The Ghoul Containment Facility's core.
A cylindrical, ring-shaped prison.
With over a dozen levels, each housing ghouls. Connecting them are skybridges at varying angles, crisscrossing and forming an intricate network when viewed from above.
As it's a restricted zone, everyone is teleported randomly.
At this very moment, the Ghoul Containment Facility has descended into chaos.
Bai Ye's primary objective is to find Ken Kaneki. However, amidst the pandemonium, Bai Ye observes for a while but fails to spot Ken Kaneki's whereabouts.
"Never mind, I'll deal with the other two missions first!"
Bai Ye withdraws his gaze, preparing to complete Restricted Zone Mission One and Restricted Zone Mission Two. He then focuses his attention on the most densely populated area below.
*Zap!*
Electric blue currents surge from beneath Bai Ye's feet, rising rapidly and encircling his body.
In the next instant, Bai Ye transforms into a streak of lightning, plummeting downwards and heading straight for the center of the crowd.
*Boom!*
The moment the thunderbolt struck, a colossal roar echoed.
The ground shattered, and an invisible wave of energy radiated outwards, sending those around them flying. Ghouls, Ghoul Investigators, and even the Chosen Ones were thrown into disarray by the shockwave.
Then…
The gathered lightning spread outwards, engulfing everyone.
Screams erupted in a chorus.
Amidst the crackling current, Ghoul Investigators fell to their knees, their bodies turning charred black, spewing black smoke with every exhale.
Bai Ye glances at the holographic screen. Nine kills registered, with only one remaining.
Just then…
A furious roar erupts from behind Bai Ye. A man suddenly lunges, wielding a golden chakra wheel, aiming to strike Bai Ye.
Bai Ye dodges his head to the side, remarking, "Next time, remember, if you want to ambush, don't announce it with a shout."
Bai Ye directly raises his arm to block. The moment the chakra wheel struck Bai Ye's arm, his body instantly dissolved into electricity. Then, to the attacker's stunned disbelief, the wheel passed straight through Bai Ye.
In the next instant…
Bai Ye swiftly reaches out, his hand grasping the attacker's throat.
"Apologies, I forgot you won't have a next time!"
A torrent of electricity surges from Bai Ye's hand, completely enveloping the attacker's body.
The piercing shriek of electricity and the continuous screams assault everyone's eardrums. Then, a charred corpse appears in Bai Ye's hand.
"You have eliminated one participant (Modern Civilization World)."
"You have obtained two God Stone fragments."
"You have eliminated ten hostile faction targets, completing Restricted Zone Mission One. Reward: RC Cell Modification Fluid x1."
RC Cell Modification Fluid (Item) (Black): A cell-modifying liquid refined and researched from ghoul blood. Upon consumption, it leads to either a half-human or half-ghoul evolutionary path.
Half-Human: Maintains human form, without a kakuhou or kagune. The body will be enhanced, surpassing ordinary humans, but lifespan will be significantly reduced.
Half-Ghoul: Also known as a one-eyed ghoul. Possesses a kakuhou and kagune like a ghoul, but does not require human flesh to eat, being able to consume food like humans.
Bai Ye examines the RC Cell Modification Fluid and feels a sense of dread.
Black quality…
This quality rating isn't entirely reliable.
Item qualities often have some leeway. Sometimes, due to astonishing effects, the quality is rated too high, but as a consumable, its practical value is very low.
Another scenario involves enhancement effects, but they usually have a random component. For instance, if the effect is to enhance physical attributes by 5 to 50 points, the wide range can lead to a lower quality rating.
However, in reality, if luck is on your side, the outcome can far exceed the stated quality.
As for the RC Cell Modification Fluid, it falls into neither category. It's a gamble. Win, and you get black quality; lose, and you're done for.
Seemingly two outcomes, but…
The half-human path is undoubtedly a punishment. Although it enhances physical attributes, it reduces lifespan!
After all the effort to escape the world battlefield and finally return to one's own world, only to have one's lifespan cut short…
Therefore, the desired outcome is the half-ghoul effect. While it doesn't enhance physical attributes, it grants ghoul abilities without the drawback of having to eat human flesh.
This is what truly qualifies as a reward.
What?
Looks like a monster?
I can already transform into lightning, do I care if I look like a monster!
Bai Ye muses as he unscrews the RC Cell Modification Fluid and gulps it down.
It's a gamble, and one that must be taken. Benefits and risks have always gone hand in hand. Wanting to reap rewards without taking risks is simply wishful thinking.
*Plop!*
The RC Cell Modification Fluid feels cool as it enters his throat, then a distinct burning sensation spreads through his abdomen. Shortly after, Bai Ye feels his heart beat violently.
Bai Ye bares his teeth. This is good news!
Bai Ye can feel something growing inside him.
The so-called kagune are essentially unique mutated limbs of ghouls. Therefore, the sensation of something growing indicates that Bai Ye is evolving into a half-ghoul.
So, what kind of kagune will it be?
The size and shape of a kagune depend on one's imagination, meaning it can form and change according to one's self-awareness.
This is not an easy feat, achievable by only a select few ghouls.
The types of kagune are categorized as Rinkaku, Koukaku, Ukaku, and Bikaku, named after their general form, growth location, and primary function.
Bai Ye…
Bai Ye isn't picky. Anything will do.
In Bai Ye's opinion, the RC Cell Modification Fluid isn't a particularly valuable item; it's merely a reward for completing Restricted Zone Mission One.
Furthermore, the Ghoul Containment Facility itself isn't considered a high-level restricted zone.
However…
Bai Ye didn't anticipate this unexpected boon!
"Your kagune has been influenced by the Phoenix ability, causing a mutation."
"You have obtained Kagune - Ukaku Phoenix."
Ukaku Phoenix (Mutated Limb) (Black): A mutated limb formed under the influence of the Phoenix ability. As the Phoenix ability grows, this mutated limb will also grow.
Effects:
Feathers: Unleashes a barrage of feather attacks, accompanied by a burning effect.
Heat Absorption: Can absorb external flames to recover stamina and injuries.
Phoenix Flame: Releases Phoenix Flame through the Ukaku Phoenix, enhancing its power.
…
In an instant, an intensely hot aura surges from Bai Ye's body, and waves of heat ripple through the surroundings.
The air seems to acquire a scorched scent.
Then…
A pair of enormous wings slowly unfurls behind Bai Ye!
…