It had been a long time since that moment arrived—when that continent suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the Atlantic Ocean. It was a bizarre occurrence, something truly strange. Scientists—or rather, geologists—did their best to discover where that landmass had come from so abruptly.
But…
They completely failed.
They found no evidence at all.
And as people tend to adapt quickly, they eventually got used to it—this mysterious continent that emerged from the void. Yes, the presidents of various republics even allowed anyone who wished to migrate there to do so almost immediately. Afterward, the White Republic, always the dominant global power, established a new world organization named the I.S.O.M.L. (International Special Organization of Mysterious Land).
And, as always—just like every time—the reason behind creating such an organization was, supposedly…
The welfare of the people.
Although everyone living on the continent knew the truth—the organization's malicious, indirect ways of gaining full control—no one could do anything about it. Yes, people were aware of the exploitation going on, but since most of the continent's inhabitants came from third-world countries or low socioeconomic backgrounds, they were easy targets. So easy, in fact, that the organization could carry out horrific acts like kidnappings and inhumane experiments without facing any real resistance.
This is the world of humans in the year 2117 (imaginary)... or rather, the new world, whose fate remains uncertain.
Date: 15/02/2117
As darkness fell over the markets of the Mysterious Land in Eastern Area B3, people returned to their homes after running their errands. Among them was a young man, about eighteen years old... with charcoal-black hair and tired, green eyes... walking with quiet steps. From his features, you could tell he was intriguing. And from his cold, distant gaze, it was clear he was different from anyone his age.
Suddenly, he began to slow down, his attention fixed on something across from the pier. He came to a complete stop. There, beside the modern swordsmith's shop—or more specifically, beside Mr. Dono's shop—people were gathered around a television screen...
"Now for the main news…
The Special Organization has reportedly killed 27 trainees from the Criminal Hunters force.
In addition, the body of a 10-year-old boy was found in a horrific condition near the edge of City C1.
Rumors suggest the assassin used a technique called Raym...
Indicating a strong possibility the culprit is from the Deadly Characters Squad."
It seemed the Organization had struck again…
"Oh God… this is horrible!"
"What the hell is going on?"
"The criminals!! They think we don't know what's happening on this cursed continent… but we do. We know all your secrets, you cowards!"
That's what the residents murmured in fear after hearing the broadcast on Mr. Dono's television.
"The head of the Organization commented on the matter, stating that the Organization eliminates anyone who opposes the peace and security they've built. The action was taken because one of their members—who was off-duty—was killed by the trainees."
One of the listeners, furious, shouted:
"Damn that hypocritical Organization! They kill anyone who questions their corrupt system, all under the excuse of maintaining peace. If I ever see one of them in public, I swear—I won't show any mercy!"
He looked like a new recruit in the Criminal Hunters force—the faction opposed to the Organization's rule. Mr. Dono, visibly annoyed by the young man's outburst, said sharply:
"Hey! Don't shout nonsense in public! The taxes imposed by the Organization are already more than enough for me to deal with. And look at you! Dressed like a regular trainee—how do you expect to face Deadly Characters? People don't even dare mention their names! And you, my dear, haven't even mastered the Raym technique."
The trainee replied dismissively:
"What does that cursed technique have to do with anything? It's something only mafia elites and elite killers can use. Do you think I'm heartless enough to release that kind of energy? I'll stop them my way. I swear it... I'll get revenge for what they've done—and what they're still doing—to the people of this continent."
The boy with charcoal hair clenched his fists in silence, his face twisted with anger. Without a word, he walked away, calm and quiet, heading toward his house.
"Come on now, folks! Markets are closed. Everyone go home!"
Mr. Dono said, dismissing the crowd.
After a long walk that lasted nearly half an hour, the black-haired young man arrived at his home. He headed straight for his dark room, a cloud of emptiness hanging over him. His expression revealed deep concern. Lying down on his bed, he rested his arm over his eyes and drifted into a deep sleep—just like a child, careless of the world.
An hour passed…
Suddenly, his phone rang, startling him awake.
Tone... Tone...
"Hmm...?"
He picked up the phone slowly, still groggy. The screen displayed a strange number—77GGA5—a combination of digits and Latin letters. Suspicious… but his reaction showed that he recognized the caller.
He answered in a calm tone:
"Password?"
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog," replied the voice—smooth, polite, yet somehow unsettling.
"Just get to the point, Shifer," the boy said.
"You're on an official mission. Come to the center to receive it and register your attendance."
"Mission type?"
"Catching prey. The boss apologizes for the number of requests lately. You've taken on many dangerous assignments recently… and you completed them with ease. But this time, we need speed. We want it done fast—and you're the only agent we trust to pull it off in record time. Oh—and you won't need Omicron. She's already on a mission. So? Is it a deal... Deadly Character Epsilon?"
The young man hung up, smirking.
"Huh! This is too much... I only just got back from Hong Kong."
He sighed.
"So many missions lately. I barely have time to sleep…"
…
…
Wait. Something in that conversation sounded off.
Did the caller say… Deadly Character? Epsilon?
The same Epsilon that strikes fear into the hearts of the citizens?
If so… does that mean the boy with charcoal hair is part of the Special Organization?
Yes… his name is Koja—the main character of our story.
But...
Who is he, really?
What's his relationship with the Organization?
Is he what we think he is?
…
…
…!!
The truth we're afraid to face:
Koja is no ordinary citizen.
He's part of the Organization.
Not just that—he's a member of its most feared squad:
The Deadly Characters Squad.
A group of demonic humans...
An unstoppable force that gave the Organization absolute control over the people of the Mysterious Land.
Even the Criminal Hunters Corps, created by the people to resist the Organization, are no match for them.
Koja rose from his bed, walked to his closet, and put on a sleek, sharp uniform—one fit for an assassin. Then, he opened a larger wardrobe, filled with heavy and light weaponry. Though surrounded by an arsenal, he picked only two things:
His gun, Moon Soul—a fast, powerful weapon that never overheats. Only one exists in the world.And his mini-sword, Dragon's Neck—his most cherished weapon.
He never goes on a mission without it. Despite its small size, it's deadly. The blade, when swung, creates sharp wind slashes—even from the weakest movement—thanks to its advanced mechanism.
Fully prepared, Koja adjusted his tie, mounted his black motorcycle, and rode off toward the command center.