21st Century Necromancer

The work at the Unnatural Death Investigation Institute is pretty much the same every day. Although it operates under the title of a research institute, the daily tasks are not heavily related to research.

The primary focus of the Unnatural Death Investigation Institute is investigations rather than research. The main business they deal with every day involves forensic autopsies commissioned by police from various places or private investigative autopsies. In essence, it's all about working with corpses in various capacities.

However, while operating under the banner of a National Research Institute, there are actually only two forensic pathologists, Misumi Mikoto and the Nakado Department, and Tokairin Yuko is a clinical laboratory technician; she cannot act as the chief dissecting officer.

Given this situation, one can imagine how heavy the workload at UDI must be. It is a true 7K occupation—dangerous, dirty, tiring, strict rules, no holidays, no makeup, no chance of marriage. (In Japanese Romanization, the first letter of these seven words all start with K.)

Nevertheless, those who choose this profession are naturally prepared for the work environment. Although they may complain verbally, they are still diligent and dedicated in their work, striving to do their best with each task at hand, earnestly providing the most authoritative and fair determination of the cause of death for each body that comes here, so that the deceased can depart in peace.

Of course, under the immense pressure of work, the staff of UDI can't help but be a bit unruly. This is understandable, as too much pressure without relief can crush a person.

So when Director Kamikura approached the UDI office and Tokairin Yuko teasingly inquired about his activities the previous night, Director Kamikura didn't put on airs of leadership. Instead, he playfully denied Yuko's baseless speculations about what he had done the night before and then formally announced to everyone in the office, "I have some good news for everyone.

Thanks to my relentless efforts last night, two major pharmaceutical enterprises have expressed their willingness to sponsor UDI, and this sponsorship will be long-term!"

Upon hearing this news, everyone in the office cheered, except for the Nakado Department, who had always seemed indifferent to everything. Tokairin Yuko, in particular, was very eager and asked, "Does that mean we can recruit new staff? Let's hire a few handsome guys, Director!"

"Sorry, there are currently no plans to recruit new people, nor are there benefits to solve staff's personal issues," Director Kamikura declined Yuko's unreasonable request, then continued, "Also, last night I met with Representative Issei, who takes the issue of Japan's unnatural death autopsy rates very seriously.

He plans to visit in a few days, and after understanding the related issues, he has promised to help UDI gain more social attention and government support."

"Representative Issei? I heard he's a strong candidate for the next Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. If he's willing to support UDI, that's really great news!" Yuko, who knew just who Representative Issei was, suddenly felt a surge of joy.

Securing support from such an important figure is undoubtedly fantastic news for UDI, which was currently in a situation where neither 'grandma cares nor uncle loves'.

This made Yuko look at Director Kamikura with renewed respect, and she couldn't help but pat his shoulder and praise him, "As expected of a former official dispatched from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, you are indeed impressive, Pava!"

"I've told you many times! I'm not some dispatched official; I just used to work at the Ministry of Health and Welfare!" Director Kamikura hurriedly clarified, while also explaining, "And last night, if it weren't for Professor Chen Yu's influence, it wouldn't have been possible to gain the favor of these important figures. When it comes down to it, we have him to thank."

"Doctor Chen?" When Director Kamikura mentioned Chen Yu's name, Misumi Mikoto, who had been busily working on something, suddenly looked up at Director Kamikura, "What does Doctor Chen have to do with this?"

Director Kamikura nodded his head and explained amidst the puzzled looks from Tokairin Yuko and Misumi Mikoto, "Last night I went to a private club meeting. I only got in because of a friend I had back in the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Initially, no one really paid attention to me, and conversations were just polite small talk.

However, Professor Chen seems to have a deep connection with the top executives of that club, and they treated him with great respect. Thanks to Professor Chen, I managed to secure sponsorship from two pharmaceutical companies and get Representative Issei's attention for the UDI."

"Eh! Eh? Does Professor Chen actually have connections of that level? What kind of club meeting was it that you attended, Director? You weren't swindled, were you?" Upon hearing Director Kamikura's words, Tokairin Yuko's first impression was one of disbelief. After all, Chen Yu was merely an associate professor at Eastern University Affiliated Hospital.

Although it was plausible for him to have connections with such prominent figures, it didn't seem likely that they would be eagerly courting his favor, which gave off a somewhat unrealistic impression.

However, before Director Kamikura could respond, Misumi Mikoto spoke up first, "You can't say that. If it's that Professor Chen, it's possible. He's not as simple as he appears to be."

When Tokairin Yuko heard Misumi Mikoto say this, she was extremely surprised. However, before she had the chance to say anything, Director Kamikura nodded affirmatively and said, "Indeed, Professor Chen could very well be a 'transcendent'... a person beyond ordinary imagination. He may have a very profound background, so let's not speculate wildly.

Everyone should get ready to welcome Representative Issei and the representatives from the two pharmaceutical companies!"

After finishing his words, Director Kamikura then returned to his office.

There was a pause in Director Kamikura's speech just now, and both Tokairin Yuko and Misumi Mikoto noticed that the word he wanted to say was definitely not "beyond ordinary." However, Tokairin Yuko did not probe further; instead, she leaned over to Misumi Mikoto with a mischievous smile and teased, "Mikoto, why are you speaking so highly of Professor Chen?

You couldn't possibly have fallen for him, could you? He already has a girlfriend, and I heard from Rokuro that he has successfully proposed to her."

"What are you talking about, Tokairin! How could I possibly like Doctor Chen? I just think he's not as simple as he seems," Misumi Mikoto quickly denied, simultaneously booting up her computer to look something up, clearly interested in the word Director Kamikura had nearly let slip earlier.

Tokairin Yuko, though, didn't dwell on these details. She instead teased Misumi Mikoto with an even bigger smile, "But honestly, Professor Chen really is a catch! If you truly like him, Mikoto, I support you in going after him! If you like him, go snatch him up!"

"Tokairin!" Misumi Mikoto became angrily embarrassed upon hearing Tokairin Yuko's shameless remarks.

Watching the two women's playful banter, Kube Rokuro couldn't help but shake his head in resignation, feeling envious of Chen Yu's romantic fortunes while also glancing inadvertently at Misumi Mikoto's computer screen, which displayed the search term "Transcendent."