A large group of ghouls charged forward. If this had been before consuming the [Human Gene Enhancement Serum], Su Xiao would have struggled to deal with so many. But things were different now. His stamina attribute had increased from 6 to 10 points, greatly improving his endurance.
"They're here, prepare for battle," shouted Houji Kousuke, a senior investigator, while other investigators drew their quinques.
"Are you sure we can handle this, Associate Special-Class White Night?" Houji Kousuke asked in a low voice, unsure.
"No problem," Su Xiao calmly replied as he stood at the front of the group, watching the approaching ghouls.
The ghouls were in a sorry state. Some were even injured, with missing limbs or blinded eyes. From their conditions, it was clear that the deeper parts of the 24th Ward were dangerous, even for normal ghouls. It seemed that the primitive ghouls and ordinary ones were not the same species and would kill each other.
There was definitely more to the story behind these primitive ghouls, and Su Xiao was curious. In the derivative worlds, uncovering secrets often led to large amounts of world source, which translated into attribute points during mission settlements.
But now wasn't the time to ponder this. He had to deal with the current wave of ghouls first. As for wiping them all out, he had no such thoughts. In this narrow tunnel, once enough ghouls were killed, the rest would retreat unless he pursued them.
"Brothers, fight through! If we reach the surface, we'll be safe! The surface is full of 'food,' and we don't have to obey the 'King's' orders anymore," a ghoul shouted.
"Kill all these investigators!" screamed another ghoul.
The ghouls charged closer, now just meters away.
The flash of Su Xiao's blade was blinding, and several ghouls fell to the ground in an instant, blood splattering across the tunnel walls.
Behind him, the investigators opened fire with their quinques. Houji Kousuke's firepower was the fiercest, wielding a large cannon-shaped quinque called "Void Hole," made from a Ukaku-type ghoul's kagune. It shot orange-yellow crystals that exploded on impact.
The battle was brutal. The ghouls wanted to break out of the 24th Ward, while the investigators were tasked with stopping them.
...
In the 1st Ward, at CCG headquarters, a middle-aged man with a stern expression walked into a traditional Japanese-style room.
The man was wearing a white suit, his black hair long enough to cover his ears. His mannerisms indicated he held a position of authority. This man was Yoshitoki Washuu, the Bureau Director of CCG, someone with great power in the organization.
After entering the room, Yoshitoki knelt before an elderly man sitting at the back of the room. The old man looked frail, dressed in a black traditional kimono with white hair and a thin face. Despite his aged appearance, the old man's presence exuded cold authority.
This old man was Tsuneyoshi Washuu, the Chairman of CCG, holding even more power than Yoshitoki. While Yoshitoki handled most of CCG's affairs, important decisions still needed Tsuneyoshi's approval.
"Father, the barrier deep in the 24th Ward has been breached. Those primitive species have emerged. I've already sent Arima to handle the situation," Yoshitoki reported, closing the paper sliding door behind him.
Tsuneyoshi slowly opened his eyes, his gaze cold and sharp despite their dull color. "What does the rest of 'V' have to say about this?" he asked.
Yoshitoki kept his head bowed, responding, "They want to find a way to clear out the primitive species. After all, they're just failed experiments."
"Nonsense!" Tsuneyoshi's voice grew stern, his white hair almost standing on end. His dull eyes glinted with a dangerous light.
"Have they lost their minds, or have Rc cells rotted their brains? Those primitive species, though mindless, protect the 'source' in their own way. Without the source, we will be extinct soon enough. Find a way to drive them back to the deepest parts of the underground. Kill them if you must, but not in large numbers," Tsuneyoshi ordered coldly.
He shot a glance at Yoshitoki that conveyed disdain and cold indifference, as if Yoshitoki wasn't his son but merely a subordinate.
"And what about the casualties among the investigators?" Yoshitoki hesitantly asked, trying to gauge the old man's thoughts.
"As long as they're not all wiped out, it's fine. Humanity has a large enough population. A new batch of investigators can be trained and brainwashed," Tsuneyoshi replied coldly, making it clear that he didn't care about the deaths of the investigators.
"I understand, Father. Take care of yourself; I'll be going now," Yoshitoki said, his eyes downcast, deep in thought.
"Wait," Tsuneyoshi suddenly said. "Has Kuzen Yoshimura made an appearance recently?"
At the mention of Kuzen, Tsuneyoshi's indifferent tone carried a hint of disturbance.
"Yes, Father. The 'Cleaner' has shown up, but his intentions are unclear. He seems to be aiding Aogiri Tree, but some of his actions don't align with that."
Tsuneyoshi sneered, "He's grown old. To think that someone like him was defeated by a newly promoted Associate Special Class investigator. Kuzen Yoshimura was once our Cleaner, and he knows too many secrets. Now that he's reappeared, eliminate him."
Hearing this, Yoshitoki's face changed drastically. He quickly said, "Father, but the Cleaner used to work for 'V.' We can't just—"
"Silence! Get out and carry out my orders," Tsuneyoshi snapped, his face stern and cold.
Yoshitoki's face went through a series of changes before he bowed and left the room.
Now alone, Tsuneyoshi picked up a stack of documents, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. "A Associate Special Class investigator, an orphan of former investigators... A good chess piece. Use him to deal with Kuzen Yoshimura. Even if he fails, it's no big loss. After all, he's only human."
The photo on the document was of Su Xiao.
...
Back in the 24th Ward underground tunnel, Su Xiao sat on a pile of corpses, enjoying a cup of instant noodles, completely unfazed by the surrounding blood and gore.
Just as he predicted, after over a third of the two hundred ghouls were killed, the remaining ones fled. The battle had ended with numerous ghoul bodies scattered around.
The other investigators were also eating instant noodles, but except for Houji Kousuke, they all looked pale and uncomfortable. Takizawa Seidou, in particular, was on the verge of vomiting, having spilled most of his noodles already.
With the possibility of more battles, everyone needed to eat quickly to regain energy. Supplies hadn't arrived yet, so they had to make do with instant noodles.
Just then, Su Xiao's phone rang. It was a phone provided by CCG, something all investigators were required to carry. The caller ID displayed a name: Yoshitoki Washuu, the Director of CCG.
"This is Associate Special Class White Night, speaking. Hello, Director," Su Xiao answered. He might be a CCG investigator for now, but formalities still had to be observed.
"Associate Special Class White Night, what's the situation at the 24th Ward entrance?" Yoshitoki's voice came through the phone. This was Su Xiao's first time interacting with CCG's higher-ups.
"The entrance hasn't been breached yet, but it's close. We need reinforcements, urgently," Su Xiao replied bluntly.
Although killing ghouls earned him CCG contribution points, Su Xiao had no intention of risking his life for CCG. Once the number of attacking ghouls exceeded three hundred, he would complete his main mission (2) and leave.
"The reinforcements are on their way, over two hundred investigators, with more to follow. Special Class White Night, leave the entrance defense to others. I have another task for you," Yoshitoki said.
Hearing this, Su Xiao smiled slightly. He could smell a good opportunity coming his way.
(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.