I am a female swordsman.

Huang Quan let out a helpless sigh. During the attack by Jason and Daiku, she had even used her sword sheath to survive. She didn't know how the final battle would end, but at least she had managed to survive. Now, the most important thing was figuring out how to deal with Irumi Aya.

In fact, what Irimi Kaname was thinking about was similar to what Huang Quan was thinking about.

Seeing the sword demon wielding a sharp sword, exuding a deadly aura despite his weakness, Rujian Xuan couldn't help but feel a little wary despite her gentle concern.

Even a weakened ferocious beast still possesses a formidable presence that should not be underestimated.

The two, each with their own thoughts, sat in the same house.

Huang Quan sipped her sweetened hot water slowly, the Panming Sword lying within easy reach beside her. This wasn't out of wariness of Rujian Xuan, but rather because Huang Quan had long since developed the habit of never leaving her sword; it was just that a sharp sword without a scabbard looked too dangerous.

Finally, Huang Quan broke the oppressive silence. Since Ru Jianxuan saved her as a human, Huang Quan would also treat her as a human until she was exposed!

"I have to leave soon, Miss Irumi."

"Huh? What's wrong..."

"It's not because of you, but because of my personal issues. I'm a ghoul investigator, and if I linger here too long and the ghouls notice, your situation will become extremely dangerous." The ghouls' hatred for Yomi is even more intense and perilous than that for the former Grim Reaper investigator, Arima Kishou.

In this world, Huang Quan is destined to live only in cruel battles. This life, which is both fortunate and unfortunate, is one she does not want to bring to more people.

"The Underworld Investigator".

"Ok?"

Looking at Huang Quan, who appeared unusually young after her hair was unbound—almost like a little sister to her—Irimi couldn't understand. She was human, with an enviable ordinary life and a long future ahead of her, yet she had chosen a cruel path stained with blood.

It's so puzzling, I can't figure it out.

"Why do you want to be an investigator? It must be very dangerous and hard work."

Huang Quan was taken aback; it seemed no one had ever asked her this question before.

Her partner and mentor also believed she was born with extraordinary abilities. But Huang Quan herself knew very well that she was just an ordinary person driven to the brink of despair, and even with the system, she still hadn't done well enough. When Rujian Xuan asked her this, and looking back on the path she had walked over the past two months, Huang Quan couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

"If you ask me why, I don't know how to answer you... At first, I couldn't even hold a sword properly, let alone fight ghouls. But if I didn't do this, I would die... Many people live numbly until they lose something and then regret it. I just discovered the preciousness of wanting to live a little earlier than them."

She couldn't explain everything clearly, but Irimi felt that longing and yearning for life.

Many people take living for granted.

'That's not true! Living is the hardest thing!!' In her mind, Irimi Kasumi couldn't help but recall how she used to hide from the White Doves' search and pursuit every day in order to survive, living in constant fear.

"Therefore, I chose to become a ghoul investigator!"

At this point, Huang Quan's previously weak body suddenly straightened, radiating an extremely dazzling aura. Giving up one's life requires immense courage, and Huang Quan knew he lacked the courage to do so, so he could only strive to live on.

"That's amazing..."

Iruma Kasumi listened with fascination, seeing the brilliant light of humanity in the sword demon Huang Quan.

Compared to that, I couldn't help but feel ashamed in the face of such brilliance. It's truly pathetic that so few ghouls have ever considered such matters.

"Thank you for the compliment. I hope I can be entertained next time I visit [Antiques]. It's always a pleasure to chat with you."

Huang Quan's serene face broke into a smile, like an iceberg thawing and spring flowers blooming.

For a fleeting moment, Irimi's heart skipped a beat. Yomi's radiant, genuine smile and captivating aura gave this female ghoul a unique shock. If Yomi wasn't human—no! It should be said, if Yomi wasn't a ghoul investigator—how wonderful it would have been if they had met, gotten to know each other, and fallen in love in the café.

"Hey! Huang Quan, next time you come to [Antiques], I'll personally brew you a cup of coffee."

"I'm looking forward to meeting you."

"Haha, Huang Quan can just call me Xuan."

Is it really possible?

“Of course, no problem, because I like Huang Quan. If Huang Quan calls me by my name directly, I think I will be very happy.” Irimi Kaname happily held Huang Quan’s slender and long hand, a very warm hand.

Gazing at the mature and elegant woman with long, straight black hair, Irumi Yukina lowered her crimson eyes, concealing her inexplicable emotions. If only she weren't a ghoul.

Author's Note:

P.S.: Wow, thank you "I am Cupid Signing the Contract" for the 50 blades! I woke up groggily this morning and was startled. Thank you all for the votes and blades too. If I can write three chapters today, I'll post three chapters!

Chapter Forty-One: Sword Sheath

When Huang Quan returned to the CCG branch in District 20, the entire branch was in an uproar!

Sword Demon Huang Quan is not dead!

Everyone thought she had been taken away by the S-class ghoul Jason and was likely in grave danger, but she actually dragged her injured body back. When the news reached Amon Kotaro's ears, he immediately threw down his pen and rushed to the branch's entrance, forcefully pushing aside the people huddled together.

Yamen saw a familiar tall figure.

Huang Quan, his partner, remained calm and composed as always, basking in the sunshine after the rain with an expression neither joy nor sorrow. It was as if nothing had happened, and the perilous situations they had faced had vanished with the passing rain.

"The Underworld...!"

Upon seeing her partner, Amen, Huang Quan's lips curled up slightly, but she quickly reverted to her usual stern expression.

The lenses of Huang Quan's sunglasses were now covered with spiderweb-like cracks; it was a miracle they hadn't been crushed to pieces after the previous violent attack. His CCG uniform white trench coat was tattered and stained with filth and blood, and through the shocking rips, one could even see the gruesome wounds on Huang Quan's back.

However, even in this state, Huang Quan possessed an aura that captivated everyone, making them hold their breath and unable to look away.

Like, the Queen.

"Reporting to First Class Investigator Amen, trainee investigator Huang Quan, return to the team."

Behind Huang Quan's sunglasses, her scarlet eyes were unusually vibrant, as if they possessed an unnatural, intense luster that seemed ready to burst forth at any moment. Approaching Huang Quan, Ya Men, as her partner, immediately understood her implication and subtly supported her by taking her outstretched right hand.

Welcome back to the team!

Amon responded loudly, as if it were a signal, and the people gathered in the 20th Division erupted in thunderous cheers. It was as if they were welcoming a triumphant hero; the return of the Sword Demon Yomi brought a perfect end to the battle against [Oogiri].

"Is the teacher angry?" Amidst the noisy cheers and applause, Huang Quan asked hesitantly.

“Mr. Mado is very worried about you,” Amon replied with an ambiguous statement.

"I'm very worried," which means he might be very angry, or he might not be. A faint smile flickered across Huang Quan's face at his partner's deliberate response. Even though nothing was said, under Huang Quan's unusual gaze, Amon felt a chill run down his spine.

Compared to his usual cold and chilling aura, Huang Quan seemed to have undergone a subtle change, which would be completely imperceptible to anyone who wasn't familiar with him.

It has gained a touch of unrestrained ferocity, and also carries a sense of danger.

Unbeknownst to Amen, Huang Quan still carried the aura of the demonic sword [Puno], and his class template was also that of a Demon Contractor. Therefore, Huang Quan's personality and temperament had undergone subtle changes.

Surrounded by the crowd, Huang Quan entered the 20th District branch.

After the hustle and bustle subsided, a quiet space remained for the heroes. In the rest room, they helped Huang Quan, who was almost unable to stand, to sit down. Looking at her frail and pale face, Yamen felt a mixture of gratitude and anger. Twice now, Huang Quan's actions had been impulsive; she hadn't cooperated with her partner!

Yamen felt it necessary to teach Huang Quan a lesson to prevent her from becoming too arrogant.

"Is [Big Eater] dead? What about [Jason]? And I remember there was a civilian at the scene, how is he?"

Before Yamen could even exercise his seniority, Huang Quan threw out three questions in quick succession.

"Hmm...you didn't know?"

Amon's attention was diverted, and he looked at Yomi in surprise. Just one glance at the horrific battle scene was enough to imagine the brutal fight between Yomi and the two ghouls. Logically, Yomi should be more aware of the situation than these newcomers, so why was it Yomi asking him this?

Although somewhat puzzled, Amen still provided an answer.

"【Oogami】is confirmed dead, and the body has been handed over to headquarters. As for 【Jason】, the search of the scene only yielded what appears to be 【Jason】remains, so he should not be dead. The civilian was found and taken to Kanou General Hospital for treatment. Is there a problem with these reports?"

"No, no problem."

Jason is still alive!

Huang Quan found it hard to believe that Jason could escape alive when he was being controlled by the demonic sword Puno. Judging from the aura of Tamos that Huang Quan saw in his consciousness space, let alone a mere S-rank half-ghoul Jason, even if an SSS-rank ghoul ghoul Owl were present, it would only add another soul to the sword.

It seems that something unexpected must have happened during the time she was unconscious.

As for Kaneki Ken...

Thinking of his nominal junior, Huang Quan couldn't help but feel curious.

Because of her intervention, the encounter between Kaneki Ken and Rize Kamishiro took a major turn, and it remains to be seen whether he will become a one-eyed ghoul by chance, just like in the original ghoul storyline.

Ultimately, Huang Quan still felt guilty towards Kaneki Ken.

As a ghoul investigator, she was praised as a sword demon, yet in that situation she couldn't even protect an innocent civilian. This was undoubtedly a severe blow to Yomi's confidence. If it weren't for the breakthrough in her swordsmanship during the trial of [Tamos], Yomi would probably have faced a new mental challenge right after just resolving the nightmare of Rize Kamishiro.

After quickly treating his injuries once more, Huang Quan felt he was alright and then went with Amon to see his mentor, Mado Gosho.

'I hope the teacher won't be angry...'

Yomi always held her mentor Mado in awe and gratitude, and being scolded by him must have been very unpleasant for her.

Mado Kureo's reaction was somewhat unexpected by Amon and Yomi. Despite the return of his disciple who had narrowly escaped death, he maintained that strange smile and nodded to indicate that he understood.

"However, I must return this to you personally. As a swordsman, you cannot develop the habit of carelessly throwing things away."

Take out a long, rectangular box from under the table. Mado opens the box to reveal a sword sheath inside, which is the fish-scale patterned sword sheath that Yomi lost at the scene of the battle with the ghouls!

"Losing the scabbard that conceals the sword's edge is tantamount to losing composure. Huang Quan, I may apply to headquarters for a long leave for you. You are still too young. Endless work and two close calls have taken their toll. You need to rest for a while." Mado Kureo displayed the authority of a superior officer, exchanging the scabbard with Huang Quan without room for argument.

"I will follow your teachings."

Taking the sword sheath, Huang Quan's calm face revealed a bitter smile.

"Yamon-kun, please go out first and keep an eye on the door. Because the conversation that's about to start is a little special, and you're one of the few people I can trust, so please."

"understand!"

"Mr. Mado...?"

Mado Kureo cautiously raised a finger, signaling Yomi to be quiet.

Author's Note:

P.S.: There should be an extra chapter tonight, as long as I don't renege (makes a pigeon-like sound).

Chapter 42 The Shadow Behind the CCG

Mado Uesugi's unusual behavior startled Yomi for no apparent reason. She realized that Mado Kureo might have discovered something very important and special, and it was related to her, otherwise he wouldn't be so vigilant in the 20th district branch.

As it turned out, Huang Quan's guess was correct.

After carefully checking the office for any listening devices or communication ports leading to any location, Mado Kureo returned to his desk. The elderly investigator visibly relaxed and gestured for Yomi to sit down, as the upcoming topic was somewhat sensitive for the CCG.

"Looks like you've noticed it too, haven't you?"

"Teacher, are you referring to... the anomaly that occurred when I was fighting the [Oogiri]?" After thinking it over, Yomi could only think of the [Oogiri] battle that could make Mado Kureo so cautious and filled with murderous intent.