Tokyo Ghoul: Quinx System

He stared at his phone, the silence on the line heavier than any shouting. He knew he had hurt her, but he couldn't back down now. This was his choice and his path for his future.

Kiyota was about to toss his phone to the side and get some more sleep when his phone vibrated again. He looked at the screen to see who was calling him.

'It's Reo. He is probably calling to see why I haven't come to school yet.

Kiyota sighed, rubbing his temples. He debated ignoring the call, but knew Reo would just keep trying. He knew his best friend too well.

He finally answered, bringing the phone to his ear. "What do you want, Reo? I'm busy."

"Yeah good morning to you too, Kiyota. Why aren't you at school." Reo asked.

Kiyota mumbled something about feeling unwell, hoping Reo wouldn't press further. He really wasn't in the mood to explain his sudden career change to his best friend.

"Will you be at practice? Coach is busy again today. He's been trying to reach you since yesterday. You'll coach us today right?" Reo asked, his voice was filled with concern. Kiyota realised he'd completely forgotten about basketball practice. He stayed silent.

"You haven't come to school in almost a week… Ever since you went out with that new girl. What's going on, Kiyota?" Reo's voice sharpened with suspicion entering his tone. Kiyota knew he couldn't keep this a secret from his best friend for much longer and he would have to tell him soon.

"I'm just taking a break from school. How about we meet up Saturday and grab lunch?" Kiyota offered, trying to deflect the conversation. Reo was quiet for a moment, then a sigh echoed through the phone.

"Fine, Kiyota. Saturday it is. But you better have a good explanation for all this." Reo said, his voice still tinged with worry. Kiyota hung up, relief washing over him, knowing he had bought himself a few more days.

'I better get ready for the examination.'

Kiyota rolled off the bunk, his feet hitting the cold floor. He washed up quickly and he dressed in his training uniform, a simple black tracksuit with the CCG emblem on the chest.

He headed out the door, making his way to designated testing room, feeling the warm sunlight cheering him up slightly. The academy grounds were already bustling with other recruits, their heading to the location.

He arrived at the large and sterile testing room that was filled with nervous recruits. Rows of tables were set up, each with a blank paper and a pencil, waiting for the recruits to begin their written part of their examination.

The instructor, the same fierce woman from yesterday, stood at the front of the room, her gaze sweeping over them. "Alright, listen up! You have exactly two hours to complete this exam. No talking, no cheating, or you're out. The test is on logic, general knowledge and skills. You may all begin when clock reaches 8:00 exactly."

A hush fell over the room as the recruits gripped their pencils and had their eyes fixed on the clock. Kiyota took a deep breath and steadied his own hand as he waited for the second hand to sweep to the top.

The second hand swept to the top, and a collective rustle of paper filled the room as pencils scratched across the pages. Kiyota flipped open his exam booklet, his eyes scanning the first few questions. Logic puzzles, general knowledge about the wards, and then a section on ghoul classifications and their known abilities. It wasn't too hard and he felt a surge of relief.

Some time later, Kiyota had finished his paper and handed it in to the instructor who didn't even acknowledge him. He had finished quite a bit earlier than most in the room.

Kiyota then headed out the room.

'I'm kinda hungry after that long test. I'd kill for some of those greasy fried dumplings from that place near the station. The ones with the extra garlic sauce.' He thought, his stomach rumbling loudly. 'But I'm in the academy. Meaning I have to eat their food. Which isn't too bad but it isn't flavourful enough to the point where I would like it. I feel like it's more just nutritional rather than tasty.'

Still, the mess hall was probably bustling by now, and he really needed to refuel before the physical part of the examination. This was one of Kiyota's strong points in his character afterall.

'The ace of Shūtei isn't just a meaning less title. I worked hard everyday, training to be a better basketball player.' Kiyota thought to himself with a slight smirk, he had a slight ego becuase of this thinking.

He probably looked like some kind of idiot, walking around with a smirk plastered on his face. 'I'm a damn good investigator in the making.'

He just needed to get through this physical exam, then they'd all see. He was going to ace it, just like he aced everything else.

He lined up with the other recruits to receive food. The line wasn't very long as it was mainly filled with either recruits who had finished the written examination or senior recruits who lined up. Kiyota scanned the room that was filled with tough looking faces.

He sighed, grabbing a tray and moving down the line, eyeing the unappetizing but probably nutritious slop being served ahead of him. Everyone took their food without complaints but were all respectful to the lady serving them. Though she looked intimidating because of her muscular build she had a surprisingly kind smile and served generous portions of food to everyone. Kiyota thanked the woman, his stomach already protesting the blandness of the meal even before he took a bite. He found an empty table near a window, the sunlight streaming in, and sat down. He had to literally force himself to eat.