Chapter 17: Chapter 16: Choices...Again!
Rize had always despised constraints.
Growing up under the oppressive rule of the Washuu family, she had been treated as nothing more than a tool. A breeder. Something to be used and discarded.
Now, as a free ghoul, her insatiable appetite wasn't just about hunger—it was a way to lash out.
A way to vent the pain of her past.
Unlike most ghouls, who only needed to hunt once a month, Rize hunted two or three times a week.
Not for survival.
For pleasure.
It was why she had earned the nickname "Binge Eater."
But despite hating restrictions, she found herself... hesitating.
The taste of Ryoma Kanzaki still lingered in her mind.
She had never tasted human flesh that exquisite before.
Would it be worth enduring a little restraint if it meant she could have another bite?
Maybe.
She wasn't sure yet.
At that moment, Ryoma's system activated.
[Ding! The host activates the task and opens the god-level choice!]
1. Reject Rize's request and stop interfering with her hunting. (Reward: 1 fusion point.)
2. Reject Rize's request but forcibly restrain her. (Reward: 20 fusion points.)
3. Accept Rize's request and let her have another taste. (Reward: 50 fusion points.)
"Actually," he said, smirking, "if you listen to me, I might let you have another taste."
Rize narrowed her eyes. "Listen to you?"
"Yeah," Ryoma nodded. "Let's say... no hunting for two weeks. If you can do that, I'll let you have what you want."
Rize pouted.
"Two weeks? That's so long. How about... three days?"
Ryoma gave her a deadpan look.
"That's pointless. Normal ghouls can survive on a single meal for a month. You're the only one who eats like this."
His voice grew serious.
"And if that guy in the clown mask tries again, I might not be there to save you next time. Think carefully."
Rize's playful demeanor faded.
She hated to admit it, but Ryoma was right.
If the Washuu family really had found her, she was in serious danger.
Her violet eyes flickered with thought—then she smiled faintly.
"Fine," she said. "I'll agree to your little deal."
Then, before Ryoma could react—
"But first, let me have a little taste~"
Ryoma tensed, watching her carefully.
"What kind of taste?"
Rize grinned. "Relax, I won't bite you here—too many witnesses."
She leaned in.
Her hands slid around Ryoma's neck, pulling herself closer.
Then, before he could stop her, her lips brushed against his ear.
Bite.
It wasn't hard, but it wasn't gentle either.
Just a light graze—sharp enough to send a shiver down Ryoma's spine.
His body tensed involuntarily.
Rize immediately noticed.
Her grin widened.
"Oh?" she purred, her voice silkier than ever.
"So that's your weak spot."
Ryoma shoved her away before she could push any further.
"Don't take it too far." His voice was steady, but Rize could hear the slight irritation in it.
She giggled, licking her lips.
"Too late~ I'm already satisfied."
She stretched lazily, as if she had just eaten a particularly delicious snack.
"And now..." Her violet eyes gleamed mischievously.
"I know your weakness."
The exchange didn't go unnoticed.
Other ghouls in the café were whispering.
"That human boy... isn't he the one Rize brought in a few days ago?"
"And he's still alive?"
"This is the longest any of her prey has lasted..."
Some were even speculating.
"Could Rize actually be interested in a human?"
The absurdity of the thought sent a chill through the ghouls.
Meanwhile, at the front counter, Touka Kirishima observed the scene in silence.
She knew Rize's nature.
Brutal. Cruel. Completely in control.
Yet here she was, playing this kind of game with a human?
Something about it bothered her.
Even if Rize was just toying with him, she had never acted this intimately with any of her previous prey.
What was going on?
Just then, Kaneki Ken walked into Anteiku.
And froze.
Right in front of him—
The girl he secretly admired, the girl he had longed to talk to, was practically draped over another guy.
She wasn't just talking to him.
She was teasing him.
Flirting.
Kaneki felt his mind go blank.
Behind him, Hideyoshi Nagachika frowned.
"Ken? What's wrong?"
Kaneki didn't answer.
He just stood there, staring, as something deep inside him cracked.
...
Rize had planned to push Ryoma further—
But his annoyed reaction stopped her.
She smirked.
That was enough fun for now.
With a satisfied sigh, she leaned back.
"Well, I'm happy," she purred. "I got what I wanted today."
She winked playfully.
"And now I know exactly how to get under your skin."
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