King of Games C51 First VR Game testers beside Shinro

Conan's eyes widened in disbelief as Agasa-hakase revealed the invitation from KiShin's young founder, Shinro Suzuki, also Sonoko-chan's older brother.

The invitation was an offer to test their new virtual reality headset, a technology far beyond anything he'd ever heard of. "Eh, this is for real?" Conan asked in astonishment, unable to hide his surprise.

Ai's expression mirrored Conan's, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Is it true? They've really developed something that advanced?"

Agasa-hakase beamed with pride, a twinkle in his eye. "Hai, correct. It's a marvelous invention, I must say. Once you don the headset, it's as if you've stepped into another world. It's so immersive, you'll think it's real." He held up a finger, adding, "Well, you won't be able to feel or taste anything just yet, but I have no doubt that's just a matter of time."

Ai's brow furrowed, her expression turning serious. "Such advanced technology... even the most well-funded research departments at major corporations haven't been able to create something like this. How could a company as young as KiShin, despite having the backing of the Suzuki Group, develop such a groundbreaking invention?"

Conan nodded, adding his own skepticism. "She is right. It's not just about the money, the research and development that must have gone into this... it's unprecedented."

Agasa-hakase shrugged, looking momentarily flustered. "I know, I know. Even I find it hard to believe sometimes. But that's the truth. And, to be honest, even with my experience, I'm still catching up with the other scientists there at KiShin. They're on a whole different level."

Conan and Ai exchanged disbelieving glances. If even the renowned Agasa-hakase, who had collaborated with some of the brightest minds in the industry, found it hard to keep up, then just how far ahead were these KiShin scientists?

Agasa-hakase mused, "The only explanation I can think of is that KiShin has managed to gather some of the brightest minds in their respective fields. And not only are they exceptionally skilled, but they also seem fiercely loyal to Shinro-kun."

Conan rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he digested this information. Ai, sensing his train of thought, asked, "What's on your mind, Kudo?"

Conan hesitated before voicing his thought. "What if... just what if... the scientists at KiShin could help us develop a cure for APTX 4869?"

Ai's expression turned grave, her eyes widening in surprise. "Kudo, I know it's tempting, but we can't just go around asking for help from a company like that. We don't know how far that organization's reach extends."

Conan sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I know, I know. But still... it's Sonoko's brother we're talking about."

Ai shook her head, her tone firm but sympathetic. "As much as we trust Sonoko and her brother, we can't vouch for every single person working at KiShin. It's too risky."

Agasa-hakase sensed the gloomy atmosphere settling over the group and decided it was time to lighten the mood. "Now, now, let's not get too down. We're here to celebrate, after all. Ai-chan, make sure you're both prepared and call the Detective Boys too. They are invited, you know."

Conan's face dropped at the mention of the rowdy group of kids. "Really, Agasa-hakase? We have to invite them too?"

Agasa-hakase shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hey, don't look at me. I'm just following the boss's orders. Besides, it wouldn't be a proper party without them, right?"

Ai, unable to contain her amusement any longer, chuckled at Conan's exasperated expression. "Well, Kudo-kun, I guess you're stuck with them. Might as well get used to it."

With a defeated sigh, Conan reluctantly took out his phone to call the rest of the Detective Boys. Ai, on the other hand, continued to giggle as she finished up her preparations. Agasa-hakese, meanwhile, smiled to himself, glad that he had at least temporarily diverted their attention from the heavy topic of their identities and the organization.

***

Earlier that day, Conan, Ai, and Agasa-hakase arrived at the impressive headquarters of KiShin, accompanied by the ever-lively Detective Boys. Gasping in awe, Genta-kun exclaimed, "Woah! This is the gaming company, KiShin? It's so spacious and cool!"

Ayumi-chan, usually more reserved, couldn't contain her excitement either. "Is it really okay for us to be here, Conan-kun? I mean, it's KiShin!" She asked, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Mitsuhiko-kun, ever the knowledgeable one, reminded them, "Guys, this is the company of Sonoko-san's older brother, Shinro-kun, remember?"

"Oh, right!" Genta-kun slapped his forehead. "It's the company of the great man, Shinro-kun! He's soooo cooool!"

"He's just the best!" Ayumi-chan added, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Conan, as usual, observed the scene with a mix of exasperation and amusement, a resigned sigh escaping his lips.

The group followed the staff member through the impressive KiShin building, marveling at the futuristic designs and high-tech gadgets they passed by. Finally, they arrived at the state-of-the-art underground laboratory, where Shinro-san, the charismatic CEO, stood waiting for them.

"You're finally here," he greeted them with a smile.

Genta-kun, unable to contain his excitement, blurted out, "Shinro-san, is it true that you're going to let us test your... your... uh..."

"The Virtual Reality Headset?" Shinro finished for him with a grin.

"Yes, yes!" Genta-kun nodded furiously, practically bouncing on his feet. Ayumi-chan and Mitsuhiko-kun were just as excited behind him.

Shinro expression turned a bit serious as he said, "Just make sure you don't reveal the secret to anyone else, alright? Or else I'll have no choice but to... well, let's just say, I'll have to... make you forget everything you saw here..."

Gasping, Genta-kun, Ayumi-chan, and Mitsuhiko-kun went pale, their excitement replaced by terror.

However, Shinro couldn't keep a straight face any longer and burst into laughter. "I'm just kidding, I'm just kidding! Relax, kids!"

The tension in the room dissipated as the nervous trio breathed a sigh of relief. Conan, who had been watching the entire exchange, couldn't help but twitch the corner of his lips.

Shinro turned his attention to Conan and Ai, engaging them in a brief conversation. Nodding at their responses, he said, "Alright, everyone, please have a seat and make yourselves comfortable. Our staff will help you with the headsets."

Agasa-hakase carefully guided Conan and Ai to their respective chairs, helping them settle in. Meanwhile, the KiShin staff assisted Genta-kun, Mitsuhiko-kun, and Ayumi-chan. As soon as everyone was seated, the futuristic headsets were gently placed on their heads.

Shinro gave a nod to his team of scientists, who immediately sprang into action, tapping away at their keyboards and flipping a series of switches.

Suddenly, the world around Conan and the others began to flicker and fade, replaced by an endless expanse of whiteness. They could hear the faint hum of machinery around them as they waited with bated breath.

Then, as if by magic, the whiteness began to take shape, slowly morphing into the vibrant colors and textures of a lush, dense forest. Tall trees loomed overhead, casting dappled shadows on the fern-covered floor. The chirping of birds and rustling of leaves filled their ears, so realistic that it sent shivers down their spines.

Conan glanced around, marveling at the detail of the virtual world. To his surprise, they were all wearing simple medieval attire that hugged their figures, down to the last stitch and stain. And, to his relief, they remained in their child forms. Agasa had already informed them that their avatars would remain as children, as the virtual game was currently set that way.

Genta-kun's exclamation of awe echoed through the forest as he ran and jumped, testing the limits of his virtual body. "Wow, everything feels so real!"

Mitsuhiko-kun and Ayumi-chan were no exception, their faces alight with wonder as they explored the virtual world around them. They too, were running around, laughing and marveling at the realism of their surroundings.

Ai, observing the others with a smile, turned to Conan. "Amazing, isn't it?" she said, her voice filled with awe.

Conan and Ai shared a knowing look, finding the child detectives' excitement amusing but understandable. After all, they were in a game, and who wouldn't get caught up in the thrill of it all?

"Guys, calm down. Since this is a game and we're in a forest, there are probably monsters lurking around, so don't get too excited," Conan said, even though he wasn't sure if there were any monsters. He was just trying to scare the kids.

Ayumi's eyes widened, her grip on her staff tightening. "M-monsters? Oh no..."

Genta, on the other hand, puffed out his chest, trying to look tough. "Hmph. So what? I'm strong! I'll just punch them!" Despite his bravado, it was obvious he was worried too.

"Wait, guys," Mitsuhiko-kun reasoned, "If this is a game and we're players, we must have some sort of powers or abilities, right? So if we do encounter any monsters, we could just use our skills to deal with them. In fact, we should be the ones hunting them to level up our characters!"

Genta-kun and Ayumi-chan's fears dissipated as quickly as they'd appeared, replaced by newfound bravery. "You're right, Mitsuhiko-kun! We'll show those monsters who's boss!" Genta-kun exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air.

Ayumi-chan exclaimed, "You're so smart, Mitsuhiko-kun!"

Mitsuhiko-kun's face flushed red, a visible blush creeping up his cheeks as he stuttered, "W-Well, I just... I thought..."

Ai chuckled softly, leaning towards Conan. "Looks like they're back to their old selves now. Scaring them only made them more restless."

Conan-kun couldn't help but crack a smile, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards. "I guess you're right."

As they continued their conversation while exploring the forest, Genta-kun interjected, "If I had powers, do you think I could eat monsters, too?"

The others exchanged a brief, taken abback glance, but decided to just go along with it. "I guess we'll find out," Mitsuhiko-kun said, shrugging.

The group was suddenly silenced by a menacing "Grrr!" The hairs on their necks stood on end as they whirled around to find a colossal boar monster with glowing red eyes charging right at them.

"Oh no! A boar monster!" Ayumi-chan screamed, her heart pounding in her chest. Genta-kun and Mitsuhiko-kun were petrified as well.

Conan and Ai shared a serious look. Conan never thought the game would have actual monsters, let alone an impossibly large one. 'Maybe Mitsuhiko-kun was onto something,' he mused, gulping.

"Guys, we've got to find our powers, now!" Mitsuhiko-kun yelled out, his survival instincts kicking in.