The name "Hope Blue Diamond" was enough to make the entire world hold its breath.
And for someone like Kaito Kid, a gem with that kind of reputation was impossible to ignore.
When Dean first saw the news report announcing that the Hope Blue Diamond exhibition would be held again, he didn't hesitate for even a second. In his mind, the decision was already made.
This diamond would be his next target.
If he could successfully steal one of the most famous gems in human history, the reaction from the world would be explosive. The astonishment points alone would be more than worth the risk.
"I still have half a month," Dean muttered to himself as he leaned back in his chair. "Plenty of time to prepare."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing as he reread the article.
The more he looked at it, the more strange it felt.
The Hope Blue Diamond exhibition had originally been canceled. That was public knowledge. Yet now, without much explanation, it was suddenly being held again.
And not just anywhere.
It was being displayed at the Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Hall.
Dean frowned.
The Orpheus Hall wasn't exactly famous. In fact, it was known for being… forgettable. Its exhibitions rarely attracted attention, and its business had always hovered somewhere between mediocre and barely surviving.
So why this place?
What kind of confidence did they have to host an exhibition involving the Hope Blue Diamond?
And an even bigger question—
Why would the Smithsonian Museum agree to display the Hope Blue Diamond in Gotham City?
Dean tapped his fingers against the table.
"Something feels off," he murmured.
Gotham was many things—dangerous, chaotic, unpredictable—but it was definitely not the safest place for a priceless treasure with a cursed reputation.
Still, despite the unease creeping into his thoughts, Dean had no intention of backing down.
He had wanted to see this diamond up close for a very long time.
In his previous life, the Hope Blue Diamond had also existed. It was just as famous, just as mysterious, and just as heavily surrounded by legends of misfortune. It had been displayed in the Smithsonian Museum, admired by millions.
And it carried a terrifying reputation.
For centuries, the diamond had passed through the hands of kings, nobles, merchants, and tycoons. Every owner, without exception, had met an unnatural end—financial ruin, madness, violent death, or sudden tragedy.
It was as if the gem itself carried death.
A curse.
At least, that was what people believed.
Dean knew better.
In his previous world, there was no curse at all. The legends were nothing more than exaggerated coincidences and clever storytelling designed to increase the diamond's fame.
But this world was different.
This was the DC Universe.
Magic existed here.
True magic.
Dean's expression darkened as he recalled his previous heist—the dragon egg ruby necklace. That treasure hadn't just been valuable; it had been infused with genuine magical power.
Which meant the rumors surrounding the Hope Blue Diamond couldn't be dismissed so easily.
What if the curse was real in this world?
What if the diamond truly brought death and misfortune to those who touched it?
Dean exhaled slowly.
"Better safe than sorry."
That had always been his philosophy.
If not for the system supporting him, he wouldn't even consider touching something with such a dangerous reputation. One wrong move, and he might die without ever understanding why.
A curse was invisible. Silent. Impossible to defend against if you didn't understand it.
That was the truly frightening part.
Still, fear alone wasn't enough to stop him.
After thinking it over carefully, Dean stood up.
"First things first," he said quietly. "I'll check the venue."
The Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Hall wasn't far. It would take about half an hour on foot.
Before leaving, Dean carefully disguised himself. His appearance, posture, voice—everything was adjusted. By the time he stepped out of his apartment, there was nothing left of the flamboyant Phantom Thief.
Now, he was just another ordinary man blending into Gotham's streets.
---
GCPD Headquarters
At nearly the same time, Director Danilo Auffe arrived at the entrance of the Gotham City Police Department.
His face was pale, his steps hurried, and worry was written all over his expression.
"I need to see Commissioner Jim Gordon," he said firmly as he approached the reception desk.
After stating his identity and briefly explaining the situation, the receptionist's demeanor instantly changed. This was no small matter.
She immediately contacted the Commissioner's office.
Director Auffe was escorted to a meeting room to wait.
Not long after, the door opened.
Commissioner Jim Gordon entered, followed closely by his partner.
"You're Danilo Auffe," Harvey Bullock said bluntly, crossing his arms. "The director of the Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Hall, right?"
"Yes," Auffe nodded.
"I hear the Smithsonian Museum loaned the Hope Blue Diamond to your exhibition," Bullock continued, his tone sharp.
Auffe nodded again, then turned toward Gordon. "Commissioner Gordon, it's an honor. And this gentleman is…?"
"He's Detective Harvey Bullock," Gordon replied. "My most trusted partner. You can speak freely."
With that reassurance, Director Auffe took a deep breath and began recounting what had happened earlier that day.
---
The Impostor
Just over an hour ago, a man claiming to be a Smithsonian Museum staff member had arrived at the Orpheus Hall.
He carried proper documentation.
He spoke confidently.
He claimed he was there to inspect the security arrangements for the Hope Blue Diamond.
Trusting the Smithsonian's authority—and desperate to maintain good relations—Director Auffe personally guided the man through the exhibition hall, explaining every security measure in detail.
Only later did he discover the horrifying truth.
The Smithsonian had sent no one.
The man was an impostor.
When Auffe finished speaking, silence filled the room.
Gordon frowned deeply.
"So you're telling me," he said slowly, "that someone impersonated a Smithsonian official and gained full access to your security layout?"
"Yes," Auffe admitted, his voice heavy with regret.
Bullock snorted.
"That's reckless," he said bluntly. "Letting someone walk through confidential areas without proper verification? No wonder your exhibition hall never takes off."
"Harvey," Gordon snapped, shooting him a sharp look. "That's enough."
Auffe lowered his head. "He's right. I was careless. I wanted the Smithsonian's approval too badly."
Gordon sighed.
"Given your description," he said calmly, "the impostor was highly skilled. Voice, appearance, behavior—professionally done. Anyone could've been fooled."
Then his gaze sharpened.
"Director Auffe, you suspect this person was Kaito Kid, correct?"
"Yes," Auffe said immediately. "He's known for disguises and gem thefts."
"But you never received a preview letter," Gordon added.
"That's correct. No notice. Nothing missing either."
Gordon and Bullock exchanged looks.
Something didn't add up.
Kaito Kid always sent a preview letter. Especially when disguises were involved. That was his signature.
If this was truly him, why break his own rules?
Unless—
He abandoned the plan.
Or worse—
The impostor wasn't Kaito Kid at all.
The thought made both men uneasy.
---
The Fourth Preview Letter
Suddenly, the meeting room door burst open.
"Commissioner!" a young officer shouted, holding a freshly printed fax. "We just received this!"
Gordon stood instantly, grabbing the paper.
His eyes scanned the message.
There was no mistaking it.
Kaito Kid's preview letter.
Bullock leaned over his shoulder.
The message read:
---
**"On the first day the Emperor holds the scepter,
The wheel of fate turns twice more,
The Silver-Winged Magician answers the High Priestess's call,
Descending from the highest point,
To admire that exquisite blue hope.
— Respectfully, Kaito Kid."**
---
The room fell silent.
The fourth preview letter had arrived.
And this time—
The game had truly begun.
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