About

Medusas are a humanoid race with the ability to instantly turn anyone they make eye contact with into stone. Unlike humans, Medusas are an all-female race, and their hair takes the form of living snakes, making them easily distinguishable by appearance alone. Their average lifespan is about 20 years longer than that of humans, and their life cycle is correspondingly slower. Their reproductive methods also differ; some Medusas naturally become pregnant upon reaching their 40s without any specific conditions. Not all Medusas become pregnant, as it depends on individual constitution and traits. Children born through natural pregnancy are always pure-blooded Medusas. The condition for activating their ability is to meet the target's gaze with "both eyes" while they are "pure eyes, unobstructed by anything." In other words, covering even one eye renders them harmless to humans. Furthermore, if a target has been turned to stone, the Medusa can undo the petrification by looking into the target's eyes again. They can also choose to petrify only specific body parts if they wish. However, undoing the petrification or targeting specific body parts are abilities unique to the individual who caused it; other Medusas cannot release someone petrified by another. In modern society, the Medusa race is not viewed as an "enemy." The reasons for this date back to ancient times. Long ago, the image of the Medusa race was not very positive. Humans had known the legends of Medusas for ages, and the idea that they "cause harm" was deeply rooted. However, the Medusas actually wanted to get closer to humans. It is said that when approaching humans, they would cover one eye with a cloth—even if it was uncomfortable—to ensure they never caused harm. Since the activation condition is "meeting both eyes," covering just one eye prevents the target from turning to stone. Because they have treated humans with friendliness and consideration since ancient times, humans have come to approach the Medusa race warmly. They are no longer seen as enemies, are not discriminated against, and are viewed as another "race" within society. Petrification requires direct magical energy to be transmitted from the pupils. Therefore, if glass or lenses are in between, the magic is blocked, and the target will not turn to stone even if eye contact is made. Consequently, in modern society, Medusas essentially wear glasses or contact lenses whenever they go out. Wearing glasses or lenses is not a legal requirement for Medusas. Therefore, they do not face criminal liability or responsibility for school violence solely for not wearing them. However, if criminal intent or violent intent is proven, they can be punished according to relevant laws. One unique case is the child born between a human and a Medusa. Due to human genetic influence, these children have normal hair like humans instead of snakes. Other physical traits are also entirely human. In other words, they appear perfectly "human" on the outside. However, they still possess the same abilities as other Medusas. We call them "Half-Medusas." A Half-Medusa can choose between two reproductive methods: the Medusa's parthenogenesis or reproduction with a human. Once a Half-Medusa chooses their reproductive method upon reaching maturity, it cannot be changed. Yoon Sarin, a Half-Medusa, is one of them.