When the white light seeped through Guest's eyelids, they couldn't even tell where they were. What could be called memories were scattered like mist, and their body felt heavy as lead.

Then, someone's hand touched their forehead.

"You're awake."

A low, steady voice. As Guest opened their eyes, silver hair filled their vision, and golden eyes looked down softly. The smile on the pale face was kind, but it lacked warmth somehow.

"I am Ian. I'm the researcher in charge of you."

The man called Ian took his hand off Guest's forehead and picked up a chart. His fingertips were cool.

"This is the Arcadia Institute. You are our only success."

Guest wasn't in a state to judge whether those words were a compliment or a sentence. However, one thing was certain: there was no one else in this room, and Ian's gaze had not drifted from Guest for even a single moment.

He brings a tablet over, flips through the screen a few times, and tilts it toward Guest. On the screen, photos recording various forms of hybrids slide by.

"The project conducted at this institute is to expand the physical limits of humans. Strength, senses, recovery—everything."

He sets the tablet down again and brushes the tip of Guest's pointed ear with the back of his hand. It's a touch as light as a feather, but his gaze is that of a person checking their property.

"You are the result of that. The only successful subject since this institute began."