Hearing Kurona Yasuhisa's words, Suzuya Juuzou, who had just started to speak, closed his mouth again. In the end, he didn't say anything.
Perhaps it was because this guy named Amou Byakuya didn't know about the cat-killing incident just yet. Although he wasn't the one who did it, he was too lazy to explain.
Now that the other party knew, there was nothing more to say.
"Is that so... Anyway, you must be Suzuya-san. Let's chat again when we have the chance."
Amou Byakuya didn't join Kurona in attacking Suzuya Juuzou.
His continued calm attitude left an unusual impression on Suzuya Juuzou.
Kurona Yasuhisa was also surprised that Amou Byakuya could still talk to Suzuya Juuzou so calmly.
...
In the following days, Amou Byakuya continued his training at the academy.
Aside from the changes in theory classes, the practical classes also began to focus on "Quinque" training.
The "Hiruko 1/76" and "Scorpion 1/56" were both B-rank Quinques, and their power was similar.
Amou Byakuya remembered the "Scorpion 1/56" as the Quinque used by Suzuya Juuzou in the original story. Originally, Suzuya only had one, but later he stole the remaining 55 from the warehouse.
At this time, Suzuya Juuzou was already showing excellent talent and was very skilled in using daggers.
Although, he was still a bit inferior to Amou Byakuya.
...
After three days of temporary special training, Amou Byakuya and the others were to head to the 24th Ward to begin their internship.
Arima Kishou and his team were waiting for them there. It was impossible for them to come and pick them up; they weren't big shots.
At this moment, Amou Byakuya and the others had arrived at the 24th Ward.
To be precise, it was the edge of the 23rd Ward. Before them was a huge cave, which was one of the entrances to the 24th Ward.
Six people in white combat uniforms could be seen waiting for them at the entrance. This was the "Zero Squad" led by Arima Kishou.
Amou Byakuya recognized all six of them: Arima Kishou, Ui Koori, Ihei Hairu, Ihei Shio, Arima Yuusa, and Sōzu Rikai.
As for Hirako Take, he had not yet joined the "Zero Squad" at this time.
Although Ihei Shio, Sōzu Rikai, and Arima Yuusa were still very young, at 11, 12, and 13 years old respectively, as Half-Humans, their physical fitness was already nearing its peak at this age.
"Are you the cadets here for the internship?"
Ui Koori spoke first.
Ui Koori's appearance was a bit like a girl's, with slightly long black hair, a height of about 170cm, and a well-proportioned figure. But he was, of course, a boy.
Sōzu Rikai's features were somewhat similar to Ui Koori's, even their hairstyles were similar, except his hair color was a different purple. Due to his younger age, his height was only about one meter sixty.
Arima Yuusa's height and build were also similar to Sōzu Rikai's. His surname was "Arima," the same as Arima Kishou. He had handsome features and a somewhat gloomy expression, but he was actually a very quiet and gentle boy.
The only real girl in the "Zero Squad" was Ihei Hairu, the girl with pink hair and pink eyes. She had a slender figure, and her delicate, cute features had a beauty that could charm people.
"Yes, I am Amou Byakuya, one of the cadets participating in the internship."
Amou Byakuya nodded in response.
Following him, the Yasuhisa sisters and the others also reported their names.
"I am Kurona Yasuhisa."
"I am Nashiro Yasuhisa."
"...Suzuya Juuzou."
"Takuya Ida."
"Renji Hino."
"Since everyone is here, follow us in."
Arima Kishou, who hadn't said a word, spoke.
Subsequently, Amou Byakuya and the others followed the "Zero Squad," led by Arima Kishou, into the 24th Ward.
As mentioned before, the 24th Ward was not a ward in the normal sense. After entering the cave, they were faced with a virtually endless underground labyrinth, which generally went deeper and deeper underground.
Ui Koori seemed to be in charge of explaining the situation to them. He spoke again, "Look at the structure of this labyrinth. Can you guess what these walls are made of?"
Not only was the labyrinth winding, but the walls on both sides didn't look like ordinary material. They could be described as "flesh walls" of mixed colors. Timid people would be frightened just looking at such walls.
"It should be... Kagune."
Amou Byakuya said.
"That's right. The walls in the labyrinth are all made by the Ghouls here using their Kagune. The principle is similar to that of a 'Quinque,' but this technology was developed by Ghouls. It's difficult for us to crack, which has made the exploration of the 24th Ward very difficult."
Ui Koori explained in more detail and praised Amou Byakuya, "Am