Unwritten Mythos

In the outskirts of Beiling City, a somber atmosphere hung over the remains of the Kitsune 01 brigade. Nearly wiped out, the survivors were tending to their wounds, their spirits weighed down by defeat. The temporary containment site, which was meant to be their foothold in the city, had crumbled as quickly as it was built, and with it, their hopes of stabilizing the region.

The once-bustling tents now stood quiet. Inside one of them, Varian sat while logistics personnel treated his arm wound. His usually composed demeanor was fraying.

"The superiors just issued the order," one of the medics said, tightening the bandage around Varian's wrist. "We're to withdraw from Beiling City immediately."

Enko, sitting nearby, remained silent. The weight of failure settled over him. There wasn't much left to say. The city was lost, the 02, 03, and 04 brigades were already retreating, and the temporary site had been abandoned. The only sliver of good news was that Shen Yu and a few of Varian's team members had somehow survived the onslaught.

"When the Kitsune plan was first announced," Varian started, his voice low, "we established Base One in the mountains near the capital. That's where we're headed now."

Enko looked up, his face drawn with concern. "And after we return?"

Varian turned to face him, a shadow of something unreadable passing over his eyes. "You probably don't know yet."

He motioned to one of the men standing nearby, a scientist wearing a white coat, holding a sleek black briefcase. The man stepped forward, clearing his throat.

"The results of the experiment," the scientist began, "the first generation of the strengthening drug has been successfully developed."

A murmur rippled through the room. Enko's eyes narrowed, watching the scientist closely.

"We need to bring this drug back to Base One," the scientist continued, "and from there, complete the next phase of the experiment. If this phase succeeds, we will essentially unlock the human gene lock, leading to the first true evolution of mankind since the dawn of civilization."

His words hung heavy in the air, too fantastical, too profound to process all at once.

"This is not just a scientific breakthrough," he pressed on, his voice rising. "This is our last chance to shift the tide. If the strengthening drug works, humanity won't lose."

Varian, bandaged and grim-faced, nodded in agreement. "This is the situation. Strengthening drugs... they're our final hope."

Enko turned to the man holding the black briefcase, his eyes narrowing. "How far can this drug take us?"

The man hesitated, as if weighing his words carefully. "At best, it can triple human physical capabilities."

A pause.

"But," the man continued, "when the body undergoes that much enhancement, the cells begin to transform—turning into something akin to Fish-Man cells. In theory, the user could become a full Fish-Man." He glanced around the room, clearly aware of the tension building. "We're doing everything we can to avoid that outcome."

Enko remained silent, listening as the man went on, "Ideally, we're aiming for a scenario like yours: retaining human control but gaining most of the Fish-Man's abilities. If we can strike that balance, we'll have an army capable of standing toe-to-toe with the monsters."

But it wasn't enough. Enko could feel it gnawing at the back of his mind.

It wasn't enough.

His thoughts swirled in frustration. They were clinging to scraps of hope, yet still failing to grasp the true nature of these monsters. They didn't understand how fast the monsters evolved, how relentless they were. An army of humans empowered to the level of Fish-Man would have been a game-changer—**a month ago.**

But now? Now it felt like a lost cause, a late and desperate gamble.

Enko clenched his fists, his head swimming with disillusionment. Every time they thought they'd found a solution, they met failure. Hope and defeat chased each other in an endless loop.

"Why is it always like this?" he muttered, barely loud enough for anyone to hear. "We find something, cling to it like it's hope, then it falls apart. Again and again."

"What does it mean?"

His voice was almost lost in the room's dim lighting. He stood, turning toward the exit. Varian, sensing something was off, called after him, "Where are you going?"

Enko stopped, but only for a moment. "I'm going to find a real way to solve this."

He didn't look back, and no one moved to stop him. Only Tang Yan quietly followed, as if understanding something the others didn't. He, too, had dreamt again the night before.

...

"Enko, I trust you."

Tang Yan's sudden words caught Enko off guard. He paused for a moment before replying, "Out of all these people, you're the last one I'd hope to gain trust from."

"Isn't that a little harsh?" Tang Yan responded, half-joking.

Enko smirked slightly and stepped out of the tent. Without hesitation, Tang Yan followed.

"What do you want?" Enko asked, glancing at him sideways.

"Just following," Tang Yan replied with a shrug.

"Yesterday, I thought about killing you."

"I know," Tang Yan said calmly.

Of course, Tang Yan knew. He had already seen it—one possible future. He knew Enko wouldn't go through with it in the end, and after that moment, their trust would solidify. But for now, it wasn't easy. Tang Yan wasn't following because he wanted to; he'd rather be in a safe place. Yet, the future he had seen showed a bleak outcome: the exposure of his future diary, captured by Kitsune, stripped of his powers, reduced to an ordinary man.

He had no choice but to follow this path, alongside Enko.

Enko exhaled, his gaze narrowing as he looked at Tang Yan. "So, you see through the truth, huh? You've been hiding something from me all this time. What is it, Tang Yan?"

"If you tell me, I'll believe you."

Tang Yan took a deep breath before speaking. "The future me... I'm not your friend, Enko. In that future, I'm just a selfish bastard, using the future diary to gather wealth and live in luxury."

"You caught me, you defended me, but in the end, I couldn't escape judgment."

Tang Yan's voice grew more serious. "What I'm trying to do now is change that future. I know you've been wary of me, and you're right to be. But now I'm telling you everything."

He looked Enko squarely in the eyes. "Do you believe me?"

Enko stared back at him, gauging the sincerity in Tang Yan's gaze. There was no hesitation, no sign of deceit—only resolve.

"So that's why you came to me?" Enko asked after a beat.

"Yes," Tang Yan confirmed.

"That night, in the bedroom, you said I'd die if I left. What was the real situation?"

Tang Yan sighed. "The real situation was that you'd get injured if you left. But in another future I saw, you didn't leave."

Enko pulled out a piece of gum, popping it into his mouth. "I never planned to leave. Three hundred people wasn't enough. They all underestimated the monsters."

He pulled out another piece of gum, tossing it to Tang Yan.

Tang Yan caught it, surprised. "What's this?"

"Grape flavor."

Tang Yan chuckled as he unwrapped the gum and placed it in his mouth. "So, does that mean you believe me now?"

Enko gave a slight nod. "Let's just say... I have an idea."

"If successful, perhaps we can fundamentally turn the tables for humanity. If we lose, we'll probably die."

"Are you afraid?" Enko asked, his voice calm yet sharp.

"Afraid," Tang Yan replied bluntly.

Enko chuckled. "You're honest. It's almost uncomfortable to hear. But that's good. Better the truth than lies."

Tang Yan nodded in agreement, and Enko's expression turned serious again. "No more nonsense, then. Yesterday, in the future, I saw a monster. She led me to a place, and that place... it's crucial."

"Crucial?" Tang Yan echoed, sensing something big was coming.

Enko didn't waste time. "If that monster is really tied to 006, the one we believe is behind the creation of these monsters, then I have an idea. We find her—and we kill her."

Tang Yan's eyes widened slightly. "You really think that's possible?"

Enko met his gaze firmly. "Not by myself, no. But with the future diary... yes. Together, we can predict, deduce every outcome until we find a way to kill 006."

Tang Yan hesitated, thinking it through. "But we've only got a month to prepare."

"Exactly," Enko said, his tone steady. "One month to figure out a way to take down the most dangerous being we've ever faced."

Tang Yan gritted his teeth, knowing the risks. "Alright... I'll help you. But on one condition. Whether we succeed or fail, I want to officially join the organization."

Before Enko could respond, Varian suddenly appeared from the shadows. His face was pale, but his eyes burned with determination.

"I promise," Varian said. "And honestly, I don't want to walk away either. If you two are willing to take this gamble, then I'll go crazy right alongside you."

...

As dawn broke, Avee returned, carrying a girl draped in a black windbreaker over his shoulder. The girl, with long dark blue hair, looked toward Queen Bee and awkwardly waved.

"This..." Vex muttered, visibly confused.

"Who are you again?" she asked, her gaze sharp.

"I... well, I'm roughly a human?" the girl replied hesitantly.

Vex's expression remained impassive as she waved dismissively. "Human, then go find a nice spot and bury yourself alive."

The girl was taken aback. "Wait, actually I'm not human!"

Vex paused, tilting her head as if considering. "Alright, then bury yourself a little farther."

"Ah?" The girl was dumbfounded, but Avee didn't give her a chance to protest. He lifted her effortlessly and began walking back toward the door.

In a flash of panic, the girl opened her mouth and began to sing. Her voice was soft at first, but it carried a haunting melody that echoed through the room.

Avee's body stiffened as soon as the song reached his ears.

Vex frowned, her irritation growing. "Avee, what are you doing?"

Before Vex could react, Avee turned sharply. In that instant, ten black spikes appeared, aimed directly at Queen Bee's throat!

The Guard Bees, her personal protectors, had surrounded her, but their eyes were vacant, almost lifeless.

"Is this... a spiritual attack?" Vex's eyes narrowed. "You dare control my people?"

Her voice dripped with venom, and she unleashed her own spiritual force, tightening her control over the Guard Bees. "And you lot—have you forgotten who your master is?"

Under her iron will, the Guard Bees twitched, their spikes turning toward the girl. But despite Vex's power, the bees' movements were shaky, their heads trembling violently as they fought between the two wills.

The clash of spiritual forces was clear—the girl's influence was strong, but Vex's bond with her creations was stronger. Slowly but surely, Vex's control began to overpower the girl's.

"Who are you?" Vex demanded, her voice ice-cold.

The girl opened her eyes, wide with fear but resolute. "I am one who follows destiny. I was saved by the Lord and given a new life."

"The Lord?" Vex scoffed, pieces falling into place. "You mean... Lord Aurora?"

Vex's tone was filled with disdain. "So Lord Aurora made you, huh? No wonder she didn't mention you. You must be a failure."

The girl, stood up straighter, despite her trembling. "Hearing you say that, are you the same as me?"

Vex's face darkened at the question. "Don't compare me to you. You have no right."

Siren shrank under Vex's glare, but Queen Bee's tone grew even more dismissive. "Out of respect for the one who created you, I won't kill you now. But mark my words—if you're smart, find a quiet corner and end yourself. Because next time, no one will be there to save you."

...

Siren, taken by the Worker Bees, was unceremoniously thrown into a cargo box and dumped into the sea at the dock. Queen Bee's hatred for 002 seemed to have transferred to anything remotely related to fish, and Siren, being a mermaid, was no exception.

The box drifted into the deep sea, carried by relentless currents, exiling the poor 007 with no regard. For hours, Siren remained in the box, not even attempting to climb out. Perhaps it was apathy, or perhaps the weight of being discarded so easily had numbed her spirit. Either way, her fate seemed sealed as the currents pulled her farther from land.

Time passed, and one quiet night, a simple fishing boat happened to pass by the spot where Siren had been lost to the ocean. The fishermen, hardened by the sea, were startled by what they saw—a solitary reef rising from the waters, and upon it, a girl with long dark blue hair, her lower half a gleaming fish tail shimmering under the moonlight.

The sight alone sent shivers down their spines, but then, as the boat drew closer, they heard it—a song. It wasn't quite music, more like a half-hearted melody carried by the sea breeze.

"Ah ~ Why, exile me ~"

Her voice was soft, melancholy, a mumbling tune that lacked hope but was filled with quiet resignation. It echoed across the waves, wrapping the sailors in its haunting embrace.

Without realizing it, the crew became entranced. They moved the boat closer, as if compelled by an invisible force. Their eyes, once wary, were now glazed, their minds lost in Siren's song.

Moments later, the boat began to sink into the dark water, as if the ocean itself was pulling it under in response to the song. And just like that, the boat vanished beneath the waves—gone, swallowed by the sea, leaving only the soft echoes of Siren's melody behind.

...

That same evening, within the shadows of Beiling City, Mei completed two twisted masterpieces.

A pale-skinned man walked along the deserted street, his red eyes gleaming under the faint moonlight. His stiff movements and sharp teeth hinted at something inhuman, while his hair matched the pallor of his skin. He moved forward mechanically until the dark clouds above shifted, allowing the moon to bathe the street in silver light.

The pale man abruptly halted, tilting his head toward the sky as if hearing a melody only he could perceive. Then, he began to sway gently, his stiff frame loosening into a graceful dance beneath the moonlight. As he spun, his black suit shifted, the fabric melting away into a long, flowing white dress. His short hair grew, transforming into silken white strands that cascaded down his back. His sharp features softened, and when the dance ended, the pale man had vanished, replaced by a stunning woman in a white dress and high heels.

A smile played on her lips as she elegantly turned and disappeared into a narrow alley, where a group of drunken men were laughing amongst themselves.

"Free entertainment like this, out here? We're in luck," one of them slurred, eyeing the woman with lust.

The woman stopped, her smile widening as she opened her arms in a welcoming gesture. "Do you like what you see?" she asked, her voice honeyed.

"I like it... How could I not?" one man sneered, stepping closer, his hand reaching out for her shoulder. But before he could make contact, the dark clouds swallowed the moon again, plunging the alley into pitch-black.

In the sudden darkness, a pair of glowing red eyes appeared where the woman had been standing.

"If you like it, come closer," a man's voice echoed from the shadows.

The drunken men, thinking it was still the woman speaking, continued forward. One reached out, his hand grazing what he assumed was her back, but instead found a flat, cold surface.

"Wait... when did she turn around?" the man muttered.

The others laughed, moving closer, until one suddenly gasped, choking as a sharp finger drove into his throat with unnatural speed.

Poof!

Blood sprayed from the wound, and the man clutched his neck in panic, his fingers unable to stem the flow. The crimson river gushed out, more and more, until his entire body shriveled as if drained by an invisible force. The man's body collapsed to the ground, now nothing but a withered husk.

"Hey! What the hell—" another man stammered, but before he could finish, the clouds shifted once again, revealing the pale light of the moon.

Standing in the alley now was a white-haired man, his blood-soaked hand gleaming in the pale light, his crimson eyes fixed on the remaining men, who could only stare in horror at the desiccated corpse at his feet.

"V-vampire!" one of them screamed, his voice breaking.

The white-haired man chuckled, his cold, lifeless hands snaking around their shoulders. His grip was unnaturally strong, like iron.

"You were saying how much you liked me," he whispered, his voice like silk. "What happened? Afraid?"

The men struggled, their panicked attempts to flee met with crushing force from the man's unyielding grip.

"You know," he mused, tightening his hold, "people are driven by two things—pleasure and humiliation. Which one will drive you?"

Poof!

Blood splattered across the alley wall as one by one, the men met their end. The pale figure wiped his hands clean with a handkerchief, his expression calm, indifferent. Once the blood was gone, his body shifted again, the white-haired man transforming back into the woman from earlier.

"Dogs," the woman commanded in a soft, chilling voice, "wake."

From the shadows, the corpses stirred. One by one, the bodies of the men rose, their eyes now glowing a deep, unnatural crimson. The vampire's new creations stood ready, enslaved to the will of their master.