Chereads / Kaiju No.8: Devour and Evolve / Chapter 29 - The Beginning of the Story

Chapter 29 - The Beginning of the Story

Yabai Mina was in a foul mood lately, so it was only fitting that a kaiju would show up right in her path.

Leading her team, the elite members of the Third Defense Force mobilized en masse, boarding armed helicopters en route to the site.

"Report: The target has reached the designated area, and residents are gradually moving into shelters," came the first update as Mina sat in the helicopter.

The Third Defense Force, deeply rooted in Yokohama, had perfected their strategy over the years, ensuring minimal casualties during kaiju battles.

Within ten minutes, Mina and her team hovered above the massive kaiju. Despite its intimidating size, the creature displayed no special abilities.

Spotting her landing zone, Mina, clad in her high-tech combat suit, jumped directly from the helicopter. Her team members followed suit, showcasing their abilities as they descended gracefully. Equipped with combat suits crafted from kaiju materials, their mobility and combat effectiveness were dramatically enhanced.

The citizens watching the live broadcast or online footage applauded enthusiastically.

"The Third Defense Force really makes Yokohama feel secure!"

"When are they going to update that alarm sound? It's been the same for decades," one youth quipped.

"These damn kaiju... will we ever see a day without them?" another lamented.

On the battlefield, Mina turned the encounter into a solo showcase. With her sniper cannon enhanced by a 96% release rate, she landed a critical strike with precision. The kaiju, still lumbering aimlessly, had no chance to retaliate. Its massive frame collapsed, its once-bright yellow eyes dimming into lifeless gray.

Hosaka Zongshirou, who had just landed, was left with nothing to do. The 3.5-level kaiju had already been annihilated.

Although this kaiju seemed massive, its actual threat level was low—certainly not a parasitic beast or any other new mutation. Nonetheless, the recent flurry of unusual events kept Hosaka vigilant. He ordered the team to thoroughly inspect the area for half an hour before allowing anyone to stand down.

As the cleanup wrapped up, reporters swarmed the scene.

"Here comes the Third Defense Force of Yokohama, led by Captain Yabai Mina, who once again dispatched a kaiju with unparalleled elegance. Captain Yabai, will that young man from the other day be joining the Defense Force?" one journalist asked with a smile.

Mina frowned. Word about Drake Myers—formerly Zhou Zheng—had clearly leaked. His viral footage of defeating a parasitic beast with a mere sword had caused a sensation online.

"Apologies, but details about the Defense Force's recruitment are classified," Hosaka interjected, deflecting with a polite smile.

"Deputy Captain Hosaka," the reporter pressed, "do you think the recent kaiju activity in Yokohama indicates possible evolution? And how should civilians protect themselves?"

The rise of parasitic beasts had left the public on edge, sparking trends like pulling friends' hair for tests. With no warning system for these creatures, anxiety was widespread.

Hosaka's smile faded into seriousness. "Rest assured, the Third Defense Force has established a 24-hour patrol unit in cooperation with local law enforcement. We'll address this threat. And soon, there will be methods to identify parasitic beasts, ensuring they have nowhere to hide among us!"

Meanwhile, workers from the kaiju cleanup company, dressed in protective suits, masks, and gear, began dismantling the kaiju remains.

Kafka Hibino, a member of the cleanup team, watched Mina leave with a heavy heart. "When will I finally be worthy of fighting alongside her?" he murmured.

This year was his last chance to qualify for the Defense Force, and he was determined to succeed.

Nearby, Ichikawa Reno couldn't help but think of Drake Myers. "He'll definitely join the Defense Force, right?" Reno muttered, brimming with admiration.

 

At Yokohama General Hospital, Drake was deep into his relentless training. His limited funds had forced him to rely on Kikoru for help, who had recently gifted him a smartphone.

"So, Miss Heiress, how should I repay your generosity?" he teased with a grin.

"Hmph! Who said I need repayment?" Kikoru retorted, feigning indifference. "I just didn't want to lose contact with you, that's all! How about this—become my bodyguard. I'll pay you a million yen a month!"

"Oh? Are you trying to steal me from the Defense Force?" Drake chuckled.

Caught off guard, Kikoru blushed. She had no intention of taking him away from the Defense Force. In fact, she intended to join it herself. Her "bodyguard" offer was merely an excuse to keep him close and safe.

"You're insufferable!" she huffed, feigning anger to mask her embarrassment.

 

Back at the kaiju cleanup site, Kafka and Reno worked tirelessly.

"This job is great for studying kaiju anatomy," Reno remarked, his enthusiasm unwavering.

After days of working together, the two had grown closer.

"Don't you get tired? Drake Myers used to be so different..." Kafka said, recounting stories of his friend's past.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the team began wrapping up their tasks.

"Kafka, we're heading out. Don't stay too late!" one of his colleagues called.

"Finally done!" Kafka stretched, his fatigue evident.

Reno approached with a confident smile. "Thanks for everything, senpai. But I know you're not content with this. Let's promise to join the Defense Force together!"

Kafka chuckled warmly, but their camaraderie was abruptly interrupted by a sudden roar.

From the ground behind Reno, a kaiju emerged, its gaping maw lunging toward him.

"Reno, look out!" Kafka yelled, his expression shifting to one of utter seriousness.

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