Unwritten Mythos

Secret Stealer Potion

The director glanced at Enko with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "Are you sure you want to be part of this?"

Enko's resolve was unwavering. "Please, I need to be involved."

The director exhaled deeply, considering the gravity of the situation. "This document won't be easily processed here. If we submit it from Beiling City, it'll likely vanish without a trace."

Enko's eyes narrowed, "You mean the higher-ups?"

The director hushed him with a finger to his lips. "I'm planning to travel to the capital to submit it personally. I can't guarantee the journey will be smooth, but I'll risk everything to ensure this document reaches its destination."

Enko immediately offered his support. "I'll go with you."

The director shook his head. "This isn't a task for someone still in school. Focus on your studies."

He eyed Enko's golden pupils and the faint scales on his face. "But considering your... unique appearance, you'll need to be more discreet. It's too conspicuous."

Enko nodded, understanding the need for caution. "I'll find a way to conceal it."

...

Two days later, Enko awoke early and made his way to the security room. The guard, still nursing a hand wrapped in plaster, looked up as Enko entered.

"Uncle, have you seen any suspicious people around these past couple of days?"

The guard shook his head. "Suspicious people? No, nothing like that."

Enko frowned. It struck him as odd that, after that fateful day, no more monsters had sought him out. The city of Beiling had become eerily silent—not just devoid of monster activity but also conspicuously free of ordinary crimes.

Puzzled, Enko decided to leave the school and stopped by a nearby snack shop. He purchased a box of chewing gum and was about to leave when he caught a faint, unpleasant odor. His nose crinkled in distaste.

"Hey, do you have fish in your shop?" he asked, trying to place the smell.

The shop owner seemed stunned for a moment. "Fish? What are you talking about? We don't have any fish here."

Enko stepped forward abruptly, grabbing the shop owner by the collar. "I asked if you have fish. Why are you so nervous?"

The shop owner's forehead beaded with cold sweat. "No, no, there's nothing like that here..."

Enko shoved him aside and followed the fishy scent to the back of the shop. Just as he neared the door, the shop owner leaped in front of him, panic etched across his face.

"What do you think you're doing? Are you trying to rob us? I'll call the police..."

Ignoring the threat, Enko brushed past him with swift, determined strides. The shop owner barely had time to react.

As Enko approached the back, the stench grew stronger.

"No, you can't go in there!!" the shop owner shouted, but Enko was already pushing the door open.

The moment he stepped inside, the overpowering foul smell hit him like a wall. The room was a scene of grotesque carnage—a naked Fish-Man was on its knees, feasting on a bloody lamb.

Hearing the commotion, the Fish-Man's head snapped around, revealing a mouth smeared with blood and teeth glistening with rotten flesh. Its large yellow eyes blinked at Enko in surprise.

"En?"

"What are you doing here? Oh, it's just another one of us. You startled me for a moment."

The Fish-Man wiped its mouth clean and casually offered Enko a leg of lamb. "Want some?"