A branching path in the vents.

(chapter originally by Misayaka on writing.com)

As the naked detective crawled through the vents despite the chill, she soon found herself at an impasse.

One vent lead to the right, another to the left... and all she saw was a solid grate at each end. She couldn't turn around once she chose,either. Naoto would have to commit herself to the outcome, to whatever end.

The girl made a quick mental calculation, based on no real criteria of note, before she settled on her choice.

Naoto went to the...