Walking on the small path to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, You Hong yawned.
Yesterday, he spent a long time chasing that Mantis Mirror Monster, so by the time he got home, it was already midnight, and he hadn't slept well at all.
As for why he was hunting Mirror Monsters?
Of course, it was for the "Create Vent" in his card deck.
This card, as its name suggests, can create new cards by consuming "Creation Energy."
The cool Charizard Flame Spear card he held was conjured using this card.
And the most stable and reliable way to obtain Creation Energy, currently, was to hunt the monsters in the Mirror World.
Every time he eliminated one, the dial of the summoner on his wrist would absorb some faint energy light points.
"Haaah... I hope there's no meeting today, so I can catch up on some sleep..." You Hong rubbed his slightly dry eyes and quickened his pace.
The familiar gray outline of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department building was already in sight.
However, just as he was about to step onto the steps at the entrance, his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of a tall figure standing quietly by the side of the main door.
The person was wearing a crisp, dark blue Advanced police officer uniform, and the insignia on his epaulets gleamed in the morning light.
His posture was impeccable, his hands clasped behind his back, and even from a distance, the aura of authority that came from a high-ranking position, inspiring awe without anger, washed over him.
The moment he saw the person's face clearly, You Hong shivered, and the half-yawn he had just started got stuck in his throat, almost making him choke.
"Hiss—"
He gasped, his scalp tingling, and almost instinctively, he spun on his heel, wanting to turn around and make a quick escape!
Are you kidding me!
Why was this big shot blocking the entrance of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department so early in the morning?!
"Inspector You Hong." A calm, slightly hoarse voice, yet carrying an absolutely undeniable power, rang out clearly. It wasn't loud, but it was like a paralyzing spell, leaving You Hong's raised foot suspended in mid-air.
It's over... He's been discovered!
You Hong stiffly turned around, his face instantly breaking into an incredibly bright, twelve-parts fawning smile: "Ah haha... Chief Ichijo! Good morning! What a... what a coincidence! Are you also here so early to inspect the work?"
The person was none other than the Chief of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department—Kaoru Ichijo.
Although his name was identical to that of the legendary "Heisei Big Brother" Kuuga's partner, the Kaoru Ichijo before him was already over fifty. Time had etched frost onto his temples, but his eyes were still as sharp as an eagle's, as if they could see through people's hearts.
He walked over slowly, his leather shoes making regular soft thuds on the concrete, his scrutinizing gaze sweeping over You Hong's face: "Inspecting work? I was specifically waiting for you here."
"Waiting... waiting for me?" You Hong's smile faltered slightly, his heart pounding wildly.
A year ago, he was just a junior police officer. In a deeply involved serious case, he coincidentally helped the Chief a great deal, displaying extraordinary keenness.
Kaoru Ichijo, valuing talent, after a series of tests, directly gave him an exceptional promotion, making him rocket from a patrol officer to the position of Police Inspector.
This favor of promotion was genuine, but due to Kaoru Ichijo's personality, You Hong couldn't help but feel nervous when interacting with him.
"I heard you skipped the Public Security Department meeting again yesterday afternoon?" Kaoru Ichijo's tone revealed no emotion, but the invisible pressure made You Hong feel the air around him grow heavy.
"Uh... this... that..." You Hong's eyes darted around, trying to find a reasonable explanation, "Reporting, Chief! I... I discovered a new lead regarding the recent missing persons cases and needed to verify it on-site immediately! Time was short, so I didn't have time to..."
"Oh? A new lead?" Kaoru Ichijo raised an eyebrow. "Tell me, what was the result of the verification?"
"This..." You Hong was speechless. He couldn't very well say he went to the Mirror World to fight monsters and collect energy, could he?
He thought quickly, "It's still under in-depth investigation! I will report any major progress to you immediately!"
Their conversation had already attracted several police officers entering and exiting. Everyone slowed their steps curiously, secretly glancing over.
A young Police Inspector being lectured by the Chief at the entrance first thing in the morning—this scene was truly worth watching.
Kaoru Ichijo clearly noticed the surrounding gazes. He frowned almost imperceptibly and snorted coldly: "Hmph, come to my office."
"Yes!" You Hong felt as if he had been granted a great pardon. He quickly straightened his back and scurried behind the Chief, enduring the baptism of his colleagues' sympathetic or schadenfreude-filled stares.
Entering the Chief's private office, the heavy door cut off the outside world.
You Hong stood respectfully in front of the desk, keeping his eyes downcast.
Kaoru Ichijo didn't sit down immediately. He paced to the window, looking at the street scene outside, and after a moment of silence, he spoke: "In recent months, 'bizarre disappearances' and 'hallucination sightings' cases reported in Tokyo, and even across the country, have surged. Their nature is unknown, their impact severe, and there's a lot of pressure from above."
You Hong's heart stirred. If he wasn't mistaken, this should be the prelude to the story beginning.
"Traditional criminal investigation methods have been largely ineffective in these cases, and even..." Kaoru Ichijo turned around, his sharp gaze once again Lock-On You Hong. "Many investigators have reported feeling as if monsters truly exist."
You Hong's heartbeat subtly quickened. He vaguely guessed what the Chief was about to say.
"After discussions, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department high command has decided to establish a brand new department—the 'Special Supernatural Phenomenon Investigation Department,' or 'SPID' for short."
Kaoru Ichijo looked at You Hong, saying each word clearly, "And you, Inspector You Hong, will be appointed as the Chief Special Investigator of SPID, fully responsible for the investigation and solving of such cases."
You Hong was stunned.
Chief Special Investigator? Specifically in charge of supernatural cases?
This... this was like finding a pillow when you're sleepy! His police identity combined with this position was the perfect springboard to intervene in Mirror World incidents!
The efficiency of collecting Creation Energy would definitely double!
"What? Any objections?" Kaoru Ichijo asked in a deep voice when he saw You Hong remain silent.
"No! Absolutely not!" You Hong immediately stood at attention, his voice loud, his face showing barely suppressed excitement, "Thank you for your trust, Chief! I guarantee to complete the mission! I will definitely get to the bottom of this!"
"Mm." Kaoru Ichijo seemed to have expected his reaction. He nodded, "Your office has been prepared for you, at the end of the east corridor on the fourth floor. I will specially approve your budget and authority. If you need any support, submit a report. Remember,"
His tone became extremely serious, "What I want is the truth and results, no matter what method you use. But the premise is, all actions must be conducted within the legal and compliant framework, understand?"
"Understood!" You Hong replied loudly. Legal and compliant? Of course! As for the methods... hehe.
"Go on, Chief Special Investigator of SPID, it's time to see your new territory." Kaoru Ichijo waved his hand.
"Yes!" You Hong saluted, suppressing the urge to jump for joy, and turned to quickly leave the Chief's office.
Watching You Hong's retreating back, Kaoru Ichijo murmured to himself.
"Don't disappoint me, You Hong."