Everything is Anime!

Although ghouls typically have little to do with mythology, they do belong to the "mystic" side of things to some extent. They knew well about the three factions—devils, angels, and fallen angels—and their mutual hostilities. What's more, everyone was aware that Kuoh Town was devil territory.

Using the fallen angels' power in a devil-controlled city—were these people trying to start a war? If the devils found out, the consequences would be unimaginable! After all, those devils already allowed ghouls to live quietly in their dominion, which was mercy enough. Even if the ghouls occasionally used their powers to bully people or stole a corpse here or there, the devils usually turned a blind eye. But working with fallen angels crossed the line.

Touka Kirishima and her friends only wanted a peaceful life; they didn't want to be dragged into disputes—especially not between two factions of mythical beings. They'd just be cannon fodder in such a conflict.

"Collaborate? Weak races like us, if we want to live better in the world that's coming, we can only ally with stronger forces! The fallen angels have already promised that once they rule the world, we ghouls will get our own territory where we can corral humans and eat them however we like!"

The blond man known as "Gecko" wore an enraptured expression, clearly longing for such a life. Nowadays, if they wanted to eat humans, they had to either lurk in dark corners waiting for hapless prey or steal corpses.

"We're ghouls, too—we have our pride! We want to freely devour meat and drink blood, even in broad daylight!"

"Madman!"

Touka and her companions couldn't comprehend his thinking at all.

"Me, a madman? You're the crazy ones, living such a boring life! And by the way—get your manager out here. I know exactly who he is: the strongest SSS-rated ghoul. If he joins us, all the other ghouls in this city will surely follow."

They needed manpower for their war. The manager of the Antique Café, Yoshimura, held great influence.

"You should leave. We don't want any part of this."

At that moment, an elderly man emerged from the kitchen area. With eyes narrowed in calm composure, he radiated a powerful presence. Even Gecko paused momentarily on seeing him, though he quickly drew more power from the "Spear of Light" bestowed by the fallen angels. Far from being intimidated, Gecko grew excited.

According to information from the fallen angels, Yoshimura Kouzen possessed a special constitution. His kakuhou could provide genetic material to artificially create more powerful one-eyed ghouls. If they matured, their strength might even rival mid-level devils.

As he spoke, Yoshimura revealed his unique kagune. Feathers sprouted, covering half of his body in an instant—like a bird's plumage forming armor. Both hands were now blade-like kagune.

Truth be told, his kagune power alone was considerable, but the enemy wielded the power of fallen angels—a mythical force. Yoshimura had no guarantee that his feathered kagune could withstand it.

A fierce battle broke out at once. With years of combat experience, Yoshimura made a quick move to eliminate Gecko first. In the next second, he burst past the café counter, slicing downward at the blond man's head. Gecko, however, easily blocked the strike with his Spear of Light—he even managed to tear apart the end of Yoshimura's feathered kagune in the process. At the same time, the ghoul wearing a mouth-shaped mask launched a sneak attack. Yoshimura noticed just in time, slicing him clean in two at the waist, but such an injury was barely a scratch; upper and lower halves reconnected with rapid regrowth. A Spear of Light then pierced Yoshimura's side, causing him to spit blood.

"Manager!"

Touka and the others cried out, wanting to help but were blocked by the other two attackers.

Just then, the café door chimed, as though someone had opened it. Those inside reflexively turned toward the sound. They saw a silhouette in the dark corridor, partially lit by moonlight. As the clouds moved in the wind, the silvery moonlight gradually faded from the figure. The café's indoor lights took over, illuminating the man bit by bit. It was as if the darkness retreated with each step he took.

The perfect synchronization of timing and setting left everyone momentarily forgetting the battle, the scene etching itself like a brand upon their minds.

"Who is that?"

"Looks like just an ordinary person."

"If he's human, so much the better—we can bring him back as food. All this activity has made me a bit hungry."

"Hikaru...? It's you?!"

Under the café's light, the newcomer's face came into focus. Touka Kirishima was stunned. As his classmate, she could never have forgotten a presence that shone like the sun.

"Touka, he's your classmate? That's trouble—protecting him might be impossible..."

But Hikaru ignored them, walking straight toward the ghouls brandishing their kagune. With a single glance, he understood what was happening. Upon seeing the Spear of Light, however, his expression flickered in surprise.

"That's... light-based power?"

"You pesky fool! I'll eat you first!"

One of the robed ghouls flashed forward like a shadow, rushing straight at Hikaru—irritated by the handsome human face. Touka felt her heart jolt and wanted to intervene, but couldn't react in time. Hikaru merely raised his palm to meet the blade-like kagune slashing down at him.

~~~

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 20 Chapters Ahead of Others!