I am a female swordsman.

She watched the conflicted Hideyoshi Nagachika with a hint of amusement. She hadn't lied; what she was doing with Kaneki was indeed a secret she couldn't tell anyone else. Even though Yomi had forgotten much of the original ghoul storyline, she wouldn't forget the important location, the Antiques Café.

If a frail woman like myself were to enter Antiques, I'm sure I'd be targeted by hungry ghouls!

"Okay, Senior Huang Quan... I'll contact Kaneki..."

"It's troublesome."

After agreeing on the time and place, Huang Quan, as always, settled the bill and left promptly.

Her composed demeanor captivated Hideyoshi Nagachika, drawing him into a trance. It seemed Yomi-senpai hadn't changed at all in the two months since, yet it also seemed that, in ways he couldn't see, a profound transformation had taken place within her. For the first time, Hideyoshi Nagachika felt a surge of curiosity about the world in which ghouls existed.

………………

After completing the procedures for Shangjing University, it was already dusk. When Huang Quan returned to his former residence and opened the door, a foul smell hit him.

Without asking anyone else to look after his apartment, it was already covered in dust.

Fortunately, the apartment wasn't big, so cleaning it didn't take much effort. After all, it was a familiar place; only here could Huang Quan truly relax his constantly vigilant mind. However, he figured it wouldn't be long before he stopped living here; when he officially became a full-fledged investigator, the CCG would provide him with an apartment in a relatively stable area.

We'll have to move there then.

Today, Mado sent a message to Yomi, essentially saying that, on his recommendation, Yomi had passed the test of the Ghoul Investigator with her impressive record.

After the mission to subdue the [Oogiri] in the 20th district is completed, she will be promoted to a regular position when she returns to headquarters for her performance review.

It is expected that they will directly obtain the rank of Third-Class Investigator, but their rights will not be inferior to those of some Second-Class Investigators. Seemingly recognizing the outstanding achievements of the Crow Trio, the CCG intends to form more aggressive Crows to deal with some extremely troublesome high-ranking ghouls.

He took a hot shower while recalling news about Mado.

As Huang Quan emerged from the bathroom, drying her long, wet hair, she habitually opened her attribute panel. She did this when she didn't need to do anything, to see if she had made any progress.

Name: Huang Quan

Gender: Female

Age: 17 years old

Race: human

Class: Female Ghost Swordsman

Title: None

Skills: [Basic Swordsmanship] LVMAX, [Meditation] LVMAX, [Parry] LVMAX, [Wave Slash] LVMAX, [Whirlwind Counterattack] LVMAX, [Gale Slash] LVMAX.

Overall assessment: Congratulations on evolving from planktonic organisms into trash fish!

After more than two months of relentless battles, the skills he had mastered had become almost instinctive. These skills, readily available in combat, could often catch ghouls off guard, and few could withstand the astonishing effects of Yomi's abilities.

"This is probably the limit before I can change jobs."

After briefly comparing his current abilities to deal with enemies, Huang Quan immediately realized that his level was roughly in the middle of A-rank.

The extent to which Huang Quan could achieve this is truly remarkable.

Don't be fooled by the fact that A-rank ghouls are just cannon fodder in the original story. In the context of the vast 24 wards of Tokyo, A-rank is already considered elite. Reaching A-rank requires training to the maximum level. If it were someone else without Yomi's unwavering will as a swordsman, they would probably still be struggling at B-rank.

"【Antique】Café, don't disappoint me..."

Lying on the sofa, her scarlet eyes held a serene yet captivating aura. Huang Quan quietly gazed at her own crimson eyes on the snow-white sword before slowly curling up and falling asleep, clutching the sword.

Author's Note:

P.S.: Three chapters today. Getting longer chapters doesn't happen overnight; I've been updating twice a day already…

Chapter Sixteen [Antiques]

Two days later, at the antique café.

Ding-a-ling!

The bell at the entrance of the antique café rang crisply as a man and a woman entered.

The boy wore a jacket and plaid shirt, carrying a book in his hand, his youthful face occasionally revealing a hint of shyness. The girl carried a black sword pouch on her back, her beautiful face partially obscured by sunglasses. Even so, the silver-haired girl's serene aura still emanated from her.

Welcome!

The short-haired waitress holding the plate gave a professional smile, but when she saw the white CCG uniform on the silver-haired girl, that smile turned into surprise and tension.

"Is this the coffee shop you mentioned, Kaneki-kun?" A cold, indifferent voice revealed a strange sharpness, and Yomi's eyes behind her sunglasses gleamed with intense interest. "The decor really does match the name, 'Antiques'."

"Senior Huang Quan thinks so too? The environment is indeed top-notch! I really like it here!"

"Then I'll give it a try in my spare time."

Kaneki Ken, oblivious to the short-haired waiter's stiff posture, ordered two coffees and desserts from her as usual. As he passed the tense, immobile waiter, Yomi glanced at her almost imperceptibly. In that instant, Touka sensed a terrifying aura, as if a monster standing amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood had brushed past her; she nearly couldn't suppress her ghoul instincts and her ghoul eyes flashed!

White doves!

In Anteiku, a community center for ghouls in the 20th ward who are unwilling to prey on humans, a white dove unexpectedly appeared when it opened its doors one day!

Touka Kirishima's first reaction was to immediately notify the store manager.

She had never seen a ghoul investigator with such a terrifying aura, so dangerous that even the faint scent of blood on him sent shivers down the ghouls' spines. But he seemed to be just out for coffee with a friend; as long as she didn't give herself away, she should be fine, right…?

Dongxiang glanced absentmindedly at Huang Quan sitting by the window.

'So young and beautiful, how can such a woman be an investigator…'

As if sensing Touka's prying gaze, Yomi, who was talking to Kaneki, suddenly turned her head slightly, and the sharp, stinging sensation enveloped Touka once more. Perhaps realizing she had been a little rude, Yomi gave the pale-faced Touka a beautiful, apologetic smile.

Startled by Huang Quan's sudden smile, Dong Xiang almost dropped the kettle she was holding! Her heart pounded, and she lowered her head, pretending nothing had happened.

"...I don't know many people at Kamii University, but Kaneki-kun, you're one of them, right? So I wanted to see you before I left, since I probably won't have a chance to go back to school again."

Huang Quan's ten fingers were neatly interlaced, and the sharp aura she exuded made people dare not linger their gaze on her for too long.

Otherwise, you might have the illusion that you've been cut.

"Hearing that Hideaki told me you've become a Ghoul Investigator, I really don't know how to congratulate you. Anyway, I wish you all the best in your work, and hope you make many more friends in the future." Seeing how amazing Yomi's aura is now, Kaneki showed a sincere expression of blessing. Perhaps becoming a Ghoul Investigator is the best destiny for Yomi.

"Good luck with your work, that's not a blessing, Kaneki-kun."

"Forehead……!"

Saying something like "I wish the ghoul investigator good luck in his work" could easily get you a scolding from a short-tempered CCG investigator.

After all, ghoul investigators often deal with dangerous ghouls, and if things go smoothly, the number of ghouls they encounter will naturally increase. Apart from workaholics like Mado Kureo, no mentally sound investigator would willingly hunt ghouls day and night. Even Yomi, who did this, would feel nauseous and find it mentally unbearable to endure the pressure of constant fighting and killing.

The oblivious Kaneki didn't notice.

This usually peaceful and tranquil café has taken on a somber air since Huang Quan's arrival today.

Some customers and some staff members were secretly observing Huang Quan, who was relaxed and at ease.

In fact, it's not uncommon for ghoul investigators to be stared at like this in public, and Yomi, who goes out on missions with Mado, is already immune to it.

but……

Huang Quan's intuition as a swordsman told him that beneath the peaceful facade of this coffee shop lay an indescribable ferocity! No matter how much he tried to conceal his aura, the aura that only the will of the strong could sense could not be hidden. Unfortunately for Huang Quan, his only source of pride, sword intent was able to detect this regional aura!

This is also what Mado Kureo once praised to Yomi, the so-called "intuition"!

A warm and comfortable midday, the aroma of coffee filling the air, plus one or two books worth savoring.

Reading in such a tranquil environment.

Even someone as sharp-willed and steely as Huang Quan couldn't help but immerse herself in such a world. Like Kaneki Ken, she loved reading, for it brought her extraordinary peace and washed away her restlessness.

She didn't know how much time had passed; after her coffee had been emptied several times, a rapid beeping snapped Huang Quan out of her book. Her phone, lying on the table, was flashing with notifications. Almost instantly, Huang Quan snapped to attention, her gaze sharpening with a startling intensity!

"Head to the 20th Division immediately! S-rank ghouls [Oogami] and [Jason] have been spotted!" — Kotaro Amon

It turned out to be two S-class ghouls!

Without the slightest hesitation, Huang Quan slung her sword pouch over her shoulder, neatly tidied her long, disheveled hair, and headed outside. By the time Kaneki realized Huang Quan had startled him, she had already strode to the entrance of the coffee shop.

"Senior Huang Quan?!"

"Kaneki-kun, this shop is great, I'll come back again next time. But now..."

She calmly pushed open the door, and a gust of wind blew in, causing her white coat to billow. With her back to Kaneki, Yomi exuded an aura like a sword being drawn from its sheath. She was probably smiling; the expression on her face, as Kaneki watched in astonishment, was unmistakably Yomi suppressing a smile.

The crimson pupils of the sword demon emanated a chilling killing intent that even ordinary people could clearly sense—an intent ten thousand times stronger than the ferocious, bestial instincts of ghouls driven by the desire to fill their stomachs.

"...But now, I have important work waiting for me."

There were no white doves carrying boxes.

Silver hair, sunglasses, and crimson eyes that resembled a ghoul but were even more vibrant. Staring blankly at Yomi at the entrance, Kirishima Touka realized that the ghoul investigator who had come to the shop today was the terrifying figure who had participated in the extermination of the "Great Ghoul," Kamishiro Rize!

Sword Demon Huang Quan!

Chapter Seventeen Analysis

The bright sunshine was quickly replaced by thick dark clouds. As a clap of thunder streaked across the sky of District 20, a light drizzle enveloped the entire city like a thick fog.

Such bad weather could easily make some people feel really bad.

The roads were muddy, the sewage was stagnant, and there was an endless gurgling noise.

The staff at CCG20 branch couldn't help but groan and complain about the terrible weather. If they were unlucky enough to get stuck in traffic, they might even miss their lunch break. Some also lamented that they hadn't listened to the weather forecast or brought an umbrella—trivial matters indeed.

The 20th district branch was chatting and laughing.

It's so comfortable it's almost unbelievable.

A silver-haired girl, holding a black umbrella, slowly walked into the branch's lobby. Her coat, which had just come from the rain, was slightly damp. With Huang Quan's arrival, a faint but sharp and dangerous aura wafted through the damp and chilly air.

The branch staff who were about to come forward retreated somewhat embarrassedly after recognizing Huang Quan.

Yellow Springs Trainee Investigator.

The staff at the CCG branch privately call her "Sword Demon".

It's more accurate to describe it as fear than respect. Rumors about the Sword Demon all exaggerate her cruelty towards ghouls. Moreover, her personality is as cold and aloof as a sharp blade, devoid of any warmth, thus creating this delicate situation.

However, it was precisely Huang Quan's aloofness and indifference that made many investigators secretly admire and yearn for him.

"Mado is of the highest rank, and Amon is of the lowest rank. What are the specific details?"

Pushing open the door to the temporary meeting room, Huang Quan couldn't wait to ask his questions as soon as he entered, concerning both [Dai-Ku] and [Jason], both of whom were exceptionally troublesome ghouls.

"The Underworld".