The same

"According to the latest news from the police station, a fisherman accidentally found numerous broken limbs while fishing early in the morning two days ago," the news anchor announced. "Expert examination confirms these limbs are human. Forensic pathologists estimate the time of death to be around three days prior."

"DNA analysis reveals the limbs do not belong to a single individual. Patchwork analysis suggests there are likely nine victims."

"The police have traced the origin of this case to an abandoned factory in Beiling City."

"During their investigation, police discovered a tape recorder inside a container at the scene."

"Audio from the recorder reveals the sounds of the victims and a chilling cry, pointing to an inhumane and extremely cruel large-scale dismemberment."

"With recent continuous rainfall providing cover for such crimes, citizens are advised to stay safe and limit nighttime outings."

Mei switched off the TV and casually tossed the remote aside.

"Society's turmoil is unbearable. Criminals are so arrogant. Luckily, my house is opposite the police station," Mei stated to herself as she washed her face and changed into fresh clothes. She then headed downstairs to her coffee shop.

Mei had chosen to open her coffee shop right below her apartment. On most days, it was empty, generating little to no income. The main reason she picked this location was its proximity to the police station, which made her feel relatively safe.

Tinkling.

The door suddenly opened.

Mei looked over and saw a man in a raincoat standing motionless outside the door, with a raven perched on his shoulder.

Before Mei could say anything, the raven quickly flew into her arms. "Master, the matter is finished."

"Finished?" Mei mused, recalling that she had tasked 001 with taking care of 002. "You did very well."

She then turned her attention to the man in the raincoat, her gaze appraising.

"As for you, I don't remember inviting you," Mei remarked, her tone flat and uninterested.

Fish-Man immediately knelt down, his lower body bending as his head hit the floor with a heavy thud "I have no place to go. I beg you, please take me in!"

Mei walked up to him, squatting down to meet his gaze "So, you can still transform back to human?"

Fish-Man nodded, "Yes, I can still transform back, as long as I don't touch water..."

Mei quickly took out her cell phone. "Interesting. A controllable characteristic. Come in."

The man cautiously closed the door and followed Mei into the warehouse behind the shop.

"Tell me, what is your name and what do you feel right now?" Mei sat down and prepared to take notes on her cell phone.

"My name is... Chino, I crave water. I desperately want to drink water, but once I do, I turn into Fish-Man. I haven't had a drink for twelve hours..."

Mei tossed him a bottle of mineral water. "Drink. Here, no one cares about you except me."

Chino grabbed the bottle and drank greedily. After just a couple of gulps, the bottle was empty. His body began to expand, transforming back into his Fish-Man form.

Tears welled up in his eyes uncontrollably. "Why, why is this happening to me..."

Mei watched him with detached interest, her expression unchanging "It's fascinating. Your transformation is triggered by water consumption. I'll need to document this further."

Raven, perched nearby, observed the scene silently. Mei's cold demeanor contrasted sharply with the man's distress, and she couldn't help but felt a strange sense of satisfaction seeing her lady in control.

Mei saw this and frowned, "Why are you crying? Does this have to do with your body's changes?"

Chino frantically shook his head, "I don't know. It's just... I can't stop it, my tears!"

Mei rubbed her forehead, considering this strange feature "Anything else?"

Chino nodded, his voice trembling, "My body, it's so much stronger. In water, I can run really fast. I can breathe underwater without feeling the water pressure, and I can see in the dark sea."

He paused, his eyes widening with realization, "And... as long as someone hears my voice, I can know where they are!"

With that, Chino suddenly broke the glass and immediately pulled in a man wearing a blue work uniform!

"I know you are listening!!" He roared, his voice echoing through the room.

The man fell limp on the ground, trembling "I-I'm just an air conditioning repairman..."

Chino's eyes turned blood-red, "Can't... can't let you live. Do you hear me? Do you see me?!"

"Oh my god, I'm just an air conditioner repairman!" The man was so terrified his legs were shaking and tears streamed down his face.

"That's enough, let him go," Mei suddenly commanded. Hearing her voice, Fish-Man immediately calmed down.

Raven on the side said "Master, he saw us. We can't let him leave alive."

"No!" The man shouted, huddled in the corner.

A human that looks like fish, a raven that can speak human language, since when this world is that crazy...

Mei looked at the man. "What is your name?"

"My name is Han Verte," he replied, trembling.

Mei smiled, "Would you be interested in assisting with my experiments?"

"I..."

"You also have the option of not helping. Of course, I'm not threatening you...."

"I am willing!" Han blurted out.

"Then call your family and inform them you have something to do and can't come back. Also, tell your company you need a few days off. Is that okay?"

"No problem, I... I'll do it now!" Han stammered, pulled out his phone with shaking hands.

...

A moment later, Mei drew the curtain, and Chino reverted to his human form. unexpectedly, whenever he dried his tears and transformed back, he returned to his hungry state.

"Let's clarify something, my name is Aurora Keter. You don't need to concern yourself with why I go by this name, this is just a title," Mei explained.

Han nodded vigorously. "I understand."

"Good. You can rest assure here for now," Mei assured him.

Turning to Chino, she continued, "And you, 002, next time when someone eavesdrops on us, don't break the window."

Chino nodded in agreement.

Mei changed at the shattered window 'Um... Can I use the glass from the broken window to practice Potion-making?'

She began picking up the debris from the shattered glass, then headed upstairs.

Left downstairs were only Raven, Han, and Chino facing each other.

"Um, Chino, how are you?" Han asked nervously, extending his hand.

Chino remains silent.

However, Raven chimed in with a strange smile, "You're quite fortunate. Chosen by my Lady."

"What does that mean? I don't understand," Han admitted.

Chino updated at Han "Like me, you will gain abilities that surpass ordinary people, but you'll also have to pay a price beyond what's ordinary."

Han suddenly grasped Chino's implicate "So... I'll transform like you too?!"