Shinichi's voice broke the silence, filled with a mix of astonishment and concern. "If what you're suggesting is true, Ranran, it means that Miss Jun's mother might have manipulated the circumstances surrounding her marriage to Miki. It could explain her distant behaviour towards him and her continued attachment to Kichiro's memory."

Mouri Ran's voice reflected her sadness. "If all this is true, no wonder Miss Jun acted the way she did. To be caught between the memory of her lost love and a marriage she didn't truly want, while also facing the debts of her mom she refused to deal with, if I were her, I will go mad overnight. Especially for 12 years."

Takuma chimed in, his voice tinged with disbelief. "But if that is the case, how is it possible to trap them into marriage no one likes? Don't get me wrong, but they were in their 20s when it happened, right? They ain't a child anymore, but adults! One could just simply walk away from it, nah?"

Ranran thought hard about this, then reveals, "There is a way to trick them into getting married, out of supposed 'conservative values'."

The detective girl's words piqued the curiosity of her friends, and they eagerly listened, wanting to understand the method that could have been used to trap Miss Jun and Miki into a loveless marriage.

Ranran took a deep breath before explaining over the walkie-talkie, "This was something that commonly happen back in my hometown, among nobles and royals, this 'conservative' thing was something that is preached heavily. And a lot of opportunists from the poor side knew that the only way to marry into the family is to drug them."

Ranran's revelation left her friends stunned. The idea that someone would go to such lengths to manipulate others into marriage seemed almost unbelievable. "Why drug them?" Ran is still confused, and couldn't understand why.

"It's easier that way," Ranran elaborates, "You can't fight back, you are basically making them lose their thinking senses, you can even take advantage of the other so easily, resulting in them marrying the other automatically by default. Even commit one night stand with the person you don't like. It's like....making two puppets kiss each other, knowing they don't like each other that way. That's right," The little red lip girl snapped her finger, "In some cases, you gain a kid along the way, so it cemented you further into this marriage."

"You can't be serious, right Ranran!?" The revelation of drugging as a method to manipulate individuals into marriage left a heavy silence hanging in the air, Mouri Ran confronts her in disbelief, "How can....how can this sort of thing exists!?"

Shinichi's voice finally broke the silence, his tone filled with indignation. "That's a despicable act. To strip away someone's sanity, and manipulate their lives...this is so morally wrong."

Takuma's voice, though quieter, carried a tinge of anger. "If this is what happened to Miss Jun and Mr Miki, then her mom needs to go to jail for this heinous act! Ranran, Shinichi," He barked to his friend over the walkie-talkie, "Tell me that there is a law in Japan that exists to throw a monster like her mother in jail!"

Taking a moment to collect their thoughts, Shinichi was the first to speak, "It's easier said than done. For starters, if the person behind this is her spouse, let's say it is Mr Miki, it would've been straightforward. But this is Miss Jun's mother we are talking about, who did this to her own daughter to marry for money. Also, they both have been married for 12 years, so by then, the evidence and everything would've been wiped out by now."

"Then are you saying Jun's mom can never be held accountable for her actions!?" Ran snapped in anger, "That woman practically stripped of everything about her own daughter for money!"

"Mouri," Ranran voice remained calm as she responded, "We will look into that after we find the serial killer who probably did this to Jun on this very island we are on."

The weight of the revelations hung heavily on the children as they grappled with the disturbing truth behind Miss Jun's loveless marriage. The concept of drugging individuals to manipulate them into marriage seemed unfathomable, but Ranran's insights from her hometown shed light on the dark possibilities that existed.

Shinichi's voice carried determination mixed with a touch of anger. "Ranran is right. Our priority now is to uncover the identity of the serial killer responsible for Miss Jun's death, as well as Mr Eiji and Mr Iwao, along with the others. Once we have the evidence and the truth is exposed, we can pursue justice not just for her, but also for the years of manipulation and suffering she endured."

Mouri Ran's voice quivered with a mix of emotions, anger, and determination. "You're right, when all of this is over, I look forward to seeing that woman in handcuffs!"

"Agree!" Even Takuma was so riled up, before urging Ranran to the walkie-talkie, "Ranran, you and Shinichi better find anything about that woman! And if you both don't, frame her!"

"Ooi!" Shinichi tried to talk them down, but by this point, both Takuma and Ran were far invested in the idea of witch-hunting Miss Jun's mother.

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

As soon as Mouri Ran and Hikari Takuma returned back to the campsite, their minds filled with a mix of frustration, anger, and determination. The weight of the revelations they had uncovered about Miss Jun's marriage and the manipulation she had endured was overwhelming.

Ran clenched her fists, her voice trembling with anger as she spoke. "To manipulate someone's life by drugging them, and trap them in a marriage, especially after losing someone they love... It's despicable!"

Takuma's expression hardened, his voice filled with righteous anger. "No one should have the power to control and manipulate another person's life like that. Just no."

Ran nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with determination. "When we get out of this island, as soon as Ranran finds evidence of getting that woman into serious trouble, we are going to egg her shoe shop. Are you in?"

"Count me in," Takuma says, "I will even bring Reina over if we have to."

With their resolve solidified, they blended into the other children, who are surrounded by Mr Miki, who explain that Miss Jun has been suffering from depression; she'd been very unhappy; things hadn't been going well between them.

With tears streaming down his cheeks, he said he should have done more about it.

Ran and Takuma remained silent, observing Mr Miki as a lot of thoughts were wandering through their minds since he is still one of the suspects in his wife's death, as well as Mr Eiji and Mr Iwao.

Then Mr Miki was moaning with regret, insistent that he should bring her to see a therapist, it was all on him, his fault and no one else. He explained it very thoroughly and the other children sat there nodding as if they believed him, but deep down, Ran and Takuma could tell their classmates ain't buying any of this one bit.

While Mr Miki rambled over his grief, Reina, who noticed her boyfriend Takuma had returned with Ran, whispered to asked, "Did you guys find anything while digging around Miss Jun's room?"

Takuma glanced at Reina, his expression serious. He leaned closer to her and replied in a hushed tone, "We found some interesting things in Miss Jun's room. A bottle of opened champagne, and drugs that makes her happy."

Ran chimed in, her voice is equally hushed. "We also discovered evidence suggesting that Miss Jun's mother may have played a significant role in manipulating her into marrying Mr Miki, which is why she kept pinning on her late fiance, Kichiro."

Reina's eyes widened, clearly intrigued by the information. "So, is Miss Jun's mother the serial killer?"

"Whether she is or not, we are not clear," Takuma admitted, "But one thing is certain, I am going to bet that Miss Jun's mother is involved in some way. The pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together, and it's pointing towards her. We just need to find concrete evidence to support our suspicions."

Ran nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We're getting closer to the truth, but we can't jump to conclusions just yet. We need more evidence and information to make a solid case."

Reina's expression turned serious, "If this is the case, then I am afraid they might be more bloodbath ahead."

Then, remembering Mouri Ran's proposal about checking into the 4-bedroom hotel with Sonoko, who is still recovering from dengue, Reina said, "Mouri, do you remember saying that Takuma and I will decide within 24 hours whether I will follow the both of you back to the luxury hotel where Ranran and Shinichi are currently at?"

Mouri Ran nodded, recalling her earlier proposal. "Yeah?"

"Before, I was hesitant to follow the both of you back to the hotel, because of the possible backlash from our classmates regarding ditching them defenseless against the serial killer who is still prowling around the island. But then...now that Miss Jun has died, and after hearing from the both of you. I have decided...Takuma and I are joining in."

Ran's eyes widened in surprise and relief. She understood Reina's initial concerns about leaving their classmates behind, but the gravity of the situation and the need for their presence at the hotel had become clearer.

"That is good," Ran said with a nod. "With you two around, it will get us all closer to capturing that horrible murderer plaguing the island."

Takuma chimed in, a determined look on his face. "So what time will we be leaving?"

"Around night time, 12 am while everyone is asleep. We will slip away, leave a note before doing so," Reina's expression hardened, her voice filled with determination. "No one else will die on this island. We'll find the truth and put an end to this."

With their decision made, the trio knew that they had to act swiftly. They had to gather the necessary evidence and confront the culprits before more lives were lost.

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

"Look at her photo, Shinichi, she looks like a walking billboard for high-end brands!" Ranran spat, while Shinichi received the photo from Michio, who is currently tailing her back at the city.

Shinichi glanced at the photo, raising an eyebrow at Ranran's comment. "Ranran, we should focus on finding out the truth behind the murders by investigating Miss Jun's marriage to Mr Miki, not mocking Miss Jun's mother for her fashion choices," he cautioned.

"I can't help it," Ranran shrugs mischievously, "Just look at Miss Jun's mom in this photo, dripping in branded goods, Must be nice to trade her child's happiness for a Gucci handbag. I bet that all of the things she is wearing are made from the tears of her daughter's broken dreams." She paused for a moment, feigning contemplation before continuing her assault of wit. "While all of that is going on, at least she's got her Louis Vuitton to wipe away the tears when she realizes what a terrible parent she's been."

Shinichi examined the photo closely, his eyes narrowing as he took in the image of Miss Jun's mother. He noticed the extravagant display of branded goods, which seemed incongruous with the financial struggles of Dozing Shoemaker. It further solidified their suspicions about her involvement in manipulating Miss Jun's life.

Thinking about the recently deceased Miss Jun, who died in the middle of an island with a husband she didn't like, honestly irked the blue-eyed boy as well.

"You know, for someone's shoe shop that is failing miserably financially, yet she is able to dress up with all those luxury goods speaks volumes," Shinichi remarked, his voice filled with determination. "Perhaps the real reason why Dozing Shoemaker's had no financial reports for over 12 years is because Miss Jun's mother was using the business as a front to cover up her illicit activities."

"But what sort of illicit activities could she had commit 12 years ago, enough to earn her that much money to afford all the goods she is earning?" Ranran deeply frowned, "The reason why Dozing Shoemaker became a luxury brand, is because Miss Jun married Mr Miki, the illegitimate son of the Yasuo family. In a way of saying, Miss Jun's mother married her daughter for money."

Shinichi's expression turned serious as he contemplated their next steps. "I believed perhaps there was more to it."

"Eh?"

"Kichiro's journal that Michio and Juno discovered at his place, " Shinichi recited word from word from his memory when Michio read it out to them the other day, "It's one thing that she tried to force poor Jun, my fiance, to go on those dates with those rich dudes for years behind my back. But it's another, that she has been trying to encourage Jun to marry Miki instead for years, as Miki's stepmom made a deal with Jun's mom that she will give money, provided Jun's mom break the engagement between Jun and me. What a meddlesome mother."

With firm eyes, Shinichi explained to his mentor, "For years, this was even before that 'one-night stand' incident took place. You told me before that if a guy likes someone the family disapprove of, they ship them to boarding school, right?"

Ran nods in silence.

"Think about it, Mr Miki's position in the Yasuo family is an illegitimate son, a child of infidelity. If he was their legal son, the parent naturally goes for another family of equal status to marry him off to one's daughter, correct?"

Shinichi's deductions made sense to Ranran, "Considering that Mr Miki's situation is way different...it would make sense for them to marry him off to a daughter of a poor family. But there are also some flaws in it."

"Like what?"

"Jun's mom...she is a gold digger," Ranran pouted, "As much as I can foresee a rich reputable family arranging a such marriage, so far not a single soul is aware that Mr Miki is an illegitimate, just an orphan."

Shinichi furrowed his brows, considering Ranran's point. "But say if Miss Jun's mom finds out Mr Miki is one, does it make a difference? She could easily blackmail them into marrying their son."

"But even if she found out about Mr Miki's background, I can't help but wonder why would Mr Miki's side of the family let the wedding go through. No matter how hard I think of this," Ranran crossed her arms, deep in thought, "This will greatly benefit Jun's side of the family since it will give her access to their resources and status, but what about Miki's family? There have more to lose than gain financially if they married of Miki to Jun."

"But Miki had feelings for Jun since foundation days, right?" Shinichi argued, "His relations with his step-mom and dad are bad from the start, so it wouldn't be surprising. Maybe he said something like 'I won't marry anyone but Jun' of that sort. Don't forget he is the only last living successor of the Yasuo family, so he still has the power to bring down their family despite the hardships he had endured through them. Let alone, the manipulations Jun's mother has done to Jun and Miki."

Ranran's mind is working through the possibilities. "Let's say Miss Jun's mother was aware of Mr Miki's background, then used it as a bargaining chip to secure her daughter's marriage and financial stability...so, it's a twisted alliance built on greed and manipulation, Mr Miki using his position as leverage....everyone had something to gain, but what does Mr Miki's parents gain out of all of this? Let alone, the deaths on this island, and the ones back in the city....where do they fit in?"

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

In the meantime, Mr Miki, who is a recently turned widow, is sobbing quietly in the campsite, as he wrapped his deceased wife in the duvet and gently lay her in the freezer beside Iwao.

At Kodama Forest camp, while Rika and the teacher of class 1-A went to the office to console the inconsolable Miki, the rest of the children crashed out in the sitting room.

As the children settled in the sitting room of the campsite, a sombre yet scared atmosphere hung in the air. The events of the past days had taken their toll on everyone, and the weight of fear was palpable, now that the kids are dead certain that Shinichi was right, that there is in fact a serial killer on the loose on this island.

And in typical response, they all attempted to tune out these distressing thoughts by playing on their smartphone, listening to musing, or even playing some video games.

This left Reina, Ran and Takuma in one corner, whispering to each other as Takuma still had the walkie-talkie stuffed in his coat, Sonoko dozed to sleep with the medication, still battling dengue.

So far, hearing the news that the student council had decided not to take Ranran or Shinichi's emails seriously on releasing the Teitan Elementary Emergency school funds was dampening their spirits. "Should we tell the other kids?" Reina asked.

"No, it will just end up causing so much panic, I wouldn't be surprised if the kids decided to jump off a cliff and swim back home, which isn't possible." Takuma sighs.

Ran sighed, glancing around the room at the other children engrossed in their own distractions. "It's frustrating, isn't it? We've been trying to get help, to let someone know about the danger we're in, but it seems like no one is listening."

"What I can't understand is something is off with those emails," Reina who is also the president of the student council folded her arms sternly, "From what I have heard from Ranran and Shinichi, they should've invited our parents, as well as the others from our class in 1-A to a meeting before agreeing to release the funds over."

"Maybe the person you put in charge has no idea about that rule," Takuma suggests.

"Not possible," Reina shook her head, "I even put the protocol in the rule book to my interim stand-in president before joining this camping trip."

"Is it possible that they don't believe Ranran because of her camping-hating reputation?" Ran pondered.

"That is another, my fellow members may not have thought favourably of Ranran's antics with the other kids, but they do take her words seriously when it comes to the welfare of other kids. Ranran ain't the type to joke around. Why are they not releasing the funds?" Reina wonders.

Takuma furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "It's strange indeed. The emails clearly stated the urgency and the need for immediate action. Ranran and Shinichi wouldn't send something like that lightly, especially considering the circumstances we're in. And you're right, according to the protocol, there should have been a meeting with our parents and other class members before releasing the funds."

Ran listened intently, her mind racing. "What if someone within the student council is intentionally blocking the release of the funds? Because....they want us to be killed on this island."

The realization hung heavily in the air as Ran's words sank in. The thought of someone within the student council deliberately sabotaging their efforts for help and intentionally putting their lives in danger sent chills down their spine.

Reina's eyes widened her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "You mean... one of them doing so? But why would they want that? It doesn't make any sense!"

"No one would, but I might know of someone," Takuma's voice trembled slightly as he voiced his thoughts, "Someone who might know that whatever is happening on this island."

"Who!?"Ran and Reina demanded an answer from him.

With much reluctance, he answered, "Mamiko."

Ran and Reina exchanged surprised glances upon hearing Takuma's revelation. Ishibashi Mamiko is a name that brought nothing but pain to everyone, especially to Ranran.

"Mamiko? Are you sure?" Ran asked, trying to process the information. "She is thrown in some mental hospital, remember!? After she attempted to stab Ranran with a pocket knife the other day at school!?"

"She may not be able to scheme, but she has her half-brother Amaya to do her bidding, remember?" Takuma nodded, his voice filled with uncertainty. "I don't have concrete proof, but their mom is some disgusting woman who seduces rich men, did you all forget that? Because Ranran exposed them...."

Ran and Reina's eyes widened further as they connected the dots. "Amaya... I remember now. But I doubt it," Reina is in disbelief, "He doesn't have the capabilities to befriend anyone in the student council."

"Amaya doesn't, but didn't I recall that one of the members of the student council was rumoured to have a crush on Mamiko?" Takuma reminded them.

Ran and Reina's eyes widened even further as Takuma's words sunk in. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, revealing a disturbing picture.

"You're right," Ran said, her voice filled with a mix of realization and concern. "There were rumours about one of the student council members having a crush on Mamiko, he may not be the interim, but he had access to the emails and everything. If that's true, it could explain why they would be willing to go to such lengths to keep us trapped on this island by rejecting Ranran and Shinichi's emails."

Reina's mind raced as she tried to process the information. "But how does Mamiko fit into all of this? And why would this student council member be doing her bidding?"

Takuma hesitated for a moment before responding. "I don't have all the answers, but we know that Mamiko's mother has a history of seducing rich men. If Mamiko and her half-brother Amaya were involved in some sort of scheme, it's possible they found a way to manipulate this student council member by promising them something they desire."

Ran clenched her fists, her determination resurfacing. "That damn Mamiko! She is 6 years old just like the rest of us, but her mind is as evil as a psychopath!"

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on their young shoulders. The realization that someone within their own student council could be orchestrating their predicament and endangering their lives was both shocking and terrifying. "To think...they knew about the serial killer situation, and yet...they are ignoring our pleas." Reina could feel the hope draining out of her eyes.

The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of their discovery settled upon them. The innocence of their youth had been shattered, and they were left to face the harsh reality that they couldn't trust those who were supposed to protect and guide them.

"We can't rely on the student council anymore, including the adults," Ran said, her voice filled with determination. "We need to find a way to save ourselves and expose the truth. We can't let them keep us trapped on this island, waiting for the serial killer to strike again."

Reina, ever the pragmatic one, chimed in, "Settle down, we have Ranran on our side."

"I never thought I say this, but...."Takuma's resolve is hardening. "We have to take matters into our own hands."

Ran looked at the two, a mix of fear and determination in her eyes. "But how do we do that? We're just kids, and we're up against powerful and manipulative individuals."

"That is where you are wrong, Ran," Takuma's gaze hardened as he spoke. "Ranran is a manipulative child as well, on our side. If we work together the way we always do in Tantei Association, even as our personalities clash, we can uncover the truth and put an end to this madness."

"So what plan do you have in mind?" Reina can't help but be impressed by her boyfriend's words.

Takuma's mind already formulating a plan. "Before we head to the hotel where Ranran and Shinichi are waiting for us, let's start with what we know about the serial killer who is on this island. We have suspects to work on."

"Alright, let's start with Miss Rika," Ran thought hard, "What do you all guys think about her? She had been crushing on Mr Miki since they were children and had a hateful relationship with Miss Jun, his newly deceased wife. And it has been 12 years since she still loves Mr Miki."

Takuma and Reina exchanged thoughtful glances, considering Ran's suggestion. "And what makes you certain she is capable?" Takuma questions the brunette.

"I have been thinking ever since Ranran hijacked one of her horses last week Tuesday before heading to the hotel....if one has to get there, one must have knowledge of horses and the island's layout, right?" Ran suggests, "It would be a huge advantage for her to carry out these murders without being easily detected. It's definitely worth looking into."

"While I agree that Miss Rika had feelings for Mr Miki, and she resented Miss Jun for marrying him. " Takuma said, his voice filled with contemplation. "But would she go as far as becoming a serial killer?"

Reina nodded in agreement. "It's a possibility. Love can drive people to do unimaginable things. If Miss Rika's feelings for Mr Miki turned into an obsession and she felt threatened by Miss Jun, she might have seen killing her as a way to have Mr Miki all to herself."

"Even so...as much as I agree that Miss Rika detests Miss Jun, she didn't bother to conceal her hatred." Takuma ponders this, "If we look back at the deaths of Mr Kiryu, Mr Eiji, Mr Iwao, and Miss Jun....all of their deaths were supposedly caused by accidents. If Miss Rika is the killer, I wouldn't want to make my hatred well known so that people would suspect me."

Ran furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "You have a point. All of the deaths so far have been attributed to accidents. The whole purpose of this is to disguise their actions to make them appear accidental.

"So ... she had a motive. But her alibi is a huge problem," Reina glanced at the office, where the adults gathered, "Earlier when Jun entered the residence, Miss Rika walked with us the whole way back. It wasn't even possible for her to slip away from us since she was far too busy looking after Sonoko who is sickly on the horse Rika is holding. I don't see how she could have done it."

"Also, she had no motive to murder Mr Iwao, they are both university mates, especially Mr Kiryu as well," Takuma adds.

"But she was there on the cliffs last week Monday when Mr Eiji died, remember? She wasn't scheduled to come along that morning, and yet, she joined them since she said she could use some fresh air. Even the rope was stuffed in her bag when the incident happened." Ran argues. "She may not have killed Miss Jun, nor had the motive to kill Mr Eiji, but she is capable, right?"

"I have a suspect in mind," All heads shift to Reina as she drops a name, "How about Mr Miki?"

"Miss Jun's husband?! Why him?" Ran asks.

Then Reina breaks it down to her.

"If you think about what Ranran and Shinichi had gathered about him, he always had feelings for Jun since their university days, just that Kichiro got in the way. As soon as he died, he married her easily a month later thanks to his rich family. But since Miss Jun kept on resharing the death of her beloved fiance, Kichiro, and there wasn't even a single photo of their wedding uploaded on their social media account for over 12 years, perhaps his unrequited love got the better of him. Plus, don't forget that Miss Jun kept glancing at Mr Eiji when we first arrived here according to Ranran, which may imply Miss Jun could be having an affair behind Mr Miki's back."

Ranran and Takuma exchanged surprised glances at Reina's revelation. The possibility that Mr Miki, Miss Jun's husband, could be involved in the crimes had never crossed their minds. Reina's reasoning seemed plausible, and it shed new light on the situation.

"Reina, your theory does make sense," Takuma admitted, his voice filled with uncertainty. "If Mr Miki had been carrying a torch for Miss Jun for all these years and felt threatened by her potential affair with Mr Eiji, he might have snapped. It could explain why Miss Jun's death was made to look like an accident. Maybe even eliminated Kichiro, since he was in the way of getting Jun."

"Guys, he still has no motive to murder Mr Kiryu and Mr Iwao, they are university coursemates as well." Ran refuted.

"But if you think back on how he reacted, he was very dismissive and in denial," Reina brought up, "When Mr Eiji died during the safety demonstration, didn't he claim it was an accident? Then when Mr Iwao was discovered to have frozen to death, he claim the wind must have blown the door shut and locked him up, despite knowing Mr Iwao is claustrophobic!"

Ran's eyes widened as she considered Reina's words. "You have a point! Mr Miki's dismissive and seemingly uncaring attitude towards the deaths of Mr Eiji and Mr Iwao is suspicious. It's as if he wants to brush off any suspicion from himself and divert attention elsewhere."

Reina nodded in agreement. "And let's not forget his immediate marriage to Miss Jun after Kichiro's death. His family and himself had more to lose if she ever divorced him, right?"

"True," Takuma nods, "But he had no reason to murder Mr Iwao and Kagetora Kiryu, right?"

"Kiryu...ah," Ran figures, "The one who died when his shower unit exploded, right? After he died, didn't Shinichi mention that Kiryu's classes were taken over by Mr Eiji thanks to his untimely demise?"

"I wouldn't say he didn't have a motive to kill Mr Kiryu." Reina deeply muses, "Supposedly Mr Miki is aware that Mr Eiji and Kiryu are friends, if he sabotaged the shower unit and Kiryu dies, then Eiji would be forced to take over his classes, no? Then Mr Miki would have no problem killing him."

"Not bad of a theory, but there is a problem though." Takuma pointed out, "The video that recorded the safety demonstration, his hands are holding things. As much as he is capable of cutting the rope, it would've been very difficult to pull this off. Also the other day," He scratch his head nervously, "When I chased after the idiot whom we set a trap on, while I rushed to go after him or her, I spoke to the other kids and they told me that Miki came out of the tent when the commotion happens, so I don't think it could be him."

As the trio discussed the possibility of Mr Miki's involvement in the crimes, they realized that although the evidence pointed towards him, there were still certain factors that didn't align.

"What about Miss Jun's mom?" Ran suggests, "She married Jun off for money, and was stuck with Miki for over 12 donkey years!"

"Not possible," Reina heaved, "Earlier Ranran updated me over the walkie-talkie that she had Michio tailing onto that woman. And she was all dressed in luxurious good."

"Are you for real now!?" Takuma and Ran grew riled up by that revelation.

Reina nodded, confirming her statement. "Yes, Michio followed Miss Jun's mother discreetly, and she seemed to be living a life of luxury. She was seen wearing expensive clothing and accessories."

"This woman is seriously irking me in the worst way possible," Ran gritted her teeth in response, "While her unhappily married daughter's corpse is now decomposing in the walk-in fridge, on an island where there are a series of murders as her unhappily married husband is grieving, here is her damn mother going on a shopping spree!"

"Exactly! And to top it off, the shoe shop is 5 million yen in debt!" Takuma's frustration boiled over as he clenched his fists.

"Wait, 5 million in yen!?" Reina's face fell, "Where the hell did she get the money to buy those branded goods then!?"

Ran's anger simmered as she decided, "When we return back home, make sure we will have tons of eggs with us."

Takuma and Reina looked at Ran, puzzled by her sudden mention of eggs. "Eggs? Why" Reina questioned, her brow furrowed.

Ran's expression turned a little sadistic as she goes, "We are going to egg this woman for ruining Miss Jun's life."

"I am on board with this." Takuma had his fists hit his chest.

Reina's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I will join in when this is over too."

"But seriously, aside from the egging plan, I felt like we need to investigate further, but I don't know where to begin." Ran exhales.

"Well, the only way is to dig up anything about the expedition the victims took part in during their post-graduate days," Takuma suggests, "But the problem is all the records there had seemingly vanished. Where are we going to look for it?!"

Before anyone could answer, one of the kids could be heard screaming outside the activity centre.

Startled by the scream, the trio rushed outside the activity centre to investigate. They found a group of kids huddled together, their faces filled with fear and panic. Ran, Takuma, and Reina approached them cautiously, trying to calm them down.

"What happened? What's going on?" Ran asked, her voice filled with concern.

One of the kids, a young girl managed to speak through her trembling voice. "We... we went out of the centre earlier to collect our jackets from our bag, cause we were feeling cold inside."

"B-but then, we saw something cutting up the tent, and when they saw us, it rush into the woods there!" Another girl said.

The mention of something scary piqued their curiosity, and the trio exchanged glances.

Ran, Takuma, and Reina exchanged concerned glances, realizing that there might be something more sinister happening on the island. They knew they had to investigate further to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

"Did you get a good look at the person or thing that cut up the tent?" Reina asked, her voice calm and reassuring.

The children shook their heads, fear still evident in their eyes. "It all happened so fast, and it was getting dark," one of the boys replied. "But it looked like a shadowy figure, moving quickly."

Ran's brows furrowed as he considered the situation. "If someone is out there, intentionally causing harm and trying to create chaos, it could be connected to the murders. We can't afford to ignore this."

"Whose tent was cut?" Takuma pressed for answers.

"Actually....it was yours." The girl pointed to his tent

Takuma's eyes widened in surprise and concern. "My tent? Again?"

Takuma's mind raced as he tried to make sense of the situation. This wasn't the first time his tent had been targeted, and the fact that it happened again raised his suspicions even further. It seemed like someone was intentionally trying to draw their attention and create a sense of fear and confusion.

Once more, the trio headed over to see Takuma's tent.

The trio hurriedly made their way back to Takuma's tent, their footsteps quick and determined. As they reached the tent, they noticed the clear evidence of its damage. The fabric was cut in several places, leaving jagged tears and exposing the inside.

Takuma's expression turned grim as he surveyed the damage. "This is definitely not a coincidence. Someone is intentionally targeting my tent."

Ran crouched down to examine the cuts more closely. "The cuts seem deliberate and precise. It's as if the person knows what they're doing."

Reina joined in, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "We need to find any trace left behind by the intruder. Look for footprints or any other signs of their presence."

The trio spread out, meticulously searching the area around the tent. Ran noticed faint footprints in the dirt leading away from the tent, and she called the attention of the others. They followed the footprints, carefully tracking their path through the woods.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the footprints became more distinct, indicating that they were getting closer to the person responsible. The footprints eventually led them to a small clearing surrounded by tall trees.

In the clearing, they found what appears to be an abandoned cabin.