Unwritten Mythos

Vampire?

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.**