"Everyone! I believe everyone is clear about the purpose of this 'meeting', but I must say it again — the subjugation of 'Aogiri Tree'!"
"Bang!!"
Accompanied by a heavy impact sound, Yoshitoki Washuu heavily knocked on the whiteboard beside him.
Yoshitoki Washuu had always maintained a 'gentlemanly' image within the branch, but the abnormality he showed this time made everyone feel incredible, and at the same time, they clearly understood the importance of the matter, although they already knew it before the meeting began.
"The known leader of Aogiri Tree is the SSS-rated Ghoul — The Owl. According to video comparisons afterward, the opponent should be the former famous young writer 'Eto Yoshimura'."
At this point, everyone's expression was a little ugly. After all, according to known intelligence, 'Eto Yoshimura' was not very old, and no one knew the 'limit' of Ghouls yet. Some scientists even suggested that Ghouls might be able to continue to 'strengthen' with continuous eating.
"Secondly, the other leaders include the SS-rated Ghoul 'Tatara' from China, the SS-rated Ghoul 'Noro', the SS-rated Ghoul 'Shachi' (Yoshimura's name is mistaken for Kamishiro Ayato in the next sentence), the S-rated Ghoul 'Black Rabbit', and the S-rated Ghoul 'Miza'. And I must remind everyone that these 'ratings' are merely based on their known strength and harm. Their true strength may be even greater, so please be vigilant at all times during the operation."
As Yoshitoki Washuu spoke, photos appeared on the projection, and the expressions of the people in the conference room became increasingly grim.
Undoubtedly, due to Lancer presence, Touka Kirishima did not appear in the CCG's sight, and the CCG has not yet had a wanted list named 'Rabbit'. Naturally, Ayato Kirishima did not expose himself too much. The information about his strength and the last cadre 'Miza' was obtained through the intelligence of the 'Grave Robber'.
But even without the two of them, the known number and rating of Ghouls in Aogiri Tree have already exceeded any Ghoul organization the CCG had subjugated before.
"At that time, these 'cadres' will be handled by Special Class or Associate Special Class Investigators, and everyone will be assigned to be commanded by the respective Special Class and Associate Special Class Investigators…"
Yoshitoki Washuu was giving the lecture at the front, while Lancer, sitting in the middle of the crowd, looked solemnly at the task he was assigned.
「Assist Special Class Arima and Associate Special Class Mado in subjugating the SSS-rated Ghoul 'The Owl'」
It could be said that this task was somewhat expected, after all, 'The Owl' was repelled by Lancer last time, but he always felt that something was not right, but he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.
If it were other things, he might have chosen to ignore it, but he knew that his premonition regarding 'bad things' always came true, so he dared not ignore it and could only constantly think in his mind about where the 'clue' went wrong.
'Is it The Owl's strength? Logically speaking, Special Class Arima alone is enough to repel 'The Owl'. With me and Associate Special Class Mado, no accident should occur. What exactly is wrong?'
The more he thought, the more chaotic his mind became, as there were no clues at all.
Fortunately, he was not the only one in this meeting who was in a daze or frowning, which made him not stand out so much. However, he quickly recovered from his thinking state, because Yoshitoki Washuu had called his name.
"…Before this subjugation battle, I will personally hold an awarding ceremony for one Investigator. First Class Investigator Lancer, please come to the stage."
Although Lancer had already learned from Kureo Mado that his promotion was imminent, Lancer did not expect him to be promoted at such a time? And in front of everyone? Was he being praised to his ruin?
'No, it shouldn't be. After all, everything I'm doing now will only benefit the CCG. The opponent has no need to praise me to ruin me. So what is it for? Is it because I've been thinking too much about the internal traitor of the CCG recently?'
His mind was already in a mess, and now an unplanned event appeared, making him even more at a loss, but at least on the surface, he still maintained a calm expression, stood up from his seat, and walked to the front desk.
"First Class Lancer, congratulations. I hope you can continue to work hard for the great cause of exterminating Ghouls!"
Looking at the smile on Yoshitoki Washuu's face, Lancer felt a bit strange for some reason, but he knew he was just overthinking, and then kept hinting in his mind to calm down.
"It shall be so."
— — — — — —
The dinner tonight was actually a celebration for the success of the previous 'Auction House' operation, and of course, it was also used to celebrate the promotion of a large number of Investigators, including Lancer. Lancer was undoubtedly the most watched person at this event, and many people even specifically came to strike up a conversation with Lancer. Lancer basically chatted for a few sentences and then found an excuse to skip it. It was obvious that he didn't like talking to those people.
But just as he finally found an opportunity and planned to eat something to fill his stomach —
"Associate Special Class Lancer…"
'Again? Aren't these guys hungry?'
Although he was extremely annoyed, he at least didn't show it all on his face and turned around holding his wine glass.
"Hello."
What surprised Lancer was that the person who came to talk to him this time was neither a middle-aged man nor a young girl, but a good-looking 'peer'.
His hair was meticulously combed, and he had a charming smile on his face. Although Lancer thought he was a bit thin, he was undoubtedly a handsome man, but it was precisely because of this that he felt a bit strange.
Middle-aged men were basically administrative personnel who had no chance of promotion in this lifetime; only they would come to Lancer in an attempt to gain the so-called 'acquaintance'. As for the reason for the young girls, there was no need to say more.
Although Lancer himself did not like to dress up, even so, he at least made sure he looked 'clean', and this simple attire combined with the 'distance' created by his strength was indeed quite attractive.
As for the rumors about Lancer and Akira Mado? Let alone that it was just a rumor, even if it were true, so what? At worst, NTR then~!
It was precisely because of this that he felt a little strange, but the other party just smiled and extended both hands to shake Lancer offered right hand.
"Hello, I apologize for forgetting to introduce myself. I am Nimura Furuta, First Class Investigator belonging to the CCG."
"Is there something I can help you with?"
"No, not really. It's just purely because of your 'fame', Associate Special Class Lancer, that I decided to come and see you."
When speaking of the so-called 'fame', the opponent's expression was that of a 'man who understands' smile, which made Lancer mouth twitch, but he didn't want to say more, so he could only maintain a strange smile.
"Since the greeting is over, I will take my leave first. I hope you enjoy the banquet tonight~"
Looking at the decisive Nimura Furuta who turned and left, Lancer was relieved while also being completely dumbfounded. After all, he really didn't want to discuss the topic the other party mentioned.