The art of perfectly concealing oneself.
It is a profound discipline.
Most people have no need to learn it.
Chen Ran, however, happened to be knowledgeable about it.
And he possessed a unique talent for learning it.
There was nothing he couldn't achieve if he set his mind to it.
Chen Ran had previously studied it to a 'slight' extent.
He followed them silently.
Indeed, no one noticed him.
Of course, this was not something worth boasting about.
Chen Ran was not like Chi Bie Gang.
Who introduced himself to everyone: "Tracking, eliminating, all at the speed of sound..."
That was a man who even Qiao Ye's acceleration couldn't save.
...
Misaki Yuzuki, disguised as an ordinary person, walked through the streets.
They had begun setting up their operation in the vicinity starting yesterday evening.
In the past few days.
Several strange disappearances had occurred in this area.
The missing individuals were all female office workers dressed in professional attire.
The police department had conducted a thorough search but found no leads.
Only at one of the crime scenes, they discovered some peculiar viscous fluid...
They reported this information, and ZECT took over the case.
And this area happened to fall under the jurisdiction of Captain Tadokoro Shuichi's division.
Based on the existing evidence, they conducted a preliminary analysis.
They discovered it was a strange Heterodyne.
And immediately initiated an operational plan.
As everyone knows!
Whether they are original worms or Heterodynes, when they mimic humans, they naturally acquire the memories of those they imitate.
This allows them to perform perfect mimicry!
As long as they don't reveal themselves voluntarily.
Even their closest companions would find it difficult to detect them.
And certain habits of the mimicked person are the easiest to adopt.
It is likely that this Heterodyne has inherited a certain 'quirk'.
"Misaki, be careful. A suspected target has appeared."
Tadokoro Shuichi's voice came through the concealed earpiece.
He had been monitoring all areas Misaki Yuzuki passed through from the command vehicle via surveillance.
He was deeply concerned about the safety of his subordinates.
Misaki Yuzuki took a deep breath.
She nodded almost imperceptibly.
ZECT's work was inherently dangerous, a fact she had long grown accustomed to.
And for the sake of eliminating all Heterodynes, what did it matter if she sacrificed herself?
In fact.
Those who joined ZECT and risked their lives for it.
Apart from a select few who were raised as loyalists from a young age, the vast majority of them had undoubtedly experienced the calamities caused by Heterodynes, and their hearts were filled with hatred.
Otherwise, why would they risk their lives for a meager salary?
"Kagami, keep a close watch on the Heterodyne's situation."
Tadokoro Shuichi then instructed Kagami, who was beside him.
"Yes!"
Kagami replied earnestly.
And then began monitoring the instruments.
Complex data was displayed on them.
As soon as the Heterodyne disengaged its mimicry or shed its skin due to heat, it would be indicated.
This task was originally supposed to be performed by Misaki Yuzuki.
However, as Misaki Yuzuki was acting as bait outside,
The task was delegated to the intern assistant, Kagami.
Kagami's eyes held a trace of worry.
Could they handle the Heterodyne?
They should be able to...
Behind Misaki Yuzuki.
A man in a sharp suit, looking every bit the successful businessman, walked silently. His pace was neither fast nor slow, giving the impression that he was in a hurry to catch a train to work.
This was precisely the path one would take to catch a train.
However, upon closer observation, one would notice a hint of madness flickering in the man's eyes.
His name was Yamada Masao.
An ordinary office worker.
He went to work every day, had few friends, was rather timid, and was often bullied.
But within him resided a beast!
Perhaps the phrase 'a wolf in sheep's clothing' described him better.
The thrill he felt the first time he dismembered that beautiful office lady...
Drove him to near madness!
After he did it a second time, the target he found turned out to be a terrifying Heterodyne, which killed him and then mimicked his appearance.
The Heterodyne also developed a fondness for the same activities.
Therefore, the Heterodyne, wearing his face, began to engage in similar acts.
After all, it was for sustenance.
Why not fill one's belly while also indulging in pleasure?
Today, he had found a brand new target.
He could hardly wait!
Closer, closer...
He swiftly approached Misaki Yuzuki and then transformed into a viridian Heterodyne, lunging at her ferociously.
"Misaki, watch out!"
Tadokoro Shuichi, who had been closely monitoring, shouted loudly.
Simultaneously, he began issuing commands to the ambushing ant-soldier unit.
"Team A, Team B, execute a pincer movement from the flanks! Team C, commence immediate suppressive fire!"
...