TTW Chapter 62: Cochlea (6)

Lin Yi stared coldly at Tatara. In the original work, Shuu Tsukiyama explained the essence of Ghouls, likening the Kagune to an engine and flesh and blood to fuel. He emphasized that the Kagune could only unleash its full strength with sufficient energy.

Tatara's Kakuja state displayed incredible destructive power, but how long could he sustain it? The tremendous strain took an overwhelming toll on him.

Jörmungandr spun in Lin Yi's hands as he approached the injured Ghoul.

Tatara gasped for breath, having already reverted from his Kakuja state. His intense exhaustion hindered any chance of recovery.

The red mask on his face shattered, revealing a delicate cheek. Gritting his teeth, he attempted to unleash his Kagune, but he couldn't.

"Ah!"

As Lin Yi closed in, Tatara could only throw a punch at him.

But to Lin Yi, his movement seemed slow, almost in slow motion. Dodging the attack effortlessly, he leaned to the side. With a flick of his hand, Jörmungandr pierced Tatara's abdomen.

"Ahhh!"

Tatara spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes lifeless as his head fell weakly on Lin Yi's shoulder.

"I'll take your power," Lin Yi whispered softly.

Jörmungandr had been exhilarated for quite some time. This exceptional Kagune was like a drug to it, irresistible and alluring.

As the blade pierced Tatara's abdomen, numerous tentacles sprouted, tearing his body apart instantly, with blood raining down like a deluge.

It greedily consumed Tatara's Kagune.



Jörmungandr Yummy Yummy

Several minutes passed before the rampaging Quinque finally calmed down. Countless tentacles retracted into the sword's hilt, restoring its ordinary appearance.

However, the blade's patterns, once resembling blood vessels, now shone brightly. Even Lin Yi, gripping the hilt, could clearly feel a scorching sensation.

A terrible power was incubating within the sword.

Lin Yi narrowed his eyes, well aware that Tatara's Kakuja form could unleash Fire capable of melting steel, and now that power resided in his sword.

Putting everything else aside, Lin Yi was already satisfied with the gains from this Cochlea operation.

The surviving investigators around him realized what had transpired and erupted into thunderous cheers.

They had witnessed Special Class Investigator Lin Yi defeating that monster, their morale soaring.

On the other hand, the members of Aogiri Tree, though many wore masks, displayed clear signs of fear.

"What a joke, Lord Tatara... How is it possible for Lord Tatara to be killed?"

"How can we defeat such a monster? Run!"

"I don't want to die here."

...

Numerous members of Aogiri Tree and the Ghouls who had just escaped from prison turned around and started fleeing, desperate to escape this hellish place.

"Let's give it a try."

Lin Yi held Jörmungandr, observing the group of Ghouls attempting to escape. He slightly raised the sword, and the temperature instantly soared, especially around the blade. The air distorted, water vapor evaporated, and a white mist formed.

With a single slash, a scorching wave of fire took the shape of a moonlit blade. Countless Ghouls were obliterated by this strike.

A few lucky ones managed to evade the attack, but their faces and bodies were burned, leaving them in a sorry state.

"Bang!"

The steel beam that had intercepted the blade earlier was cleaved apart. The melted incision dripped down, sizzling as it cooled upon touching the ground.

The investigators' momentum grew stronger.

"All units, pursue all fleeing Ghouls. Anyone who attacks, kill them on the spot, leave none alive!"

"Yes!"

A resounding response marked the beginning of the counterattack.

Though still outnumbered, the Aogiri Tree had completely lost their fighting spirit. It was like hunting down a panicked flock of sheep, where the number of individuals no longer mattered.

Meanwhile, Lin Yi halted and fixed his gaze on one person.

Akira Mado appeared injured, limping as she walked.

"What happened?"

Lin Yi stopped Akira Mado, who was preparing to pursue the fleeing Ghouls.

"I was ambushed by a Ghoul, but it's just a minor injury," Akira Mado gritted her teeth, enduring the pain. She held the Quinque that Lin Yi had given her, stained with a significant amount of blood, indicating a fierce battle prior to Lin Yi's arrival.

"I only suffered a minor injury. I can still..."

Akira feared that Lin Yi might suddenly prevent her from proceeding and tell her to rest, so she preemptively spoke.

But Lin Yi interrupted her.

"I understand what you mean. I don't see you as mere decoration. Akira Mado, a Second Class Investigator, has always relied on her true talents and abilities to become an Investigator. You're not the kind of woman who wants to be restrained by me. I just wanted to say, be careful."

Lin Yi spoke in a third-person tone, but his words carried a husband's concern for his wife.

Akira blushed, feeling touched, but quickly suppressed her emotions.

"Thank you for your concern, Commander."

With that, she continued her pursuit of the scattered fleeing Ghouls.

Meanwhile, Lin Yi turned to the surviving Cochlea staff and, with their assistance, located a secret underground tunnel.

Cochlea comprised three levels: the surface, underground, and a secret base.

When Aogiri Tree launched their attack, Cochlea urgently sealed off the entrance to the underground passage. However, some Aogiri Tree members had managed to enter before the gate closed.

Although the gate couldn't be easily reopened, Cochlea had a special artificial passage that led underground.

Among those who used it were Ken Kaneki and Ayato Kirishima.