Fear often stems from the unknown, but when one is truly completely ignorant, one can often only choose blind obedience. For example, the former Lancer was nothing more than an ordinary Investigator, who was simply a little stronger than his peers, but that was all.
When it comes to actual strength, several Special Class Investigators were far stronger than his former self, both in terms of personal ability and experience. Even most of the Special Class Investigator-Designates were stronger than him. The reason he was able to appear relatively 'conspicuous' was simply due to the 'plot.'
Ultimately, in front of the true mastermind, he was nothing more than a puppet dancing on a stage.
But when he obtained the information related to 'Ghouls,' he developed a doubt: What exactly are Ghouls?
A story is just a canvas under the author's fingertips, to be painted however they wish, but he had already realized that he was in an independent world. Therefore, since it is a normal world, there must be an accurate timeline.
Even if the appearance of Ghouls was due to an 'accident,' they did not suddenly appear all over the world at once. They needed to reproduce and grow, so there were many suspicious points in this.
"How long have Ghouls existed? Although the CCG has been established for a while, I remember that the original intention of the CCG's appearance was that 'Ghouls kept appearing in various parts of the world, and finally the Germans were the first to establish the CCG, a human armed organization to fight against Ghouls,' which means Ghouls existed before then. So how did they survive? Why was the existence of Ghouls only truly confirmed in recent decades?"
Lancer did not directly answer Yoshimura Kuzen's question; instead, he threw out his own questions, while Yoshimura Kuzen on the other side lowered his head and remained silent.
Yoshimura Kuzen had not thought about these questions before, or perhaps the questions he thought about were more 'realistic.' He thought about how to make Ghouls and humans coexist normally. As for these things that had already happened and could not be changed, he had not considered them.
But now that Lancer had pointed them out, he couldn't help but start thinking.
Should he be called a man old enough to be a demon (i.e., extremely wise)? The answer that took Lancer a long time to think of instantly appeared in Yoshimura Kuzen's mind.
"Are you saying that there are people among humans who..."
Yoshimura Kuzen was at a loss for how to evaluate these people, but Lancer gave a cold laugh.
"Traitors!"
What is more hateful than an enemy in this world? It's simple—a traitor.
For a moment, Yoshimura Kuzen froze, not knowing what to say. He had never considered this issue. After all, in his view, Ghouls were the predators, and humans were the prey. Who would be so foolish as to deal with the devil?
"Is it so incredible? Anyone with a bit of sense can guess that if Ghouls ruled the world, they would inevitably become pigs and sheep, but what if they assimilated into the other side?"
"Assimilated into the other side?!"
If it were before, Yoshimura Kuzen would have thought Lancer was crazy, but the face of the young man who appeared in Anteiku three years ago suddenly appeared in Yoshimura Kuzen's mind.
This idea could be called insane, but this was only because Lancer still had the normal worldview of a person. But thinking about it carefully, is this kind of thing uncommon?
How did worshippers of the devil appear? How did those criminals who committed crimes against humanity appear?
They have firm beliefs and goals, but the difference is that they sacrificed others to achieve themselves—no, most people are like that; they just did it more extravagantly.
So, what advantages do Ghouls have over humans?
Strong bodies, Kagune that normal people cannot imagine, longer lifespans than normal people...
As for the disadvantages? That depends on personal choice.
Never underestimate what a person can do to survive.
"So you think the CCG itself might have problems, which is why you came to us for cooperation?"
"Cooperation? No, exploitation!"
What does cooperation mean? Both sides have equal capabilities and unite for certain reasons.
But what about now?
Lancer obtained information through the 'Holy Grail' that might take this world a longer time to gather, and since he has leverage that others do not possess, why should he cooperate?
However—
"Alright, I can guess the reason, but don't you think saying it so directly is a bit... unwise? For example, aren't you afraid that I'll forcibly seize it?"
"Forcibly seize it? I would have been afraid before, but not now. In fact, I'm quite eager to personally experience the strength of the legendary 'Owl.' How about it? Why don't you try?"
Although Lancer expression was a little flippant when he said this, the confidence in his eyes was unmistakable.
"In that case, let's give it a try."
Although people always dress impeccably, in the end, this world still adheres to the principle of 'survival of the fittest.' Only when one is strong enough are they qualified to dictate their own destiny, or even interfere with others, and this so-called 'strength' does not only refer to combat power; the 'power' brought by one's position is also the same.
And it wasn't just Lancer who wanted to understand the strength of an SSS-rank Ghoul from Yoshimura Kuzen; Yoshimura Kuzen also wanted to know Lancer strength, as he disliked being bluffed. It could be said that this 'duel' was brought about by both of them.
Touka Kirishima hadn't expected the peaceful coffee drinking to suddenly turn into a duel, and at this moment, Yoshimura Kuzen, wearing a mask, and Lancer, wearing a bodysuit on the other side, gave her a strange sense of déjà vu.
But just as Touka Kirishima was at a loss, a slightly low voice suddenly appeared next to her ear, and then she saw a man wearing a red ape mask appear beside her at some point.
"Don't worry. We know the manager's strength very well, and as the 'Devil Ape,' I'm here too. Even if..."
"We know the manager's strength better than you do. The only Investigator in the entire CCG who can defeat him is probably the one known as the 'Strongest' Doves, Kishou Arima, so there's no need to worry."
Enji Koma was boasting as usual, but before he could finish, he was interrupted by Irimi Kaya, who had also appeared at some point.
If Enji Koma at this moment could still vaguely look like his usual self, Irimi Kaya had completely transformed into two different people.
The usual Irimi Kaya didn't talk much and gave off a cold feeling. After all, her clothing was very conservative, and when alone, she would even brew a cup of coffee for herself and sit by the window to read.
But now?
The leather jacket combined with the dog-mouth-like mask made her feel wild, but her cold personality hadn't changed. This sharp contrast made her even more eye-catching.