Upon hearing the Manager's question, everyone listened attentively.
Just now, Touka Kirishima had hurried back.
As soon as she returned, she told everyone the big news.
Without Touka's reminder, they would have had to wait two or three more days to receive the news, as high-ranking members usually wouldn't reveal their whereabouts easily.
But unexpectedly, the news came so quickly.
The news about the dragon that night was clear to the Antique Coffee Shop.
Enji Koma and Kaya Irimi, while conducting "extensive admonishments" that night, also gathered the full news from that day.
From the gathering of ghouls to the dragon, then the sudden disappearance, followed by collective capture.
The fundamental reason behind the event?
It was the consensus: the dragon is real!
And in everyone's testimonies, the dragon's image was completely consistent, especially with several notable characteristics.
So, this event was basically real.
Unless everyone was under an illusion.
Touka Kirishima thought for a moment and nodded.
"There's a very high chance it's true. Dragon horns, dragon tail, skin—everything matches, and it's not cosplay. I can feel a powerful aura from her."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned serious.
If the dragon is real, then its power is real too.
That night, there were dozens of ghouls and several S-rank ghouls attacking!
How did they manage to retreat unharmed?
And in a heavily injured state?
Yoshimura pondered for a moment before looking at Enji Koma and Kaya Irimi and asked.
"Can we confirm that the dragon was indeed in a heavily injured state?"
The two exchanged glances and nodded in unison.
"Yes, Manager."
"According to the descriptions from those involved, the dragon had a huge sword impaled in its back, and it seemed like it couldn't pull it out on its own."
After receiving confirmation, Yoshimura relaxed a lot.
His squinted eyes softened a little, and he smiled faintly.
"Then perhaps we no longer need to worry about the safety of Hayashi."
Everyone:?
Everyone froze.
Touka Kirishima blurted out, "Why, Manager?"
As she spoke, everyone calmly thought it through.
Eventually, more or less, everyone understood.
Renji Yomo smiled after realizing, looking at Touka Kirishima.
"You were too worried about Hayashi, Touka."
"That's right, Touka." Enji Koma also smiled, understanding: "Did you forget how you confirmed that the one called Tohru was a dragon?"
Kaya Irimi didn't speak, but her gaze at Touka was teasing.
As everyone mentioned it, Touka suddenly understood.
That girl, Tohru, that dragon.
Even in a heavily injured state, she could take on a group of ghouls, including several S-rank ghouls, without a scratch.
In the end, she arrived at the Midnight Diner.
And it seemed she had already recovered, perhaps back to full strength!
So how many ghouls could she fight in this state?
S-rank ghouls would probably be of no use!
Even SS-rank ghouls wouldn't be much of a threat.
How many SS-rank high-ranking members of the Bronze Tree are there?
How could they all come and attack?
Those SS-rank high-ranking members are not allowed to move around, let alone leave their designated areas.
Otherwise, if CCG got the news, they would immediately organize a group to hunt them down, sweeping the area.
At the time, Touka had instinctively felt fear when she saw Tohru.
If Tohru hadn't shown goodwill, she probably would have been sweating by now.
So there was no need to worry too much about Midnight Diner.
"Tohru... she seems really strong, at least SS+ strength, right?" Touka finally asked after realizing.
Some nodded, others shook their heads.
Enji Koma was one of the ones who shook his head. "Touka, if she can retreat from an S-rank ghoul ambush while heavily injured, then SS+ was just her strength at the time, not now."
Upon hearing this, Touka's eyes widened.
Renji Yomo nodded. "That's the legendary dragon. My guess is at least SSS-rank."
When they said this, the group exchanged looks.
If that's the case, the threat from the Bronze Tree would no longer exist.
With Tohru guarding the Midnight Diner, it would be incredibly safe.
Whether the Bronze Tree has an SSS-rank is just a guess, much like not knowing the true status of nuclear weapons.
But compared to the SSS-rank, the Midnight Diner really has one.
Tohru is there.
If they have the ability, they can come!
At this point, the discussion was mostly resolved.
If the Bronze Tree comes, it's not a big problem anymore.
Touka's worry was because she overthought and forgot the essence of the reality.
The Antique Coffee Shop couldn't fight against the Bronze Tree.
But as the local force, they could still put up some resistance.
"Ha..." After understanding, Touka finally let out a sigh of relief.
Her friends, her life, her dreams, they could continue...
With Hayashi being protected by Tohru, there would be no harm.
This is great.
Everyone looked relaxed.
But just then, the Manager smiled.
"Perhaps you all forgot about one key figure."
Everyone:?
They froze again.
Yoshimura slowly said.
"Who captured the dragon? Why did she willingly become a store clerk? How was she healed from her injuries?"
Everyone:!!!
Considering their relationship with the Manager, they were all horrified.
"Now it makes sense!"
...
It was another day at 11 AM.
After waking up, Hayashi pulled his arm out of the soft and fragrant blanket.
"Mm~" Tohru was still asleep, rolling to the other side.
Hayashi scrolled through his phone, checked the news and videos, and then got up to wash his face and brush his teeth.
He had played games all night with Tohru.
It was actual computer games.
They played a variety of multiplayer games, and it was incredibly fun. They played until late into the night and then slept together.
"Indeed, the best gaming experience is with a friend."
Hayashi washed his face, looked in the mirror, and checked his appearance.
The Chainsaw Devil without a chainsaw was really interesting.
"By the way, I still have a doorman to check on. Let's see how it's going."'
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