Ultimately, Rentaro returned.
When he got back, the men and the little girl had already moved elsewhere. Through inquiries, he managed to get a rough direction.
By eavesdropping on a few patrolling police officers nearby, he learned that the number of Cursed Children wandering inside the inner city had significantly decreased recently.
To the citizens, this was fine. Compared to loathing, they were more afraid of what the Cursed Children represented. So, fewer Cursed Children didn't affect anyone.
However, it was different for those who held extreme hatred for the Gastrea. They didn't dare vent their anger on the violent Gastrea, so they could only satisfy their personal vendettas by targeting the children. If there were no children left, how could they do that anymore?
Although all stemming from fear and hatred towards the Gastrea, these extremist individuals had deviated from the original hatred, leaving only vanity and the satisfaction of being able to trample others. They were concealing their own fear of the undeniable truth that the Gastrea had always been a Sword of Damocles hanging over humanity's head.
Rentaro tracked them to the near-fringe area, to a half-finished construction site. After searching for a while, he found the little girl being brutally beaten with scattered iron bars and wooden sticks lying everywhere.
Rentaro's blood began to boil, rushing straight to his head. The Civil Security officer quickly stepped out, a single swing of his arm knocking several people away, sending the iron and wooden sticks flying in all directions. He shielded the little girl.
"You dog! What are you doing!"
A man who was knocked to the ground, his mouth bleeding, began to yell in fury. The others said nothing, their eyes turning dangerous, their hands gripping their weapons tightly.
"Kid, go home. Don't interfere in our business."
Threats were also issued.
Facing those things, Rentaro coldly pulled out his Civil Security license.
"Civil Security?"
"Damn it, it's these guys again."
"Wait, what if this kid is faking it..."
They hesitated slightly, starting to whisper among themselves. Rentaro knew his threat had worked, so he pressed his advantage further.
"You deliberately chose this place, didn't you, so no one could hear the screams. And I can also beat the hell out of you here without anyone knowing."
Rentaro chuckled menacingly. He admitted that separating from Enju earlier had indeed buried a difficult-to-swallow resentment and frustration in his heart. Being able to threaten these people now made him feel a little relieved.
"I'll remember your face, Civil Security officer. I won't let this go."
Finally, they all left out of fear, not forgetting to leave a threat. Rentaro paid no mind to those things. He turned around to check the little girl's condition. Fortunately, although her breathing was extremely weak, she could still be saved.
He quickly took the little girl to the hospital.
Because of her serious condition, immediate surgery was required to save her life. So, Rentaro had to empty his remaining pockets to pay for the little girl's hospital fees.
Sitting dazed outside the hospital corridor, his eyes occasionally glancing towards the emergency room door. Rentaro felt extremely agitated all over, and he began to think aimlessly about everything. It wasn't until the doctor's call came that Rentaro was pulled back from his stupor to reality.
"Young man, although you've paid all the hospital fees, is this truly okay?"
Looking at Rentaro's grubby appearance, the old doctor couldn't help but ask. Rentaro could only force a bitter smile.
"That little girl is a Cursed Child from the fringe. If I don't save her, who will? Please, take good care of her."
"I understand. Have a good day."
Rentaro paid no attention to the old doctor's blessing, turning away expressionlessly.
It was late evening outside. The Civil Security officer draped his coat over his shoulder, walking through the crowd. Occasionally, the warm and intimate scene of some family flashed past the corner of his eye, but he showed no expression.
He returned home and found that the lights were still on.
When the door opened, a pleasant scent from the kitchen rushed into his nose, making Rentaro's stomach rumble. He suddenly remembered that he hadn't had a chance to eat anything all day, and his stomach was protesting violently.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, a small, lively figure jumped out from the kitchen. It was Enju, wearing an apron that was somewhat oversized for her. There were also some smudges on Enju's face and on the apron.
"Ah, Rentaro is back!"
Enju smiled brightly, circling behind Rentaro and pushing him to the other room, setting him down at the table. She then ran back into the kitchen, busying herself with something, and brought out three plates of food along with hot rice.
A look of surprise appeared in Rentaro's eyes. Feeling the heat of the steaming food blowing onto his face, he couldn't help but pick up his chopsticks and put a bite into his mouth.
Although the taste wasn't great, with every bite he chewed, the corners of Rentaro's eyes reddened a little.
Enju was very happy to see Rentaro eating the food she made. Clenching her two hands, she said shyly.
"Rentaro, I'm sorry, today I said some words that..."
Suddenly, Rentaro stood up abruptly in Enju's surprise. He walked over and hugged the little girl tightly. Enju felt something wet falling on the top of her head, and she seemed to understand something. She also hugged him back tightly.
The next morning.
"Rentaro, I'm leaving!"
"Mhm, remember to study hard."
Rentaro waved goodbye to Enju, watching the back of the little girl with her backpack fade away. His gentle face gradually turned into a look of determination.
He returned home, just as Kisara's call came through.
"Rentaro! We've found the whereabouts of that Gastrea!"
"Really?"
Rentaro was excited. That Gastrea was worth one billion ¥. As long as he hunted it and gave it to Seitenshi, that money would be his! He and Enju wouldn't have to brave danger to earn money anymore! Kisara wouldn't have to worry about money anymore!
"Kisara, so where is it now?"
"It's hard to say. I've already sent a helicopter to your location. You'll fly straight to that area."
"What! A helicopter!?"
"That's right. That's my entire tuition for the next semester! So Rentaro, don't you dare bring shame to the Tendou Civil Security Company!"
"Understood, Boss!"
Right as the conversation ended, a helicopter with a hospital emblem was hovering directly above him. Rentaro didn't hesitate and immediately climbed aboard.
This time, he would not bring Enju.