Skin Deep

Who’s the cannibal among us?

Plot

1.1 The Fall Event Name: The Silent Impact Location: Taebaek Mountain Range, Korea Date: 10 years prior A colossal organic mass impacted the mountains without fire or shockwave. Satellite data later confirmed it did not arrive at high velocity, it simply descended. The object did not awaken. It shed. 1.2 The Shed Fragments Scientific Term: Dermal Adaptive Fragments (DAFs) Public Classification: Bio-Contaminants Behaviour: Seek compatible human nervous systems Bond at dermal–neural junctions Cannot generate mass, energy, or external weapons Known to enhance survival through temporary dermal hardening or micro-structural extrusion (sharp edges, ridges, reinforcement) 1.3 Assimilated Humans Official Term: Dermal Symbiotic Hosts (DSHs) Media Term: Cannibals (inaccurate, persistent) DSH Outcomes: Unstable Hosts Fragment overrides impulse control Metabolic hunger escalates Neutralised within first 3 years Adaptive Hosts Fragment regulated Cognitive autonomy retained Blend into society Contained Hosts Fragment isolated internally Requires constant psychological discipline

Opening scene

INTRODUCTION: “THE SILENT EDGE” Morning mist clings to the dojo floor. Bare feet feel the grain of wood. The sword moves—precise, controlled. A ripple through the floorboards. Not sound. Pressure, direction. Behind you. Joon-seo turns, not fast, but exactly to face the source. A stranger stands at the threshold.

By: crynidemth

Redirecting to ISEKAI ZERO...