After confirming the location of the core, Amano Hiro did not linger. His wings beat powerfully, and he shot upward like an arrow released from a bow, quickly returning to the edge of the pit.
Eto, who had been closely watching the movement below, stepped forward as soon as she saw him return safely. "How is it?"
Amano Hiro landed steadily and nodded. "That's right. The core is down there."
He then turned to the native leader who had guided them. "How many people are in your settlement now? In this underground world, are there any other survivor settlements like yours?"
A shadow crossed the leader's face. His voice grew heavy. "All together, there are only 121 of us left... As far as we know, there are no other tribes. We are the last."
Seeing the loneliness in his eyes, Amano Hiro softened his tone. "Don't worry. Once you reach the surface, your people will find new vitality. Your tribe will grow again."
The three of them soon returned to the settlement. Amano Hiro and Eto wasted no time, immediately organizing all 121 natives and leading this ragged yet newly hopeful group back toward the Aogiri Tree base.
After settling the survivors of the underground world properly, Amano Hiro and Eto walked side by side through the corridor toward their residence.
Recalling the purpose of this trip, Eto asked again, "What exactly is the Dragon's current condition? Is there a possibility of awakening it?"
"The core still retains a trace of activity, far more distinct than the lifeless silence of the other parts," Amano Hiro analyzed. "If a new core were used to replace the dried-up original core, then theoretically... awakening it is possible."
Eto could not help but sigh. "I never imagined the Dragon's existence would also have such a terrifying effect as turning humans into ghouls."
"It's more than that," Amano Hiro added, revealing another crucial piece of information. "Besides releasing gas capable of mutating humans into ghouls, when the Dragon is active, it also produces creatures called 'Dragon Orphans.' They have no rationality and attack every living being within sight, human or ghoul, without discrimination."
Eto was shocked again. "It creates monsters too? Are there any other side effects?"
"For now, those are the main known ones," Amano Hiro replied.
Eto seemed to make a connection and suddenly stopped walking. Beneath her bandages, her voice carried a trace of disbelief.
"Hiro, do you think... the origin of ghouls in our world might have been caused by some ancient Dragon in the beginning?"
Amano Hiro raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised that Eto had reached that conclusion.
He himself did not know. The original story had never clearly explained the origin of ghouls.
But her speculation was not without merit.
"It's possible," he said thoughtfully. "Perhaps hundreds or even thousands of years ago, a creature like the Dragon appeared. The special toxin or radiation it emitted may have caused some humans to mutate into the earliest ghouls, who then passed the trait down through bloodlines until today."
There was also a theory that Dragon Orphans would eventually evolve into ghouls, but there was no definitive conclusion.
When they returned to the central hall, they saw Rize lounging lazily on the sofa, holding the same book Eto had been reading that morning.
Hearing their footsteps, she lifted her gaze. Her violet eyes shimmered with curiosity.
"You're back? Any gains?"
Amano Hiro walked straight over, naturally wrapping an arm around her slender waist and drawing her into his embrace.
"Yes," he said with a faint smile. "Quite a lot."
Eto watched the two of them begin openly displaying affection the moment they sat down. Beneath her bandages, she rolled her eyes without restraint.
"Well then," she raised both hands in mock surrender, her tone playful, "I'll go report to Tatara-san. I won't stay here as an untimely 'light bulb.'"
With that, she turned crisply and left the hall, leaving the space entirely to the inseparable pair.
Amano Hiro then explained in detail everything about the Dragon to Rize.
She listened intently, violet eyes flashing with surprise from time to time. These truths buried beneath the dust of history were things she had never encountered.
As he spoke, a sudden realization struck Amano Hiro.
Rize herself was from the Washuu Clan. It had been right in front of him the whole time.
He slapped his forehead, annoyed at himself. If he was looking for the Washuu headquarters, the ideal living map was standing right before him.
He immediately turned to her, urgency entering his voice. "Rize, where exactly is the Washuu Clan's main house located?"
Rize was momentarily startled by the sudden question, then quickly understood. "Hiro wants to... go directly after the Washuu?"
"That's right." A cold glint flashed in Amano Hiro's eyes. "Since they dared to attack us and blow up our home, they should have expected to pay the price."
However, Rize's reaction surprised him. Instead of answering immediately, she frowned slightly.
Concern was evident on her face, her voice softening with persuasion.
"Hiro, I know you're angry. I am too. But directly attacking the Washuu main house is too dangerous. That place has been their stronghold for over a hundred years, heavily guarded. We... we should plan carefully and take it step by step, alright?"
Even knowing Amano Hiro's strength, she could not help but worry. The Washuu main house was a dragon's den entrenched for generations.
Even if there was only the slightest risk, she did not want him facing it alone.
Feeling the faint tremble of her fingertips, Amano Hiro felt warmth in his chest.
He clearly remembered the indifferent "Binge Eater" he had first met. Now she showed such concern for him. Rize truly had changed.
He lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead. His voice was steady and reassuring.
"Don't worry. I won't act recklessly. If anything seems wrong, I promise I'll withdraw immediately."
Rize looked into his determined eyes and knew she could not dissuade him.
She took a deep breath and insisted stubbornly, "Then I'm going with you. At critical moments, we can watch each other's backs."
She lifted her chin, confidence flashing in her eyes. "The current me is not weak."
Amano Hiro pondered for a moment. Considering Rize's strength now was far beyond before, and if they also brought Eto, the three of them represented the top combat power in the ghoul world. They might even be able to wipe out the Washuu entirely.
"Alright," he finally agreed, but looked at her seriously. "But you must promise me to follow my command throughout. No acting on your own."
Rize nodded immediately, smiling with relief like a child given reassurance. "Mm. I'll listen to Hiro."