Part 36

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As night fully embraced the mansion, the ADA and PM members moved with precision and silence. They had waited long enough, observed the situation, and now was the time to act. Dazai had returned inside the mansion, but the tension in the air was palpable. This wasn't a typical rescue mission anymore; something deeper was at play, and they all felt it.

"Remember," Kunikida whispered, "our goal is to extract Dazai, not engage with Fyodor unless necessary. We don't know what he's planning."

Chuuya, standing beside him, was less concerned with plans and more focused on getting Dazai out. His frustration simmered beneath the surface. Dazai's calm demeanor earlier only fueled his anger. How could Dazai look so at peace in a place controlled by Fyodor? It made no sense, but he wasn't leaving without answers.

"Let's move," Ranpo instructed, leading the group through the garden and towards the side entrance they had identified as the least guarded.

The inside of the mansion was as grand as its exterior, with intricate chandeliers, wide hallways, and an unsettling stillness. It was almost too quiet, as if the entire place was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

"We'll split up," Kunikida ordered, "Yosano, you check upstairs. Chuuya, Ranpo, and I will sweep the ground floor."

They nodded in agreement, and soon the team fanned out, each taking their positions with careful movements. As Chuuya crept through the halls, his senses were on high alert. He hadn't seen any guards or signs of resistance, which made him uneasy. It was like Fyodor wanted them to come—like this was all part of a bigger game.

Ranpo, with his usual calmness, spoke quietly. "Don't be surprised if this is exactly what Fyodor wants. Dazai knew we were watching earlier. He's playing his part."

Chuuya gritted his teeth. "Playing his part? Dazai always has some damn plan, but this—this is different."

Ranpo's eyes glinted with understanding. "Maybe Dazai is different now, too."

Before Chuuya could respond, a faint sound caught his attention. Footsteps—light, deliberate, and coming from further down the hall. His heart sped up as they moved toward the sound, tension thickening with each step. As they rounded the corner, they saw Dazai descending the grand staircase.

He looked the same as ever, calm and composed, but there was a weariness in his eyes. He didn't seem surprised to see them.

"Dazai!" Chuuya called out, his voice barely contained. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Dazai's gaze drifted to Chuuya, then to the others, before settling back on the floor. His usual smirk was absent, replaced by something far more reserved. He stepped down the last stair, standing before them without a word, as if waiting for them to make the first move.

"You're coming with us," Kunikida said firmly, stepping forward. "We're leaving now."

But Dazai didn't respond. Instead, he glanced down the hall, where a pair of double doors stood closed. He seemed conflicted, torn between the people he had known for so long and whatever was behind those doors.

Chuuya's patience snapped. "What's going on with you? Do you even want to leave?"

Still, Dazai remained silent, his expression unreadable. It was then that they heard another set of footsteps—softer, but unmistakable. The sound sent a chill down their spines as Fyodor appeared at the end of the hall, watching them with that unnerving, ever-present smile.

"Ah, Dazai," Fyodor said, his voice like silk. "I was wondering when your friends would come."

Kunikida stepped forward, his hand instinctively going for his weapon. "Fyodor."

Fyodor waved him off with a light laugh. "No need for that. I'm not here to fight. I merely came to say goodbye to Dazai."

Chuuya's fists clenched. "Goodbye? You think we're going to just let you walk away after everything?"

Fyodor's smile widened as he glanced at Dazai, then back to Chuuya. "Dazai is free to choose, Chuuya. He always has been. Haven't you realized that yet?"

Silence filled the room as everyone waited for Dazai to speak, to explain himself. But instead of answering, Dazai turned his back on them, walking back up the stairs without a word.

"Dazai!" Chuuya shouted, but there was no response.

Fyodor chuckled softly. "It seems Dazai needs time to think. He'll come to you when he's ready."

Kunikida's voice was cold. "This isn't over, Fyodor."

"Oh, I know it's not," Fyodor replied with a sly grin. "But for now, let him be. He's with me because he chooses to be."

With that, Fyodor disappeared back down the hall, leaving the ADA and PM stunned.

Ranpo exhaled slowly. "It's not about forcing him. Dazai's fighting his own battle. We just have to trust he'll find his way."

Chuuya's frustration boiled over, but all he could do was watch as Dazai retreated further out of reach.

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