman proudly placed a hand to his chest, turning with confidence.
“Not to worry, good sir detective! Allow me to do the honors.”
He snapped his fingers.
In an instant, the banana carriage, unicorn, footman — and even Ryo himself — vanished from sight. They were completely invisible to the outside world. Inside, though, Ryo could still see the interior.
Then the unicorn let out a loud neigh!
“Shh!” Ryo hushed in panic.
Down below, people at Shibuya Crossing glanced up, puzzled by the strange sound. But since they couldn’t see anything, they shrugged it off and went back to whatever nightlife business they had.
Ryo exhaled deeply, relief softening his shoulders.
The coachman cracked the reins again, and the invisible carriage glided silently through the night sky, heading toward Ryo’s tiny office tucked away in the quiet part of the neighborhood.
After a few minutes of flight, the familiar building came into view.
Ryo peeked down, scanning the area carefully — no one on the streets, no lights from the neighboring houses. Everyone was fast asleep. No drunks wandering about either, thankfully.
He nodded. “Alright, land here.”
The carriage descended smoothly, touching down right in front of his office — his home.
Ryo stepped out, took a deep breath of home, and sighed contently.
“Ah… home sweet home. Normal stuff. No fantasy nonsense.”
He unlocked the door, pushed it open, and turned to his crew. “Bring in my luggage.”
The footman and coachman stepped down, bowed politely, and carried his luggage inside. They placed them neatly in Ryo’s room.
The footman glanced around, spotting a thin layer of dust everywhere in the office, and made his declaration.
“Good sir detective, allow us to perform a full cleaning of your glorious home, we wouldn’t feel fulfilled without helping you tidy up.”
The coachman bowed in agreement — still silent, but eager to assist.
Ryo crossed his arms and whistled softly, touched by their helpfulness. “Thanks. Please proceed.”
The footman got to work dusting the walls, while the coachman carefully wiped the desk. Together, they made the place spotless.
Meanwhile, Ryo took out his notebook, tore out the page with Cinderella’s autograph and message, and placed it inside a frame from his cupboard. He set it proudly on his desk.
He couldn’t wait to show it to future clients — normal clients, he hoped.
He’d had enough of fantasy cases for a lifetime. From now on, he was sticking to reality.
Once the cleaning was done, the three of them stepped outside. Ryo turned to his breakfast crew with a smile.
“Thanks for the clean-up, you two.”
The footman and coachman placed a hand to their chests and bowed deeply.
“Why of course, good sir detective. It has been a pleasure to be of service to you,” the footman said proudly — then, without realizing how bold he sounded, added, “Would you like to drink me now? I could turn back into juice for you.”
Ryo flinched, uneasy. “Uh… I had enough juice from the in-flight meal. I’m good, thanks.”
The footman brightened, pleased to hear that.
Ryo turned to the unicorn, grinning. “You too, my fried egg. You’ve been a reliable engine.”
Not knowing what “engine” meant, the unicorn neighed proudly and lifted its legs high.
And with that, after serving their purpose, the breakfast crew shimmered softly — and disappeared into glitters.
Ryo then entered his office, locked the door, and went straight for a shower.
Afterward, he walked into his room and looked at his affordable yet top-tier comfy king-sized bed — the one he’d bought not too long ago.
He’d only slept on it a few times ever since returning from his previous case in Al-Munira. Such a waste, really, for a bed that comfortable.
So he simply jumped onto it, landing face-first on the soft mattress. The exhaustion hit him all at once.
After that insane near-lightspeed banana carriage journey, sleep took him instantly.
And now… he could finally rest.
The time in Tokyo was now 10:30 AM.
The sunrise had already passed hours ago.
Ryo stirred awake, yawning and stretching lazily. He grabbed his phone and squinted at the screen — already past morning.
He considered opening the office for work but quickly decided otherwise. A few days off wouldn’t hurt.
For now, he had one priority: deposit that huge reward money at the bank before anything bad happened. Leaving that much cash lying around undeposited was just asking for trouble—too risky.
He got dressed in casual clothes, grabbed his phone, and ordered a taxi using the “SuperCabGo” ride-hailing app.
A few minutes later, the taxi arrived, and the driver whisked him off to the nearest bank.
Once he arrived, Ryo stepped out, entered the building, and headed straight to the receptionist.
After explaining his request to deposit a large sum, he was directed to a teller.
He approached the counter and placed the large, heavy bag of cash on it with a quiet thud.
The teller peeked inside — and froze. His eyes widened. His face turned pale. And then, without a word, the poor man fainted, collapsed behind the counter… too much work.
The customers gasped.
Ryo leaned forward slightly, watching the fallen teller as he scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
“Sorry about that…”
Another employee rushed over, dragging the fainted teller away like a fallen soldier. Moments later, a veteran teller stepped up to take his place.
The veteran took one look at the money bag. His eyes gleamed with fire. Slowly, dramatically, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a headband, and tied it around his forehead with the intensity of a shounen hero about to enter his final battle.
“Sir,” he declared, “you don’t need to worry.”
He struck a sudden kung fu pose, his expression dead serious.
“As a teller with 25 years of experience… depositing this amount of money…” he took a deep breath and shouted, “I HEREBY ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE!”
The customers nearby jumped in surprise.
Ryo just stared blankly. “Riiiiiight…”
Then the battle began!
The veteran teller moved with lightning speed, his hands flying across the counter, counting, sorting, and stamping every bill like he was dueling the gods themselves.
Each motion came with a dramatic HA! or YAA! echoing across the bank.
Other staff and customers could only watch in awe as the man fought valiantly against the endless tide of cash.
Fifteen minutes later, the teller slammed the final bill down with a triumphant roar. “DEPOSIT COMPLETE!”
Then, dramatically, he collapsed onto the floor.
He wasn’t dead — but he looked like he’d fought a war.
“Tell my family…” he gasped weakly to his colleagues, “…that I did it.”
His juniors burst into tears, crying over him as if attending a funeral.
Ryo deadpanned at the absurd sight. “You guys can pour some water on his face — he’ll revive immediately.”
He remembered that trick worked on a certain former ghost mama.
Ryo gave the heroic teller a respectful bow. “Thanks for the effort.”
Then he exited the bank, mission accomplished.
Outside, he looked at the now-empty money bag. He didn’t need it anymore.
Just then, he spotted a hiker nearby, preparing for a trip to Mount Fuji with his friends. The hiker seemed to be struggling with the sheer amount of gear he carried.
Ryo handed him the big empty bag. “Here, you can use this.”
The hiker’s face lit up. He thanked Ryo sincerely before heading off.
Ryo waved casually. “Don’t mention it.”
Then he slipped his hands into his pockets and began walking down the street.
While he was still walking, a police car slowly approached him from behind. It slid up alongside him. Ryo blinked and turned his head—the car looked familiar.
Then, a voice boomed from the PA system. “FANTASY-CHAN HERE!”
Ryo startled, nearly tripping over his own feet. “Woah! What the hell?!”
People around them jumped, staring at the scene in confusion.
The car stopped alongside him. From the front seat, the driver rolled down his window. Eyes closed first, then a smirk. Slowly, dramatically, he opened both eyes and turned his head like an action movie hero.
Ryo sighed, arms limp. “Kaji… you didn’t have to be that loud.” He gestured around. “Everyone’s staring.”
Kaji grinned. “Sorry, partner. Feels like I haven’t seen you in forever, though it’s only been a little over a week. Did you disappear while doing your investigations undercover chibi style… like ‘Investigator Con Man Junior’?”
Of course, Ryo couldn’t tell the famous isekai-lover, Kaji, about being transported to a Fairytale world. He had to lie. Or… maybe half-lie.
“Oh yeah! Just like that chibi-style glasses kid!” Ryo said, sarcasm dripping but partially true. He shrugged. “And you know what? I got isekai’d. Totally normal stuff. Had to give my girlfriend a lot of excuses for why I couldn’t be around her all the time.”
Kaji couldn’t hold back his laughter. “HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA!” He clenched his fist and shouted, “YEEESSS!!! I MISS THESE LEGENDARY JOKES!!”
Of course, Kaji wouldn’t believe him… once again.
Ryo stared flatly. “So, what are you up to, Fantasy-chan?” Arms crossed. “Doing your usual patrolling duties?”
Kaji perked up, then remembered something. “Oh, that’s right!” He thumbed to the back seat. “Because you were gone from the force, the chief assigned me a new partner.”
Ryo blinked. “By futsal?” He turned his gaze to the backseat window.
The window slowly rolled down, revealing another familiar face—a young face with big round glasses. He was short—almost as small as the protagonist from Investigator Con Man Junior.
Ryo leaned in, narrowed his eyes. Not shocked. “Ahh… my famous former child-like colleague… been a while… Professor McShorto.”
“IT’S MEGANE! I’M TWO YEARS OLDER THAN YOU!” Megane shouted, pointing dramatically at Ryo. Clearly offended. “And as always, Ryo, your terrible naming skills are beyond absurd! Have some respect for your senior!”
“I mean, isn’t it better to be called Professor McShorto than Investigator Con Man Junior all the time?” Ryo asked, shrugging dramatically. “I remember everyone at the station mistook you for that anime protagonist, so I rebranded you for your sake.”
He continued, baffled. “And dude… you’re wearing huge glasses, and your name’s Megane. No wonder they often misunderstood you.”
Megane huffed. “Hmph!” He proudly thumped his chest. “I’d rather be called the eighth member of Snow White’s dwarf squadron!”
Kaji quickly covered his mouth to stifle laughter. “PFFTS!”
“Oh no nooo,” Ryo said with mock seriousness. “It’s not Snow White — it’s Schneewittchen! Since you’re a big fan, at least call her by the original, difficult-to-pronounce German name. Respect the source material!”
Megane gasped. “Oh, that’s right!” His eyes sparkled, hands folded, voice squealing. “My apologies, Princess Schneewittchen! This Megane-kun truly repents!”
Ryo furrowed his brows, thought. “He really took that seriously…”
Kaji couldn’t take it anymore. “HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Man, seeing you two interact never gets old. This is too nostalgic!”
“Anyways, don’t wanna disturb your patrolling duties,” Ryo said, turning to leave, waving. “I’ll see you guys soon.”
“Oh wait, Sherlock!” Kaji called, raising a hand. “It’s almost lunch time. Join us.”
Ryo remembered. He owed Kaji for giving him the nickname Sherlock—the name that had saved his life from Carabosse’s Dead Notebook-like execution.
“Alright,” Ryo said. “I’ll treat you two. How about some sushi?”
Kaji and Megane gasped, their faces lighting up with joy. Without hesitation, they invited Ryo into the police car. He slid into the front seat next to Kaji, and off they went toward a sushi restaurant.
Ryo chose the place—a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
After they arrived, they took their seats. Ryo told them they could pick as many plates as they wanted. Kaji and Megane were shocked to get this level of generosity from Ryo—they thought he was about to go broke after being dismissed from the police force.
Kaji remembered that even though he had recommended Ryo to a few clients for detective work, eventually he couldn’t recommend anyone else. He’d simply run out of people to refer.
But of course, Ryo couldn’t tell them that he had taken on two magical cases, completed them despite the burden, and received payment far beyond a regular yearly salary.
So no matter how many sushi plates Kaji and Megane took from the conveyor belt, Ryo didn’t care. Megane even threatened that he’d take 1,000 pieces from the belt to feed the entire police station staff, but Ryo just shrugged and said, “Go ahead.”
Kaji and Megane could only stare at him in disbelief, wondering what kind of cases Ryo had taken to become this financially confident.
Ryo noticed their stares, pulled out his card, and paid without hesitation—proving he wasn’t afraid of running out of money.
Kaji and Megane froze, awestruck, still unable to believe it.
“Just what kind of clients had Ryo taken on?” They thought.
The waiter and waitress began preparing the 1,000 sushi pieces for takeaway for the entire police staff. Even they couldn’t believe that this rich—but totally normal-looking—customer was actually paying for that much.
And with that, they ate their share at the restaurant.
While eating, Kaji began speaking. “Sherlock, there’s this Expo I wanna invite you to.”
Ryo took a bite of his sushi. “Expo? Not a convention? I mean, the Fairytale Convention took place just a little over a week ago. So what’s with all these sudden new events popping up?”
Megane leaned back in his seat. “You won’t believe it, Ryo. For some reason, more unique events have been popping up lately.”
Ryo raised a brow. “Okay, so what is this new event? This Expo?”
“Get ready for the reveal, buddy,” Kaji grinned, letting the suspense build. “The event we’re inviting you to is… A MYTHOLOGY EXPO: PANTHEONS & MONSTERS ALIVE!”
Ryo froze, his eyes widened into saucers.
His chopsticks slipped from his hand and clattered onto the table.
“WAIT A MINUTE!” He pointed at Kaji. “Did you just say… what now? A Mythology Expo with Pantheons & Monsters—ALIVE?!”
Kaji smacked the table, clearly pleased by Ryo’s overreaction.
“HAHAHAHAHA! WOOHOOOO!! As always, Sherlock, your overreactions are priceless!”
Megane waved a dismissive hand, resting his fist under his cheek.
“I know what you’re thinking. No, they’re not alive—not as alive as your sarcasm.”
Megane continued, explaining, “This Expo is about showcasing famous tales of mythical beings and creatures throughout history. There’ll also be activities relating to each myth.”
“And besides,” Megane added, “event organizers nowadays want to try something new to break the mold—it’s already trending online.” He showed his phone screen. “See? Even anime and gaming fans are interested.”
Ryo rubbed his chin. “How come even those fans are interested? Isn’t this Expo more mythological? Wouldn’t they be more into the anime and gaming side?”
“That’s because,” Kaji stood up with a smirk and struck an exaggerated superhero pose, “the hot staff and fans attending will be cosplaying as these ultra-level waifu mythical figures.”
Ryo stared blankly at him. “Yeah… great… guess that means more marriage proposals coming from you. I’ll just pretend I don’t know you when you get escorted out by security.”
Megane perked up. “Oh? So you’re coming, Ryo?”
“You’re coming too, Professor McShorto?” Ryo asked.
Megane puffed up in offense. “IT’S MEGANE, DAMN IT!” He exhaled. “Yes, I’m coming—and hopefully this time they don’t give me the child pass just because of my young face and height.”
Just as always, a bit of a geek himself, Ryo was too curious about this Mythology Expo. He wanted to see what the event would be like compared to the usual conventions Kaji always dragged him to.
So Ryo decided. “Alright, I’ll go with you two. I am curious. So where and when will it be?”
Kaji grinned mischievously. “In two days, by midnight, at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno.”
Ryo’s eyes widened. “HOLD UP! Midnight? In a museum?! Not the typical convention building? Not like that unique Fairytale Convention at the park? And not during regular daytime hours?”
Kaji continued, “Exactly! One of my fantasy otaku friends—he’s part of the organizers—said they wanted that surreal midnight feeling this time. So midnight it is!”
Ryo squinted at him. “What’s with you and your huge network of fantasy otaku friends working with these organizers on unique events?”
Kaji smirked, eyes closed. “Hehehe… don’t be surprised when one day an adult conve—”
“Yeah, scratch that,” Ryo cut in.
Megane grinned, arms crossed. “Better sleep in the afternoon, Ryo. We’ll pick you up at 11:30 PM that day.”
Ryo sighed. “Fine, fine… I’ll sleep early.”
And then they finally finished their meal. After receiving their large order of a thousand sushi from the tired restaurant workers—for the entire police station staff—they headed back to the car. Kaji dropped Ryo off at his tiny detective office, while he and Megane continued their patrol duties across the city.
Two days later…
The time in Tokyo was now 11:30 PM.
The roads were nearly empty—just flickering streetlights, the hum of distant engines, and the quiet of people fast asleep. But at Ueno, something big was about to begin: The Mythology Expo.
Meanwhile, a roofless convertible roared through the streets. Kaji was behind the wheel, wearing cool shades despite it being almost midnight.
At the back, Megane sat proudly, wearing something incredibly iconic and familiar. It matched his size perfectly—but absolutely did not match the theme of a Mythology Expo.
When they pulled up in front of Ryo’s office, Kaji shouted through the night.
“SHEEEEEEEERLOOOOOOOOCK! FANTASY-CHAN HAS ARRIVED!”
Ryo instantly ran to the door before his nickname could echo through all of Tokyo. He threw it open and whispered furiously.
“OI, IDIOT! DID YOU REALLY HAVE TO SHOUT MY NICKNAME LIKE THAT AGAIN?! What if my neighbors wake up?!”
Kaji burst into laughter. “HAHAHAHAHA! Don’t worry, partner! Everyone in this quiet neighborhood’s in deep sleep.”
Then, from the left, Ryo noticed one of his neighbors standing by their door—deadpanning right at them, very much awake.
Ryo muttered, “…Yeah. Totally asleep.”
He bowed in apology, and the neighbor sighed before heading back inside.
When Ryo turned back to the car, his eyes widened.
“Wait a second…” He pointed at Megane. “Is that… an ‘Investigator Con Man Junior’ cosplay?”
Megane was decked out in full glory: Red blazer, black dress shirt, green necktie, brown shorts, and yellow sneakers.
He was the anime protagonist—down to the last detail.
With a dead-serious face, Megane tapped the bridge of his glasses, which gleamed under the streetlight.
He dramatically pointed at Ryo and shouted a famous catchphrase.
“The truth burns brighter than any lie!”
Silence.
Complete, deafening silence.
Ryo blinked once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then he sarcastically groaned, throwing his arms up.
“OH GREAT! Not only are you chibi-sized, but that cosplay suits you way too perfectly! What’s next? Some incident’s about to happen at the Mythology Expo? You gonna solve a case too? Oh yeah, I’m SOOO ready for you to shoot an acupuncture needle into my neck, put me to sleep, use my voice with your necktie gadget, and call me ‘The Napping Sherlock’!”
Kaji burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. “HAHAHAHAHA!! Your legendary jokes, man—they’re unstoppable!”
Megane smirked proudly. “Don’t underestimate grand events like these, Ryo. Because you never know—a crime might occur.” He clenched his fist dramatically. “And no matter who the culprit is, I’ll catch them with my wits—and make my idol, Princess Schneewittchen, proud!”
Ryo gestured toward him with exaggerated seriousness.
“Oh suuuuuure, hopefully you brought that gadget that pops out a giant basketball so you can kick it right into the culprit’s face and call it justice.”
Megane pulled a toy magnifying glass from his pocket and held it to his eye. “Come on, Ryo. Let’s start solving mysteries.”
Ryo deadpanned. “You actually brought a magnifying glass…” He sighed. “Aren’t we supposed to enjoy ourselves at the expo?”
Kaji gestured to the passenger seat. “Hop on, Sherlock! We’re gonna have another blast tonight!”
He slowly took off his shades, gazing dramatically at the moonlit sky. “And I’m ready… to form a mythical harem…” He whispered.
Ryo rubbed his temple and muttered under his breath.
“Great… one guy’s in full chibi detective mode, the other’s delusional enough to think he’s the protagonist of a mythical harem. Just my luck.”
He locked his office door, slid into the passenger seat beside Kaji, and off they went—cruising through the sleeping streets toward the ‘Mythology Expo: Pantheons & Monsters Alive’.
Ryo’s face was full of dread.
The other two?
Completely delusional.
After a 25-minute drive, they finally arrived at the National Museum of Nature and Science for the expo. The place was bustling, though fortunately there were no long lines, since most visitors had already entered.
Frustrated by the earlier long queues that had even blocked traffic, the staff decided to start the Mythology Expo 30 minutes early.
Ryo blinked in amazement. “Wow… this is the first time an expo has no long line. It’s almost empty.”
Megane’s face was dead serious. “Come on, you two. Let’s get that adult pass.”
Ryo glanced back, unimpressed. “Good luck with that, Professor McShorto.”
Kaji parked the car, and the three of them headed to the entrance. The gate was designed to resemble a Pantheon archway, massive, glowing gold and white, carved with symbols from every mythology. Mist swirled along the ground, while statues of gods stood solemnly on either side.
Two male cosplayers, dressed as Hercules and Osiris and working as staff for the event, greeted them. Kaji’s face fell in disappointment—these weren’t the hot female mythical cosplayers he was ready to propose to.
Megane tried to pay for an adult pass. The cosplayers explained that there wasn’t a standard “adult pass” here. Visitors were given ‘Passports of Myths’, available in adult or child editions.
Ryo and Kaji paid for the adult Passport of Myths. When Megane tried, the staff stopped him. He was to get the child version, because he “looked like a kid.”
Megane went berserk—hopping, flailing, and demanding to pay as an adult. Before chaos escalated further, Ryo simply paid for the child passport for him, leaving Megane shocked.
Kaji lifted Megane by the waist, and the three entered the building while Megane continued to complain about being a child at the Mythology Expo.
Inside… it was like stepping into a Mythical World come to life.
A tall, ancient globe sat at the center, marble floors faintly glowing with veins of light leading past towering columns and interactive displays.
In the Mount Olympus Pavilion (Greek Realm), lightning arced around a kingly figure, a watchful goddess perched beside a glowing owl, a trident shimmered beside simulated waves, and mechanical beasts—a three-headed dog, Minotaur, winged horse, and multi-headed serpent—stirred as if alive.
Hall of the Nile (Egyptian Realm) glimmered with golden sands, the scent of myrrh in the air. A falcon-headed sun pantheon glowed atop his throne, a jackal-headed guardian patrolled near mummies, and holographic sphinxes posed riddling challenges.
Valhalla Hall (Norse Realm) was shrouded in icy fog, with a one-eyed ruler beneath a glowing tree, hammer-wielding pantheons sending sparks flying, and massive wolves, serpents, and eight-legged horses moving through holographic battle scenes.
Lantern-lit bridges and floating lotus petals lit the Celestial Empire Dome (Chinese Realm), where a mischievous monkey bounded, a silver moon pantheon glowed, and celestial dragons and spirits glided above fake clouds.
In the Realm of the Devas (Hindu Realm), pantheons floated atop glowing lotuses. A warrior rode a lion, an elephant-headed deity turned serenely, and winged eagles, serpents, demons, and sea creatures shimmered nearby.
Beyond these realms, the Hall of Old World Beasts (Lost Creatures Realm) unfolded as a fog-filled jungle teeming with prehistoric and mythic creatures: towering predators roared, griffins spread their wings, phoenixes glowed in firelight, and massive sea monsters glided through holographic waters, while interactive skeletons and evolutionary displays cast everything in a surreal, magical glow.
Cosplayers dressed as pantheons, monsters, and heroes, moving silently among the exhibits, performing graceful gestures, breathing life into every corner.
There were cosplayers representing:
Greek Mythology
Figures: Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Hades, Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Hercules, Hera, Hermes, Demeter, Perseus, Selene, Hebe, Eos
Beasts & Monsters: Chimera, Hippalectryon, Hydra, Gorgon, Centaurs, Cerberus, Charybdis
Norse Mythology
Figures: Odin, Thor, Loki, Freya, Heimdall, Tyr, Hel, Sif, Freyr, Brynhildr, Skadi, Frigg, Idunn, Rán, Höðr
Beasts & Monsters: Jörmungandr, Sleipnir, Valkyries, Nidhogg, Spectral Fylgja
Egyptian Mythology
Figures: Ra, Anubis, Osiris, Horus, Bastet, Thoth, Cleopatra, Nephthys, Sekhmet, Hathor, Maat, Hatshepsut, Meritaten, Tutankhamun, Ahhotep
Beasts & Monsters: Ammit, Sphinx, Serpopard, Sobek, Uraeus, Bennu, Apophis, Mummy
Chinese Mythology
Figures: The Jade Emperor, Sun Wukong, Chang’e, Nezha, Guanyin, Hou Yi, Xi Wangmu, Guan Yu, Longmu, Nuwa, Lei Gong, Mazu, Wang Zhaojun
Beasts & Monsters: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Jiangshi, Pixiu, Huanglong, Daji, Fenghuang, Dragon King (Longwang)
Hindu Mythology
Figures: Agni, Shiva, Durga, Kali, Gandharva, Lakshmi, Ganga, Saraswati, Paravati, Ganesha, Hanuman
Beasts & Monsters: Naga, Makara, Airavata, Garuda, Rakshasa, Asuras, Ifrit
And lost Creatures
Beasts & Monsters: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Griffin, Phoenix, Leviathan, Chimera, Basilisk, Yeti, Brontosaurus, Raptor, Megalodon, Dragon Turtle, Kraken, Mosasaurus, Ankylosaurus, Stegosaurus, Aspidochelone
Ryo’s jaw dropped. He clutched his head with both hands, completely in awe.
“Duuuude… I feel like I just entered a monumental mythical book!”
Kaji, hands on hips, smirked. “Cool, isn’t it? Let’s start hitting up some activities in each mythology section as we go.”
Megane, hands in pockets, glasses gleaming like a true chibi detective, dead serious.
“And I’ll keep an eye out for any criminals in sight.”
Ryo glanced down at him, deadpan. “Nice to see you look all excited, ‘Investigator Con Man Junior.’”
And so, they began walking through the museum. Before they could hit up the activities, they passed through many statues of iconic mythical figures.
At first, they stopped by a statue of a gorgon—Medusa from ancient legends. Kaji rubbed his chin with a smirk and told Ryo and Megane that she was waifu material and that he would gladly add her to his mythical harem. When Ryo and Megane asked why—despite Medusa’s power to turn people into stone with a single look—Kaji proudly explained that she’s hot anyway, and her ability would only make his manhood rock hard.
Ryo couldn’t help but facepalm at Kaji’s bold explanation, while Megane, completely unfazed, asked how he’d even sleep with her if she were real—what if the snake hair bit him? Kaji confidently said not to worry, because the moment the snakes saw his “hardened manhood,” they’d shut their eyes out of embarrassment the moment Medusa and he started their “ravishing bedroom moment.” Megane just rolled his eyes at that nonsense and kept walking.
Next, they stopped at a statue of Anubis. Kaji said he’d add Anubis to his mythical harem too—if Anubis wasn’t a man. At that point, Ryo and Megane didn’t even bother responding and simply let him continue with his harem talk.
However, as for Ryo, the moment he gazed at the Anubis statue, something within him stirred. He remembered the historical movie-hopping marathon inside his dream with Mr. Grim.
He remembered the jackal-masked priestess of Anubis, the one who decided to encase the human version of Mr. Grim—once known as Neferka—inside a coffin as his verdict, because his curse was ’overwhelmingly evil.’ She had him locked away beneath the sands in a tomb until death took him—before his rebirth as the crimson Grim Reaper, forever barred from the afterlife.
That moment, that verdict, still haunted Ryo—the cold judgment, and the cries of a man desperately wanting to escape his coffin but unable to—it all lingered like a scar carved into his memory.
Then they moved on to another statue—Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from forgotten folklore.
Ryo had always been amazed by this figure. He remembered from the mythology books he used to read back in his geeky childhood that Sun Wukong was a stone-born trickster who once challenged the gods and shook the heavens.
A creature of chaos, pride, and boundless power—yet even he found redemption on the long road West. He guarded a monk, fought demons, and learned what it meant to protect instead of destroy.
He smiled faintly at the figure. Sun Wukong’s boldness—to defy fate, to challenge the impossible—had always inspired him. That was the same fire that pushed him to become a policeman, and now, as a detective, that courage still burned inside him.
Ryo still carried that one lesson from the Monkey King within his heart: no matter how impossible the odds, never bow before them.
That’s probably why he was able to solve the two magical cases—in Al-Munira and the Fairytale World—without quitting halfway and seeing them through to the end, despite all the fantastical nonsense.
After going through the rest of the statues, they finally decided to start their first activity — the “Hall of the Nile.”
There, they were greeted by two stunning cosplayers — clearly staff — dressed as Nephthys and Sekhmet, both sisters. The entire hall shimmered with golden sand and faint incense smoke, and before them was a wide sandy platform.
Sekhmet stepped forward first, her lioness headdress gleaming in the light. Her voice carried the regal fire of an ancient queen.
“Mortals, welcome to the Hall of the Nile! Here, thou shalt test thy creativity and devotion to the gods. Before thee lies the sacred sands of Ra — shape upon it the visages of our divine kin, and the most splendid creation shall be rewarded with the Bracelet of Ra, forged beneath the dawn itself.”
Then Nephthys followed, her tone cool and enchanting, like a whisper drifting from the tombs.
“Let the sands remember the hands that honor them. Create well, and perhaps the gods shall bless thee with their eternal favor. Fail… and the wind shall erase thy effort as if it were never born.”
[Author’s Note: Draw your Sand Mosaic Art of Egyptian gods on a sandy platform. Win, and you get the Bracelet of Ra. (Yes, I simplified the old, confusing text for you)]
Ryo was clearly impressed. “Wow, they even sound ancient.”
Megane raised his toy magnifying glass to his eye, narrowing his eyes like a serious chibi detective.
“Are you two hidden culprits about to start a crime?”
Nephthys and Sekhmet blinked in confusion, then exchanged amused smiles, quietly chuckling. The adorable seriousness of the tiny detective had completely disarmed them.
Without warning, Kaji suddenly dropped to one knee in front of the two goddesses and whipped out a ring.
Ryo rubbed a hand down his face. “Great… here we go again... just like the usual…”
Kaji dramatically extended the ring toward Nephthys, voice booming across the hall like he was auditioning for an opera.
“O Nephthys, Lady of the Night Winds, Guardian of the Silent Realms! My heart trembles before your eternal grace!”
He raised one hand to the heavens. “If the stars themselves command my soul to kneel, then so be it! Let me be your shadow, your devoted moonlight servant!”
Nephthys’s eyes widened slightly, then curved into a mysterious smile. She decided to play along, her voice calm yet teasing.
“You would pledge yourself to one who walks with the dead?”
Kaji placed his hand over his heart, eyes sparkling. “Then let my love rise with them! Even in death, I shall stand beside you, my goddess!”
Nephthys placed a finger thoughtfully on her chin, tilting her head. “So eager to serve eternity, mortal? Very well. Try surviving my sister’s jealousy first.”
Kaji grinned like an anime protagonist, convinced he’d just unlocked the “Good Ending.”
He then turned to Sekhmet, puffing his chest out and pointing at her with renewed passion.
“Sekhmet! Lioness of Wrath! I bow before your unmatched might and… unearthly beauty!”
He pressed a hand to his chest. “If you are the fire that purges the unworthy, then let me be the fool who dares to burn for you.”
Sekhmet narrowed her eyes, lips curling into a sly smile as she crossed her arms, also decided to play along.
“You would stand beside me knowing I destroy all who displease me?”
Kaji’s voice boomed like a stage hero. “Then I shall live to please you every moment, until even the sun bows in envy!”
Sekhmet let out a low chuckle. “You have courage… or no sense at all. Either way, you amuse me.”
Kaji bowed deeply. “Then grant me my fate, my queen of fire!”
Sekhmet raised her hands theatrically. “Rise, mortal. Your fate is… to carry my offerings to the altar.”
Kaji looked absolutely proud, as if she’d just proposed back to him.
Then, for his grand finale, he spread his arms toward both goddesses. “Will you two join my mythical harem… and marry m—”
SLAP!
Before he could finish, Ryo smacked the back of Kaji’s head in perfect comedic timing and grabbed him by the collar, dragging him away.
“I’m getting tired of this NONSENSE, man! GIVE ME A BREAK! I’m with you right now — what if security sees me and throws me out too with Professor McShorto here?!”
Kaji, still holding the ring, reached out dramatically. “WAIT, SHERLOCK! I HAVEN’T FINISHED MY PROPOSAL!”
Megane followed behind, fists clenched, eyes blazing with chibi determination. “No matter what activity stands in my way, I’ll crush it with my wits!”
Kaji’s voice echoed down the hall as Ryo dragged him toward the activity area. “MY GODESSEEEEEEES!!!”
Sekhmet and Nephthys could no longer hold it in — both burst into uncontrollable laughter, nearly doubling over as the “mortal clown trio” disappeared into their hall.
And with amused smiles, the two sisters returned to their work — whispering that this might just be their favorite part of the entire expo.
Kaji, his arms limping, groaned, “Really, Sherlock? That was my moment.”
Ryo rolled his eyes. “I haven’t heard that line since the Fairytale Convention…”
He then surveyed the sandy platform around them, clapping his hands once. “Alright, let’s start drawing the Egyptians on the sand.”
Kaji grinned smugly and leaned close to the platform. “In that case… I’m gonna start drawing an image of me surrounded by all the ancient Egyptian waifus.”
But Megane’s mind was already on drawing something else.
A staff member handed the three of them a smooth stone to draw with.
And then, the three knelt down and began their artistic quest.
Ryo started first, sketching the Sphinx on the sand — not perfect, but recognizable enough to earn a few approving nods.
Kaji, true to his word, drew himself surrounded by all the mythical Egyptian waifus. In his picture, he was lounging like a king on a bed, with the goddesses clustered lovingly around him. The scene was ridiculously grand, and Ryo’s jaw nearly dropped at Kaji’s unexpected art skills.
Meanwhile, Megane drew something completely different: his favorite chibi anime character, Investigator Con Man Junior, proudly holding a Scepter and wearing a Pharaoh’s crown. Beside him stood Snow White — reimagined as a radiant Egyptian queen.
The nearby female Egyptian staff gasped in delight, gathering around Megane. To them, the cute small detective’s artwork looked like a masterpiece. Before long, Megane found himself surrounded by an entire crowd of admiring women — it was like he had his own Egyptian harem forming around him.
Kaji glanced over, his eyes widening in disbelief. He whispered, “But… how…”
Ryo chuckled. “It’s the classic feeling of being the side character in an anime — you never get to form the harem.”
The female staff members began patting Megane on the head, praising him for his work. Then, to everyone’s shock, a hot Cleopatra cosplayer stepped forward, swooped him up, and hugged him tightly — burying his face right into her huge chest.
Kaji screamed, veins popping on his forehead, completely jealous. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”
Megane squirmed furiously, muffled in Cleopatra’s embrace. “RELEASE ME! My heart belongs to my one and only Princess Schneewittchen!”
All the Egyptian female cosplayers squealed in unison, “KYAAAAAAA~! So cuuuuute!”
After a long and desperate struggle against Cleopatra’s affectionate squeeze, she finally released him, smiling in satisfaction.
Megane straightened his glasses, panting but victorious.
And so, Megane was declared the winner — awarded the Bracelet of Ra for his “divine creativity.” He lifted his fist proudly, the golden bracelet gleaming on his wrist.
“I dedicate this bracelet to you… my Princess Schneewittchen.”
Ryo’s group moved toward the Hindu mythology section, which was set right beside a towering T-Rex skeleton display.
But before they could reach it, Megane suddenly stopped. His sharp eyes caught sight of a little girl cosplaying as Rati from Hindu mythology — about his size — who looked on the verge of tears.
Megane tapped his glasses, and they sparkled. “Wait here,” he said, voice filled with determination. “I must solve the mystery of her sorrow.”
Ryo nodded. “Good luck, Mr. Anime Protagonist.”
Kaji gave a thumbs-up. “Go get ‘em, chibi Sherlock.”
Megane stepped forward with the confidence of a true miniature detective. “Excuse me, miss. What seems to be the problem?”
The little girl sniffled. “My childhood friend—” she pointed at the boy next to her, “—he stole my candy!”
The boy immediately protested, “She’s lying! I didn’t take anything!”
Without hesitation, Megane whipped out his toy magnifying glass and scanned the boy from head to toe. The boy fidgeted nervously.
Then Megane’s eyes narrowed behind his gleaming glasses.
He pointed sharply. “What’s that bulge in your pocket? Take it out.”
A huge crowd began to gather around, intrigued by the miniature detective scene unfolding before them. Parents whispered excitedly while kids gasped.
The boy backed away, stammering, lying, “I-It’s just a small toy!”
Megane stepped closer, glasses flashing white as his tone dropped low and fierce. “Take. It. Out.”
The boy gulped — his soul practically leaving his body — then slowly reached into his pocket. He pulled out the stolen candy and handed it over with trembling hands.
The crowd collectively gasped. The little girl’s eyes widened, her heart thumping from the sheer coolness of the chibi detective’s help.
Megane took the candy and solemnly handed it back to her. “Justice has been restored.”
Then he turned toward the “camera,” pointing at it as he delivered his famous line.
“The truth burns brighter than any lie!”
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
“He’s so tiny but so cool!”
“That’s the most adorable detective I’ve ever seen!”
“Give that boy a stage play adaptation!”
“Justice never looked this cute before!”
“I want to be like him when I grow up!”
“Grow up? But… he’s still a kid.”
The little girl’s cheeks turned red as she clutched the candy.
“M-Mr. Detective… can I be your bride?” she asked, completely unaware of his true age.
The boy froze — his heart shattering into a million pieces as his childhood crush fell for the chibi detective. Tears welled in his eyes before he ran toward his parents, crying, while they desperately tried to comfort him.
Ryo grinned. “He really just destroyed the childhood friend romance trope.”
Megane sighed and shook his head. “No. My heart only belongs to Princess Schneewittchen — no one else.”
The little girl looked desperate. “Then… then I’ll become your concubine instead!”
At this point, Megane’s mythical harem just kept expanding across the expo. He sighed in resignation and handed her his number.
Her eyes lit up like stars, cheeks pink. “I’ll devote myself to becoming your future bride!” she said, and hopefully he stays looking young like that detective protagonist forever—so she won’t have to worry about the whole age thing.
And with that, Megane walked back to Ryo and Kaji — case closed, pride restored, justice served.
They finally arrived at the Hindu mythology section, marked by a glowing archway reading “Realm of the Devas.”
Inside, the air shimmered with gold and azure lights. Incense-like fragrance filled the hall, and at the center was a majestic painting of Garuda, wings outstretched beneath a sky of swirling clouds and divine rays.
A staff member dressed as Kali—blue-skinned makeup, long flowing black hair, and a necklace of faux skulls—approached them with a grin.
“Welcome, mortals, to the Realm of the Devas! Today’s trial is called ‘Ride Garuda Through the Heavens.’ You will soar across ancient India on the back of the mighty Garuda himself.”
Kaji’s eyes sparkled. “A VR ride through ancient India? Oh, this is gonna feel like a total isekai experience!”
Ryo crossed his arms, muttering dryly, “Yeah… into ancient India. Technically, that is an isekai.”
Kaji ignored him, too hyped to care.
The Kali staffer handed each of them a VR headset. “Brace yourselves for divine wind and heavenly sights.”
The three put on the headsets… and the world around them shifted.
Suddenly, they were high above a sea of clouds, the sound of rushing wind roaring in their ears. Beneath them was Garuda, a colossal, golden-feathered being with powerful wings and a noble face like an eagle. His feathers shimmered like sunlight breaking through dawn.
“WOOOOOOOH!!” Kaji spread out his arms, his voice echoing across the skies. “This feels just like BladeCraft Online! Someone give me my starter sword!”
The Garuda let out a powerful screech and dove downward. The three clung on as the wind whipped through their hair.
Below them sprawled a breathtaking vision of ancient India—temples carved from sandstone, rivers gleaming like mirrors, and bustling towns full of color and life.
They flew past grand architecture resembling the ancient city of Pataliputra—rows of wooden houses with carved balconies, golden stupas glimmering under the sun, and towering temple spires reaching toward the sky.
Priests in saffron robes tended to sacred fires, while merchants sold silks and spices beneath colorful awnings. Women in flowing saris carried water pots upon their heads, children played with clay toys, and elephants decorated in vibrant cloth marched in a royal parade below.
Megane’s expression turned serious as his toy magnifying glass materialized in his hand.
“Kaji, Ryo, be careful! We don’t know what could happen in this VR simulation. An ancient criminal might be among them! And I’ll catch the culprit like my life depends on it!”
Ryo blinked at him, muttered under his breath. “Ancient criminal? Not the first time for me…”
Kaji laughed, riding the wind like an overexcited anime protagonist. “If I see a goddess, I’m confessing instantly!”
Ryo groaned. “You’ll get smited instantly, more like it.”
Then the Garuda tilted down sharply, gliding over a vast shimmering lake — Pushkar Lake. The waters reflected the sun like liquid gold, with pilgrims bathing along the banks and chanting prayers that echoed faintly through the air.
Ryo’s eyes widened as he took in the view. “Man… this is insane. It actually feels real.”
Kaji whistled. “If this is the afterlife, sign me up!”
Meanwhile, Megane stood on Garuda’s back with his arms crossed like a detective on a case.
“The sights may be divine… but truth remains my only compass.”
They soared higher and higher, past more temples and sacred rivers, through drifting clouds painted in sunset hues—until Garuda’s wings flared wide and carried them straight into a blindingly bright cloud.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—everything faded.
The VR experience ended.
The three lifted their headsets in unison, blinking at the real world around them.
Ryo let out a slow breath. “Okay… that was actually awesome.”
Kaji grinned ear to ear. “Best isekai ride ever!”
Megane adjusted his glasses proudly. “Another realm explored, another mystery of culture unveiled.”
And with that, the trio exited the Realm of the Devas, feeling lighthearted, satisfied, and more than ready for whatever mythical madness awaited them next.
From there, the three moved from mythical realm to mythical realm, diving into every activity the expo had to offer. They explored intricate displays, tested interactive exhibits, and took countless photos with cosplayers—both staff and visitors—dressed as pantheons, monsters, and legendary heroes.
Kaji, as usual, kept proposing to every mythical waifu cosplayer he encountered, dramatically kneeling and professing his eternal devotion. Ryo, ever the voice of reason, had to drag him away by the collar every single time before things got chaotic and they risked being kicked out of the expo.
Luckily, Ryo’s timing was perfect, and he always intervened just in time.
Meanwhile, Megane spotted multiple “cases” to solve, helping mythical cosplayers—both child and adult—recover lost items, settle disputes, or prevent minor mishaps. Each success unintentionally expanded his mythical harem, despite him insisting that his heart only belonged to Princess Schneewittchen.
The beautiful cosplayers, however, were relentless, insisting he give them his number. Megane groaned, facepalmed, and eventually surrendered. Each waifu’s eyes sparkled with delight as they received his contact, hoping for a future date, leaving Megane muttering about the unending chaos of his harem.
As the night dragged on, 4 AM arrived, and the Convergence Parade began outdoors on the road. Fireworks exploded across Ueno’s sky, painting it with bursts of shimmering color. Pantheons from every mythology marched and danced together in perfect harmony, their movements synchronized to sweeping symphonic music. Lights of every hue—gold, silver, crimson, and azure—blended into a cosmic spectrum that danced across the city.
Visitors poured outside the museum, cheering in awe. Even those who had been sleeping in nearby homes woke up, drawn by the noise, and found themselves captivated by the breathtaking spectacle above.
Ryo, Kaji, and Megane stood side by side, faces lifted to the sky, and watching as pantheons and monsters danced in unison beneath the brilliant fireworks. For a moment, time seemed to pause—they shared smiles, silent acknowledgment that they had witnessed something truly legendary. This was, without a doubt, the best expo of their lives.
By 5 AM, the Mythology Expo: Pantheons & Monsters Alive drew to a close.
The three made their way to the parking lot, hopping into Kaji’s roofless convertible. They drove through the quiet streets of Tokyo, the city still half-asleep, and accompanied Ryo back to his office. Once there, Ryo thanked them for inviting him, genuinely appreciative. Kaji and Megane waved it off, promising to bring him along for even more unique events in the future.
After they left, Ryo stepped into his office and noticed that one of his business cards was missing from his desk. He shrugged—it didn’t matter; he had plenty—and finally retreated to his bedroom.
Morning light crept through the curtains as he sank into sleep, exhausted but content, carrying the memories of a night filled with pantheons, monsters, and chaotic fun.
Meanwhile…
Far, far below…
The White Rabbit emerged from the rabbit hole—this time in Rome, Italy. He darted through the old stone streets, ears trembling, eyes darting at every human that passed.
“I have to find someone… anyone who can help her…” he whispered, heart racing.
But no one seemed suitable. Tourists, locals, priests… he froze behind crates and alleyways whenever he thought about approaching them. He didn’t know how they’d react—after all, he wasn’t human.
What if they screamed, or laughed, or even ran him over? His paws clenched as panic rose.
He whispered again, almost to himself. “I… I can’t just ask anyone… but I have to try…”
Swallowing his fear, he darted forward—then froze again at a group of people. They looked ordinary, unaware of him.
He crouched low, ears flattened. “No… no… not them…”
Defeated, he leapt back into the rabbit hole.
Next, he appeared in Kansas, USA, running through a vast moonlit field. Every barn, every tree looked like a potential shelter… or a threat.
He slowed, trembling. “Someone… please… anyone…!”
But the wind whistled past, carrying the sounds of distant animals and crickets. He felt like a tiny, alien creature in a giant world, unsure how to communicate with anyone who could help. Again, he dove into the rabbit hole.
Now, he emerged in Bali, Indonesia. Lanterns glowed above crowded night markets. People passed by in a blur, laughing and haggling. He froze behind baskets of fruit, ears twitching nervously.
“Please… someone who can save Alice…” he whispered. But approaching felt impossible—he’d stick out like a sore paw, not knowing what to do if they reacted badly.
And still… no one seemed capable.
Once more, he vanished into the rabbit hole—and surfaced in Reykjavik, Iceland. The snow-covered city stretched in every direction. His small form felt fragile in the cold streets. He crouched behind barrels, unsure if anyone would even understand him, or if they would shoo him away.
He stumbled into a hidden alleyway, exhausted and collapsed on his back in the snow, staring up at the sky.
“Is it really… hopeless?” he whispered weakly. “Can she no longer… be saved…?” And slowly closed his eyes.
Above the clouds, a divine light flickered. A tiny figure appeared, perched on a cloud, her form a hazy silhouette, eyes glowing pink.
“Chi… Chi… Chi…” she giggled, her voice softly echoing like celestial bells. “Oh, poor little White Rabbit. You’ve scoured the world and still can’t find a single soul worthy to serve as a defense attorney for your precious Alice?”
She summoned a glowing business card from thin air, letting it hover and slowly spin above her palm.
“In that case,” she said, her tone both teasing and divine, “let me give you a hand… mortal fate could use a little nudge.”
She released the card. It drifted downward, spiraling through the freezing sky, its glow fading as it fell—until it landed gently on the White Rabbit’s nose.
He gasped, trembling, and sat up. He took the card and read the words.
“Tokyo, Japan… Odyssey Investigations… Detective… Ryo Kuroda?”
He clutched the card, hope sparking in his chest. “I… I don’t know why… but it feels… like fate,” he whispered. “I’ll take my chances on whoever this detective is. I can only pray… he’s the one who can save Alice.”
Standing once more, determination replaced fear. He dove into the rabbit hole, heading to Tokyo, Japan.
Above, the chibi god watched him vanish, a sly smile on her face.
“Good luck, White Rabbit… you owe me one.” Her voice shifted into playful laughter. “Chi… Chi… Chi…”
And she disappeared in a flash of lightning, a sharp crack echoing through the air.
ONLY 7 DAYS REMAIN…
Before Alice, Once the Hero of Wonderland…
… Is Executed.
0
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