Inkbound [Rampoe]

Chapter Two - Sunk into the Mystery

Hearing that, Poe didn't agree. "Rampo, my dear, that's not possible."

"I won't do it then." Rampo defiantly shoved a scoop of ice cream into his mouth, his eyes challenging Poe.

Poe watched him eat in silence, his thoughts wandering. "It's not like it's 100% impossible since I haven't tried it yet."

Rampo paused mid-air, his spoon hovering. "You aren't actually thinking of trying it out, are you?"

Inside his head, Poe's thoughts raced. 'If I agree to this, not only will I discover something new about myself, but I can also lead Rampo into my novel. Since I'm the author, I can solve the mystery right away and trap him there.' He was so lost in his plotting that he didn't realize Rampo was giving him a strange look.

"Uh, Ed, are you okay?"

Poe flinched as if he'd been caught doing something wrong. He immediately covered it up by saying, "Yes, let's do it! No, wait-"

"Let's go!" Rampo sprang up, his excitement palpable, and skipped toward the office.

"R-Rampo, wait up..."

Inside the room, Poe hesitated for a moment, unsure of what would happen if he used his ability on himself. Human curiosity is a powerful force, driving us to explore the unknown and push boundaries. It's this very curiosity that has led to countless discoveries and advancements throughout history. You won't know unless you try, right? So, it's much better to try it out than to dwell on curiosity.

Rampo held the book, examining the cover that defied his expectations. Usually, Poe's book covers were enchanting, stirring emotions deep within. This time, Rampo was dissatisfied. "Ed, you're better than this. Even my scribbles at work look better."

The appearance of the book was bland, adorned with random figures and symbols that made no sense to him.

Hearing this, Poe's smile widened in satisfaction, his confidence growing. He walked toward Rampo with an elegant stride and reached for the book in his hand. "It's because this book isn't meant to be understood by anyone but me. If someone manages to solve the case, they have the solving ability of a god. That's why..." As he spoke, the room was suddenly bathed in a golden light emanating from the book. The light was almost blinding, casting long shadows on the walls and filling every corner with a warm, ethereal glow. The words on the book were glowing, shimmering and shifting as if they were part of an ancient, magical script.

"I challenge you to solve my Ultimate Mystery Novel!" Poe's voice resonated with a mix of excitement and authority, echoing in the now-transformed room. The golden light intensified, creating a surreal atmosphere that made the ordinary office feel like an otherworldly realm.

Rampo's eyes widened in awe and slight apprehension. The light reflected off his glasses, giving his eyes a sparkling, almost mystical quality. He could feel the power radiating from the book, a palpable energy that sent shivers down his spine. The room seemed to hum with a strange vibration, as if it were alive and aware of the unfolding events.

The book fell to the ground with a heavy thud, breaking the trance-like moment. The light faded abruptly, leaving the room in a dim, eerie silence. The sudden darkness was jarring, and the air felt charged with a lingering, electric tension. Dust particles floated lazily in the faint beams of light that peeked through the curtains, creating an almost dreamlike scene.

Suddenly, a raccoon darted into the room, and snatched the book.