Ui Koori had once graduated at the top of his class from the Ghoul Investigator Training School. He was also the only member of Zero Squad who had followed the proper route of graduating from the Academy and rising through the ranks.
A genius among pure humans, he had already become an Associate Special Class investigator at just twenty-four and would soon be promoted to Special-Class Ghoul Investigator.
"Because of the labyrinth's nature, the terrain here undoubtedly favors ghouls. They could pop out and attack you at any moment. We'll protect you as best we can, but you still can't let your guard down."
Ui Koori continued warning Amahane Byakuya and the others.
"Understood."
Amahane Byakuya and the others nodded.
The group gradually ventured deeper into the underground labyrinth.
Ghouls were difficult to encounter in the labyrinth's shallower sections. CCG Ghoul Investigators had explored the 24th Ward countless times, especially with Kishou Arima, the "undefeated reaper," leading Zero Squad in prolonged operations to eliminate ghouls there.
CCG even used the place to train newcomers. Most students were assigned internships in the 24th Ward, led by experienced investigators from the upper three ranks.
The "upper three ranks" referred to First Class, Associate Special Class, and Special Class investigators, while Rank 3, Rank 2, and Rank 1 comprised the "lower three ranks."
Ghoul investigators came and went through the 24th Ward almost every day, so few ghouls dared linger in the labyrinth's shallower sections.
At first, the atmosphere was fairly relaxed, without much tension.
Hajime Iba even came over to strike up a conversation with Amahane Byakuya. "Let's get acquainted. My name's Hajime Iba."
Hajime Iba wore a cute, friendly smile. He was naturally lively and cheerful, as innocent as a child.
No, actually, Hajime Iba was a child. But if his age were adjusted to a normal human lifespan, he should have been considered at least twenty.
Half-humans were not only far stronger physically than ordinary people, but also developed much faster than normal humans. Their metabolism was extremely fast as well, which was probably why their lifespans were shorter.
"Hello. But what should I call you?"
Amahane Byakuya suddenly realized he had no idea how to address Hajime Iba.
Hajime Iba was so young that calling him "Mr. Iba" would certainly feel strange. Besides, the original story did not seem to have mentioned his Ghoul Investigator rank. Otherwise, a title like "First Class Iba" or "Rank 1 Iba" would have been the most appropriate.
"That's easy. Just call me Hajime."
Hajime Iba smiled as he spoke.
"All right, I'll call you Hajime from now on."
Amahane Byakuya immediately felt that Hajime Iba was very easy to get along with.
He was a boy despite looking so cute, but then again, wasn't a cute boy even better?
Of course, that was a joke. In all seriousness, there was absolutely no downside to getting acquainted with such a cute and powerful young boy.
Despite being the youngest, Hajime Iba had actually eliminated the most ghouls among the Zero Squad Trio of Boys. Whether or not he was the strongest of the three, he was certainly far stronger than an ordinary ghoul investigator.
Zero Squad Trio of Boys (their ages in the image are from three years after the current timeline)
[Ding! The host has become friends with Hajime Iba. Reward obtained: 2 fusion points!]
After only a brief chat, Amahane Byakuya had easily become friends with Hajime Iba.
Rikai Soutou was a man of few words, while Yūsaku Arima was quiet and reserved. Naturally, neither would take the initiative to chat with Amahane Byakuya, whom they did not know.
Just then, Kishou Arima suddenly raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop.
Everyone immediately halted.
Kishou Arima spoke in an even tone. "Ghouls have appeared..."
However, he showed no intention of acting. He had not opened the white briefcase in his hand, either. Such cases were designed specifically to hold Quinques.
Amahane Byakuya had also spotted the ghoul figures lurking in the darkness ahead. Three were visible.
Ui Koori immediately instructed Amahane Byakuya and the other interns, "You'll handle those ghouls first. Pair up and work together. If anything goes wrong, we'll step in to help."
CCG regulations generally paired Ghoul Investigators from the upper three ranks with those from the lower three. For example, Rank 1 investigator Kōtarō Amon was partnered with First Class investigator Kureo Mado.
This arrangement was meant to help the newcomers get used to coordinating with a partner in combat ahead of time.
Naturally, Kurona Yasuhisa partnered with Nashiro Yasuhisa. The two other boys knew each other better, so they paired up as well.
That left Amahane Byakuya and Juuzou Suzuya with no choice.
However, Juuzou Suzuya did not expect anyone to be willing to work with him, so he was preparing to go in alone.
Just then, Amahane Byakuya took the initiative and said to him, "Suzuya, we're partners now. I'll leave that guy's back to you."
As he spoke, he pointed at the ghoul showing the most hostility toward them.
Juuzou Suzuya looked slightly taken aback, but he quickly recovered and broke into a somewhat ferocious grin. "All right."
Fighting seemed to be what interested him most.
Having received Juuzou Suzuya's response, Amahane Byakuya immediately launched his attack. His sudden burst of speed was astonishing, thanks to Madara's Taijutsu.
With Amahane Byakuya and Juuzou Suzuya already locked onto their target, the Yasuhisa sisters charged at another ghoul, unwilling to fall behind. Naturally, the third ghoul was left to the other two boys.
Kishou Arima and the others watched from the sidelines. If the ghouls the students faced proved stronger than the internship standards allowed, or if a dangerous situation arose, they would intervene.
To give a rough example, the students would only be assigned B-Rank Ghouls.
Under CCG's ghoul threat assessment standards, any ghoul capable of using a kagune was at least a B-Rank Ghoul. Conversely, ghouls below B rank could not use a kagune.
Ghouls that were too weak offered nothing meaningful for the students' training, while those that were too strong were obviously unsuitable. B-Rank Ghouls were just right.
"He's really fast. Are the newcomers assigned to us this time that good?"
Amahane Byakuya's initial burst of speed had already surprised Ui Koori.
They had naturally trained several groups of newcomers before, but Amahane Byakuya was the first to leave him this impressed.
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