Under Mado Kureo's lead, the three quickly arrived at a small izakaya. When they walked in, however, Amon Koutarou froze slightly.
"Amon-senpai, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
Indeed, it was nothing serious—just that Amon was somewhat startled by the fact that nearly everyone in this izakaya turned out to be CCG colleagues. But on second thought, it really wasn't that surprising. Although Investigators were mysterious figures in the eyes of civilians, they too were humans. They had stress; having a drink was perfectly normal.
"I'll have some umeshu and a serving each of grilled chicken and octopus legs. Amon, Lancer, just order whatever you want—my treat today."
Though Mado Kureo was somewhat of a loner due to his strange personality, one had to admit that, aside from his bizarre expressions, when off-duty he wasn't so different from ordinary people. At least in Amon's eyes, he was a superior worthy of trust and respect.
"I'll have the same as Mado-san, please."
"Same here."
"You two… Ah, whatever. Mine's the best the shop has anyway."
Clearly helpless at their responses, Mado didn't say anything more. Some things simply weren't worth arguing over. Soon, he began chatting with Lancer about his recent experiences in the training camp.
Naturally, Lancer answered every question openly. Although he didn't know why he'd received an identity in this world, there was no doubt he owed it entirely to Mado's help that he'd entered this training camp without examination, even learning three skills along the way. Hence, he felt deep gratitude. Yet glancing at the silent Amon Koutarou beside them, Lancer felt the reason Mado came looking for him probably wasn't just for a meal. However, since Mado Kureo didn't mention it, and Amon kept his mouth shut, he could only wait patiently.
"Here's your order, gentlemen."
When three ceramic bottles and six plates were placed onto the table, Lancer keenly sensed the atmosphere turning serious. Amon Koutarou especially sat stiffly upright, clearly not intending to touch the food yet.
At this moment, Mado Kureo finally revealed the purpose of his visit.
"Lancer, your results in the training camp have been exceptionally good. Though you haven't passed any formal assessments, your fighting ability probably surpasses most graduates. I happen to have an available spot, so I'd like you to join my team as an 'Intern Investigator.'"
Though slightly surprised by this offer, Lancer still found it somehow expected. After all, his strength was obvious; the only thing surprising was how quickly the invitation came—he'd assumed it would come only after formal graduation from training.
Yet, surprise aside, he didn't hesitate at all before nodding firmly.
"Yes!"
Indeed, Lancer had long realized the world he was in was that of Tokyo Ghoul. By conventional logic, he should have felt some resistance towards becoming an Investigator—after all, both protagonists were ghouls. Yet, honestly, such "fondness" was fragile at best, merely affection towards fictional main characters. Once someone really entered this world, once they'd actually experienced a ghoul's attack, could such goodwill even remain?
Every time he thought about this, a strange burning sensation arose in his right shoulder.
He knew this was purely psychological. The wound itself had healed more than a month ago. Other than a faint scar, no one would even suspect a chunk of flesh had once been bitten off by a ghoul.
Whatever goodwill he had from liking the protagonists had vanished completely the instant that sudden attack came. Now he only knew clearly that he was human, and that most ghouls in this world were monsters who preyed on humans. Even the so-called protagonist had experienced intense inner struggles, and if someone hadn't intervened, he might have even devoured his best friend.
Lancer's decisive answer greatly satisfied Mado Kureo, who, after sipping his drink lightly, signaled the other two to eat.
With Lancer's agreement, the conversation naturally passed to Amon Koutarou.
Though he himself had only recently graduated and joined Mado's team, compared to a wild recruit like Lancer, he was still a top-ranked graduate from the CCG Academy. Thus, with Mado's approval, he began briefing Lancer on details concerning Investigators. Midway, however, Mado suddenly interrupted him.
"Ah, right. Lancer, even though you're just an 'intern Investigator,' since you're working under me, you'll also need a Quinque. I assume you'll want a spear-type weapon, but do you have any additional requests?"
"If possible, I'd like something not too heavy but fairly flexible…"
"Hmm, easy enough. Quinques are made from ghouls' kagune anyway, which naturally have that flexibility. Anything else?"
"Well… honestly, I'm not sure myself. How about you decide, Mado-san?"
At Lancer's words, Mado Kureo nodded approvingly.
Technically, Lancer hadn't undergone any official tests, and thus shouldn't qualify for a Quinque. But with Mado's guarantee—and especially since he himself would create and provide Lancer's Quinque—the higher-ups wouldn't object much.
Besides, he deeply appreciated Lancer's attitude.
Too many rookies always dreamed of obtaining the "strongest Quinque." Yet none of them ever considered carefully: even if such a Quinque existed, could they handle it properly? Practical individuals like Lancer were precisely his favorites.
The matter was, in fact, very simple: Mado Kureo had come specifically to recruit Lancer. Thus, after dinner, Lancer swiftly returned to the training camp. However, on his way back, he couldn't help but clench his fists tightly.
It had already been over two months since arriving in this world. Aside from the initial attack on the first day, he had been relentlessly training himself. Now, finally, it was time for actual combat. He'd waited far too long for this.
But after returning to the dorm, he found himself too excited to sleep. Taking out his phone, he eagerly checked his progress—this had become his favorite pastime recently, aside from training itself. After all, these quantifiable numbers were tangible proof of his efforts!
Many people gave up because they saw no immediate returns from their efforts; the future appeared distant and uncertain, so they chose to quit. But Lancer could visibly see himself improving, and every glance filled him with fresh motivation!
[Host]: Lancer
[Gender]: Male
[Age]: 22
[Combat Power]: 38 (Average Adult Male: 10, Training: +8, Spear Mastery E: +20)
[Weapon]: None
[Personal Skills]:
Spear Mastery E
Lancer's Fate EX
[General Skills]:
Charged Strike LV2
Triple Thrust LV2
Dash LV3
[Secret Technique]:
Last-Resort Strike D
[Titles]: None
[Ultimate Moves]: None
[Equipment]: None
[Quests]: None
[Overall Rating]: E+
Increasing combat power was straightforward: training and skill improvement. As for his three general skills—Charged Strike, Triple Thrust, and Dash—he'd learned them from the spear instructor in the training camp.
"Triple Thrust" involved rapidly performing three consecutive thrusts with special techniques. "Dash" used the momentum of the entire body for an explosive attack. Slightly more complicated, or rather more troublesome, was the "Charged Strike," currently Lancer's strongest technique aside from his secret technique.
Charged Strike's ability matched its name: by controlling muscle bursts, he could generate attacks up to roughly five times stronger than usual. In practice, however, enemies wouldn't wait patiently—so typically only about twice the usual power was achievable.
His secret technique, "Last-Resort Strike," was precisely the attack he'd used against the ghoul during his first encounter, wielding that metal mop handle. This move was truly a desperate last stand—granting a huge boost in strength and speed but leaving him severely weakened afterward. Unless absolutely cornered, he would never use it lightly.
Looking at his increased strength, Lancer finally fell asleep, heart full of anticipation for tomorrow, when he'd officially become an Intern Investigator...