Unsurprisingly, the other party was indeed in his laboratory. Various strange Quinque were hanging on the walls, and Kagune were soaking in some sealed containers. If this was paired with Kureo Mado himself wearing a white coat, it would be enough to scare someone visiting for the first time half to death, but Lancer appeared very calm. After all, he had been here many times, not to mention that he had been to places much more bizarre than this.
So he directly ignored the environment and asked his question, and Kureo Mado also stopped what he was doing and turned to sit down across from Lancer.
"Quinx Squad? I am indeed aware."
When talking about the Quinx Squad, Kureo Mado's expression was inevitably complicated.
"You've been gone for over two years, so you might not be very clear. In fact, more than a year ago, a hospital affiliated with the CCG had medical staff attacked by ghouls. We originally thought it was just simple predation, but we didn't expect that as the investigation deepened, we discovered something incredible: the missing doctor was actually conducting human-ghoul modification experiments, and according to existing data, the 'Ghoul Ken Kaneki' you killed was likely the product of the other party's experiment."
Because Lancer had been missing for more than two years, he was unaware of many 'common knowledge' things that others knew, and Lancer expression suddenly became somewhat ugly after hearing what the other party said.
"Could it be that the CCG continued this experiment?"
"Continued... it can't exactly be said to be continued."
"What do you mean?"
"Doctor Akihiro Kanou truly lives up to his reputation as a genius in ghoul research. You should remember the RC Inhibitor Fluid, right? It's the injectable fluid you brought back when you returned with the two ghouls..."
Speaking of this, Kureo Mado unconsciously glanced at Lancer, but seeing the other party looking at him with a 'righteous expression', he continued to explain.
"A simple 'Kakuhou' is very difficult for humans to control as it is part of a ghoul's body, but Quinque, a weapon made from Kakuhou, is much simpler. Although controlling it is not as convenient as controlling a Kakuhou, at least there is no great danger, and the 'Quinx Squad' is the first batch of test subjects for this plan."
"So, what is the situation?"
"The situation is very stable. Except for one girl named 'Tooru Mutsuki' who cannot use the transplanted Quinque, the others can use it, and there have been no instances of loss of control. Their diet has also not changed."
Lancer couldn't help but feel surprised after hearing Kureo Mado's explanation. After all, if it was truly as the other party said, then the person named Akihiro Kanou was definitely a genius, but he always felt that the name sounded familiar?
"Akihiro Kanou? Could it be..."
"That's right, it's Doctor Akihiro Kanou, the one who is helping you create your Quinque. He once studied in Germany for several years, and after returning, he has been the head of the CCG Neon Branch's research team. The improvement of Quinque, the manufacturing of the RC Inhibitor Fluid, the Quinx Plan, and many other projects are all related to him. His research in the ghoul field is definitely world-class, and I often seek his advice when making Quinque."
World-class ghoul researcher?
Lancer suddenly had an idea, but before that, he needed to confirm one more thing.
"Mr. Mado, was Doctor Akihiro Kanou also in charge of the work to decipher the ghoul food I provided before?"
Speaking of this, Kureo Mado's expression also became somewhat serious.
"That's right, Doctor Akihiro Kanou was indeed in charge, but the progress is still not very optimistic..."
Lancer expression also became a bit awkward at this point. After all, the so-called 'food' was provided by him, and it was exchanged directly from the system. Who knows which world's black technology it used? For example, the 'Unscientific and Unmagical Antidote G' that he once drank.
"Mr. Mado, can you arrange for me to meet with Doctor Akihiro Kanou?"
"Hmm... Doctor Akihiro Kanou is an important asset of the CCG, and ordinary people are not allowed to see him directly, but it shouldn't be a problem for you. After all, your Quinque is being manufactured by him personally, and isn't your promotion likely coming soon?"
"Promotion?"
"That's right, promotion. Although this time you dealt with the 'Owl' alongside Special Class Arima, your final blow cannot be ignored, and given your strength and the number of ghouls you've hunted, it's not surprising for you to receive an exceptional promotion. Perfect, I also have some things I want to discuss with Doctor Akihiro Kanou about Quinque manufacturing. You can come with me later."
"Understood, Mr. Mado."
Kureo Mado did not feel that it was inappropriate to tell Lancer about the promotion in advance. After all, as long as Lancer did not betray the CCG, his promotion was almost certain. Lancer was already sufficient in both strength and achievements.
As for seniority?
Ever since the deeds of Special Class Arima became widely known, the CCG no longer considered so-called seniority. Only strength matters here.
––––––
Kureo Mado always acted resolutely. After confirming that there was basically nothing going on at the branch, he took Lancer to the garage and picked up an official car. Of course, Lancer was the one driving.
"By the way, Lancer, you haven't used your salary and bonus all this time, have you?"
Kureo Mado, sitting in the passenger seat, suddenly asked, and Lancer also nodded. After all, he no longer had any desire for 'money', and since becoming an investigator, his food, clothing, housing, and transportation were all covered by the CCG, so he naturally didn't need to spend money... The only place he needed to spend money now was probably to go to 'Anteiku' for coffee, right?
"Although the CCG's cars are not bad, they are official cars after all. If you have enough funds, you might as well buy your own car, and we in the CCG also have a subordinate modification workshop."
"Modification?"
"That's right. After all, our opponents are ghouls, so the vehicles cannot be the same as ordinary cars. As for the specifics, you can consult the workshop. I'm not very clear myself."
"Understood."
Although Lancer strength was already enough to crush Kureo Mado, and Kureo Mado could guess some of the specific circumstances even if he wasn't fully clear, as Lancer superior and former teacher, he still helped Lancer where he could.
Lancer had never considered the issue of 'vehicles' before. Especially after gaining the ability to transform into a 'Raven', he stopped considering it even more, but upon closer reflection, 'vehicles' themselves exist to cope with various different situations.
'Since I have a storage box, I might as well order some for contingencies...'
Just as Lancer was considering what to buy, the car quickly arrived at its destination. On the surface, it looked like an ordinary CCG affiliated research institute, but after the two parked the car, Lancer noticed several gazes locked onto them. Undoubtedly, they were hidden sentries.
'As expected, this place is not simple either.'
When Kureo Mado took his ID card and brought Lancer into a strange elevator, Lancer was even more surprised, because this elevator actually descended dozens of meters?
"Ding~"
As the elevator stabilized, the two finally arrived at the CCG's secret laboratory.
As the elevator door opened, Lancer saw a thin man with what looked like a 'bowl cut' waving at them.
"Welcome, Mr. Mado."
"Long time no see, Doctor Kanou."
The two shook hands simply, and then Kureo Mado stepped aside, allowing Lancer behind him to step forward.
"This is Lancer. He is an investigator from our 20th Ward Branch, and also the material provider for the SSS-rated Quinque you were asked to manufacture before."
"Hello, Doctor Akihiro Kanou."
Because he didn't know Doctor Akihiro Kanou's personality, Lancer acted very humbly. In any case, being polite doesn't hurt, but what he didn't expect was that the other party actually patted him on the shoulder with a face full of smiles.
"Good~ Very good~ I didn't expect that besides Special Class Arima, our CCG has produced such an excellent investigator. By the way, I have some thoughts regarding your Quinque. Let's go to my lab and talk."
According to Kureo Mado, the other party's position was only nominally the highest leader of the CCG's subordinate research institution, but in reality, he didn't manage much. However, the importance of the other party even surpassed that of the CCG Director. After all, if the Director died, they could elect another one, but if anything happened to the other party, the 'future' of the entire Neon CCG Branch might be prematurely ended.
Along the way, Lancer also saw a large number of 'facilities that he didn't recognize but knew were very impressive at a glance'. Undoubtedly, although his talent in magic was moving, he had at least studied it for quite some time, but when it came to 'technology', he was truly completely lost, not knowing what any of the things were.
And soon, the three of them entered the other party's 'laboratory' after a series of operations, as well as iris and voiceprint checks by Doctor Akihiro Kanou.
But after going in, the corner of Lancer mouth couldn't help but twitch.
This is a laboratory?
The area that Lancer could see alone was larger than a normal villa, but the other party calmly led the two past strange 'steel plates' to a series of machines.
"Those are 'Quinque Steel'. Generally speaking, the steel used by our CCG is this type. Although it cannot block the Kagune of S-rated ghouls, it is fine for dealing with ordinary ghouls. Some investigators without Quinque weapons temporarily use weapons made of this steel. Alright, let's get back to business."
While speaking, the other party picked up a notebook from the table next to him.
"Tell me, what specific requirements do you have for your 'Quinque'?"
Although he was just sitting in a chair, the aura emanating from the other party at this moment... No, it wasn't an aura. It should be said that the feeling he gave Lancer was very familiar.
It was like the feeling he had when he first heard his Shishou and Master Li planning to teach him the spear.
That sense of fanaticism.