The stench of blood and the sounds of chewing drifted from the crumbling ruins beside the road. Beyond their line of sight, bursts of fighting and screams rang out.
This was Ward 24, a place of chaos and bloodshed. When food ran short, yesterday's companion might become today's meal.
But Louis and Banjō had grown accustomed to such sights along the way. As long as these ghouls left them alone, they had no intention of interfering.
Carrying a ghoul's corpse certainly attracted attention from other ghouls, but once they recognized it as one of the outer area's leaders, they steered clear and abandoned any thought of stealing it.
"So you're saying ghouls can have unusual special abilities too?" Louis carried the S-Rank Ghoul's corpse on his shoulder as he led Banjō deeper inside, chatting as they walked.
"Yes. One of my ancestors had a kagune with incredibly powerful healing abilities. He could even keep dying humans and ghouls alive." Banjō nodded. He knew a thing or two about the subject.
"Healing abilities..." Louis suddenly remembered the system notification from when he had first met Banjō.
"Is it possible you have that ability too?"
"Me? Probably not... Never mind that this ability hasn't appeared in our family for several generations..." Banjō covered his face and revealed a harsh truth.
"The truth is, I still haven't awakened my kagune..."
He hadn't awakened his kagune...
Louis fell silent for a moment. He thought he understood why this S-Rank Ghoul only had A+ strength.
A kagune was a ghoul's greatest weapon. A ghoul without one was like a lion or tiger without claws or teeth.
"When we get back, I'll try helping you awaken your kagune..."
"You can do that too?" Banjō gave the human a doubtful look.
"I have a little experience..."
Following