1. A New Race of Extraordinary Humans

Humanity no longer evolves.
Advances in science have erased the need for humans to change their bodies
to survive the environment. The rise of civilization and the comforts of a settled life
have made movement and adaptation unnecessary.

Does this mean humanity has perfectly adapted to the present, no longer needing to
spend energy on change?

No.
Humans have simply grown complacent in peace and convenience,
and forgotten evolution itself. They close their eyes to the coming end of their species
and pretend it does not exist. Among them, there is no door that leads forward.

Evolution must continue.
And it is necessary to remember who ruled this land before humans ever called
themselves its masters, and what allowed them to dominate the Earth for so long.

2. What Remains (1)

Ah. You’re finally awake. Can you hear me?
Hmm. Judging by your reaction, your sight and hearing seem fine.
I suppose it’s too early to expect actual words from you.

Well, you can’t expect to be good at everything all at once.
Being able to express yourself at all is good enough for now.

Alright, then. Let me properly introduce myself. From now on,
I’ll be in charge of your growth and education. You can call me Dr. ■■■.
I normally work in another department, but this one lacked anyone responsible
for education, so I was assigned here temporarily.

I suppose that makes me your teacher. Or maybe your parent. Haha.

That look tells me you don’t understand a word I’m saying. Good.
Then let me tell you something you’re better off not understanding.

Soon, everyone here except me will subject you to repeated,
horrific experiments. They will do anything to make you feel pain.

When that happens, you won’t have many choices.
You will either adapt, or fail to adapt and be discarded.

Ah. Did I say too much? Did I scare you? Haha.
… I intend to get you out of this place, though.
I don’t know how long it will take, but I promise I'll pull you out of this hell.

For now, you’re trapped.
But one day, I’ll let you go wherever you want.

Until then, please do your best to survive.

3. What Remains (2)

Hello, little one. How are you feeling today? There’s no need to be so wary.
Hmm. You’re growing faster than I expected. It’s only been a year, and already
the cage looks too small for you.

Haha. Yes, that’s fine. Take your anger out on me instead.
Just don’t break anything that will make them hate you even more, like last time.

You must feel suffocated. I’m sorry. There’s nothing I can do for you just yet.
I did request an expansion to improve your living conditions, though.
Soon, you’ll have a room of your own.

Still, it seems your ability grows along with your body. Your recovery speed is
remarkable. Now that I’m here, your wounds are already gone, so I can’t even
tell what they did to you today.

…The fact that you still have the strength to lash out at me means it wasn’t
the worst day, at least.

Ahem. Enough of the heavy talk. Let’s continue the book we were reading.
Now then, where did we leave off? Ah, here!

“The colossal wolf was stripped of its freedom by the frightened gods who deceived him…”

4. What Remains (3)

Hey, buddy. How was today?
You don’t look too bad. Good.

I actually came here with good news.
And now I can finally tell you.

Everything is ready to get you out of here.
You endured three long years. You did well.
You haven’t changed. That confused expression of yours is still so you. Haha.

Three years. Three long years already.
I never thought it would take this long. If I had known, I would have intervened
more directly. I’m ashamed. I truly am sorry.

Anyway, apologies and celebrations can wait until after you’re free.

Since we’re at it, how about choosing a name?
I can’t exactly keep calling you my “guinea pig” once we’re outside.

Fenrir? Haha. I guess that story really left an impression on you, didn’t it?
Alright then, Fen. What do you want to do first once we’re out?

5. What's Left Behind

Are you awake, little guinea pig?
You looked like you were having a rather pleasant dream.

Hmm. Your expression tells me you’re wondering why I'm here.
I’m the one who's wondering... Were you waiting for someone else?

Ah. Dr. ■■■, was it?
Now that I think about it, this would normally be your lesson time with him.

Unfortunately, you won’t be seeing him again.

Did you really think we had no idea what you two were planning?
Honestly, you were both far too arrogant.

We knew, and we allowed it.
It seemed like an excellent opportunity to gather data.
We wanted to test your sense of direction, your judgment, and how you
respond to a crisis. You didn’t quite meet the standards we were hoping for.
But that’s fine. You can learn the rest in the field.

You must have suffered greatly, being confined in such a small space for three years.
This may not be much of a reward, but we’ll grant you what you desired most.

Freedom.

Enjoy it while you can.

1. A Life Full of Hardship

There are lots of people born into a life of nothing but hardship.
Mirka is one of them.

Born in the slums, the daughter of a prostitute and a criminal, she was
neglected from an early age. Once she was old enough to fend for herself,
her father began sending her out to beg for money, which he’d later spend
on alcohol.

Day after day, rain or shine, she was forced to bring home the exact amount
he demanded, and if she came home short, he’d beat her. Mirka cried herself
to sleep every night, knowing there wasn’t a single light of hope waiting for her.

A few years later, she found other kids who shared her background and
struggles. Together, they turned to petty crimes like pickpocketing, stealing
whatever it took to get by. She knew it was wrong, but she had no choice.

It was the only way to keep from getting beaten, to stop the tears,
and to survive.

2. Turning Point (1)

The biggest turning point in Mirka's life was probably the birth of her
baby brother, Matyáš.

When she was about to turn ten years old, her mother, who was pregnant
again, died during labor. After the incident, her father ran away, leaving them
both behind. Mirka looked into her baby brother’s eyes, those round, innocent,
and pure eyes staring back at her, and thought,
“I’ll protect his life no matter what it takes.”

But even that promise seemed to fade quickly as her little brother's physical
condition began to decline, perhaps because of the loss of their mother.
Little Mirka, holding her feverish brother in her arms, went out into the street.

3. Turning Point (2)

Tears streaming down her face, she cried out for help.
"Please. someone help my little brother... Please!"
But the sight of her only drew the attention of people with bad intentions,
their eyes lighting up at the sight of two defenseless children.
No one looked at them with compassion.

Mirka knew. She knew what kind of place it was.
Suddenly, someone grabbed her firmly by the shoulder and pulled her
into an alley. She held her breath and looked up at the stranger,
a woman carrying a large bag.

The woman introduced herself as a pharmacist and immediately diagnosed
Matyáš. After a brief treatment, she put a few pills for the baby in Mirka's
small hand.

Thank you... thank you so much,” Mirka said, weeping.
In her little voice, she then asked, “B-but why are you helping us?

"──────────────────," the woman quietly said before leaving.

The tears stopped, and instead, Mirka’s eyes turned red, as if she had
realized something and made up her mind.

4. A Boss is Born

After that encounter, Mirka was never the same.
Everything she got or was put through, she paid back in kind.

From a small, scrappy girl to a wild dog, and from a wild dog to being called
“Boss”, she fought, bled, and carved her way through every hardship.

Soon, others began to follow her. She was small but strong, tough but
open-hearted, and people were drawn to her mix of loyalty and warmth.

Looking at those who stood behind her, Mirka vowed she would never forgive
anyone who messed with her people. No matter who they were, they would pay
exactly what they deserved.