"In my opinion, the greatest significance of the so-called 'ghoul food' lies in buying time."
"Buying time?"
"That's right, buying time."
Speaking of this, the rare fanaticism reappeared on Kureo Mado's originally silent face.
"Although I hate those man-eating monsters, I'm not blind. There are also ghouls who despise fighting among ghouls..."
Kureo Mado's expression at this time made Lancer somewhat Confused. The other party's words were completely different from the impression he usually had of him. In his impression, shouldn't Kureo Mado be the standard 'hardliner'? Why did he have this thought?
Seemingly noticing Lancer gaze, Kureo Mado shook his head.
"You should also be aware that even if we domesticate a wild beast, who can guarantee that the beast's offspring will be as gentle as its parents? Even if the ghoul in front of us does not attack humans, who can guarantee that their offspring will be the same? Do you know that once a bear attacks a human and eats human flesh, it will continue to attack humans, because in its view, humans are not only easy to hunt but also basically incapable of fighting back. If a 'man-eating monster' is surrounded by moving food, will he still work or do anything else to exchange for food? I will never hesitate to speculate on those monsters with the greatest malice."
"Then, since the current problem cannot be changed, why did you still support this plan so much at the beginning?"
Perhaps because the things mentioned in Kureo Mado's words were too much, Lancer even felt that he couldn't think it through, so he simply asked directly.
"Very simple. As I said before –––– time."
"Time, what a magical existence. Back then, I wished I could kill every ghoul that appeared before me, even if it cost me everything..."
Speaking of this, the aura around Kureo Mado was obviously chaotic, but then this chaotic aura gradually calmed down, because Kureo Mado took out a photo from his pocket. On it was a middle-aged man and a young child sitting on his neck.
"But it wasn't until I returned home and saw that innocent little angel that I realized I still had things I had to do. I learned to be calm. She, like her mother, saved me... So ––––––"
Halfway through his sentence, Kureo Mado turned his face to look at Lancer.
"If you dare to make Akira cry, I will never forgive you, even if you are my most capable subordinate."
"I definitely won't!"
In Lancer memory, Akira Mado had only cried twice. Once was when she lost control of her emotions and cried while drinking with Koutarou Amon after Kureo Mado's sacrifice, and the other time was when Koutarou Amon 'sacrificed' himself. Lancer was determined to protect his teacher and friend. In his view, Akira Mado would definitely never cry again this way, and if anyone made her cry, Lancer would simply teach the other party a lesson.
Looking at the confident expression on Lancer face, Kureo Mado didn't know what to say for a moment. He originally wanted to say more, but in the end, it turned into a sigh.
"Forget it, let's get back to business. Where were we just now?"
"Time."
"Good, time. Continuing, we need time. As time goes by, the number of ghouls will continuously increase with reproduction, and the number of humans being attacked will also explode geometrically. So, what is the simplest method before finding a complete solution? Or, to put it another way, if we cannot directly reduce the number of ghouls, how can we reduce them?"
Although Lancer was no longer the newcomer who could only stay behind him and be protected, Kureo Mado was still teaching Lancer as he always did. He was trying to make Lancer think for himself through his own method.
"Divide them?"
"That's right, divide them. There are always ghouls who want to live a normal life. In order to maintain their normal life, they will inevitably fight with other ghouls, and we don't even need to order them. This not only directly reduces the number of our enemies but also increases the number of our 'cannon fodder', and the sacrifice rate of investigators will naturally decrease..."
Kureo Mado casually categorized those ghouls who 'surrendered' according to the plan into the category of 'cannon fodder', and judging from his expression, this was also his most genuine thought.
"Mr. Mado..."
"What is it?"
"In reality, what I gave Doctor Akihiro Kanou was..."
"Don't say it."
Lancer words were stopped by Kureo Mado again before he could finish.
"You are the investigator I brought out. I met you before you even joined the CCG. Although I dare not say I know you better than you know yourself, I do know that you are absolutely not someone who repays kindness with malice. I believe you had your own considerations for not telling me at first, and even now, I still say the same as before –––– I trust you."
Sometimes, the heaviest thing in this world is 'trust', and Lancer no longer said much, only unconsciously clenching the steering wheel of the car.
"Mr. Mado..."
"Hmm?"
"I will not let you down. I will definitely change this insane world."
This was the first time Lancer had expressed his wish without reservation, but his voice was extremely firm.
Kureo Mado only revealed a slight smile in response.
"I look forward to the arrival of that day. By then, I can also step down from my job and do what I like at home, right? Maybe I can even take care of my grandchildren like an ordinary old man? So, you must work hard, Lancer."
"I will work hard!"
Hearing Kureo Mado's words, Lancer also felt his blood surge again.
And Kureo Mado, sitting in the passenger seat, only smiled at Lancer reaction.
As one of the most senior investigators in the CCG, Kureo Mado had seen too many passionate young people, or rather, he was once one of them, but unlike before, this was the first time he felt that the seemingly 'impossible' thing might actually be realized.
'I really hope that day comes soon. That way, I can go and fight the 'Owl' to the death without any regrets.'
Lancer was too excited at this time and didn't even notice the cold glint in Kureo Mado's eyes...
––––––
After sending Kureo Mado back to the branch, Lancer also followed the route Kureo Mado gave him to the CCG-affiliated modification workshop.
Undoubtedly, he was preparing to place an order, but what he didn't expect was that another 'crisis' was quietly approaching him while he was waiting for good news from Akihiro Kanou.