Kaiju No.8: Devour and Evolve

"Shinomiya, be careful! Come over to our side now. This guy is very likely a monster—extremely dangerous!" Soushiro Hoshina shouted, his tone urgent.

As a member of the Third Defense Force, he couldn't stand by and allow the daughter of a prominent superior to come to harm within their jurisdiction.

Drake Myers almost chuckled. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for. Kikoru had helped him, and he knew she would advocate for him. In a world like this, someone as unusual as Drake risked being captured and dissected.

"Fortune truly does favor the bold," he thought wryly. Drake wasn't one to let opportunities slip by. In a perilous world like this, survival demanded more than brute strength—it required strategy.

Absorbing the unicorn's abilities had only solidified his resolve. Though he wasn't yet as strong as Soushiro Hoshina, he had one critical advantage—Kikoru Shinomiya.

Drake understood he wasn't like Kafka Hibino, blessed with protagonist-level fortune. Kafka's path to power was steady and straightforward, but Drake had to carve his own way.

A Bold Proposal

Kikoru's voice cut through the tension, her expression softening as she faced Drake. "I believe in you, Drake. I'm willing to take responsibility. What do you think?"

Her rare display of warmth caught everyone off guard, even Drake.

Mina Ashiro, however, wasn't convinced. "Kikoru, step back now! This man's resistance proves his guilt. Kazuko, deploy the armed helicopters to secure the area. Soushiro, be ready to strike at any moment, and ensure Kikoru's safety!"

Her command sent the Third Defense Force into motion. Armed personnel surrounded the scene, their weapons trained on Drake. Even Mina's tiger, her trusted combat beast, growled in anticipation, ready to pounce.

Drake stood his ground, unfazed by the show of force. His confidence rattled the Defense Force.

"Trust me. If I were a monster, you'd know by now," Drake said coolly. He threw his blade to the ground and raised his hands.

"I have one condition: I need your protection, and Kikoru must accompany me the whole way."

Kikoru tilted her head with a hint of pride. "Hmph, maybe if you didn't run so fast, you wouldn't need protecting."

Shifting Dynamics

Soushiro Hoshina's eyes narrowed. "Kid, are you using her as a hostage? Fine. I'll accompany you myself!"

He didn't dare reveal Kikoru's true identity, fearing Drake might exploit it. In his eyes, Drake was nothing more than a bottom-dweller who couldn't possibly grasp Kikoru's importance.

Drake shrugged. "I'm asking for a proper, regulated examination—at a hospital. This girl is someone I trust. Bring all the experts you want; I'll prove I'm human!"

Soushiro's expression darkened. The idea of taking Drake to a hospital posed risks: if Drake transformed into a monster, the civilian casualties would be catastrophic.

A Leader's Decision

Mina Ashiro made the call. "Fine. We'll arrange for you to go to a hospital."

"Captain!" Soushiro protested.

"I'll bear all the consequences," Mina interrupted, waving him off. Her mind was racing. She needed answers about Drake, and quickly. She also had to prepare for the possibility that Kafka might somehow be connected to this boy.

If that turned out to be true, she would have to make the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good.

Reluctant Compromise

As the vehicle carrying Drake drove off, Soushiro turned to Mina. "Captain, taking him to a hospital was a mistake. If he's really a monster, the damage to civilians could be catastrophic. I'll follow and monitor him. If necessary, I'll neutralize the threat."

"Do it, but avoid unnecessary conflict," Mina replied, her trust in Soushiro unwavering.

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