Oritis in the world of Detective Conan

Chapter 455: Research on the Abyss (Part 5)

"First of all, you have to know that the main way for mycelium to spread is through the spread of spores through the air. These spores may enter the respiratory tract through people's breathing and then infect the lungs. However, the human immune system can fully cope with this level of infection." The psychologist pulled out a small blackboard from somewhere.

"However, the spores infected by the abyssal power of the Yellow Lord are much more powerful than ordinary fungi."

"First, size. Ordinary spores are visible to the naked eye during their dispersal process, like the spore clouds released from the mushroom tips. Spores infected by the Abyss are invisible to the naked eye, and ordinary masks can't completely protect against them."

"However, it should be difficult for you to get medical-grade masks here. Those masks are made for viruses and can provide some protection."

Conan was a little worried: "But now everyone is wearing ordinary masks, doesn't that mean that all the protection we have done is completely useless?"

"I'm not finished yet." The psychologist pulled out a syringe. "This is the so-called 'vaccine' we obtained from the Black Organization these days. Apparently, it contains active Abyssal spores."

"After being injected into the human body, injectable drugs do not spread immediately. Instead, they remain dormant for a period of time, first destroying the subject's immune system, then invading the nervous system, and finally starting to multiply in large numbers."

The psychologist scribbled on a small blackboard. "You can think of it this way: when the drug is injected into the body, it's like planting a 'seed.' If this seed isn't eliminated promptly by the immune system, it will slowly grow, continuously absorbing energy from human activity, and eventually become a 'tree.' This will manifest as large, reddish-purple patches on the body's surface."

"Those are the symptoms of a terminally ill patient. The mycelium has already taken over the subject's nervous system, completely controlling their temperature perception and food intake. Eventually, the subject dies, and the swellings on their body burst and sprout mycelium, turning their entire body into a seedbed."

"And only at this time can the spores become airborne and spread. That's why I say it's too early to wear a mask. At least I haven't heard of any deaths from the new flu."

Conan looked at the images demonstrated on the blackboard and felt that these symptoms were chilling. At the same time, he thought of something even more terrifying: It seemed that Eri Kisaki had been injected with the "vaccine". Does this mean that Aunt Eri's life has entered the countdown?

Seeing Conan's body trembling uncontrollably, the antique dealer realized what had happened: "Has someone around you been injected with the drug?"

Conan nodded woodenly: "What should I do? If Aunt Eri is really infected, what should Xiaolan do? She is her mother!"

"Don't be nervous. Being infected is only the worst outcome. If Lawyer Fei's resistance is strong enough, those spores will not be able to survive the first stage and may be directly taken down by the immune system on the spot. Moreover, this most serious consequence is the result of the spores multiplying in the body for many generations. A normal person would definitely go to the hospital if encountering this situation." The antique dealer comforted.

The professor also patted Conan's back gently: "If you are still worried, go and find out about Lawyer Fei's condition in a few days. If the situation worsens, we will develop a suitable antidote as quickly as possible."

The composer (Pioneer Exploration) pushed the door open as they were halfway through their persuasion. His white protective suit, draped like a cotton-padded jacket, had a mycelium-like pattern on the collar. He was carrying a box containing test tubes and petri dishes.

"Those hyphae also have hallucinogenic properties. Don't forget this. In the initial stages, they will use hallucinations to deceive the senses and even give people some kind of hint."

"Ida should have confirmed this just now, right?"

"I've tried to communicate with these hyphae, but their intelligence is low. I really can't imagine that they have such amazing wisdom. Simple hallucinations can only cause mental confusion or make people more easily tired." The psychologist put his hands on his hips.

"But how can you guarantee that among these tens of thousands of reagents, there won't be a single mutated mycelium?"

Seeing the two about to argue, the professor quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. "Hasn't the Witch already consulted the Yellow Lord on this issue? I think it won't be long before we have a conclusion."

Conan nodded, "Darren appeared in my dream last night and told me about the vaccine."

"No wonder you look like you haven't slept well. But now that you know the truth, Darren won't be sending you messages through dreams anymore. Get some rest these days." The professor rubbed Conan's head. "In medical care, the detective's power is very limited. Leave this matter to us and the police."

"By the way, are Miss Delos and Mr. Orpheus okay?" Conan looked out of the basement. "I haven't seen Mr. Orpheus in a long time."

"He's in the next phase of treatment. Alice is trying to influence Orpheus's subconscious to slowly weaken Nightmare's personality, but the progress isn't going very smoothly."

"I hope Mr. Orpheus can recover soon."

Before Conan left, the antique dealer gave him a reminder: "Conan, if you really encounter active mycelium, destroy it directly with flames. The high temperature can char and inactivate it."

Conan nodded and quickly left the Delos Manor.

Even with the guarantee from the antique dealers, Conan couldn't guarantee that Kisaki Eri, who had already been injected with the drug, would not be affected. So he had to find a way to stop Xiaolan and Maori Kogoro from getting the vaccine, and also take time to keep an eye on Kisaki Eri to see how things were going.

Conan returned to Dr. Agasa's house and handed some samples he got from the psychologist to Huibara: "This is the truth behind this new infectious disease. The Public Security Bureau and Oletus Manor are both developing drugs for treatment. Huibara, can you help me see if this thing has any special ingredients?"

"You think too highly of me, great detective. I'm not an expert in infectious diseases." Haibara felt a little helpless about Conan's slightly outrageous request.

"No, just analyze the ingredients inside."

Dr. Agasa also spoke at this moment: "Shinichi, since both sides are working hard to develop an antidote, we shouldn't be so anxious."

"No, the situation is still a bit urgent. Aunt Yingli has already been injected with the medicine, and Xiaolan wants to take me and uncle to get vaccinated in a few days."

"I have to find a way to check on Aunt Yingli. I hope she isn't one of those 'few people' infected with the mutant spores."

Huiyuan sighed: "Okay, since you begged me so much, I will help you take a look."

At the Mouri Detective Agency, Conan thought it would be difficult to delay going to the hospital for vaccination, but unexpectedly, Mouri Kogoro has always been very professional in rebellion.