Monster on Our Land

Chapter 7 : Lisa

For about two hours, Lisa thoroughly examined Jessica's corpse. She examined the body parts from wounds, hair, skin, legs, and others. 

From all these examinations, Lisa came to several conclusions. First, this corpse died not because of an accident but because of an element of deliberation. The hole in the chest was obtained twice: a stab from behind and a stab from the front. Seeing that Anne was sitting in the back of the car before the accident, Lisa suspected that Anne was the one who did the stabbing from behind, using her metal hand. Then she received a stab from the front. The second fact Lisa discovered was the appearance of several scales on Jessica's body. Humans are not supposed to have these. However, Jessica's body seemed to have a layer of hidden scales.

From some of these discoveries, Lisa is sure that what she autopsied this time was not a human being.

"Monster...this person is a monster..." she trembled. Lisa sat limply in the chair, knowing a very impossible reality.

"Do you take my word for it?" Anne said.

Lisa nodded.

"Lisa, now you know. We want to ask you to help us cover this up. If the monsters discover that Anne and I killed Jessica, they will hunt us down," James pleaded.

"Huh? Why?"

Anne pulled James back. The blonde woman took over the conversation.

"These monsters exist in great numbers. Thousands of times more than humans. But in life, they disguise themselves as humans and blend in. And what you need to know, they will attack any human who knows the existence of monsters. Like it or not, you have to cooperate with us now, "said Anne giving an explanation.

Lisa was stunned by this fact. She, who had previously felt that her life was calm, was now in danger because of a corpse.

"What would have happened if you hadn't come to me? Wouldn't I have been fine?"

"No, Lisa. If you make a report that you found signs of monsters, then you will be executed by them immediately. You wouldn't have survived. You're just lucky that James and I came first. Otherwise, you'd be lifeless," Anne emphasized.

"We're in the same situation, Lisa. I also had to hide the fact that I knew about them. They'd hunt me down if I opened my mouth even a little," James added.

Lisa was silent for a moment. Bad thoughts entered her head. Anne did feel that there had been more cases of missing persons in recent months. It all fits together with the facts she had just seen and what she had heard from Anne and James. All in the same thread.

Her hands were shaking. Lisa was experiencing fear. Anne saw that and immediately grabbed Lisa's shoulders.

"Calm down. You are a resurrected human. You'll be safe with HORNET," Anne comforted.

"Huh? Resurrected?"

"You have superpowers. Some humans have the privilege of fighting monsters. And you are one of them. HORNET, which contains superhumans, will try to protect them."

"So as long as I'm superhuman, I'll get protection?"

"Right."

Lisa felt a little relieved. She now knew what she had to do.

"I'll make a report that Jessica died in an accident. I'll keep your, Anne, and James' involvement a secret. Let's meet again tomorrow!"

*

James, Anne, and Lisa met at Lisa's house. It was a small but neat apartment. The woman with dark hair and bangs sat gracefully before James and Anne. 

"I've reported it as an accident, I've also hidden the evidence. I think we're safe now," Lisa said.

"That's good. Now you two have nothing to fear. As long as you pretend not to know, you will always be safe," Anne responded.

Lisa was relieved. But not James. There was still something lingering in his heart. The young man still felt that something was missing. He frowned as he thought about it.

"What is it, James?" asked Anne.

"I feel like I'm missing something..."

"Calm yourself, James. We're safe now. Take your time," Lisa said soothingly.

James just smiled wryly. He tried to think positively, maybe it was just his lack of rest that made him anxious.

"Since we're temporarily safe, we need to go to the next step to get better protection," Anne explained.

"Is this about HORNET?" asked James.

"Yes, it is. They have tons of information and access that can help superhumans survive the monsters. I think Lisa and I need to get into HORNET."

James' ears perked up. He realized that HORNET was only focusing on the awakened humans. James looked at Anne and Lisa, but Anne just looked down.

"So you're saying I..."

"Yes, James. I can't take you along," Anne insisted.

"But..."

"You're human, James. You don't stand a chance if you come face to face with them! You just need to keep quiet, and you'll be safe. The monsters are for us and HORNET to deal with. You can go on with your life without any interference."

James was speechless, and so was Lisa. Lisa couldn't think of any other way, James would be safe if he kept quiet. But Lisa also couldn't deny that she needed more protection. 

In the end, James accepted the decision. He realized this was a matter of life and death for them. He understood Anne and Lisa's decision. 

"Well..." he said softly.

"Anne, can't we do something? We can't leave James," Lisa said.

"There's not much we can do, Lisa. No one without special abilities has ever survived after learning the identity of a monster. Only those who awakened were able to survive until now. Even if they want to survive, ordinary people must use the help of people with superpowers. Of course, this will be troublesome," Anne replied.

"But..."

"Already, Lisa. It's okay. I definitely won't get caught by the monsters." James smiled bitterly.

James' chest was squeezed. He felt the threat everywhere.

"James, don't think too much about it. I've already predicted the possibilities that will happen. Take this, if you encounter them, run and hide! Then call us!" Anne handed him a small cell phone with her number on it.

James took it. He furrowed his brow at the outdated communication device.

"Are you going to help me?"

"Of course, James. I'm not a bad person who will turn a blind eye when someone is in danger."

At that, James was slightly amused. He smiled slightly.

"Alright, you guys get into HORNET. I'm sure you'll get good protection and training!"