When the Bell Tolls, Someone Dies

In the summer of 2023, a series of murders targeting high school girls spanning three prefectures took place in Japan, drawing widespread public attention. At last, the fourth murder occurred. A large-scale investigation headquarters was set up in Hozuki Town, H Prefecture, the scene of the crime. Detectives from the major crimes unit in K City's jurisdiction joined investigators dispatched from the First Investigation Division of the National Police Agency's Criminal Affairs Department. Yuge Fumiko, who had just been promoted to chief police inspector at K Police Station, was especially full of confidence. She planned to distinguish herself in the investigation and earn a further promotion.

As the investigation progressed, it emerged that the residents of a shared house called the "Black Apartment," perched on the heights of Hozuki Town, were connected to the case. Could one of the Black Apartment's residents be the serial killer?

Meanwhile, several people in Hozuki Town developed symptoms that caused their eyes to bleed. Those afflicted became violent, leading to further incidents. Was this symptom caused by an infectious disease, or was there another explanation?

Before long, the detectives encountered an astonishing truth that would shock Japan...

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.