I am a female swordsman.

Chapter 110 The Direction of the Future

When Huang Quan returned to the office with a mix of heavy and joyful feelings, he saw Yong Jin Yingliang buried in a pile of documents as soon as he entered the door, unaware that he had drawn black ink on his face with his pen.

"Nagachi-kun? What are you doing?"

“…Ah, Senior Huang Quan.” Looking up, he saw Huang Quan’s signature long silver hair and scarlet eyes. Huang Quan, with one hand on the table, was looking down at Yong Jin from the top of her sunglasses to see what he was doing.

Many documents were spread out on the table.

Most of the reports were records about last night's battle, rough reports from Mado's unit. They included details of encountering the enemy, their location and time, and personnel losses. These reports were originally intended for Mado Kureo to process, but as is well known in "The Raven," both Mado Kureo and Amon Kotaro preferred to delegate their paperwork and reports to Yomi. Therefore, these reports were also handled by Yomi, who, with a conscription mentality, passed this labor-intensive task to Nagachika.

To put it bluntly, Huang Quan felt that dealing with massive amounts of text was not his forte.

"I'm trying to find the Bronze Tree's stronghold... Senior Huang Quan, you seem quite happy?"

"Are you happy? Hahaha!"

For once, Huang Quan let out a clear laugh; she had just done something extraordinary.

That Furuta Ichigo dug his own grave. He claimed it was an apology, but Yomi forcibly dragged him to a nearby restaurant to apologize. Using his fake expressionless face, Yomi successfully coaxed Furuta Nifuku into eating a lot of food.

Although he maintained his harmless and gentle demeanor, it was clear that with each bowl of food he ate, Furuta's hands behind his back were trembling slightly. This also confirmed that Yomi's perception was correct: First Class Investigator Furuta Nifuku had become a ghoul…

Seeing Huang Quan chuckle as if he had heard something utterly absurd, Yong Jin felt no amusement at all; instead, he was inexplicably filled with a sense of dread!

Something is wrong!

If someone who is usually very image-conscious and composed suddenly becomes frivolous and unrestrained, it is definitely because they have been severely provoked!

Hideyoshi Nagachika was unaware that Yomi had just been asked by the Internal Affairs Department to cooperate with an investigation. After all, for the sake of the bigger picture, it was unlikely that the investigation of the highly respected "Sword Demon" would be made public. The other people in the know naturally kept quiet to avoid making a scene.

Unbeknownst to him, Huang Quan had already uncovered the true nature of the CCG's upper echelons. Having become deeply involved in the ghoul world, Huang Quan inevitably felt a sense of absurd disillusionment.

"Nagachi-kun, keep up the good work, and don't forget to help me organize the documents and reports."

After giving Yongchika a firm pat on the shoulder, Huang Quan went to her desk drawer and tossed a small, black device inside. "By the way, Yongchika-kun..."

"Is there anything else you need?"

"The day after tomorrow, at 7:30 PM sharp, be at room 2101 for the meeting. Perform well, as this meeting will determine our next course of action. All the key investigators will be present, and I will also be there as an observer."

"Ah! Can I participate too?" Hideyoshi Nagachika was a little flustered. He hadn't expected that an important meeting held by the CCG would include an investigator's assistant like him. If it weren't for Yomi's consistently serious and methodical manner, Nagachika would have thought she was joking with him!

But Huang Quan was clearly not joking at this moment.

"Your teacher asked me to inform you, so you have to work hard!"

"Mr. Mado..."

Urgent promotion! The 11th District suffered severe losses, with numerous squads and platoons wiped out. Even the district leader heroically sacrificed his life. In the long run, a large number of frontline personnel will definitely need to be replenished! Currently, with support from other districts, the situation isn't too dire yet, but after the 11th District's operations are over, the support personnel drawn from other districts will certainly need to return!

For example, the "Raven" trio, who are directly under headquarters, cannot be stationed in Area 11. Meanwhile, the high-ranking investigators in the support teams will definitely return to their original posts.

Therefore, promotion on the job is especially important.

As the saying goes, true gold is refined by fire, and capable investigators can shine on the battlefield. Just like the stars in the night sky, even with a bright moon hanging high in the sky, the countless stars forming a galaxy are still not to be ignored.

………………

District 11, Branch Training Ground

The mission they were given was so great that even the number of stars was not enough.

Standing solemnly in the center of the training ground, eyes closed and mind focused. Right hand resting on the hilt of the sword, in the space surrounding Huang Quan's body, through the bright lights, one could vaguely see streaks of sharp light flashing by.

These fleeting, sharp rays of light appeared and disappeared in a flash, while Huang Quan seemed to be under immense pressure, her serene and focused face occasionally flashing with pain. The azure gemstone on the bracelet displayed unstable disorder, as if corresponding to the flickering sword light.

After a long while, Huang Quan slowly let out a sigh of relief.

"Failed again."

Her face was unnaturally pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared. All the sharp, flickering light vanished in an instant; having lost the will bestowed upon them by their master, they naturally perished.

During his battle with Aite, Huang Quan realized that he needed to improve in many aspects, especially in the control of energy transfer.

The sword could not cut through the kagune of an SS-rank ghoul.

Unlike slaughtering ghouls below S-rank, where a flash of sword light could instantly shred the enemy and their kagune into incomplete fragments, the problem wasn't with the weapon. Another issue was insufficient control over the transfer of energy.

The sword energy fluctuations of the [Sword Master].

The blood magic of the [Demon Slayer].

During this brief respite, Huang Quan tried to switch to extended energy based on energy transfer control, instead of using it instinctively and savagely as before. However, the results were unsatisfactory. She wasn't exactly a prodigy, and her control over shaping was... well, let's just say it was lacking.

Horrible!

Huang Quan had to admit that compared to swordsmanship, he really didn't have much talent in controlling and transferring energy, and could only say that he had to start from scratch and practice hard.

But it wasn't entirely without any gains.

The sword energy of a Sword Master is agile and sharp, like a fish in water, its rhythmic fluctuations difficult to capture. The blood magic of a Demon Slayer, on the other hand, is like a raging flood, overwhelming everything without needing to be detected.

Switch between job templates, each influenced by different energy characteristics.

And try to truly master them. Higher-level sword skills also require the support of high-precision energy, otherwise they will be like castles in the air, collapsing at the slightest touch.

Chapter 111 The Tram...

How can one effectively control and manage the transfer of energy?

The sword energy of the Sword Master and the magical energy of the Demon Slayer are both based on the transfer of energy, evolving into the signature characteristics of their respective classes. As for control, Huang Quan, who possesses the inherited will of the Sword Sect and is not fully recognized by the Demons, can wield them without special training.

As the saying goes, what is naturally pleasing to the eye is the best.

Huang Quan originally thought that enough was enough...

But who could have imagined that the power gap between S-rank and SS-rank ghouls is so large? She can face S-rank ghouls, and even single-handedly use her proud swordsmanship to cut them down.

As for SS-rank, Huang Quan was truly powerless to compete.

Take Tatara as an example. He is weaker than his opponent, and his reaction speed is barely keeping up with his movements. Weapons have very limited effect on him, putting him at a significant disadvantage. It is quite obvious that Tatara did not even use his full strength during the ambush, yet his half-Kakuja state forced Yomi and the other investigators to retreat.

but!

If Mado and Amon were also present and fighting, Yomi was confident that even if Tatara were transformed into a Kakuja, she could still cut off his head!

'I was so stupid!'

After holding her breath and concentrating, Huang Quan suddenly slapped her forehead. She'd been so busy lately that she'd almost lost her mind; trying to reinvent the wheel was a sure thing. As for energy control, wasn't there someone right beside her?!

Call up the attribute panel and switch classes.

As he switched professions, the crimson glint in Huang Quan's eyes behind his sunglasses intensified, like a rich, blood-red gem ready to drip blood at any moment. He lost some of his sharpness and gained more arrogance. It was clearly the same person, yet his demeanor seemed completely different after changing professions.

'Tamos, Tamos?'

"Speak freely." A deep, steady voice, as reliable as a mountain, responded to Huang Quan's call, and the illusory figure of the Demon King [Tamos] flashed past behind Huang Quan. The bright temporary training ground seemed to be enveloped by some invisible aura, and the light dimmed slightly.

"Regarding the control of magical energy, if I want to improve my control, do you have any good suggestions?" Huang Quan got straight to the point, having pretty much figured out Tamos's personality. He was open to any questions, especially those related to improving his strength.

'For a demon, controlling demonic energy is instinctive, just as an eagle can soar or a shark can crash against the waves.'

This problem really stumped Tamos.

He was once a genius swordsman, roaming the desert with his sword, and few enemies could withstand his demonic sword capable of shattering mountains and cleaving rivers. 【Tamos】, in the nameless desert, this name was synonymous with the Demon King. Compared to Huang Quan, Tamos's talent was indeed many times greater.

"Is that so..."

Somewhat disappointed, Huang Quan nodded, realizing that he could only learn step by step, one step at a time.

Sensing Huang Quan's slight disappointment at being disappointed, a red light flickered in Tamos's eyes. He wondered if he had discouraged the contractor. Although he considered her an ant, an ordinary person's efforts to this extent were already commendable, and there was no reason to be harsher.

'Contractor, I don't mean to say you're a stupid fool.'

"..."

Huang Quan rolled her eyes discreetly, though she didn't consider herself stupid or foolish. She was familiar with striving in a clear direction, just like practicing swordsmanship – only through countless trials could a divine weapon be forged.

'Though I cannot solve your troubles, Contractor, as long as you maintain your desire to become stronger, your path will be unobstructed. If anything stands in your way, shatter it with your sword!'

Is this considered a consolation?

Finally, she heard a decent word from Tamos, and Huang Quan's lips curled up almost imperceptibly. After all, she wasn't a petty person; she'd just assume Tamos was being straightforward. Compared to the still disobedient [Puno], Huang Quan's impression of Tamos was far superior.

After stretching a bit and looking out the window at the Tokyo night sky dotted with stars, Huang Quan realized that a lot of time had quietly slipped away without him noticing.

What a fulfilling day!

Although somewhat unhappy, Huang Quan felt incredibly fulfilled by this busy and productive feeling. She was like a machine that couldn't stop running, wound up and constantly turning; perhaps stopping meant breaking down. Before leaving the branch, let's do one last round of training!

Just as Huang Quan was full of energy and preparing for one last practice of energy manipulation, Tamos behind her suddenly turned to face forward.

A scrutiny from a position of authority.

Tamos noticed the unnatural weariness on Huang Quan's face, and the worry lingering between his brows. It was clear that his contractor was exhausted.

Overworking is not commendable. The implication is that you should get some rest.

"Okay, okay, I got it."

Yesterday was a fierce battle, and he didn't sleep a wink all night. Today, he was further annoyed by the Internal Affairs Department. Even if Huang Quan were made of iron, he was about to collapse. After completely relaxing, an irresistible fatigue welled up from the bottom of his heart, making Huang Quan wish he could go to his temporary residence as soon as possible and collapse to rest.

The area was so chaotic yesterday, it's not easy to get a taxi this late.

Taking the tram is the best option...

After greeting several familiar investigators, Yomi made a point of checking out the temporary office before leaving the 11th District branch. Hideyoshi Nagachika was still struggling with a mountain of documents; the various colored lines he had drawn on the 11th District map were beyond Yomi's comprehension.

Without disturbing Hideyoshi Nagachika, Yomi left directly.

The air still held the lingering smell of gunpowder and blood from the previous night. With his beloved sword on his back, Huang Quan silently embarked on his journey home, under the stars and moon.

The tram roared past.

Surprisingly, there weren't many people on the train. Perhaps it was because of the chaos last night, and few people would choose to go home late. After all, sporadic battles could occur anytime, anywhere in Area 11, and the fight between doves and ghouls never ceased.

There was a short-haired woman sitting in the same carriage and seat, with her head down, but Huang Quan didn't pay much attention to her.

Close your eyes and listen quietly to the rumbling and roaring of the tram in your ears.

Some time later, after the tram stopped and the doors closed, a pungent smell of alcohol assaulted Huang Quan's nostrils. He opened his bloodshot eyes slightly and saw several drunken men shouting loudly, their behavior seriously disrupting public order and causing everyone in the carriage to frown.

Unfortunately, perhaps emboldened by alcohol, a drunkard's eyes lit up when he looked at a quiet yet charming woman sitting in the seat!