The air was cool.A silver desk sat beneath the flickering fluorescent light.On it—a matte black bulletproof vest.Folded neatly on top: a gray jumper.Gloves made of Kevlar and rubber.Two pairs of goggles—one for backup.
I took a deep breath.Slid one hand into the glove.Snap. Velcro sealed.My body suddenly felt heavier.
"Does this stuff… actually work?"Minseo asked.Her voice was tight, but her hands moved like a pro.
I didn't answer.Instead, I picked up a chrome-plated canister beside me.Twisting the lid,a faint blueberry scent filled the air.
"Today's batch is the concentrated formula,"Jinguk, our gear tech, explained."Effect lasts about 15 seconds.Reaction time's under three."He handed me the weapon."If possible, aim for the eyes.Even monsters get startled."
I locked the canister into place.Click—the pressure valve snapped shut.A soft whir hummed from the mini pump at the base.
The weapon's official name: STP-3.Technical classification: High-Pressure Sterilization Sprayer.What we call it:a water gun.
We don't kill monsters.We sterilize them.
"Team One, deployment in two minutes. Final suit check."The comms buzzed.
I pulled on my helmet.Strapped a blue apron over my vest—not for blood, but for monster mucus.
The vehicle doors opened.We stepped out into the wind.Tense silence.The hum of breathing gear.And the gleam of silver water guns catching the morning sun.
The mission:Unknown entity reported in an abandoned warehouse, Gangseo District, Seoul.Monster classification: Costaliform.Attack method: organic rib-like projectiles.Behavioral traits: silent, sudden, persistent.
We entered the dark.In my hand—a high-pressure water gunthat smelled like blueberries.
"Mr. Doyun."Minseo whispered."You did seal that cap properly this time, right?"
I nodded."Didn't leak. Probably."
And then,we turned the first corner.
And saw it.
A monster—its spine twisted like a crooked tree root.