Following the demise of Rize Kamishiro, the stability zone underwent a transformation, becoming more vibrant. Rize had claimed a significant portion of the stability zone as her hunting grounds, except for the area near the Anteiku shop. Despite her notorious moniker "Glutton," she showed remarkable friendliness towards weaker ghouls, permitting them to hunt within her territory while driving away those slightly stronger. However, with Rize's sudden disappearance, the established rules in the stability zone collapsed, plunging it into chaos.
The Anteiku shop primarily relied on corpses from accidents or suicides as their source of sustenance, but it proved inadequate to support all the ghouls in the 20th ward. Consequently, the ward faced resource shortages. Compared to other wards, the ghouls in the 20th ward were relatively minor troublemakers, with only a few exceptions, primarily within the Anteiku shop. Lin Yi occasionally embarked on missions, but they were mundane and yielded insignificant rewards. He typically eliminated B-class ghouls, which grew monotonous over time.
In contrast, Kureo Mado and Koutarou Amon remained actively engaged in various tasks, constantly on the move throughout the ward. Lin Yi, on the other hand, enjoyed a leisurely life in comparison. Unbeknownst to him, peaceful days passed, amounting to nearly two weeks.
"Investigator Lin Yi, please come in," a voice beckoned as Lin Yi arrived at the branch for his usual check-in. While it was customary for Lin Yi to relax and carry out his duties at the branch, this time he was unexpectedly summoned.
He was informed that Headquarters had requested his presence at a meeting. Since the 20th ward was considerably distant from the CCG Headquarters located in the 1st ward, a round trip would take him at least half a day.
"It seems to be related to the Aogiri Tree," Lin Yi pondered, recognizing a potential reason behind the summons. Nevertheless, he promptly made his way back to Headquarters without delay.
Upon entering the expansive conference hall, Lin Yi discovered it already teeming with people. Among the attendees were several unfamiliar faces, as well as some familiar ones like Yukinori Shinohara and Kureo Mado. Spotting Lin Yi, Yukinori greeted him, and Lin Yi casually took a seat beside him.
Itsuki Marude, one of the CCG's seven special investigators and the commander of the 1st ward, stood at the podium, delivering a speech. Marude was renowned for his leadership abilities and had orchestrated numerous large-scale battles in the past.
"Everyone, direct your attention to the large screen. It displays the current situation in the 11th ward," Marude addressed the audience, drawing their focus to the map of the ward illuminated on the screen. The map was speckled with numerous red dots, representing recent ghoul attacks on humans. "The severity of the situation has surpassed the capabilities of the 11th ward branch. I suspect that these sudden appearances of ghouls are not random but rather organized and premeditated. If left unaddressed, the situation may escalate into a full-fledged war."
Lin Yi fixed his gaze on the large screen, which showcased an overwhelming number of densely packed red dots. Each dot symbolized an attack, painting a grim picture of the 11th ward's plight.
"Hey, Amon, take a look at that. So many damn pests," Kureo Mado interjected, maintaining his unique demeanor even during such a serious meeting. Instead of provoking anger, his comment elicited laughter from those around him. Mado's vast experience and qualifications earned him respect among his peers.
Smiling, Marude responded to Mado's remark, "Mado, you never change. How about I transfer you to the 11th ward? They could benefit from your strength, and I believe your involvement would make a difference."
Kureo Mado waved his hand dismissively, surprising Marude. In the past, Mado would have eagerly embraced such an assignment.
Koutarou Amon, seated beside Mado, stood up and introduced himself, "I'm Koutarou Amon, a first-class investigator. Senior Mado and I have been actively operating in the 20th ward lately. We've noticed a series of predatory incidents there that bear striking similarities to the work of 'Glutton.' Since 'Glutton' was known to operate in the 11th ward, we suspect a potential connection between the two."
Marude acknowledged Amon's deduction, stating, "That's a logical conclusion. Who are the top investigators currently stationed in the 20th ward?"
Feeling a mix of surprise and resignation, Lin Yi stood up and responded, "I'm Lin Yi, a top investigator. I've been overseeing the 20th ward for the past three months."
Despite being a newcomer, Lin Yi had already gained a reputation within the headquarters, with tales and high expectations circulating about him. His recent promotion to the top rank had caused quite a stir, drawing comparisons to the legendary Arima.
Marude perceived this as an opportunity and made a decision, "If that's the case, it works out perfectly. Mado, you will partner with Investigator Lin Yi. That's settled then. The affairs of the 20th ward will be entrusted to the three of you. As for the 11th ward, I'll assign someone else to provide support."
With Marude's announcement, Lin Yi felt a sense of relief, knowing that he wouldn't be dispatched to the troubled 11th ward just yet. He doubted his ability to confront the entire Aogiri Tree head-on at this point.
"Is there anything else to report? If not, let's conclude the meeting," Marude inquired, receiving no response from the attendees. He then declared the meeting adjourned.
"All these troublesome matters keep piling up," Lin Yi sighed, rubbing his forehead with a tinge of frustration. "Old man, I never realized until now that you're like a persistent fly."
Kureo Mado chuckled, his smile unwavering. "Lin Yi, I once taught you that the calmer the surface of the water, the greater the chances of finding big fish beneath."
Lin Yi couldn't help but smile at Mado's words. They shared a history and understood each other well. Together, Mado and Koutarou Amon exited the conference hall.
As Lin Yi packed his belongings, he was stopped by Investigator Yukinori, who expressed his astonishment at how Lin Yi had grown into the role of an investigator. Yukinori sighed, mentioning that it wouldn't be long before they fought side by side.
"Why the sudden sentimentality?" Lin Yi asked, amusement glimmering in his eyes.
Yukinori smiled warmly and handed Lin Yi an envelope. "Just feeling a bit nostalgic. There's something I want to let go of. Take a look inside." The envelope bore the label "CCG Elite Academy."
Curiosity piqued, Lin Yi examined the envelope and inquired, "What's this?"
Yukinori explained, "It's a university established by the CCG to cultivate diverse talents. Graduates from there can directly join the CCG, whether in the humanities, scientific research, or as investigators. They initially invited me to deliver a speech, but due to the deteriorating situation in the 11th ward, I can't leave."
Realizing that he had become a substitute, Lin Yi began to protest, but his thoughts suddenly wandered. He wondered if, at this point in time, he would have the opportunity to see certain individuals.
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