"Akira, didn't Byakuya say today that your mother has been resurrected? But we don't know where she actually is..."
Kureo Mado looked extremely anxious.
"I just asked Byakuya. He said there's a possibility she revived at the place where she originally died. I'm about to head to Ward 24—that's where Mom was killed, right...?"
Akira Mado confirmed.
"Yes, I know the exact location. I'll go with you."
Even after more than ten years, Kureo Mado still clearly remembered the location where they had encountered the One-Eyed Owl.
"Let's bring some food too. Mom must be starving by now."
Akira Mado packed some bread and fruit into her bag, along with a thermos of warm water.
Then Kureo Mado and Akira Mado set out together for Ward 24...
...
Ward 24.
After the Dragon Orphans had disappeared, the seal on Ward 24 had been lifted.
However, ordinary people still weren't allowed to enter freely. This had once been the "nest" of countless ghouls.
Even though the Dragon Orphans were gone and ghouls no longer existed, there might still be former ghouls—now turned human—hiding here, still harboring hostility toward humans.
Therefore, only after the entire Ward 24 had been thoroughly searched by specialized investigation teams would this special area be opened to the public.
Fortunately, both Kureo Mado and Akira Mado held special positions within the Bureau. They naturally had clearance to enter Ward 24.
A few squad members accompanied them as well.
Since RC cells had disappeared, all Quinques had become useless. Now CCG investigators were equipped with various firearms—more than enough to deal with unarmed humans.
After entering Ward 24, Kureo Mado couldn't help but quicken his pace.
He was desperate to see Kasuka Mado. He had missed her so much...
The accompanying squad members understood Investigator Mado's feelings and quickened their pace to keep up.
Kureo Mado led the way the entire time—only he knew the exact location.
However, halfway there, shadowy figures appeared up ahead.
The squad members immediately tensed up, raising the mounted flashlights on their weapons to illuminate the area.
Then they clearly saw a familiar figure...
"Director Amaha?!"
Following one person's exclamation, the others also realized who it was.
At this point in time, Amaha Byakuya wasn't yet Director General, and the CCG hadn't been renamed yet.
Besides Amaha Byakuya, a young woman in female combat gear followed behind him. She appeared to be under thirty.
Her features bore some resemblance to Akira Mado, and her hairstyle was similar too.
"Kasuka..."
Looking at the person he had longed for day and night, Kureo Mado's lips began to murmur.
"Mom...?"
Having not seen her for so many years, Akira Mado almost didn't recognize her own mother.
"So you've already come down here."
Amaha Byakuya said.
"...Kureo? And... Akira?"
Kasuka Mado didn't recognize Kureo Mado and Akira at first either.
Because Kureo Mado had changed so much compared to ten years ago—and Akira, even more so.
But no matter how much they'd changed, their features were still familiar.
Especially when Kureo and Akira called out to her—she recognized them immediately.
"Thank you, kind stranger."
Even though she was overwhelmed with emotion at seeing her future family, Kasuka Mado didn't forget to express her gratitude to Amaha Byakuya.