In the spacious hall, the black-and-white marble tiles on the floor stretched out like an enormous, intricate chessboard, exuding a cold and solemn aura.
Standing tall and straight at the front was Washuu Yoshitoki, his voice ringing out loud and clear throughout the hall:
"Uesugi Ryu, Second-Class Investigator. You are hereby officially appointed as a First-Class Investigator!"
Clad in a formal ceremonial uniform, Uesugi Ryu remained expressionless, his steps steady and composed as he walked forward. He reached out and took the certificate of appointment, speaking calmly:
"Thank you."
However, the many Investigators gathered below the stage were far less composed than he was. Murmurs filled the air as whispers and astonished gasps echoed one after another.
After all, such a leap like advancing two full ranks in one go, had only occurred once in the entire history of the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG).
And the person who had achieved that feat was now hailed as the strongest Investigator in CCG history.
Previously, everyone had assumed that Uesugi Ryu being promoted to First-Class for his outstanding achievements would already be considered an extraordinary exception.
After all, compared to other veteran Investigators, his experience was too shallow.
But no one had expected that Washuu Tsuneyoshi would personally authorize a promotion straight to First-Class Investigator!
It was widely known that between Lower-Ranked and First-Class Investigators lay an enormous gap, like a chasm that countless tried and failed to cross.
Many dedicated their entire lives to the pursuit of that rank without ever reaching it.
Although Uesugi Ryu wasn't the only one promoted that day, other outstanding Investigators from various branches had also received recognition, at this very moment, all eyes were focused solely on him, as if no one else even existed.
Unfazed by the murmuring below, Washuu Yoshitoki continued distributing appointment certificates to the other Investigators.
After he had handed out the last one, he adjusted the microphone before him and spoke again:
"Aogiri Tree grows increasingly rampant. As the strongest defense humanity has against ghouls, the CCG must not tolerate the provocations of these vermin!"
"After investigation, SS-rated ghoul Jason has been confirmed to be a cadre of Aogiri Tree. This marks our first major strike in exterminating the organization. For that reason, Uesugi Ryu is granted a special promotion to First-Class Investigator!"
"Anyone who makes exceptional contributions during the campaign against Aogiri Tree will be given special promotions as well!"
Nepotism and seniority-based promotions existed in every institution. Washuu Tsuneyoshi, as the General Chairman, naturally didn't concern himself with such undercurrents.
But as Director, Washuu Yoshitoki couldn't ignore the grumblings from below.
His declaration had the desired effect as many of the Investigators' eyes lit up, and the entire venue quickly fell silent again.
After the ceremony, Washuu Yoshitoki left the hall immediately.
Uesugi Ryu, meanwhile, was swarmed by fellow Investigators coming to congratulate him.
Though he didn't particularly enjoy these kinds of formalities, since others had come to offer their congratulations, he couldn't just wear a sour face.
After a while, his smile felt so forced he thought his facial muscles were about to cramp.
Mado Kureo didn't show up, he wasn't fond of such events. He often skipped unnecessary meetings too, preferring to spend time exterminating ghouls rather than wasting it on ceremony.
Just then, a towering figure approached slowly.
It was Tanakamaru Mougan. As he came closer, the bold styling of his waxed handlebar mustache stood out immediately.
"Impressive, Uesugi-boy!"
Tanakamaru's booming voice echoed through the hall, as if afraid someone might miss it.
Startled by the nickname, Uesugi Ryu blinked, then quickly responded:
"Special-Class Investigator Tanakamaru, thank you for your praise."
As he spoke, Uesugi Ryu carefully observed the massive man before him.
Even though Ryu himself stood at an impressive 182 cm, he felt dwarfed in Tanakamaru's presence, he didn't even reach the man's shoulders.
Visually, Tanakamaru looked at least a full head taller.
Beside him stood a poised and elegant woman, Aura Kiyoko. Her long, deep-blue hair and perfectly tailored black suit accentuated her graceful, mature beauty.
"First-Class Investigator Uesugi, congratulations," she said calmly.
"Ah, thank you, Special-Class Investigator Kiyoko," Uesugi Ryu replied with a nod. "I didn't expect the two of you to come as well."
Shinohara Yukinori, standing nearby, looked mildly surprised as he commented:
"I didn't think you two would come."
Behind him, Suzuya Juuzou stuffed a piece of cake into his mouth and chewed rapidly. Then, spotting Uesugi Ryu, he waved enthusiastically.
"We weren't far, we figured we'd stop by to see the CCG's new Grim Reaper~"
Tanakamaru's voice dragged out theatrically, teasingly.
"Lady Kiyoko thinks the same, right?"
Aura Kiyoko smiled and nodded, her tone turning nostalgic.
"Mado's partners always bring such pleasant surprises, don't they, Special-Class Shinohara?"
It turned out that Mado Kasuka, Mado Kureo's late wife, had been classmates with Aura Kiyoko.
Both were once among the most powerful female Investigators in the CCG and had shared a bond like sisters.
After Kasuka's tragic death, Kiyoko often looked after Mado Akira, offering care and guidance.
As a man, Mado Kureo could be blunt in certain matters, and so Kiyoko filled in where needed.
Seeing the trio chatting happily, Uesugi Ryu decided to move toward Suzuya Juuzou.
Juuzou had grabbed another piece of cake from the table and handed it to Uesugi Ryu.
"It's super tasty, Ryu, you have to try it~" he said with a playful wink.
Uesugi Ryu gave him a helpless look. Just as he picked up a fork to taste the cake, a crisp voice rang out:
"First-Class Investigator Uesugi, congratulations."
"Starting today, I'll be your new partner, Second-Class Investigator Mado Akira. Please take care of me."
Mado Akira offered a polite smile and a slight bow of respect.
"Looks like my hunch was right after all. Though I wouldn't say I'm suited to 'instruct' anyone. My style's the same as Mado-sans, you're likely familiar with it."
Uesugi Ryu picked up the fork and took a bite of the cake.
He had to admit, it was delicious.
"A hunch?" Akira asked with interest, her brows slightly furrowed.
But Uesugi Ryu gave no explanation. Instead, he lifted a wine glass and took a sip of red wine.
"Hello, Mado-san. I'm Suzuya Juuzou," Juuzou said cheerfully, offering a wave.
"Hello," Akira responded flatly, though her gaze lingered on Uesugi Ryu.