Chapter Ninety-Five: The Battle Against Izumi Takatsuki (Part Two)

“Quinque capable of injuring me while simultaneously suppressing a ghoul’s regeneration? It seems the Shepherd’s Lord holds an extraordinary status not only among ghouls but also within the ranks of the investigators. If such a revelation were to spread among the ghouls, would anyone still dare to join your Shepherd?” Izumi Takatsuki said to Mu Yang with a sharp gaze.

“Likewise, Izumi Takatsuki,” Mu Yang retorted, “if it got out that you, the author of *The Black Goat’s Egg*, were a ghoul, how would that affect your career as a writer? Would you still be able to appear openly in the light of day? Though your fame may not rival the world’s renowned figures, you recently held a signing event, and most people are familiar with your face. Once this news spreads, your image will be etched into the minds of many.”

“I don’t mind, really. If this leaks, I can still manage within the investigators. At worst, the Shepherd disbands. But remember, we currently hold a favorable position under human dominance. Though fragile, it still grants us an advantage. You, however, are in a different situation,” Mu Yang continued, emphasizing each syllable of “Takatsuki Izumi.”

Yet beneath his calm words, Mu Yang’s heart pounded with unease. If this secret were exposed, the Shepherd might indeed collapse. Though the truth was neither fully confirmed nor denied, the leader of the Bronze Tree held immense influence among ghouls. Once such rumors spread carelessly, the line between truth and falsehood would blur. Without the Shepherd’s standing, he might have to join Sota’s faction—but Sota was the ultimate boss of the ghouls. How could he allow such disorder after accepting him? Restrictions would surely follow. So, he could only face off with Takatsuki Izumi.

“Who exactly are you? And where did you hear this?” Izumi’s expression darkened, revealing the gravity she placed on the matter.

“That’s something I can't say. If I do, my friend will die,” Mu Yang replied. (Mu Yang’s secret technique, First Move: Fabricate a Friend—casually invent a nonexistent person, forcing the opponent to imagine who it might be. Few would know the true secret, and that person must be of great importance. Once this slips out, their relationship is bound to fracture.)

“In that case, you’ll die here!” Before she could finish, Izumi transformed into a monstrous figure with a massive frame, her appearance mirroring a fearsome beast—one of her forms, the true One-Eyed King.

Mu Yang’s expression grew even more serious. The One-Eyed King form was far more powerful than her usual self, and Mu Yang, weakened as he was, had no time to react. The One-Eyed King caught him swiftly and threw him into her gaping maw.

Once swallowed, Mu Yang felt excruciating pain. The One-Eyed King’s stomach lacked acid; instead, it had split into numerous tentacles, each adorned with a mouth that gnawed relentlessly at him.

Regaining his senses, Mu Yang forced a bitter smile. He had truly underestimated the vast difference between himself and Takatsuki IzumiI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.