Soushiro Hoshina nodded to himself. He wasn't a reckless man. If Drake Myers turned out not to be a monster, apologizing wouldn't be an issue. Everything he did was for the sake of the Sakura Nation.
As a member of the Defense Force, national security and the greater good always came first.
Still, this kid—he was sharp, a real firebrand. Someone like him joining the Defense Force could either be a blessing or a disaster. Hoshina couldn't decide which yet, though he couldn't deny his curiosity.
The Defense Force thrived on collective strength and discipline. Maverick individuals didn't always fit in.
Cleanup and Reflection
With the unicorn now dead, the Third Defense Force cordoned off the area. A cleanup crew would arrive the following day to handle the monster's remains.
The risk of residual beasts emerging was low but not impossible. However, thanks to the ample patrols and security measures in Yokohama, any incidents would be swiftly addressed.
As Hoshina drove, he mulled over Drake's cryptic words.
"Could the future really bring more creatures like him? If so, that's going to be a problem," he thought grimly.
The world, despite its challenges, often balanced itself. As monsters grew stronger, humans innovated and evolved to counter them. But could the monsters themselves also be evolving?
The law of the jungle dictated that any species had to adapt to survive, and monsters were no exception.
For Hoshina, the idea of an evolving enemy was unsettling. He silently vowed: "One day, we'll drive these monsters out completely. Peace will return to the Sakura Nation."
Hospital Check-In
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Kikoru Shinomiya demonstrated her meticulous nature. While she might seem aloof, her actions were always thorough and considerate.
Thanks to her arrangements, Drake was placed in a private VIP ward. This wasn't solely her doing, though—the Defense Force had made the call to ensure the safety of other patients until Drake's identity could be confirmed.
After a series of examinations, the doctors began treating Drake's extensive injuries—fractures, puncture wounds, and blood loss. Without the recovery serum, he wouldn't have made it.
As Drake slept, Kikoru sat nearby, watching him.
"Who is this boy, really?" she wondered. Curiosity is a dangerous emotion, especially between two people of the opposite sex.
Despite her proud and stubborn demeanor, Kikoru had already decided to trust Drake, a sentiment that put her at ease enough to stay by his side.
Preliminary Results
When Soushiro Hoshina arrived at the hospital, he found Drake fast asleep, appearing utterly unconcerned.
The doctors' preliminary examinations painted a surprising picture: O blood type, 175 cm tall, and riddled with injuries, albeit healing quickly thanks to the serum.
At least for now, Drake seemed human.
However, further tests were necessary, and the doctors recommended he remain under observation for at least two weeks.
The head doctor, Mizuki Kamishiro, a stern woman with black hair and thick glasses, delivered the findings before leaving.
Drake, indifferent to her presence, only wanted to rest. The day's events had been overwhelming, and he needed time to process everything.
A Heated Exchange
Seeing the initial results, Kikoru pulled Hoshina aside outside the ward.
"See? My judgment was right! He's human!" Kikoru declared with a haughty tilt of her head.
Hoshina, slightly taller than her, remained cautious. "This is only a preliminary assessment. Our specialists will arrive tomorrow. Kikoru, I suggest you maintain your distance from him."
Her gaze turned icy. "Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?"
Without waiting for a reply, she dropped the files she was holding and returned to the ward.
Hoshina sighed, picking up the documents. "What a troublesome pair."
Kafka's Interrogation
Meanwhile, Kafka Hibino and Reno Ichikawa were taken back to the cleaning company late that night. The Third Defense Force had surrounded the premises, determined to investigate everything related to Drake Myers.
Drake's home had been destroyed during the earlier battle, leaving no useful evidence behind.
Because Kafka had been close to Drake, he was subjected to a rigorous interrogation. Fortunately, he managed to avoid saying anything incriminating.
Reno, who had only joined the cleaning crew that day, was also questioned. Commander Ikaruga pressed him for his thoughts on Drake.
By dawn, the questioning ended. The cleanup crew still had work to do at the scene of the previous day's chaos.
Only then did Kafka and Reno learn the shocking news: Drake Myers had been attacked by a monster.
--------------
T/N:
Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my
P@treon: p@treon.com/GodFic