Chapter 18: Take Care of Yourself
Fortunately, several police officers in uniform arrived in time. They walked up to the News Media Reporters, and the leader held a document and said, "The detailed process of this matter is highly confidential and you are not authorized to know. If you have questions, please ask about other matters."
There was nothing they could do, since the Police had said so.
The Media Reporters couldn't continue pressing for answers face-to-face either. They had to change the subject.
"We heard your Sword Arts are very strong. The students at Nishi High School call you the Fastest Legend and Sprinting Reaper Swordsman, and at the scene where the Criminal died, someone saw the long sword you left behind. May we ask if you defeated the Criminal using Sword Arts?" a reporter quickly inquired.
"Honestly, I admire that you can say my nickname with a straight face."
Seeing that Xia Shang didn't deny defeating the Criminal with a sword, the Media present immediately their eyes lit up. This was a big scoop that could generate buzz. Immediately after, they started indirectly probing for all sorts of information, which annoyed Xia Shang immensely.
"Excuse me, I need to rest," Xia Shang directly ordered them to leave.
"Are you sure you don't want to talk more? We'll pay for your contribution."
The reporters present were still unwilling to give up, but seeing that Xia Shang remained silent, they had no choice. However, as they left, each of them gave Xia Shang a business card. One person whispered, "Mr. Xia, if you have any exclusive news, please be sure to consider us. Don't worry, price is not an issue."
After the reporters left one after another, a Police officer immediately locked the door from the inside.
The leading Police officer sat down in front of Xia Shang. He opened the file bag in his hand and took out a stack of photos. "The person you killed was named Masashi Makino. He was originally a construction worker in Osaka. According to his family, they lost contact with him after he came to Tokyo. These are photos taken from the scene."
Xia Shang took the photos. They showed the traces left by Parasyte A and their combat.
"It's obvious that this level of destruction is something no human can achieve. There are photos of the autopsy of the corpse afterwards. From the photos, his abnormal skull structure shows that he is no longer a human, but has been taken over by a creature we've named Parasyte. We came today to ask you how much you know about this creature called Parasyte."
From the Police officer's words, it was clear that Parasytes had entered the line of sight of the Japanese Police, and the Police had also gathered a good amount of information.
"Sorry, I don't know much about this. Being able to kill him was just a stroke of luck."
Xia Shang shook his head, indicating he didn't know much either.
"Actually, while you were unconscious, we looked at your X-ray images and can confirm you are human. Also, the wound on the corpse at the scene is very consistent with that long sword. We're just a bit curious, can humans really contend with that kind of creature?"
Facing the Police's doubts, Xia Shang smiled and said, "Although they are difficult to deal with, parasitic organisms are parasitic organisms after all. Once the body they parasitize is destroyed, they will immediately die."
"Okay, those are all our questions. This card contains one million three hundred thousand Japanese Yen from our official reward and social donation. Please rest and recover well. Oh, and our conversation is also to be kept confidential." After saying this, the Police left the Hospital Room.
As they walked out of the Hospital, a younger Police officer couldn't help but say, "Police Chief Fujita, there were clearly traces of a third person at the scene, and I always feel that the other party knows a lot about Parasytes. Why didn't we ask more carefully?"
"Since he doesn't want to talk, we can't force him. Moreover, the Media's attention is currently on him. If not handled well, it could easily stir up public opinion."
Detective Fujita opened the police car door and got in. "What's more important now is how to quickly distinguish between ordinary people and Parasytes. I heard that a biologist has been transferred from Headquarters. I hope he can solve this matter."
...Not long after the Police left.
The Principal of Nishi High School brought a group of teachers and students to visit Xia Shang.
Xia Shang was already at ease with handling such situations. He smiled and accepted the gift from the Principal, saying they were too kind.
"The School might have a class suspension for a while. If classes resume, I'll have Teacher Tamura inform you."
The Principal didn't stay long. With this incident happening at the School, he was currently swamped with work.
"Mr. Xia, it's great that you're okay," After everyone else left, only Shinichi Izumi remained.
"Aside from my blood sugar being a bit low, everything else is normal."
Xia Shang tore open the gift's wrapping paper, picked up a snack from inside, and popped it into his mouth. It truly lived up to being a high-quality pastry; the taste was excellent. With the replenishment of sugar, Xia Shang finally felt truly alive.
"Want some?"
Xia Shang pushed the pastry box towards Shinichi Izumi.
Shinichi Izumi watched him gobble down the food and subconsciously swallowed. He quickly said no and grabbed a bottle of water from the side, twisted open the cap, and handed it to Xia Shang.
"If nothing unexpected happens, I should be able to complete the discharge procedures tomorrow."
"By the way, why did you leave me alone to be the hero? You know those reporters are really annoying." Xia Shang drank the water from the bottle in one gulp, squinting his eyes and leaning back against the headboard with a look of enjoyment.
Shinichi Izumi looked a bit awkward. Instead, Migi emerged from his hand and said, "Shinichi and I aren't suitable to appear in front of the Media right now. After all, Shinichi can't disguise himself as well as you can, to the point of being indistinguishable from ordinary humans."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Xia Shang picked an orange from the fruit, peeled the skin, and put the fruit pulp into his mouth to chew. "What did Reiko Tamura say? Why didn't she come with you today?"
"She probably had something come up unexpectedly. However, she asked me to pass on a message for you. She said the remaining information will be given to you at the Usual Spot after you're discharged. Consider it compensation for this matter," Shinichi Izumi said.
The two of them chatted for a few more minutes afterwards.
Migi, on the other hand, had many questions. It was quite curious why Xia Shang had such a strong self-healing ability. Could it be that the Parasyte inside him had assimilated his entire body? Otherwise, it couldn't explain the fact that Xia Shang could reattach his severed arm.
"Maybe it's extraordinary talent, who knows," Xia Shang shrugged. Rather than making up a lie full of holes, it was better to just keep quiet.
"Then I'll leave first, Mr. Xia. Take care of yourself."
(end of chapter)