"These monsters... their forms are becoming increasingly human-like," mused Caroll, who had transitioned from a flat-chested girl to a statuesque beauty with long legs and a body shape that epitomized perfection among humanoids. As she examined the diagrams before her—showing monsters of various sizes, with shapes becoming progressively more humanoid over time—she furrowed her brows. Each diagram was timestamped, and she wondered aloud, "What kind of upheaval is the world experiencing?"
"Come on, Caroll, this isn't something we hunters need to worry about. Let the scholars who study monsters figure it out," said a burly man clad in heavy armor, his tone casual as he watched Caroll's thoughtful expression.
"Roda, just because your brain is all muscle doesn't mean everyone else should stop thinking," quipped a young man in a black suit, his mocking tone cutting.
"Hmph, I just think we should focus on our jobs. As exorcists, our role is to drive out these evil spirits and monsters. Leave figuring out their origins to the professionals," grumbled the armored man. Though he seemed simple and honest, the intimidating aura of bloodlust around him betrayed his deadly capabilities.
"And who's more of a professional when it comes to understanding monsters than us, who face them directly?" retorted the suit-clad exorcist.
"Fair point," admitted the armored man, scratching his head as if just realizing it.
"The origin of these monsters is indeed strange," Caroll said, her gaze fixed on the diagrams. "According to the records, these creatures first appeared in our world about 120 years ago, without any warning. Then came the reports of horrific incidents and eyewitness accounts. Over the past century, the number and variety of monsters have grown rapidly, and their forms have been continually evolving."
"That's not even the strangest part. Recently, the monsters we've been fighting have become tangible. We can injure them in combat, and when we kill them, they leave behind material remains. This has never happened before."
"Yes, these monsters are constantly changing. When they first appeared, only those with special gifts could see them and become exorcists. But now, ordinary people can see them too. That alone says a lot."
"These monsters don't seem like they belong to our world. They're more like invasive species that have spent over a century gradually adapting to our environment," another exorcist interjected.
"Invasive species, adapting to the environment?" Caroll raised an eyebrow at this statement. Though her youthful face stood out among the senior exorcists, her aura was no less commanding. Her unusual heterochromatic eyes added to her imposing presence: her left eye was an ordinary dark brown, but her right was a golden vertical slit, like a dragon's. The effect was so intimidating that no one dared meet her gaze directly.
"Exactly. These monsters are like invasive species, except much stronger and more dangerous. They've forced humanity to fight for its place as the apex predator," said the exorcist in the suit, his tone light.
"Your analogy reduces humanity to animals," someone scoffed.
"It's just an analogy, but the principle holds. Ever since we invented steam cannons, no monster has been able to rival us. No creature has made humanity retreat."
"But your invasive species theory lacks evidence."
"I don't have evidence, but it doesn't matter. I don't care what these monsters become. I just need to ensure that we remain the hunters," the suit-clad exorcist declared bluntly, his scholarly appearance belying his straightforward mindset.
After their inconclusive debate, Caroll left the Exorcist Association, a building that had become a landmark in the city. She headed toward her home.
In just three years, the world had undergone dramatic changes. The most notable was that exorcists no longer needed to operate in secrecy. Their headquarters now stood openly in the city's most prominent locations, a symbol of reassurance in a world increasingly plagued by malevolent spirits.
As Caroll walked down the street, her distinctly non-human features drew respectful and admiring gazes from passersby. She accepted these looks with composure, scanning her surroundings as if searching for something. Her unusual behavior was seen as normal by the public, with some even approaching her eagerly.
Three years ago, a dreamlike encounter had elevated her to one of the top exorcists in the city, even the region, making her a household name. A mysterious entity had granted her extraordinary power, altering one of her eyes in exchange for what it called a "price." Since then, she had heard nothing from that being.
The so-called price felt more like a blessing. Her modified eye gave her vision far beyond human limits, becoming her defining feature.
Bang!
The heavy metal door of her home closed behind her. Caroll's experiences had made her a mature thinker, transforming her from a vengeful girl into a responsible and capable exorcist.
"Why did these monsters appear in the world? Why do they keep changing? Are they really invasive species?" she wondered aloud.
"Calling it an invasive species invasion is an oversimplification of the process of two worlds merging, competing, and integrating," said a calm, distant voice tinged with a hint of satisfaction.
"Who's there?" Caroll's body ignited with flames, the fire swirling around her protectively.
"Have you forgotten already? My contractor, that shouldn't be possible. It hasn't been long enough for you to forget," the voice replied.
"You're…" Caroll's confusion turned to recognition. The familiar voice and presence stirred her memories. She opened her mouth to address the entity but realized she didn't know its name.
"Yes, it's me," the voice confirmed, its tone approving as it sensed Caroll's realization.
"What do you need me to do?" Caroll asked directly, forgoing any pleasantries. She had prepared for this moment, knowing she owed her strength to this being.
"I don't need you to do anything. Your current strength is of no use to me, but it might save—or at least preserve—your civilization," the voice replied.
"What do you mean?" Caroll asked, her brow furrowing.
"Since our last encounter, I've refrained from interfering in your life. What you do with the power I granted you is your choice. That was my intention, but an unexpected event has occurred."
"Go on," Caroll prompted, her composed demeanor intact.
"The changes you've noticed in the world stem from its fusion with another. Your world is merging with one entirely alien to it," the voice explained.
Caroll's calm facade cracked, shock evident on her face. "Another world? Merging with ours?"
"Exactly. This fusion is the cause of the strange phenomena you've observed. Two ecosystems, completely different, are colliding and integrating."
"What will happen in the end?"
"Mass extinction. In both your world and the other, over 99% of species will perish. Only the most adaptable will survive and evolve into the dominant species of the new, fused world."
"How can it be stopped?" Caroll asked, her face pale.
"It can't be. This is the natural process of void evolution. I am not here to interfere with it," the voice replied coolly. "Survival of the fittest is a fundamental rule of existence."
"Then why are you here?" Caroll demanded, clenching her fists. She knew she couldn't beg this being for help—she lacked the leverage to do so.
"Humans are among the most adaptable species in this world. Humanity will likely persist in the new world. However, a threat capable of wiping out your civilization is approaching. I am here to warn you."
______
(≧◡≦) ♡ Support me and read 20 chapters ahead – patreon.com/INNIT
For every 50 Power Stones, one extra chapter will be released on Saturday.