[1878 YEARS LATER,
MODEL TOWN, GREG DISTRICT, CHINA]
THINGS HAVE CHANGED FOR GOOD.
WALLS ARE HIGHER THAN EVER, NO SHIFTER CAN CROSS THE PREMISES OF A HOUSE AND DESTROY THE LIFE OF AN INNOCENT EVER AGAIN.
That's what we all wished for. It had come true by a miracle. Eighteen centuries later, humans have discovered that Shifters can no longer stay human. And the only humane way to eradicate them...is by killing them. We are doing them a favour, if anything. The torment will be borne by the hands of the Regime Scouts.
As of now, I stand in front of the headquarters and llsten to a scout inquire about the recent Shifter attack which was neutralized. Neutralized, by me.
It didn't even take me a wink to slay the head of the Shifter. The human bones shattered against my katana, yet, I remained unfazed. The Shifter is no longer human, I spoke to myself.
"Akira. You need to understand how serious this is for me. My sister works for the Scout Regime. She's in there, fighting everyday to protect China and Model town from Shifter attacks. Your information will help us build technology and know more about Shifters!" The young lady insists.
"I- I'm sorry, Gena. I can't help you anymore. Go back to the studio." He tries to shoo her away. I smirk in satisfaction.
For eighteen centuries and more, I've been guarding most of the Regime Headquarters and Subquarters. Of course, I didn't want to reveal the 'accidental deaths' of Shifters around the premises was because of me. I wanted to stay in the shadows. And behind that intent of mine, I wanted to know more about the Shifters - just like how all the humans are trying to understand Shifting.
Also because cleaning up carcasses is a pain in the ass - so I just leave the corpses in the wild. Animals are smarter than humans, because even scavengers didn't want a Shifter carcass to satisfy their hunger.
"Akira. You're making it harder for me—"
"Gena, I'm being patient with you because I like you. But you're really getting on my nerves." I chuckle silently. The man really just admitted it out loud!
"...Fine. Be bothered when I tell my sister you aren't being of any help. She's the leader as you know it. I'll let her deal with you." That threat really ticked the other one off.
"Wait! Don't threaten someone and walk out so fast! It takes some time to think, doesn't it!?" The man yelled out.
"Then lemme me hear the magic words~" The cunning girl whips out her notebook and pen, and they get down to discussion. I...am losing my smile.
"So you're saying there was a giant winged creature with almost midnight black wings that killed the seven meter with a katana...?" The girl named Gena blinked in disbelief.
"Yes! If you don't believe me, then don't."
"No, no! I mean...I just can't believe it. Are you sure it's not a witch?" The girl asks him.
"I'm sure. It was way more powerful than a witch or a wizard. It could have been any other creature - a creature unknown to us. I mean...the cutis was way too thick and bulletproof. Only a katana user of some monstrous kind could have slashed through that hide of the Shifter in one single swoop." He speaks greatly of me, I appreciate it.
Well, I think I don't have to shy away from humans anymore. For eighteen centuries, I've been watching over them but it's time I get information directly from the source.
That means...I have to get into the headquarters.
I have to pretend to be human...again.