Wanna read ahead? Join my Patreon for just $7 to get early access to all upcoming chapters!
› Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations
──────────•~❉✿❉~•──────────
Chapter 229: The Potion
Mori Kogoro froze in place, his face pale.
Hemiplegia?
Sudden death on the spot?
He gulped, the fanatical energy from moments ago instantly doused by a bucket of ice water. "T-Then forget it..."
He withdrew his hand sheepishly, visibly wilting like a frost-bitten plant.
"However, the medicinal bath is still good for you," Blake offered a casual comfort. "At the very least, it can relieve your lumbar muscle strain and let you live a few more years."
Okiya Subaru leaned against the pool wall on the other side, a glint flashing in his squinted eyes. He was observing the water flow. No mechanical devices, no sound of pumps. The water moved in complete violation of physical rules, as if endowed with life.
Is this "Qi"? Or some unknown technology?
Has the Organization mastered technology of this level during my absence? If so, the FBI's previous assessments of them might all need to be overthrown. This Blake... is extremely dangerous.
Blake stood up from the water, walked to the shelf by the pool, and picked up a towel to wipe his hands casually. Then, from the top shelf, he took down an exquisite crystal bottle.
Under the warm yellow bathroom lights, the liquid was crystal clear. As it swayed, fine golden glints seemed to flicker within. A faint fragrance instantly filled the air. It wasn't perfume, but a unique scent mixing various herbs—fresh, biting, yet with a hint of sweet aftertaste. Just one whiff was invigorating.
Everyone's eyes were drawn to the bottle.
Conan's pupils instantly contracted into pinpoints.
Here it comes.
Finally.
The culprit had finally shown his true colors.
The content he heard on the bug exploded in his mind like thunder. 'Perfect experimental subject...''Clinical trials of new drugs...'
That amber liquid was definitely nothing good!
Holding the bottle, Blake walked back to the pool edge. He looked at Ran, who was still excitedly feeling her power, and the corners of his mouth hooked into a gentle arc.
"By the way, Miss Ran. Opening the meridians just now was only the first step. Although your constitution is good, to fully adapt to the circulation of 'Qi', you need to stabilize your foundation."
He shook the crystal bottle in his hand. "Here is a potion specially formulated for you. It will be very beneficial for your future training."
Ran blinked, looking at the beautiful liquid. Out of trust in the miracle Blake had just displayed, she didn't suspect a thing. "Is it an enhanced version of the medicinal bath?"
"You could understand it that way."
Blake uncorked the bottle. The exotic fragrance became even richer, overpowering the medicinal smell of the pool.
"Drink it. It will help lock the Qi in your body and strengthen your internal organs. After all, your strength has skyrocketed; if your organs aren't tough enough, the recoil when you punch will hurt you."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Blake! I don't know how to repay you..." Ran was flattered and reached out with both hands to take the bottle.
Just as her fingertips were about to touch the crystal bottle.
Splash!
A small figure suddenly shot out of the water. Conan launched himself like a crazed flying fish, lunging with all his might at Blake's wrist. His goal was clear—knock the bottle over!
I absolutely cannot let Ran drink it!
A child losing his footing in the water and accidentally knocking something over—that was very reasonable.
Water splashed everywhere. Conan's figure traced an arc in mid-air, his outstretched small hand only centimeters from the crystal bottle.
Close.
His fingertips already touched the cool air radiating from the bottle.
Snap.
A rough, large hand appeared out of nowhere, accurately grabbing Conan by the scruff of his neck. Like picking up a troublesome kitten.
Inertia caused Conan to kick helplessly twice in the air. The crystal bottle flashed past his eyes, landing steadily in those pale, slender hands.
"You brat!"
Mori Kogoro glared furiously, raising his other hand to deliver a merciless knuckle sandwich to Conan's forehead.
Thunk!
"Ouch!" Conan clutched his head, tears swirling in his eyes—not just from pain, but from anxiety.
"Are you crazy, kid?!" Kogoro lifted him to eye level, spraying spittle all over his face. "Do you know what this is? This is Master Blake's secret medicine specially made for Ran! You couldn't afford to pay for it even if we sold you!"
"If you had spilled it, I'd have spanked your butt until it bloomed!"
Damn it! Now he could only rely on the Professor.
A sudden cell phone ringtone broke the tranquility of the bathroom. It came from Ran's phone on the shelf by the pool. The ringing was urgent.
Ran paused, glanced apologetically at Blake, then swam to the shore to pick up the phone.
A name jumped on the screen.
[Kudo Shinichi]
"Eh? Shinichi?" Ran was surprised. Why would he suddenly call at a time like this?
"Sorry, Mr. Blake, I... I need to take this call." Flustered, Ran bowed apologetically to Blake, then took the phone and walked quickly to the rest cubicle outside the hot spring area.
The threat was temporarily lifted. Conan's heart relaxed sharply.
"Uncle, I... I need to use the bathroom."
"Stinky brat, so many problems!" Mori Kogoro released his hand impatiently, dropping him back into the water. "Hurry up and come back, and don't cause any more trouble!"
Conan was just about to scramble out of the pool.
"I'll take you."
A gentle voice sounded above his head. Conan's body stiffened as he slowly looked up.
Blake stood by the pool, looking down at him, wearing that impeccable, affectionate smile.
.....
The corridor was very quiet. The floor was dry, warm marble, and the walls were hung with minimalist ink wash paintings.
Conan's little heart drummed madly in his chest. He could clearly hear the footsteps of one big and one small person echoing in the empty hallway.
Blake didn't speak the whole time, just leading him unhurriedly forward. Finally, Blake stopped in front of a door.
"We're here."
He let go of Conan's hand and pushed open the bathroom door. Inside was a massive independent restroom, decorated even more luxuriously than a five-star hotel.
Conan walked in, feigning calm as he turned back. "Thank you, Blake-niichan. I can manage by myself."
Blake didn't answer. He simply followed him in. Then, right in front of Conan, he reached back and gently closed the door.
Click.
The slight sound of the lock engaging felt like a heavy hammer smashing into Conan's heart. An extreme terror rushed up his spine to the top of his skull instantly.
Conan whipped his head around, pupils constricting violently.
Blake stood by the door, leaning back against the panel. His face still wore that gentle smile that felt like a spring breeze. The overhead light bathed his silver hair in a soft halo, but it left his face half in shadow, making him appear even more unfathomable.
"B-Blake-niichan?" Conan's voice trembled uncontrollably.
Blake looked at him, the arc of his mouth widening a fraction. In those deep eyes, there was no longer any disguise, only pure mockery and understanding—like a cat playing with a mouse.
He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but it transmitted clearly into Conan's ears. Every word was like a cold sentence.
"You know everything, don't you."
"Kudo Shinichi!"
═════ To Be Continued ═════
Support this fanfic by leaving reviews, comments, and Power Stones!
For advance chapters, visit:
› Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations