I am a female swordsman.

"That's right! Those filthy scum, how dare they be so brazen! Heh heh heh... They deserve to die!"

Mado Kureo let out a low, menacing laugh. During the time that Yomi had been missing, he hadn't just stayed at the 20th Division doing nothing.

Instead, it meticulously analyzed the ins and outs of the [Ogre] Extermination War!

Afterwards, Mado discovered something that he hated immensely: during Yomi's use as bait, someone had clearly leaked the plan to the ghouls. Rize Kamishiro's chosen hostage happened to be Yomi's junior, and two S-rank ghouls were deployed against Yomi with absolute certainty, while their own support route was conveniently blocked!

There's a mole within the CCG, and this human traitor wants Sword Demon Huang Quan dead!

"...Yes, it's all too coincidental. I originally thought Jason's appearance was for the sake of the ghouls, but judging from what the two ghouls said at the time, it was actually a scheme aimed at me from the very beginning. I really underestimated these monsters. If my swordsmanship hadn't improved at the crucial moment, I probably would have been eaten clean."

Huang Quan recalled the scene of being attacked by two ghouls, Jason and Big Ghoul, and felt a little scared afterward.

That was a situation that was almost certain to kill you!

Jason, a half-ghoul, plus a ghoul that's been on the CCG's wanted list for years—these two S-rank ghouls should have been enough to easily kill Yomi. Even Mado Kureo was quite curious about how Yomi had managed to escape this fate, and he didn't believe his prized disciple's cunning explanation.

Have you identified anyone you suspect?

"No, my position is too low..." Huang Quan lowered her head awkwardly. In the CCG, with its strict and clear hierarchy, a popular trainee investigator like her actually had no real power and couldn't understand the complex relationships involved.

Even her mentor, Mado Kureo, would probably be at a loss when faced with such a vast and extremely complex web of authority.

"Do you remember when I asked you and Amon why District 20 was so calm?"

Mado suddenly lowered his voice, and Yomi realized that the main event was about to begin!

"remember."

“I specifically checked the personnel attendance records and ghoul hunting incident records for the past ten years in the 20th ward, and I discovered something very interesting. Personnel attendance has been declining, and ghoul hunting has also declined.” Mado Kureo closed his eyes, and his smile, in Yomi’s eyes, was a mixture of sarcasm and deep helplessness.

There is a very clear relationship between ghouls and white doves.

If white doves are frequently seen in a certain area, it's obvious that attacks on civilians by ghouls will decrease, and vice versa!

However, this line underwent an unreasonable change in Zone 20.

"Is it something like the [Corpse Scavenger]?" The [Corpse Scavenger] was a ghoul that Mado Kureo had hunted down a long time ago. Just like his title, the ghoul made a living by scavenging corpses. After reviewing the information, Yomi immediately thought of this possibility.

"I don't deny this possibility. What I can say for sure is that beneath the calm surface of Ward 20, there are undercurrents we can't see. For example, ghoul organizations, cooperating with ghouls, or even betraying their comrades."

With just a few words, Mado Kureo's sharp eyes brought him infinitely close to the truth!

This man, who left the story early in the original plot, is gradually combining his ten years of rich experience and systematic theory in hunting ghouls with the correction of his twisted and morbid personality under the influence of Yomi. Looking at the entire CCG, only Mado Kureo has achieved such a profound integration of ghoul theory and hunting practice.

"So, what do you mean, teacher?"

"Investigate thoroughly!"

Huang Quan sensed a strong stench of blood from that short sentence. If the investigation were to be carried out thoroughly, not only would many people die, but the scandals of the CCG20 branch would also be exposed.

Will headquarters allow it?

Moreover, the resulting upheaval could turn the usually safe District 20 into a bloodbath, severely damaging the CCG headquarters' reputation. Huang Quan isn't a naive fool; if she were truly betrayed, she would take revenge herself sooner or later, rather than letting her mentor fight to the death with someone else.

Huang Quan directly expressed his doubts.

After listening, Mado Kureo gave her a subtle look, as if he hadn't expected that Yomi, such a young man who was so engrossed in the way of the sword, could see things so clearly.

"...You don't need to worry about that. It's just that you and Amen can't know because of your future plans."

From ten years ago to the present, the high-ranking investigators, the older generation all owed their lives to Mado Kaname when they were fighting against "The Owl," and the newer generation has also received favors from Mado Kureo to varying degrees. Don't underestimate Mado Kureo just because she is only a senior investigator; in terms of influence, she is enough to shake the core decision-making circle of the CCG!

The teacher is awesome!

Huang Quan quickly understood this and mentally gave his mentor a thumbs up.

This is actually a form of protection. In the end, the CCG is still an organization that values ​​strength. If a cunning investigator is not strong enough, he will only harm his subordinates and colleagues and will not be able to climb to a high position.

Yamen, this disciple, is fine; he's just enthusiastic and single-minded. But Huang Quan is different. He's powerful and has an extraordinary record, and he also has a sharp eye that can see through appearances to the essence of things. If he leaves an impression on his superiors that he's scheming, his future career will undoubtedly become more difficult.

For the sake of his two disciples' future, Mado Kureo was willing to bear the pressure from the CCG headquarters himself.

Revenge! It must be taken!

No matter who it is, anyone who dares to plot against Mado Kureo's disciple should be prepared to face his wrath. Mado Kureo originally didn't want to get involved in the gray areas of collusion with ghouls, nor did he have any interest in using the guise of justice to commit despicable acts in the name of maintaining order. But if someone were to collude with ghouls to betray investigators—such a heinous act of completely siding with the ghouls—Mado Kureo would rip their head off!

Author's Note:

P.S.: The doll won't die from procrastination! Also, please vote for me with monthly tickets; I'm thinking of trying to climb the new book charts... (hint).

Chapter Forty-Three: The Banquet

"—My subordinate, trainee investigator Huang Quan, possesses outstanding overall qualities, exceptional swordsmanship, and exceptional work ability. Furthermore, he achieved the highest merit in the battle against the [Ghoul], narrowly escaping death. He perfectly meets the requirements for promotion to a full-fledged Ghoul Investigator. I request that you, the Special Class, verify Trainee Investigator Huang Quan's achievements and award him the title of Full-fledged Ghoul Investigator."

Write a letter and send it to headquarters.

On the same day that Mado Kureo submitted his official application for commendation to CCG headquarters, the approval came down.

Trainee Investigator Huang Quan, after having his merits verified by Director-General Kazuki Yoshitoki, has been promoted to Third-Class Investigator and awarded a single [White Wing Badge] as proof of his solo defeat of the S-Rank Ghoul [Ogre Ghoul] Rize Kamishiro! Furthermore, the center of this [White Wing Badge] has been specially forged, altering the design of the small sword to resemble Huang Quan's signature single-edged, slender longsword!

This is an extremely high honor!

At least within the CCG circle, this is another major piece of news following Arima Kishou's unscathed defeat of [Owl] after ten years.

Those in the know actually know this.

In that battle against the [Big Ghoul], Huang Quan's contribution was actually 90% of the credit. Under the siege of [Jason] and [Big Ghoul], he fought against both of them single-handedly. Even after defeating the Big Ghoul, he still fiercely pursued [Jason], seemingly severely injuring him.

This achievement is simply too dazzling for Huang Quan, who is only a trainee investigator.

In short, the specific procedures can only be finalized after Huang Quan returns to headquarters to report for duty.

Then came the victory celebration banquet!

Inside the upscale restaurant, the investigators, exhausted from a long day, shed their white coats and uniforms, donning formal suits for the banquet. They sat around the tables, wine glasses in hand, chatting and laughing. Savoring exquisite food and pastries, enjoying the gentle evening breeze, everything seemed so perfect.

However, if we're talking about who's the focus of everyone's attention...

That would naturally be one of the main characters tonight, Huang Quan!

"I can't believe it..."

"I knew it! A beauty of the third rank in the Yellow Springs is actually a rare sight!"

"It's really beautiful."

Such exclamations became the main theme of the celebration banquet tonight, and everyone's attention was completely drawn to Yomi, who was closely following Mado Kureo. Yomi, who usually wore no makeup and dressed in a white coat and a black bodycon dress, was unusually dressed up for the occasion tonight.

The black tulle dress was exceptionally elegant and captivating under the dim lighting, exuding a touch of British courtly charm. The tulle fabric seemed transparent yet not revealing, possessing a subtle and silent allure. A large expanse of snow-white skin was exposed on the girl's back, extending upwards to Huang Quan's slender neck, which was revealed by her hair being styled in an updo.

The most alluring feature was Huang Quan's pair of crystal-clear, scarlet eyes, adorned with a mischievous smile. Anyone caught in her gaze would instinctively feel their heart race while instinctively averting their eyes, afraid that their gaze might offend the imposing sword demon, yet also unable to help but feel a pang of regret for looking away.

This is truly a breathtaking, natural charm that appeals to both men and women.

The closer one gets to the underworld, the more likely a collision will occur.

Many banquet guests were caught off guard when they bumped into each other, and could only exchange knowing smiles to hide their embarrassment. Many men mustered their courage and nervously approached Huang Quan.

"Third-class under the Yellow Springs, do you have a male companion?"

The investigator was breathing rapidly, and his forehead was covered in a fine layer of sweat from nervousness.

It's like inviting someone to the underworld—as dangerous as facing a monstrous ghoul. However, from multiple perspectives, the underworld is even more dangerous than a ghoul.

"I'm sorry, I already have one." Huang Quan smiled apologetically and turned down another warrior.

Meanwhile, Mado Kureo, who was being ignored by Yomi, glared at the warrior with hostility. Realizing his offense, the investigator chuckled and quickly retreated.

It's been several people in a row already.

He came to his side and extended an invitation, completely ignoring the hunched-over Mado Uesugi. Mado Gosho, utterly frustrated, was too embarrassed to vent his anger on his prized disciple, and could only wear a sour expression.

"Don't be angry, teacher."

Seeing that his mentor was unhappy, Huang Quan shook his arm helplessly.

"Young people these days are all so ambitious, don't be fooled by their sweet talk." With the earnest concern of an overprotective father who didn't want his own cabbage to be eaten by a pig, Mado Kureo said this to Yomi. At the same time, he secretly memorized the names and faces of the guys he'd just met, planning to assign them some dirty work later.

"Hi hi..."

"I'm telling you this very seriously!"

"Okay, okay."

With a smile, Huang Quan placed a piece of cake on the teacher's plate. Although he appeared to be listening attentively, he was actually ignoring it. When dealing with an old person, you have to go along with them and not go against their wishes.

"Sigh... Think what you want. I think there's no one left in this world who can conquer you." Looking into Huang Quan's ever-clear and pure crimson eyes, Mado Kureo could only sigh helplessly. He treated Huang Quan like a daughter, and naturally hoped she would be happy in the future.

"Speaking of which, your injuries are completely healed now, right? The doctor said you're recovering very well."

"Yes, it's really good."

So good that she could beat that masochistic doctor to a pulp and stick him to the wall. Huang Quan got a headache just thinking about Dr. Zi'an. When they went to the hospital for a follow-up appointment, that pervert came up to her again and asked for a reward from the Queen. The reward was for Huang Quan to press him against the wall and rub him hard, using her feet to press him down.

Huang Quan, who hadn't yet switched professions, strangely felt an indescribable pleasure.

This must have been an accidental discovery.

As a Swordsman, my personality is more direct and cold, as chilling as a sword's edge. As a Demon Slayer, my personality becomes somewhat flamboyant and unrestrained, with a touch of sadism. Of course, overall, it doesn't change; Huang Quan is still myself, only certain aspects are amplified by the profession.

Speaking of the [Demon Contractor], Huang Quan wasn't sure if he had ultimately passed the Demon King [Tamos]'s trial, because currently this profession...

"Huang Quan, you're shining brightly tonight!"

Huang Quan was startled when someone suddenly tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and saw Amon Kotaro's resolute face.

"That's terrifying, you big, idiot Amon-kun."

"Mr. Mado is here too... What are you thinking about, you seem so lost in thought." Ignoring Yomi's murderous glare, Amon sat down next to her and asked curiously. Yomi was extremely vigilant; there was no reason for her to only realize it after someone tapped her on the shoulder so close. Even with a familiar partner, she shouldn't be so relaxed.

"I'm thinking about the ghoul species."

Chapter Forty-Four Visits

Swirling the stemmed glass in her hand, gazing at the red wine swirling slightly as she moved, when Yomi said she was thinking about ghouls, both Mado Kureo and Amon Kotaro looked at her with strange eyes.

Everyone in CCG knows that the Sword Demon Huang Quan's slaughter of ghouls is the cleanest and most efficient.

With a flash of sword light, the ghoul's life was taken.

This guy, who could chop down ghouls as easily as cutting melons, actually said one day that he was thinking about the ghoul species. It sounded like dark humor, but Amon and Mado were both serious people, and Yomi didn't usually joke around, so when Yomi said that, they were both waiting for him to continue.

I did not let them down.