After returning home, Uesugi Ryu bathed, lit incense, and with a sense of anticipation, opened his system interface to draw a lottery reward.
"Come on, give me a skill, just one skill, please!"
Right now, Uesugi Ryu had plenty of Mana Points, but his only ability was the non-combat Phantom Clone, which severely limited the usefulness of his high mana reserve.
...
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host, you have obtained a D-rank item:
'The Pharmacist's Treasure'
Category: Ring
Equip Requirement: None
Equip Effect 1: +1 Constitution
Equip Effect 2: Stores up to 300 Mana Points. Stored mana can be converted into health (conversion rate: 10 mana = 6 HP).
When the wearer takes damage, the ring will automatically convert stored mana into health to heal the injuries. Conversion Speed: 12 HP per minute.
Can perform an instant release of 100 HP, but doing so permanently reduces the ring's mana storage capacity by 10.
Description: The Pearl of the Pharmacist, the item most worthy of bearing the name "treasure."]
...
A silver ring adorned with a cherry blossom-shaped pink gemstone appeared in Uesugi Ryu's palm.
Before he could even enjoy the moment, he noticed the ring's clearly feminine design and gave a helpless laugh.
"Well... whatever. A woman's ring is still a ring. I'll just wear gloves. It's not a skill, but this thing's definitely a life-saver."
He slipped the ring onto his finger. Even if someone questioned his masculinity, what of it? His life was more important.
The ring required continuous wear to gradually absorb and store mana. Plus, it offered a +1 to Constitution, it was a solid bonus.
...
Name: Uesugi Ryu
Race: Human
Overall Strength Rating: A (based on core attributes only; weapons not factored)
Strength: 8 (B)
Agility: 11 (S-)
Constitution: 9 (C+) (includes +1 from ring)
Intelligence: 8 (B+) (1 INT = 10 Mana)
Mana Points: 108 (Note: Normal healthy male = 5 points per stat. Attribute growth scales exponentially, not linearly.)
Talent: Soul Devour – Devour the soul of a slain target to gain permanent Mana Points.
Skill: D-rank – Phantom Clone (Creates a non-corporeal double that fully mimics the user's appearance and scent. Continuously consumes mana. Can optionally share sight and hearing.)
Energy: 54 / 100
Item: The Pharmacist's Treasure
...
Before he could finish inspecting the new item, his phone suddenly rang.
"Mado? What does he want now? ...Tch, I need to find a way to get my Quinque back."
Glancing at the caller ID, Uesugi Ryu picked up.
"Yes, I understand."
After hanging up, he grabbed his car keys, threw on a coat, and headed out the door.
...
In the bustling, vibrant 20th Ward, there was a unique restaurant tucked among the city's busy streets.
It was early evening, and the restaurant buzzed with chatter and packed tables. Uesugi Ryu stood at the entrance, lifting his head slightly to scan the crowd within.
Moments later, his gaze locked onto the familiar figures of Mado Kureo and Amon Koutarou.
He made his way over at a leisurely pace and sat down across from Mado.
Without waiting for pleasantries, he spoke plainly:
"Mado-san, may I ask why you called me here today?"
Both Mado Kureo and Amon Koutarou were dressed in crisp, black suits, exuding professionalism and sharpness. Beside them sat a briefcase, the one that held Uesugi Ryu's Quinque, they likely just returned from a field operation.
It was evident that the two had only just finished work. Whether they'd been investigating in the 20th Ward or came specifically to meet Uesugi Ryu remained unclear.
Considering the short distances between Ward's, especially neighboring ones like Ward 19 or 15, it wasn't difficult to move between them.
Mado shifted his gaze from Ryu, paused for a second, then looked back and said with a smile:
"Hmm...it seems like you've adjusted well over there."
Uesugi Ryu remained calm, his expression unreadable as he ordered a drink, took a small sip, then replied:
"It's fine. There are a few interesting classmates."
"But I doubt you called me here just to check on my well-being, did you?"
Mado chuckled and shook his head.
"Of course not. I brought you here to ask how you feel about the upcoming internship phase."
"I looked into your records. In about a week, you'll be eligible for internship. So, what are your thoughts?"
He looked at Ryu meaningfully, clearly expecting a serious answer.
"Are you suggesting I intern under you, Mado-san?"
Mado nodded approvingly. "Sharp as always."
"Rookies have two paths for internships: one, shadow a senior investigator; two, take a direct assignment in the 24th Ward."
"Personally, I believe tracking and identifying Ghouls hiding among civilians is more suitable for your current skill set than direct combat."
"Also, the route with me leads to becoming an official Investigator more quickly. But it's your choice in the end."
Amon Koutarou, sitting nearby, couldn't help but sigh with admiration.
"Looks like Mado-san really values Uesugi-kun."
Mado gestured lightly. "I've always supported promising juniors. You, Amon-kun, and now Ryu-kun."
"After all, the people's safety rests in our hands. Any increase in strength is worth cultivating."
Uesugi Ryu sipped his drink again, feeling a faint warmth rise within.
Whatever else could be said, Mado Kureo, despite his extreme tendencies, was undeniably someone who inspired respect as both a mentor and a comrade.
Suddenly, Mado reached into the bag at his side and placed a thick envelope on the table in front of Uesugi Ryu.
The envelope was oddly shaped and bulging, unmistakably resembling a short, curved dagger.
Inside it was none other than Viper, Uesugi Ryu's B-rank Quinque.
Mado smiled lightly as he handed it over.
"Your Quinque, I'm returning it to its rightful owner."
"A Quinque is a personal weapon. And besides, it's just a B-rank. As a descendant of an Investigator, you have every right to carry it."
"I'll admit I fibbed to you earlier. I hope you don't take it personally. I also want to formally apologize for interfering with your choices."
In an organization like the CCG, where hierarchy was absolute, Investigators like Mado, who treated others with such humility, were exceedingly rare.
He never flaunted authority and always treated people fairly. Even when his subordinates made mistakes, he simply corrected them with patience and guidance.
After hearing Mado's words, Uesugi Ryu fell silent.
Back when he'd watched the anime, his impression of Mado Kureo had been of a fanatical extremist. Now, he realized that was far too shallow a judgment.
Mado's character was deeply respectable, more than worthy of admiration.
Uesugi Ryu let out a long sigh and lowered his voice.
"Thank you, Mado-san."
Mado paused for a moment, then simply looked down at his glass of water, saying nothing in return.