"According to the latest report, at 4:05 AM two days ago, a fisherman accidentally recovered multiple dismembered human limbs while fishing."
"Forensic experts confirmed the remains belong to humans, estimating time of death approximately three days prior."
"DNA testing revealed the fragments originated from multiple individuals."
"Through reconstruction and analysis, authorities concluded there were nine victims."
"After two days of investigation, police traced the crime scene to an abandoned tire factory in Beiling City."
"During the search, officers discovered a recording device inside a shipping container."
"The retrieved audio contained victims' voices and... chilling sobs."
"This constitutes an exceptionally cruel and inhumane mass dismemberment case."
"Recent heavy rainfalls have enabled criminal activities. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and avoid nighttime outings."
Chen Ye turned off the TV and tossed the remote aside.
"Chaotic times. Criminals running wild—good thing I live across from the police station."
After washing his face and changing clothes, Chen Ye headed downstairs to his café.
The café, located beneath his apartment, barely attracted customers.
Chen Ye kept it open solely for the sense of security—its proximity to the police station.
*Ding-dong.*
The door chimed as a raincoat-clad man entered, a raven perched on his shoulder.
The raven immediately flew to Chen Ye.
"Master, the task is complete."
*Task?* Chen Ye recalled ordering No.001 to monitor No.002.
"Good work." He turned to the raincoat figure.
"I don’t recall inviting you."
*Thud!*
The fish-man knelt abruptly, forehead slamming the floor.
"I’ve nowhere to go. Please... take me in!"
Chen Ye crouched before him. "Interesting. You can revert to human form."
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
"Y-yes... as long as I avoid water..."
Chen Ye noted on his phone: *Human reversion possible under dry conditions. Controllable.*
"Come in."
The fish-man nervously followed Chen Ye to the storage room.
"List any other traits or abnormalities," Chen Ye ordered, phone ready.
The fish-man fidgeted. "I... crave water. But drinking transforms me."
"I haven’t had a drop in twelve hours..."
Chen Ye tossed him a water bottle. "Drink. No one here cares."
The fish-man gulped it down. His body swelled, scales erupting as tears streamed.
"Why... why can’t I stop crying?!"
Chen Ye frowned. "Is the weeping linked to your transformation?"
"I don’t know! It just... won’t stop!"
"Other traits?"
"My strength... multiplied. In water, I’m faster. I breathe underwater, withstand pressure, see in darkness..."
"And... if someone hears me, I can *locate* them!!"
Suddenly, the fish-man shattered a window and yanked a blue-uniformed man inside!
"I KNEW YOU WERE LISTENING!!"
The captive trembled. "I-I’m just an AC repairman..."
The fish-man’s eyes reddened. "You saw me... can’t let you live—!"
"Enough. Release him," Chen Ye commanded. The fish-man instantly stilled.
The raven whispered, "Master, he saw us. He can’t leave."
"Holy shit—the bird talks?!" The repairman cowered.
Chen Ye swiveled his chair. "Name?"
"W-Wang Haonan..."
"Interested in assisting my experiments?"
"Or... y’know, die. Not a threat, just options."
"I’ll help! I’ll help!!"
"Call your family. Tell them you’ll be... occupied."
Later, curtains drawn, the fish-man reverted to human form—tears dried, thirst returning.
"I’m Os·Kite. Don’t ask about the name."
Wang Haonan nodded. "Got it..."
"Stay here. And No.002—next eavesdropper? Don’t break my windows."
Chen Ye eyed the shattered glass, annoyed.
*Hmm... Can glass be used for alchemy?* He pocketed shards and left.
In the storage room, Wang Haonan tentatively offered a handshake.
The fish-man ignored him.
The raven cackled. "Lucky you. Chosen by Master Os."
"W-what’s that mean?!"
The fish-man met Wang Haonan’s eyes. "You’ll gain power... and pay its price."
"You mean... I’ll turn into *that*?!"