章節 43: The Next Cleaner

"Pacifist… Don't tell me you actually want to coexist peacefully with ghouls?"

Kimura asked incredulously.

"Something like that. You could see it that way" Byakuya admitted.

"Well… Although the CCG doesn't strictly regulate investigators' personal views, you'd best keep those thoughts to yourself. Many investigators harbor a deep hatred for ghouls" Kimura cautioned kindly.

Many who joined the CCG became investigators seeking revenge after being victimized by ghouls. If Byakuya's views clashed with his colleagues, it could lead to unnecessary complications.

"I understand" Byakuya nodded.

He knew Kimura's attitude toward ghouls was relatively moderate, which is why he felt comfortable sharing these thoughts with him.

"Alright, then. You and Arima are tasked with monitoring 'Lantern' If she causes any more trouble, don't give her another chance" Kimura instructed.

As Byakuya expected, Kimura's lenient personality meant he wouldn't be overly harsh on Lantern.

"Understood" Byakuya acknowledged before leaving.

Now that Kimura had given his approval, Byakuya and Arima could openly assist Minami.

...

13th Ward, Seishin High School

Byakuya and Arima sat on the rooftop of the school building, eating lunch while talking.

"Did Kimura approve it?" Arima asked.

"Yes, Kimura is reasonable" Byakuya nodded. "Our mission has also shifted slightly. We're to observe Minami for six months. If she stays clean during that period, the mission will be considered complete"

"Got it" Arima replied calmly.

Six months didn't seem long to him. In fact, it was ideal.

There was something Arima needed to delay, but he couldn't make it obvious. This mission gave him the perfect excuse to stall.

"So, how's your relationship with Minami progressing?" Byakuya teased intentionally.

"Nothing to report" Arima responded curtly.

"Really? I feel like you two are getting closer" Byakuya said with a sly smile.

"I've adjusted my perspective of her. I no longer see her as a ghoul born inherently evil, but that's as far as it goes" Arima admitted directly.

"Arima… we're both eighteen now. As half-humans, we won't live long. We probably only have half of our time left. Don't you want to make the most of what's left?" Byakuya's gaze met Arima's firmly.

"..." Arima was silent for a moment. "You know as well as I do, it's not a matter of want, but whether I can."

Byakuya understood the underlying meaning: Arima was bound by Sunlit Garden and the V, with little freedom to pursue his desires.

"I get it. It's about the role of the 'Cleaner' right? You've already been marked as the next Cleaner" Byakuya said evenly. "But I can tell you're not exactly thrilled about it."

"..." Arima remained stoic, unwilling to confirm Byakuya's statement directly, fearing it might draw the ire of V.

"Let me take on the Cleaner role instead. I'll compete with you for the position" Byakuya suggested, framing it as a rivalry to address Arima's concerns.

Of course, Byakuya's intentions weren't purely altruistic. Beyond helping Arima and preventing tragedies like the deaths of Touka and Ayato's parents— indirectly caused by Arima as the Cleaner— he had his own motives.

Taking the Cleaner role would give him the leverage he needed to alter the system at its core: the CCG, Sunlit Garden, V, and the Washuu Clan controlling them.

Just then, a notification echoed in Byakuya's mind:

[Ding! Host has resolved to become the Cleaner, triggering the hidden quest 'Cleaner']

[Quest Objective: Become the next Cleaner.]

[Reward: 100 Attribute Points.]

Arima, briefly stunned by Byakuya's declaration, finally spoke. "You're truly different from the rest of us. It's hard to see through you. But if you want to compete, I'll respect that"

Arima never thought anyone would vie for the title of Cleaner — a role synonymous with being a heartless killing machine, devoid of freedom.

Byakuya smirked. "If I become the Cleaner, you'll finally be free to live your own life. These six months are your chance to enjoy school life and make up for what you missed. Especially with Minami, who clearly sees you as her greatest support. If you care about her, don't hold back."

Arima fell silent, conflicted over his feelings for Minami.

And as if summoned by fate, Minami appeared, pushing open the rooftop door.

"Arima, Byakuya, I knew you'd be here"