Luke: Freeze! This is the National Police! Put down your weapon!
Thief: The cops……!? Damn!!
Luke: Stop!
Thief: Uwaaaah!
Luke: Give up! You’re caught red-handed!
Thief: W-Wait! I’ve got the mafia behind my back! Arrest me, and you’ll get sunk down a river……!
Luke: …………
[HERO CHOICE!]
<ARREST HIM>
[LET HIM GO]
Luke: I wouldn't be a cop if I submit to this kind of threats.
Thief: S-Shit! How did you know I was bluffing!?
Luke: Huh, so the thing about mafia was fake? …… Either way, it won’t change what I should do.
Thief: For Fuck’s sake, it’s Christmas! Just go easy on me! It’s only pickpocketing!
Luke: That’s not how I deal with things. Right, get up.
Male Pedestrian: Thank you, Officer!
Male Pedestrian: The National Police still cares for us!
Female Pedestrian: Exactly……! Usually, they don't deal with small cases like pickpocketing.
Luke: --……
Thief: See!? The elite force don't give a shit about us petty thieves!
Luke: Well, sorry for being so nosy. You’re coming with me!
Thief: Fuck… You elites should do what elites do and aim for bigger fish!
Announcer: Breaking news-- World famous Phantom Thief “Beast” invaded an Art Museum of a neighboring country and stole a gemstone of national treasure value.
So far, Beast had been involved in thefts reported in 16 countries. Losses estimated to be over tens of billions…
Chief Inspector Jason: Luke Williams… You’re 5 minutes late. Even though I’ve told you about this regular meeting!
Luke: I’m sorry, I was caught up in the prosecutions procedure…
Superintendent Dennis: So, you were chasing after garbage cases again? You haven’t grown one bit even though it’s your third year. You are not conscious of your career at all. Use your time and capability efficiently. ……Take a seat.
Luke: Understood… My most sincere apologies.
Dennis: Back to what I was saying. As everyone knows, the Phantom Thief Beast had finally arrived at our neighboring country.
Jason: Display the photograph!
Phantom Thief Beast -- A Rank S criminal who caused over tens of billions in financial damage.
His crimes are impulsive and violent… Yet, his close-range fighting abilities kept him from getting caught.
For a long time, he remained active in the Southern hemisphere. However, he gradually made his way up North and set his fangs on our neighbor.
His marks are always prominent gems. The Republic of Ricardo is in possession of numerous precious stones. We must not become the 17th country --
Luke: Phantom Thief Beast, huh…
Thief: Fuck… You elites should do what elites do and aim for bigger fish!
Luke: When it comes to a world class criminal, everything sounds like it’s from another dimension.
Jason: --lliams! Luke Williams!
Luke: ……! Yes, sir!
Jason: You were not only late, but also daydreaming? Just who do you think you are?
Luke: N-No, I heard the briefing!
Jason: Huh? Then answer this. How many countries have fallen prey to Beast’s crime?
[HERO’S CHOICE]
<16>
[17]
[100]
Luke: I remember, our neighboring country is the 16th victim…
Jason: ……Hmph. So, you caught that. Then--
What weapon does the Phantom Thief Beast use? If you listened to what I said, you should be able to answer that.
Luke: Weapon? Was it mentioned at all? I can’t recall anything about that……
Oh, maybe there’s a hint hidden in Beast’s photo!
[SEARCH MODE]
[SEARCH! Deduce Beast’s weapon]
[Hand: A wild silhouette. It fits his beastly image.]
Luke: Hm? He wears something on his hands… Long and sharp -- this is probably… I think I can deduce what his weapons are with this.
[Gem: The stolen gem from the neighboring country. “Padparadscha Sapphire”, so it says…]
Luke: I thought Sapphires are blue, but it seems there are also orange ones. It's a national treasure, so it must be valuable…
[FINISH SEARCH]
Jason: What is it, Williams! If you listened to the briefing just now, you should be able to answer immediately.
What is Phantom Thief Beast’s weapon!
Luke: Y-Yes! His weapon is --
[HERO CHOICE!]
[GUN]
<CLAWS>
[THROWING KNIFE]
Luke: Phantom Thief Beast’s weapons are his claws.
Jason: At the very least, you have an eye for detail. That’s right, his weapons are his claws.
-- However, the correct answer should be “the weapon was not mentioned in Chief Inspector’s briefing.”
Luke: Urgh--
Jason: You were in fact daydreaming. Williams, I’ll be reviewing your evaluation.
Luke: Huh, a trick question? How unfair……!
Jason: I’ve had enough. Take a seat and we’ll go on with the meeting.
Luke: Y-Yes.
Dennis: Listen up, gentlemen. Neither “16 countries” nor “claws” are just someone else’s problems.
The threat of Beast’s crimes against our country is imminent. Thus, we will be establishing a special taskforce.
If we managed to arrest this notorious criminal, both you and I are guaranteed a highroad to success.
Jason: With your hand in command, Sir, a mere thief is inconsequential. And you’ll be the Senior Superintendent in no time!
Dennis: Ha-ha… To ensure success, we need more men in the taskforce. Therefore, we will hand over the multiple assaults’ inspection to the local police.
Luke: -- Eh!? Wait a moment, please!
Dennis: Save your questions for later.
Luke: But there has been quite a few heavily injured victims……! Not to mention the affected area has widened…
It’s no minor case. The national police should continue with the investigation!
Dennis: Chief Inspector Jason, what kind of training did you put through your subordinates that they end up like this?
Jason: My most sincere apologies…
-- Williams, if you disturb the meeting again, I will kick you out!
Luke: That was not my intention…… However, I just think that this crisis is more urgent than a Phantom Thief who might not even show up--
Jason: No one’s asking for your opinion. Get out, and that’s an order! Also, hand in your written report by tomorrow. About that worthless case of yours!
Luke: …… Understood. Sorry, Sir.
Colleague in a blue suit: This again…… Why did he choose this career?
Colleague in a black suit: Wasn’t it because of his dead father?
Colleague in a grey suit: Didn't his old man chase after petty thieves and delinquents as well? He even died in patrol, poof! How meaningless.
Black suit: Shh, he’s right here.
Grey suit: Who cares? It's what the Chief Inspector always says. “We can’t dispose of that shitty gun just because Luke Williams keeps using it. His old man had always been an insubordinate, he even more so.”
Black suit: Shitty gun?
Grey suit: Don't you know? It was a prototype invented years ago. Not only is that gun non-fatal, but its aim won’t stabilize. His old man used to use it though, and he’s the only one around here who's still using it.
Black suit: Is that so? But I heard Luke has pretty high shooting scores--
Grey suit: Isn’t that why they’re still here? The good-for-nothing gun and the other good-for-nothing who does nothing.
Female Staff: They’re kept in a faraway place, that’s why.
Luke: Why am I here?
Female Staff: Because you moved here from your faraway home.
Luke: Why don't I have a dad and a mom?
Why? -- Why?
Female Staff: You’re so annoying! I have work to do……!
Luke: Why? -- Why?
Why am I not connected to anyone?
[car honks]
Edward: Watch out!
Male Staff: I’m so sorry, officer! He’s brought you so much trouble. We’ve told him so many times he’s not allowed to leave the facility, but he won’t listen. He’s such a gloomy kid…
Edward: Oh no, that’s not--
Female Staff: Hey you. Have you apologized? Did you say thank you?
Luke: ……Uh…
Female Staff: You’re not getting dinner tonight if you can’t follow orders!
Male Staff: Shush it! We’re in front of an officer!
Female Staff: Oh…… Ahaha, it’s just a joke! Right, kid?
Luke: ……
Edward: …… Um, excuse me. Has this kid got any foster parents?
Edward: Wow, it took such a long time for me to get the adoption papers in order. Sorry to keep you waiting. Once again… The name’s Edward Williams. Hello.
Luke: Why are you taking me away?
Edward: I always thought about how much fun it’ll be if I had a son. Ever since my wife died, I’ve been living all by myself.
Luke: …I mean… Why “me”? There are way better kids out there. That’s what everyone says.
Edward: Well, it’s a big wide world out there, of course there’d be people prettier or smarter than yourself.
Luke: …………
Edward: You look troubled. Just like when you were scolded by the facility staff.
Luke: Eh? …… They always say I’m expressionless.
Edward: But you’re not. It’s just hard to see when you’re so tensed up. I can see it clearly, though.That’s why you’re the best kid out there! We are the most compatible.
Luke: Mister… you look like a hero I saw on TV.
Edward: Eh? ……Hahaha, you’re flattering me. It’s my childhood dream to become a hero.
Luke: I see…
Edward: What’s your dream?
Luke: …… I don’t know.
Edward: Hmm… Then, how about you and I become heroes together?
Luke: With you, Mister?
…… How do you become a hero?
Edward: If you see anyone in need, you must never turn your back on them. Probably, that’s the only thing that counts.
Luke: Even I can do it?
Edward: Of course!
When there’s two heroes, they’re the best partners!
They can take out any villains in their way!
They can overcome any sadness they encounter! Boom!
Luke: Haha…
Edward: ……! Ah, what a beautiful smile! You just break down the walls around you. Boom! Like that!
And for the first time, you will be able to see the faces of those around you who are troubled.
……But I must face it. Dad was shot as he saved someone’s life.
He was a hero up until his last moments…
Announcer: Friends and Family. Please step up to the front and say your goodbyes.
Old Police Officer: Luke. Please give Edward… your father these flowers. Here, beside him.
Young Luke: …………
I can’t …… look up. I can’t look at dad’s face……
Old P.O.: Luke……
Middle-aged P.O.: Right. How about you borrow something from your father?
You are worthy of his belongings.
For now, it’s too big, but soon it’ll fit you very well.
Please take it. Edward will be pushing you behind your back.
[SEARCH! Accept the belongings]
[Gun]
Luke: This gun…
Old P.O.: It belongs to your father. It carries a lot of memories, so it was put here.
Compared to regular guns, this one is very weak in power. Moreover, it is hard to use.
But your father always said, “weapons are not made to hurt other, but to protect.” …
He never used regular guns.
Young Luke: …………
Middle-aged P.O.: Actually, he didn't even use this gun much. Even when he’s facing tough opponents.
He’d approach empty-handed and say, “Let me treat you to a drink.” …… Just like that.
Somehow, they’d act so close as if they’d known each other for years.
Young Luke: ……That sounds like Dad.
Old P.O.: Luke, I’m sorry. I know it’s a memento from your father, but we must return the gun to the force.
Luke: …… Understood.
[Coat]
Old P.O.: That coat was your father’s trademark.
We always joked about him not having other jackets.
For some reason, he wasn't wearing it when he passed away…
Young Luke: …………
Dad lent me his coat.
Old P.O.: ……!
Young Luke: I just thought I had to return it to him… Then I handed it to the funeral home.
Middle-aged P.O.: I see……
Old P.O.: I say, Luke. Your father always mentioned how his dream was to be heroes with his son one day. That coat was weathered with your father’s joy and pain as a detective. He’d rather you inherit it rather than taking it himself, don't you think?
Young Luke: ----……
Middle-aged P.O.: I’m asking you this in Edward’s place. Please, accept that coat.
Young Luke: Me, getting Dad’s coat?
[Photo]
Old P.O.: It’s a nice photo. Both you and your father are laughing from the bottom of your hearts.
Young Luke: Yes……
This was from when we went to a basketball game together. Just 3 months ago…
On that day, Dad’s favourite team got a turnabout win and he acted like a overjoyed kid……
“Real fans call this team the Scarlet Eagle,” I remember him smiling with pride.
……How wonderful would it be if I could go back in time……
[FINISH SEARCH]
Young Luke: Dad, is it okay if I take this coat……?
In its place, these flowers…
I’ll give Dad… these flowers…
…………
……He looks more peaceful than I’d imagine.
Dad mustn’t have any regrets……
……?
There’s something on his neck--
Old P.O.: Oh, that…… I heard it’s a bruise from when he wrestled with the culprit.
Middle-aged P.O.: Don't stare at him like that. ……Edward wouldn't want to break your heart.
Announcer: When everyone has finished with their condolences, we will proceed with the casket closing procedure. Please say your last words to the deceased.
Old P.O.: Edward, rest in peace.
Middle-aged P.O.: I won’t forget how bravely you fought.
Young Luke: ………… D……, Dad……
Keep it together! How could Dad rest when you’re acting like this?
I must stand proud and see my hero off……
…But, if there were two heroes……
They could take out any villains in their way!
I’m sorry, Dad. I couldn't make it. I couldn't be Dad’s partner in time……
……Sniff, ……
……Dad taught me how to cry and how to laugh. It all feels like a dream…
I promise you, Dad. I’m not nearly there, but one day I’ll be just like you.
I’ll become a hero who won’t turn their back on anyone in need.
So, rest in peace, Dad……
Luke: It’s been 10 years since then……
I’m still chasing after my hero.
After a strenuous battle, I was over the moon when I got to the same position as my Dad--
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