79

Chapter 79: Tearing Apart The So-Called Ghoul Restaurant Of Gourmet Society [2]

Ward 7, Ghoul Restaurant.

This so-called "banquet" was nothing more than a twisted gathering where ghouls feasted on human prey.

The venue was inside a luxurious hotel, an establishment owned by the Tsukiyama Group. Tsukiyama Shuu's influence had turned it into a playground for his twisted desires.

Kanzaki Ryoma and Tsukiyama Shuu had arrived at the venue together.

"This way, Kanzaki-kun. Please enjoy yourself," Tsukiyama said with a smile as he opened the entrance for Ryoma. "There will be a special waiter to attend to you shortly. I have some things to take care of first, so I'll leave you for now."

With that, Tsukiyama walked away, his grin widening as he disappeared into the hotel.

[Ding! The host has completed Option 2 (accept the business card and infiltrate the Ghoul Restaurant). Reward: 50 fusion points.]

A masked waitress soon approached Ryoma, her expression hidden behind a white mask. She was undoubtedly one of the Tsukiyama family's servants — a ghoul, avoiding exposure.

She led Ryoma to a bathroom, explaining that it was customary for guests to shower and change before the "banquet."

Knowing exactly what this was all about, Ryoma said nothing and went along with it.

After showering, he changed into the black suit provided for him. His original clothes, along with his Quinque briefcase containing 13's Jason, were tucked safely inside his schoolbag. No one had bothered to check it. Since his cover was that of a university student, a schoolbag seemed harmless.

With his weapon secure, Ryoma followed the waitress to a lavish reception room.

Two other individuals were already seated inside.

One was a middle-aged man who looked like a typical office worker, and the other was a heavier-set middle-aged woman.

"Ah, hello!" The man greeted Ryoma with a smile. "I'm glad someone else showed up. Waiting with just the two of us was getting a little awkward."

"...Hello," Ryoma replied coolly.

The two were clearly ordinary humans, lured here through lies just like him. They had no idea what fate awaited them.

"I'm a magazine editor for Tokyo Gourmet, name's Kobori." The man handed Ryoma a business card.

Ryoma accepted it without a word. The woman remained quiet, nervously clutching her purse.

Moments later, a masked waiter entered with a cart holding a tray of dry-looking biscuits and three cups of coffee.

"Here are some refreshments. Please enjoy them while you wait," the waiter said politely.

"This place really knows how to build up atmosphere. Even the snacks are fancy," Kobori chuckled as he ate one of the biscuits.

Ryoma glanced at the coffee but didn't touch it. The scent was normal, but with a place like this, who knew if something had been added — perhaps even human flesh.

---

Time dragged on until another waiter finally arrived.

"Apologies for the wait. Please follow me."

Ryoma and the other two were led to a dimly lit room with a long dining table, three chairs, and a large box near the wall. The moment they stepped inside, the heavy security door clicked shut behind them.

"...What's with the locked door?" the woman muttered.

Kobori, however, seemed oblivious.

"Looks fancy! This whole place feels high-end, right?" he laughed.

Only now did the woman begin to panic. She moved to check the locked door, her breathing growing uneven.

Suddenly, a voice echoed from the ceiling speakers.

"Apologies for the wait. Dinner is now served."

Kobori perked up.

"Ah, here we go!"

But the next words left him frozen.

"Tonight's dinner... is you three."

The ceiling split open, revealing rows of masked figures peering down from above. They stared eagerly, like hungry wolves observing their prey.

"The first course," the voice continued, "is Mr. Kobori, an editor from Tokyo Gourmet. While he spends his days in an office, he frequently hit the gym, giving him lean, tender muscle. A delightful texture for those who prefer chewy meat. He was introduced by Mr. TR."

Kobori stared in disbelief, the blood draining from his face.

The voice continued.

"The second course is Ms. Yami, a woman of generous proportions. While her hygiene is questionable, she boasts a fine layer of fat, perfect for enhancing flavor after proper preparation. She was introduced by Mr. PG."

Yami's face twisted in horror as she turned her gaze upward. Among the masked spectators was a figure in a clown mask.

"Souta!!" Yami screamed.

The masked man, none other than Furuta Nimura, waved mockingly.

"Hi hi hi! Yami-chan!" Furuta called out cheerfully.

"You... you tricked me! What about the marriage proposal?!" Yami's voice cracked as she yelled.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry," Furuta grinned. "I forgot to mention... I have no intention of marrying a pig like you."

Furuta's exaggerated apology was met with chuckles from the audience, while Yami's face twisted in rage and fear.

Then the voice returned.

"And finally, our main course for the evening... a rare and exquisite delicacy. This young man's scent rivals the legendary 'Binge Eater' of the 20th Ward. A true gourmet's delight. He was introduced by Mr. MM."

The masked spectators erupted in murmurs of excitement.

Ryoma's hand moved to his schoolbag.

He slowly wrapped his fingers around the handle of his Quinque case, his expression calm and unreadable.

The moment someone moved for him...

He would strike.