Kaiju No.8: Devour and Evolve

Mina's Command

Mina Ashiro's declaration landed like a bomb in the small hospital room. Her words stunned everyone into silence.

Without sparing a glance at her childhood friend Kafka Hibino, Mina's intense gaze focused solely on Drake Myers. She walked forward, her commanding presence filling the room.

"What do you know?" Mina demanded, her tone serious. "That monster from last night—what was it?"

Her question carried the weight of authority and urgency. Following extensive analysis by Soichiro Hoshina and the research team at Izumo Company, they had reached troubling conclusions. The monster from last night could not be used to create combat suits but could have its core repurposed into a weapon. Stranger still, its cells contained a substance that required human components to remain stable.

This revelation, combined with Drake's enigmatic nature, had connected the dots in Mina's mind. Now, face-to-face, she wanted answers.

Drake's Explanation

Drake leaned against his bed, his casual posture starkly contrasting Mina's intensity. "Would you believe me if I told you?" he asked.

Kikoru Shinomiya, Kafka Hibino, and Reno Ichikawa sat anxiously, their faces showing their frustration at being unable to intervene.

Mina's voice cut through the tension. "We've already begun analyzing the data. Don't underestimate us. If you're lying, we'll know."

"Fine." Drake's tone was calm as he began. "The creature last night wasn't an ordinary kaiju. It's part of a new species known as Ghouls. They survive by consuming humans. Without human flesh, they die. Ghouls possess unique abilities, and their core—called a 'Kagune'—is their primary power source. An adult Ghoul is as strong as a Level 9 or higher kaiju. However, in their dormant state, they're indistinguishable from regular humans. The creature last night was a juvenile Ghoul classified as a C-rank. Even so, it had the strength of a Level 5 kaiju."

A Shocking Revelation

Kikoru's eyes widened. "You're saying they look exactly like humans in their normal state?"

Drake nodded. "Yes. To make matters worse, Ghouls are essentially infected humans. A virus transforms them, granting these monstrous abilities. Some are peaceful, others violent. It's a complex spectrum—just like with humans."

Mina furrowed her brows, digesting the implications. "How do we distinguish Ghouls from regular humans? Their behavior, their abilities—these all seem… too human."

Drake gave a faint smile. "The easiest way? Ghouls can't consume normal human food. Watch for individuals who suddenly stop eating, act strangely, or disappear for long periods. However, their most dangerous form—when they lose control—is what you saw last night. That was a rogue Ghoul, no longer able to maintain its human guise."

The Weapon Potential

Mina remained skeptical. "You said their cores can be weaponized?"

"Correct. The Kagune can be extracted and transformed into weapons called Quinques. These weapons retain part of the Ghoul's original abilities. They're highly effective against Ghouls and other kaiju."

The room fell silent again as the enormity of Drake's claims sank in. If true, this was a paradigm shift for the Defense Force and the world.

A Test of Humanity

Mina's gaze pierced Drake. "Why do you know so much? What's your connection to these… Ghouls?"

Drake chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I'm as human as they come. Ghouls can't digest anything but human flesh. Me? I love good food. Speaking of which…" He turned to Kikoru with a grin. "I've been talking for ages. Can someone get me some meat? I'm starving."

Mina, sensing his challenge, nodded sharply. "Someone, go buy him meat. All kinds—cooked and raw. Let's settle this."

Kikoru sighed, muttering under her breath, "This is going to be a long day."

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