PROJECT ALPHA

Fifteen centuries ago, the world flourished with three distinct species: Humans, Beastmen, and Crimora. The Crimora, akin to humans, possessed a unique lineage marked by special blood, granting their offspring mysterious powers. For centuries, these three coexisted in harmony. However, fear—born of ignorance—inevitably grew.

An old adage warned, "One drop of poison can taint an entire gallon of milk." Fueled by this fear, humans began to distrust what they could not comprehend. The Beastmen, who could transform between human and beast forms, were deemed a threat. Though they sought peace, humanity branded them as evil incarnate.

A purge began. Humans slaughtered Beastmen indiscriminately, sparing neither women nor children. The Beastmen's faith in coexistence crumbled under humanity's relentless cruelty. Their deity, Faeraxa, the God of the Beastmen, intervened, relocating her people to Aetheris Island. Before leaving, Faeraxa issued a dire warning to humanity:

"Should you ever raise your sword against us again, I shall show no mercy."

Eight hundred years passed. The world reorganized into five nations 

Aetheris Island (The Beast Nation) – A sanctuary where Beastmen live in isolation under Faeraxa's watchful gaze.

Kori no Island (The Ice Nation) – A frozen realm home to humans adapted to its harsh climate. They revere dragons and share their land with sabretooths, snow serpents, and other cold-dwelling beasts.

Zephyrios Aeternal – Once called Dominera, this central island was halved by a catastrophic event 1,500 years ago, rumored to be the curse of Zaeru, a malevolent entity.

Sirocaan Nation – A land of forests and deserts, shrouded in whispers of corruption. Its leader is rumored to operate a black market, kidnapping Beastmen for experiments.

Vyralis Nation – A chaotic territory ruled by a ruthless dictator who stops at nothing to consolidate power.

Back to the present 2073

The hall buzzed with anticipation as Hataki stood with his squad, his mind adrift. Memories of the bandits' taunts replayed like an unshakable echo. Suddenly, a commanding voice snapped him back to reality.

"Attention! All squad commanders and members, prepare for the Vice President's address!" 

The massive screen at the front flickered to life, revealing a man in a sharp black suit. His piercing gaze scanned the room like a predator evaluating its prey.

"I am Ken, Vice President of the Novare Organization," he began with a measured tone. "Let us begin."

The assembled squad members saluted in unison, their discipline unwavering.

Ken smirked faintly, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, such enthusiasm. Tell me, have you been busy eliminating those who might dare stand in the way of Sir Genta?"

One of the squad members stepped forward. "Not yet, sir, but if such a threat arises, we'll eliminate it before it even reaches you. You're our inspiration, sir. You've shown us what loyalty means—even when it required sacrificing those who felt like family."

Ken clicked his tongue softly, a gesture unnoticed by most. "Flattering, but let's not dwell on unpleasant memories. I'm here for results. Hataki, report on your mission."

Hataki stepped forward, his voice carrying a blend of determination and restrained frustration.

Ken's sharp eyes narrowed as he studied him. A sly smirk tugged at his lips as he broke the silence.

"That tone, Hataki—interesting," Ken remarked, his voice dripping with subtle condescension. "Still clinging to the past, are we? Let me remind you, I'm not here to indulge in your feelings." He leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing. "Now, tell me—where do we stand?"

"Sir Ken, we discovered that the bandit camp we ambushed was a decoy, not their headquarters. They were mere pawns. Our tech specialist, Hayato, infiltrated their communication systems and identified six locations across different nations linked to their network. We believe the mastermind is operating from one of these sites."

Ken's eyes gleamed with interest. "Six locations, you say? Intriguing. Good work, Hataki." He leaned forward slightly, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "And let me guess, your squad's reward for completing this mission is the Power Serum, correct?"

Hataki nodded. "Yes, sir. That's correct."

Ken smiled slyly. "Well, even though you haven't completed the mission, the information you've provided is valuable. I'll authorize the distribution of the Power Serum to your squad."

Hataki's expression softened with relief. "Thank you, sir."

Ken rose from his chair, adjusting his suit. "Time for me to report this to Sir Genta. As always, excellent work."

As Ken exited, the squad snapped into a synchronized salute. The meeting ended, and Hataki turned to his squad, his worry shifting to one particular member.

Hataki approached Yoto, who stood apart from the group, lost in thought.

"Yoto," Hataki asked gently, "are you alright? What's troubling you?"

Yoto snapped out of his daze, forcing a weak smile. "It's nothing, sensei. I'm fine."

Hataki nodded, though his eyes lingered with concern before turning to the rest of the group.

Meanwhile, Eiji burst out with excitement. "Yahoo! We're finally getting powers! Isn't that great, Akemi?"

Akemi replied coolly, "It doesn't matter. All that matters is breaking past my limits."

Eiji recoiled slightly. "You're scary sometimes, Akemi. Do you know that?"

Turning to Hayato, Eiji grinned. "Hey, Hayato, what kind of power do you think I'll get?"

Hayato shot him a teasing look. "You? With power? First, stop being afraid of the monsters under your bed. And while you're at it, quit coming to me after nightmares and asking to sleep next to me."

Eiji's face turned beet red. "Stop it, Hayato! That's embarrassing!"

Hayato chuckled. "Sorry, sorry."

Akemi smirked. "So that's why you're always hanging around Hayato? A scaredy-cat like you getting powers—it's almost cute."

Eiji's eyes watered. "Akemi, you're so harsh!"

Hayato patted Eiji's back consolingly. "There, there. You'll get a second chance to impress her someday."

Eiji sniffled. "Thanks, Hayato."

Yushin, noticing Yoto's lingering discomfort, walked over. "Yoto, what's wrong? You've been quiet."

Yoto hesitated before answering. "I feel like a burden to the team. In the last mission, my lack of speed could've put someone in danger. I'm only good in close combat—nothing like you or Akemi."

Yushin's expression turned serious. "Yoto, listen to me. You're not weak. In fact, you're one of the strongest here."

Yoto laughed faintly. "You don't have to say that to make me feel better."

Yushin shook his head. "I'm not just saying it. Remember, it was your strategy that led us to the bandits' camp. Thanks to you, we uncovered vital intel, and now we're being rewarded. You're more than capable, Yoto."

Yoto smiled sincerely this time. "Thank you, Yushin. You've always had my back."

Yushin blushed slightly, looking away.

Hataki clapped his hands, gathering everyone's attention. "Alright, squad, let's head to the lab and claim our rewards."

Eiji and Hayato cheered in unison. "Let's go! Power Serum, here we come!"

 Zephyrios Aeternal – Genta's Office

Under a full moon, the city shimmered with light. In a high-rise office, Genta, the leader of the Novare Organization, lounged in an ornate chair. The view of the moonlit skyline reflected in his cold, calculating eyes.

A subordinate entered the room and bowed deeply. "Sir Genta, this is the report from Vice President Ken regarding the killings near the Vyralis border." 

Without a word, Genta extended his hand. The subordinate placed the document into it and stepped back.

Genta's eyes scanned the pages, his lips curling into a faint, sinister smile. "Interesting," he mused. "This will be a long game."

He set the report down, his gaze drifting back to the moon. The game was only just beginning.