"Let's see how long that shell of yours lasts!"
The fuel tank attached to Tanaka Maru Nozomi's quinque hummed as it pumped energy into the weapon.
The muzzle of Higher Mind flared once again with a blinding blue glow.
Across the battlefield—
Arata Kirishima stood unmoving.
His towering body remained perfectly still.
He did not dodge.
He didn't need to.
The blue laser fired.
Then another.
And another.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The blasts slammed repeatedly into his dark-red kagune armor.
Shockwaves tore through the snow-covered street.
When the smoke cleared—
Arata was still standing.
The armor covering his body bore only several scorched marks.
Nothing more.
Kōkaku-type kagune were already known for their extreme defensive strength.
And Arata's armor—
Formed through cannibalization and kakuja evolution—
Was far beyond ordinary kōkaku durability.
"Such a ridiculous defense…"
Tanaka Maru gritted his teeth and fired again.
Click.
His expression froze.
The weapon had run dry.
The internal energy reserves were exhausted.
The fuel tank attached to the quinque was nearly empty.
Tanaka Maru quickly scanned the battlefield.
Members of Squad A2 were firing desperately at Arata.
Bullets ricocheted harmlessly off the armor.
None even left a scratch.
Meanwhile—
The remaining Demon Ape ghouls had begun regrouping.
With reinforcements arriving, their morale was rising rapidly.
The battlefield situation had already reversed.
And it had been reversed by Arata alone.
If this continued—
Every investigator in the area might die.
"…Damn it."
Tanaka Maru pressed his communicator.
"Marude, this is Tanaka."
The voice of Itsuki Marude responded immediately.
"How's the situation?"
"Squad A2 has engaged the Corpse Collector."
Tanaka Maru replied.
"That thing's armor is too thick."
"Our attacks can't penetrate it."
"My quinque is also out of energy."
There was a brief silence on the other side.
"…Understood."
Marude's voice returned.
"Withdraw."
"Preserve your forces."
"The Corpse Collector is a heavy armored type."
"He won't pursue."
"…Roger."
Tanaka Maru closed the channel.
Then raised his voice.
"Squad A2!"
"On my command—retreat!"
Relief spread across the soldiers instantly.
The gunfire stopped.
The investigators began withdrawing in formation.
Even though the retreat was rushed—
Their training kept their movements organized.
Boots crunched across the thin layer of snow.
Tanaka Maru remained at the rear.
Holding the powerless Higher Mind like a final warning.
His gun stayed aimed at Arata.
Only after confirming the ghoul had no intention of pursuing—
Did he finally turn away.
His white coat fluttered in the cold wind as he followed the retreating squad.
Soon—
The sound of footsteps faded into the distance.
Swallowed by the snowy night.
Arata did not chase them.
His armor gave him overwhelming defense.
But his speed—
Was far from exceptional.
Gunpowder still lingered in the air.
Along with the acrid smell of burned kagune.
Snowflakes drifted down silently.
Melting upon the warm blood staining the pavement.
Arata approached the collapsed figure nearby.
Koma Enji lay among the rubble.
His breathing was heavy beneath the Demon Ape mask.
Blood seeped through the fingers pressed against his chest.
Arata looked down at him calmly.
"Mr. Koma."
"Can you still stand?"
Koma didn't answer immediately.
He closed his eyes.
Took a deep breath.
Then forced himself upright.
His legs trembled violently.
But he remained standing.
"…If you hadn't arrived."
He said hoarsely.
"The Demon Ape would've died here today."
"It was my responsibility."
Arata replied quietly.
Koma laughed weakly.
"You look like a quiet scholar…"
"…never expected you to be this strong."
Several Demon Ape members rushed over.
Supporting their injured leader.
"Boss!"
"Are you alright?"
"Relax."
Koma waved weakly.
"The Demon Ape doesn't fall that easily."
Flames flickered across the distant street.
Painting the snowy sky red.
Koma looked toward the battlefield.
Concern filled his voice.
"What about Irimi?"
"And the manager?"
"Miss Irimi is being delayed by another CCG squad."
Arata replied.
"The manager is fighting the main CCG force."
Koma immediately tried to move.
But after two steps—
Pain exploded through his chest.
His legs buckled.
"Boss!"
One of the ghouls caught him quickly.
"Calm down."
Arata said.
"The wound isn't fatal."
"But you can't fight anymore tonight."
"The Demon Ape never abandons his comrades."
Koma said through clenched teeth.
Arata's voice remained steady.
"Don't worry."
"Kiryu has already sent someone to assist Miss Irimi."
"And after that…"
"He'll go support the manager."
Koma fell silent.
He understood perfectly—
In his current condition—
He would only become a burden.
"For now we should withdraw."
Arata continued.
"The CCG could attack again at any moment."
"I'll take you somewhere safe."
"Someone is already waiting to protect you."
Koma frowned slightly.
"You're not going to support them?"
"My speed is slow."
Arata answered honestly.
"I wouldn't reach them in time."
"My task is simply to protect you."
"He said he would handle everything."
"Please trust him."
Koma chuckled faintly.
"You really trust Kiryu."
"Is that because of Touka?"
Arata shook his head slowly.
"Of course I trust Touka's judgment."
"But that's not the only reason."
"If it weren't for him…"
"I would still be imprisoned in Cochlea."
"He rescued me."
"And after spending time with him…"
"I realized he's a very good kid."
Koma was silent for a moment.
"…That's true."
"Kiryu-kun is kind."
"And hardworking."
Then his voice lowered slightly.
"And if we're talking about strength…"
Koma shook his head slowly.
"That guy…"
"…is the real monster."
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