The ghoul suppressant, developed by Altair over a few days using data from Tokyo's research labs and CCG's ghoul records, was a game-changer. After crafting it, he tested it on a random ghoul, successfully turning them into an ordinary human. The technology, inspired by his system's capabilities, was reliable.
Now, that suppressant sat on the table in Anteiku, drawing every eye in the cafe. A drug that could permanently strip a ghoul of their powers was a death sentence for their kind. One touch, one sip, and they'd be finished.
"Don't worry, it's not hard to use." Altair said. "I designed it for quick effect, contact transmission. Just splash it on a ghoul, and even a drop on their skin seeps in, spreads through their RC cells, and neutralizes them completely."
The ghouls in the cafe stiffened, their gazes turning fearful. A suppressant that worked on contact? No need for injection? That was terrifyingly dangerous.
"You could even slip it into their coffee." Altair added. "It's heat-resistant."
Every ghoul's eyes darted to the coffee cups on the table. Ghouls could only consume two things: human flesh and black coffee, its bitterness masking their inability to taste other foods. But now, Altair's words made even coffee suspect. What if it was laced? One sip could turn them human.
Amon, though not a ghoul, gaped in shock. "Is this for real?"
"Test it on a ghoul yourself." Altair said. "I made plenty, enough to turn every ghoul in Tokyo human."
He sipped his coffee, grimacing inwardly. It was bitter, but he had to play the "sophisticated" American who loved his morning brew. Meanwhile, Est finished her parfait, the small portion perfect for her petite frame. Amon's Americano sat untouched; he wasn't a coffee fan, and Altair's words had killed any interest in drinking.
Altair glanced out the window. The rain had stopped, and sunlight peeked through the clouds. "So, Amon, made up your mind?"
Amon stared at the syringe, his expression torn. "You don't have to agonize." Altair said. "I'm not using you. I came to Japan and joined the CCG to investigate them. I'll take down this mess with you."
"Why do you want to take down the CCG?" Amon asked, looking up. Everyone had motives, especially a "high-class" American like Altair. He believed Altair's claims but needed to know his goal.
"Is that important?" Altair asked with a smile.
"It is to me." Amon insisted. He'd help, but he wanted to know Altair's true intentions.
"Fine. I'm fascinated by ghouls." Altair said, tapping the table. "Their evolution intrigues me. This suppressant? You've never heard of it, right? The CCG has its own version, but it only temporarily deactivates RC cells. A ghoul can recover by eating flesh. Mine? It's permanent. One dose, and they're human forever, stuck eating regular food."
"And I made it in just a few days."
"You're a scientist?" Amon asked, frowning.
"You could say that. I dabble in many fields, especially biology. Ghouls' evolutionary path is fascinating to me."
Amon's brow furrowed. This guy sounded dangerous. "There are many ways humans evolve." Altair continued. "Ghouls offer one path, but I'm not interested in the common ones running around. I want the original ghoul, the first of their kind."
"To find them, I could infiltrate their ranks, but I'm not interested in joining them. So, I'll take them all down instead. That'll force their hand. They'll seek out the original to regain their power."
"The original… is still alive?" Amon said, stunned.
Altair stood, lifting Est. "The rain's stopped. Time to go."
Amon rose slowly. "I don't know what you'll do if you find this 'original,' but if the CCG's leaders are ghouls like you say, I'll help you."
"Great! You're my first partner in Japan. Let's do this!" Altair said, clapping Amon's shoulder before heading to the counter. "Owner, how much for the coffee and dessert?"
"No charge." The old man said. "I overheard you. You're a foreigner, so consider it on the house."
Altair smirked. Perks of being American? Or something else?
He pulled another syringe from his armor. "Then let me return the favor. One drop of this can turn a ghoul human, letting them eat normal food and live without fighting. There's ten milliliters here, enough for ten ghouls, no problem."
His voice carried, ensuring everyone heard. The cafe froze, Amon included, as the implication hit: Altair knew they were all ghouls.
"Let's go, Amon." Altair said, leaving the syringe on the counter. He led Amon out, leaving Anteiku behind. Things were about to get lively in there.
***
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