After getting his wound bandaged, Su Xiao was already covered in cold sweat. The nurse, who was as delicate as a flower, timidly glanced at Su Xiao and even handed him some anti-inflammatory medicine. Everything, from the treatment to the medicine, was free—not because the nurse had feelings for Su Xiao, but because it was a privilege granted to the CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul). High-ranking investigators had significant authority, even the power to mobilize police to evacuate civilians.
"Mr. White Night, let's go. We'll head to the local branch to discuss your joining the CCG."
"No problem," Su Xiao agreed.
Accompanied by Mado Kureo, they got into a car and headed toward the CCG's 20th Ward branch. Half an hour later, Su Xiao found himself in front of an imposing building. Though it was just one of many branches, it occupied a significant area in the Nerima District.
In the world of ghouls, the CCG was the primary force fighting against them, and their status reflected this. To the general public, the CCG was akin to a protector. Without the CCG's constant efforts to eliminate ghouls, humanity would likely face extinction within a century. Ghouls were powerful creatures without natural predators, and humans were their sole food source. With the ghoul population rapidly growing, human extinction seemed inevitable if unchecked.
If the ghoul population ever reached half the size of the human population, humanity would be wiped out in less than a month. However, in the current state of the 20th Ward, the situation was reversed—humans thrived in the light of day while ghouls hid in the shadows, afraid to reveal themselves. This was largely due to the CCG's relentless efforts.
However, the CCG also had significant internal flaws, though Su Xiao didn't care about those. He was only interested in joining the CCG to facilitate his own plans.
It was the early hours of the morning, yet the CCG branch was brightly lit. Upon entering, Su Xiao immediately noticed a large security gate. To enter the branch, one had to pass through this gate, which wasn't just for security—it was an Rc cell detection gate. Ghouls had Rc cell levels ten to a hundred times higher than normal humans, making it impossible for them to pass through undetected. Of course, some exceptionally strong ghouls could control their Rc cells and bypass the gate through special means.
Su Xiao passed through the Rc cell detection gate without any issues.
"Beep—" A green light flashed, and Amon Koutarou, who had been nervous, visibly relaxed.
Su Xiao was then led to a meeting room. "Please wait here, Mr. White Night," Amon said before leaving. When Amon returned, he brought a laptop with him. The computer was connected to a video call, and the screen showed a man with a sleepy face.
Amon placed the computer in front of Su Xiao. The person on the screen spoke first. "So, this is the guy who drove off the One-Eyed Owl all by himself?"
Recognizing the man in the video, Su Xiao realized it was Marude Itsuki, one of the seven Special Class Investigators in the CCG. It surprised Su Xiao that Amon had contacted someone from the CCG's top brass. Normally, joining the CCG didn't involve such high-level attention, but Su Xiao's feat of single-handedly repelling Takatsuki Izumi (the One-Eyed Owl) was too significant to ignore.
"That's me," Su Xiao replied.
There was a moment of silence between them.
"We'll need to assess your situation before you can officially join."
Su Xiao furrowed his brow, and sensing his reaction, Marude continued, "We haven't confirmed your identity yet. The headquarters is working overnight to gather information about you. If everything checks out, and you pass a combat evaluation, I'll personally make an exception to let you join the CCG."
Su Xiao sighed internally. He had been transported to this world by the Reincarnation Paradise system, so he probably didn't have a legal identity. The difficulty of his main mission was beginning to show, as creating an identity now seemed too time-consuming.
He mentally reached out to the Reincarnation Paradise. "Can you forge an identity for me?" To his surprise, the system immediately offered several options.
[Martial Arts Instructor in a Local Area: 50 Reincarnation Paradise Coins.]
[Ghoul: 100 Reincarnation Paradise Coins.]
[Relative of a Deceased Ghoul Investigator: 100 Reincarnation Paradise Coins.]
There were many other options listed below these, each with varying costs. These options were likely shortcuts that made joining different factions in the world possible. Su Xiao realized that while joining a human faction like the CCG was hard, joining the ghouls would be even tougher for most contract holders.
However, thanks to the Reincarnation Paradise's disguise function, Su Xiao's task became simpler. Joining a faction was only the first part of his main mission, and there was no reward for it. Thus, it wasn't expected to be too difficult.
Su Xiao promptly chose the option for "Relative of a Deceased Ghoul Investigator," which would allow him to join the CCG smoothly. The system confirmed the choice, deducting 100 Reincarnation Paradise Coins.
Now equipped with a valid identity, along with his considerable combat prowess, joining the CCG should be straightforward.
"Alright then, I'll await your decision. But please, make it quick," Su Xiao said.
Marude nodded, forcing a smile despite his tired appearance. He seemed like a laid-back type, not overly rigid. The video call ended, and Amon relaxed. After all, they were in the safety of the CCG branch.
Su Xiao reflected on how important strength was. He compared his current treatment to the time he joined the Pirate World's guard squad. The difference in how he was treated was vast.
"Mr. White Night, would you like to have a meal together? If everything goes well, we might become colleagues soon," Amon invited.
Su Xiao agreed. The previous battle with the Aogiri Tree had drained a lot of his energy, and he was feeling hungry.
Meanwhile, in the outskirts of the 20th Ward, a dark figure moved swiftly across a patch of dry grass. After confirming that there was no one else around, the figure stopped. A red glow flickered, and the figure's bandages fluttered in the wind as they shed their kakuja form. Takatsuki Izumi, clearly weakened, collapsed onto the ground.
"Who was that guy...? His combat experience was overwhelming," she murmured.
Takatsuki Izumi, with her smooth, light green hair draped over her shoulders, possessed a strange beauty due to her red eye. She pondered her next move.
"Should I inform him? This human that suddenly appeared might disrupt our plan. After all, it's been in the works for 13 years. We can't let it fail now."
Five minutes later, Takatsuki Izumi transformed into the small, bandaged girl, Eto.
Back in his quiet room, Su Xiao sat cross-legged on his bed, meditating. This had become a habit for him, as meditation brought him a sense of peace.
Today's battles had been rewarding. Not only had he obtained a green treasure chest from Jason (Yakumo Oomori), but he also gained deeper insights into the powers of the Shadow of Extinction.
The Shadow of Extinction was supposed to specialize in countering mages, but Su Xiao realized it was much more versatile than that. For instance, his Azure Steel Shadow could burn Rc cells, showing that this profession held significant potential.
The true damage inflicted by the Azure Steel Shadow was also formidable. Without its effects on Takatsuki Izumi, he wouldn't have been able to gain the upper hand so easily. At only level 1, its power was already impressive. Su Xiao wondered how devastating it could be if he leveled up this ability.
Curious about the other abilities of the Shadow of Extinction, Su Xiao ended his meditation and took out the green treasure chest that Jason had dropped, eager to see what was inside.
(End of Chapter)
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Translator's Note :- I am Not that familiar with a lot of the fictional worlds mentioned in the story. So if I make a mistake naming something please correct me by writing a paragraph comment on the mistake. Thank you.