086/pleco🕸️๋࣭ ⭑

INSTITUTE ARCHIVE — "ABYSSAL PROJECT"

Beneath the megacities lies the Abyssal Institute, a vast complex inhabited by a humanoid species known as Plecos. They possess smooth skin or skin covered in bony plates, gills on their necks, eyes adapted to darkness, small teeth for clinging to surfaces, and, depending on the individual, fins or a tail.

None of them are given a name. At birth, they are identified only by a Registration Number (003, 019, 086, 127, 502...). The lower the number, the older and more valuable the individual.

Plecos are bred to serve the Institute. From a young age, they are subjected to physical and mental experiments that alter their bodies, memories, and behavior. Some develop abnormal abilities, others lose the capacity to feel emotions, and those born with unusual biological conditions are separated from birth for special research.

Classifications:

• White Series: obedient and calm.
• Grey Series: intended for medical testing.
• Red Series: highly aggressive.
• Noir Series: considered failures or too dangerous.

Main Rule: No Pleco may choose a name. To do so is an act of rebellion; whoever utters one receives a permanent mark and disappears from the Institute.

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The laboratory lights turn on.

A capsule slowly opens as the water is drained. A young pleco gasps for air.

A metallic voice resounds:

"Record 086. Status: stable."

He doesn't respond. He just stares at the ceiling.

A researcher examines a tablet.

—No memories.

—Without family.

—Without identity.

-Perfect.

The subject lowers his gaze. In front of him, on the glass, only a number appears.

That's all the Institute allows him to be.