One week after the Owl Extermination Operation, the promotion ceremony was held.
Uesugi Ryu, an Associate Special-Class Investigator with outstanding military achievements, was promoted to Special-Class Investigator.
First-Class Investigator Amon Koutarou, due to his exceptional proficiency in quinque operation, received a special promotion to Senior Investigator.
Mado Akira, recognized for her outstanding command abilities, and Suzuya Juuzou, for his formidable strength and assistance in repelling the Aogiri Tree executive Tatara, were both promoted to First-Class Investigators.
After the promotion ceremony was completed, the investigators moved to another venue.
Champagne, fine wine, and a variety of delicacies were arranged throughout the spacious hall in a buffet format.
The Antique Extermination Operation had achieved remarkable results, extinguishing the ghouls' rampant arrogance.
Everyone was immersed in the joy of victory, and the atmosphere in the hall was extremely relaxed, with bursts of cheers echoing from time to time.
[Congratulations to the host for being promoted to Special-Class Investigator!]
Rewards obtained: 2 attribute points, 1 lottery opportunity
[The "Path of Promotion" series of missions has concluded]
[The final main quest of this world is now unlocked: Supreme]
[Mission Description: The Washuu family has blocked the host's path to advancement. Who says the Bureau Director must bear the surname Washuu? Shatter this stubborn obstacle!]
[Mission Reward: One special lottery opportunity]
Uesugi Ryu's gaze lingered on the system interface as he pondered.
"A special lottery opportunity?"
Before Uesugi Ryu could let his imagination run wild, the crisp sound of high heels striking the marble floor rang out.
The pair of nude-colored stilettos on Mado Akira's feet crushed the scattered confetti on the ground.
Holding two glasses of red wine, she walked up to Uesugi Ryu and suddenly pressed the cold surface of one glass against the back of his neck.
"Special-Class Investigator-sama, your speech was stiffer than a koukaku kagune."
A chill ran down his spine. Uesugi Ryu turned his head, took the glass of red wine from Mado Akira, and replied calmly, "Is that so? I thought the audience responded quite well. They all seemed rather fired up."
After speaking, Uesugi Ryu looked toward Suzuya Juuzou and Amon Koutarou nearby.
"Juuzou, Amon, what do you think?"
Suzuya Juuzou's silver fork suddenly darted out, precisely spearing the last piece of blueberry cake.
The boy licked the blueberry jam from his canine tooth. Upon hearing Uesugi Ryu's question, he was momentarily stunned.
Then he blinked in confusion and mumbled indistinctly with his mouth still full, "Huh? Oh... the cake? Yes, it tastes really delicious. Unfortunately, there's none left now~"
Uesugi Ryu waved his hand and sighed softly. It wasn't Juuzou's fault. He had simply asked the wrong person.
"It's fine, it's fine."
The crystal chandeliers of the banquet hall reflected off the brand-new epaulettes on Amon Koutarou's shoulders.
The newly promoted Senior Investigator stood rigidly in front of the champagne tower like a specimen, seemingly lost in thought.
Only after hearing Uesugi Ryu's question did he snap back to his senses. After a moment of consideration, he replied, "The speech was very inspiring. It's just... when you mentioned the 'glory of humanity' at the end, it seemed like you were staring at Director Washuu?"
Uesugi Ryu nodded and said with a hint of admiration, "Very perceptive, Amon. As expected of you!"
Amon Koutarou frowned slightly, not quite understanding Uesugi Ryu's meaning.
Mado Akira took a gentle sip of her red wine.
"So perfunctory. It seems no one really listened to your awkward speech."
Uesugi Ryu felt a headache coming on. No one had told him that a promotion required a speech.
He had casually spouted a few grand but empty platitudes, and the embarrassment had made his toes curl.
However, giving a speech was actually quite exhilarating. Seeing the investigators so fired up, Uesugi Ryu had briefly believed he possessed real talent in public speaking.
After answering Uesugi Ryu's question, Amon Koutarou turned and left, as two of his former classmates were waving at him.
Uesugi Ryu felt somewhat puzzled. A bit of teasing was one thing, but Mado Akira seemed rather unusual today.
He turned his head to look at her and asked with some confusion, "What's wrong?"
Mado Akira did not look at him and simply replied, "I'm fine."
Hearing this response, Uesugi Ryu almost laughed in exasperation. The answer was far too typical.
For no apparent reason, a surge of irritation rose within him. He thought to himself, "You're fine, are you? Then I'll give you something to not be fine about!"
"Ever since I got it, I haven't used it. I almost forgot about this thing."
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Mado Akira's lips. Teasing Uesugi Ryu a little was enough.
"Although it's a bit cliché, it's still quite..."
Before she could finish her sentence, a sudden chill struck.
Mado Akira's ears instantly flushed with blood, a faint blush spreading behind them as she froze on the spot.
Uesugi Ryu pretended to adjust his tie with his left hand, his index finger hooking the lace-trimmed black fabric he had just acquired and slipping it into his pocket.
The entire sequence of movements was even smoother than removing a Kakuhou.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Mado Akira's keen intuition immediately identified the culprit.
Her eyes became as sharp as a hawk's as she fixed her gaze on Uesugi Ryu, who stood nearby as if nothing had happened.
"What's in your pocket?"
As she spoke, Mado Akira suddenly grabbed the hem of Uesugi Ryu's formal attire, her nose almost colliding with the medal on his chest.
Uesugi Ryu's right hand, holding the red wine, trembled slightly, causing the crimson liquid inside the glass to trace a dangerous arc.
His left hand remained firmly in his pocket. "Nothing. What's wrong?"
Mado Akira's fingertips reached toward Uesugi Ryu's pocket.
Seeing that he was about to be exposed, Uesugi Ryu suddenly wrapped an arm around Mado Akira's waist.
A faint smile curled at the corner of his lips as he lowered his head and whispered softly into her ear.
"Just a trophy."
Mado Akira expressionlessly pressed down the hem of her skirt, and her slender high heel precisely stepped onto the top of Uesugi Ryu's foot.
Uesugi Ryu let out a muffled groan and quickly lowered his head, his gaze landing on the high heel pressing against his foot.
The heel was at least seven centimeters high. A sharp pain shot from his foot, spreading through his body like an electric current.
"The promotion ceremony of a Special-Class Investigator..."
A dangerous smile appeared on Mado Akira's face as she leaned close to Uesugi Ryu's ear, her breath warm and fragrant.
"Would you like me to apply for a special title of 'Thief Investigator' for you as well?"
Uesugi Ryu coughed lightly upon hearing this and raised his wine glass with feigned seriousness.
"This is strategic-level intelligence gathering training."
"For example, testing the sensitivity of security systems to personal belongings..."
Mado Akira gently rubbed her legs encased in black stockings, clearly uncomfortable with the cool sensation.
Hearing Uesugi Ryu's shameless explanation, she shot him a fierce glare.
"Give it to me!"