A Study in Gray · Chapter 16

A Study in Gray

Professor M

Yes, I trusted them to be there.

No, actually… maybe I was hoping for it.

*Scritch* *Scratch*

The sound of a pen tip sliding over paper fills the lab.

The rain has ceased, and the case is solved.

The others have presumably returned to the office, and are fast asleep.

As for me, I fill in my research log. As I've always done.

Research Log: Round 17

Observation Period: Date of Agency's Opening - End of First Case

Research Subjects: Subject G, Subject L

Memory Match: 97%, Emotional Match: 88%

Experiment #1: Hound

Overall Review:

Subjects showed improved tendencies compared to subjects of previous rounds.

Despite that, failed to reach special grade.

Round 16 concluded with subjects unable to grasp the truth behind the first case.

In comparison, subjects in Round 17 succeeded in reaching the second turning point.

However, pathing to reach the answer is too illogical.

Subject G cites gut feelings. Lacks reproducibility.

Primary Evaluation

Intellect: C+

Physical Prowess: B

Improvisation: A-

Greatly falls short in all parameters when compared to Control Group H.

Results are similar to those of Round 16.

Finally, there is the matter of specialness.

Professor M

...

Hmm. This... should be postponed for the present.

Future Prospects

Subjects failed to suspect the Observer (myself) even once during the case.

Current progress indicates the final research results will match those of the 16th iteration.

However, a proper researcher is not blinded by prejudice.

Therefore, a conclusion should be saved until the final observation has taken place.

Therefore... I deem this research worth continuing.

Deep into the night at 221B Baker Street, where the rain has ceased...

I put down my pen.

As I lean back on my chair, its aging backrests creaks.

I'm tired.

Not physically, mind you. To be more precise...

I'm sick of this grayness.

My eyes fix onto a point on my desk.

NOA Public Security, Inspector

Gwen Lestrade

Army Surgeon for Western Disaster Zone

Dr. Lily Watson

Professor M

...I'm starting to grow weary of this.

But considering that I've had to hear the same joke seventeen times in a row, could anyone blame me?

Before my patience things to nothingness...

I hope this research can bear fruit and lead me to a color.

Otherwise...

I truly will be trapped in a world that's completely gray.

Just like you warned me...

Sherlock Holmes.

You truly are a dull friend, even to the very end.

Lying there is a police offer's license. The girl shown on the license is younger than the girl I know today, and her smile is much more confident than any I've seen her make.

Dried blood stains run across the license.

Next to that is a medical license, one belonging to a Lily Watson.

But unlike the rabbit doll she clings to today, the girl in the license holds a stethoscope.

Likewise, dried blood stains run across the license.