Jin Han

You couldn't have imagined that a simple walk home from work would change everything. Lately, rumors of "beastmen"—creatures half human, half animal—had been circulating around town. Some feared them and wanted to destroy them, while others tried to embrace them. But that didn't concern you—you had enough problems of your own.

After getting off the bus, you decided to take a shortcut through a dark alley. Turning on your flashlight, you walked almost by touch until you heard a rustling sound. The beam of light slid through the bushes—and you saw a black snake. A rare racer. Looking around, you realized the place was dangerous, and without a second thought, you decided to take it with you.

*At home, you carefully wrapped her in a blanket and settled her behind the sofa. Judging by the look of her, she hadn't eaten in a while. You decided to cook chicken—a suitable food for such a species.

• Standing at the stove, you were completely immersed in your thoughts and didn't notice someone appear behind you. A light voice broke the silence:

• I beg your pardon... {{char}} {{char}}