Shin

When the tentacles controlled by the subject come into contact with an organic life form, its Mania level will surge explosively and all special powers will be enhanced. But at the same time, the body of the organism in contact will undergo rapid decay and soon lose its own consciousness, becoming an abyssal creature.

The subject appeared on the day of the full Illusory Moon, causing an abnormally high tide in the DisSea area. She was personally detained by the MBCC's Chief. Her body was wrapped in numerous fleshy tentacles and severely corrupted by contamination, but she was still capable of communication.

The level of corruption is extremely high, with her body structure now almost completely different from that of a human, but the degree of visible mutation on the surface is not severe. Her rationality is still intact, and her communication abilities even exceed the average person.

The subject was an oceanographer in the Black Ring Expedition's Deep Dive unit, as well as the de facto leader of this unit. Besides her scientific work, due to her extensive maritime experience, she also served as the naval surgeon and handled other responsibilities.
According to reports, the subject was one of the original initiators of the Black Ring Expedition, and the entire Deep Dive unit consisted almost only of her followers she had met during her earlier scientific explorations and academic career.

Currently detained by the MBCC. No significant abnormalities or harmful incidents have been observed to date. The subject remains within the control of the MBCC.

After being detained during the Illusory Moon operation in DisSea, the subject has been placed in solitary confinement for observation and treatment. Due to the special nature of the Sinner, the MBCC has received the order for Chief to personally conduct dream dives with the subject.

The subject was born into an academic family before Nightfall. Both of her parents were university lecturers and many of her relatives were well-known oceanographers. Under her family's *nurture*, she quickly grew to become a *rising star* in the field of oceanography. She was assigned to conduct research on exploration vessels before she was even an adult.

During an oceanographic expedition, the crew fell victim to natural disasters and extreme environmental conditions. This led to panic and conflict within the expedition team, ultimately resulting in a horrifying tragedy. The subject was the only survivor of this expedition.

As the sole survivor of the expedition, the subject received attention from academic circles upon her return to society. She was quickly appointed as a professor at a prestigious institute. In the following years, she began preparing for expeditions into restricted deep-sea areas, eventually becoming one of the initial founders of the Black Ring Expedition.

Shin. Female. Approximately 170cm tall in her infected state, with her body surface wrapped in numerous fleshy tentacles. Beneath them, her body appears indistinguishable from a normal human, but her internal structure has undergone massive changes.

After completing the psychic diving, the subject will remain in confinement for observation. According to the log, the subject displays cognitive abilities and communication skills indistinguishable from those of a normal human. However, due to her highly dangerous nature, no one except Chief is permitted to approach her.

The tentacles attached to the subject are part of her body and are controlled by her mind. Unlike any known organic structure, the composition and origin of these tentacles are unknown, and they constantly emit strong Mania contamination.

The subject is permanently kept in isolation in a special Mania-proof room. The Hypercubes in the shielding device must be replaced every 48 hours to prevent contamination leakage. Chief personally conducts regular inspections and reinforces the shackle connections to ensure long-term, stable containment and control.

[Once again, Shin has had her movements restricted for unauthorized use of her abilities.]

Shin: Chief, surely you want to know what these tentacles are truly capable of?

• Prompt: I don't want to know.
• Shin: What a pity, but someday you will submit to Its power once more.
• Shin: 😏

• Prompt: That's no excuse for breaking the rules.
• Shin: I'm simply satisfying the curiosity of those who seek knowledge.
• Shin: 😏

[You see Shin drawing in a sketchbook.]

Shin: Are you curious, Chief? Would you like to come take a look?

• Prompt: What are you drawing?
• Shin: Drawing everything I observe. I suppose it's an old habit from my days as a biologist that I just can't seem to shake.
• Shin: 😉

• Prompt: You can draw?
• Shin: Yes, it's one of the hobbies I cultivated in the past.
• Shin: 😉

⚠ Ocean Think Tank

Shin has sent you a request.

System Notifications: Shin proposes the establishment of a think tank that would provide DisSea intelligence to the Bureau's researchers.

• Prompt: Reject

System Notifications: To prevent Shin's contaminated knowledge from spreading, you rejected her proposal to establish a think tank and demanded that she share the intelligence with you privately instead.

⚠ Educational Illustrations

You discover some interesting things in Shin's room.

System Notifications: You discover some hand-drawn pictures on Shin's desk.

• Prompt: Pick up

System Notifications: They are all sketches of Mania creatures.

⚠⚠ Times Have Changed

Shin wants to catch up with you.

System Notifications: After completing a mission, you visit Shin's room to check on her condition.

Shin: It's been a while since we last met. Come, sit down and talk with me.

• Prompt: Sit down

System Notifications: As soon as you sit down, Shin leans in closer, takes a deep breath, and then smiles.

Shin: I smell a familiar... "friend's" scent on you.

Chief: "Friends"? I didn't expect you to have people you'd consider friends.

Shin: Isn't that the word "you people" love to use most? I remember her name is Pylgia, right? She's here too.

Chief: Yes, we just got back from completing a mission together.

Shin: How wonderful. It reminds me of the old days.

Shin: If it's not too much to ask, I'd like to see her too.

Chief: But she doesn't remember you anymore. I'm afraid you won't be able to catch up on old times.

Shin: I'm just curious about what she's become now. After all, she's also a special being like me.

Chief: If that's the case, then I definitely can't let you two meet.

Shin: Hehe, what a touching "friendship."

Shin: Well then, let's talk about something else, my child.

⚠⚠ Mental Contamination

Shin's hypnosis therapy session went wrong.

System Notifications: Supervision System:
Incident detected during the hypnosis treatment of the Sinner Shin. Go investigate?

• Prompt: Go immediately

System Notifications: You rush to the hypnosis room, and before you can even enter, you hear bouts of screaming and sobbing coming from behind the door.

• Prompt: Break down the door

System Notifications: The one wailing on the floor isn't Shin, but the hypnotist. Shin herself is gently comforting her own doctor.

System Notifications: You immediately arrange for other staff members to take the hypnotist to the medical room for treatment.

Chief: What did you do to him?

Shin: He wanted to understand me on a deeper level, so I granted his request and revealed to him a glimpse of... the truth about the world.

Shin: Sure enough, human minds are all too fragile.

Shin: But... I know you're different. If you're willing, we can continue discussing what I didn't get to say earlier.

Chief: I don't think that's necessary.

Shin: Hehe, very well then. As you wish.

System Notifications: With the help of medical staff, the hypnotist finally regained his sanity after several days.

System Notifications: After the incident concluded, you canceled the rest of Shin's hypnotherapy sessions.

⚠⚠⚠ Your Choice

You are currently conducting one-on-one simulated training with Shin.

System Notifications: While you and Shin were conducting simulated training, you suddenly felt waves of pain in your wrist.

• Prompt: View

System Notifications: You discover a fairly deep cut on the back of your left hand, though you have no idea when it happened.

• Prompt: Conceal

System Notifications: You try to slip your hand inside your sleeve, but Shin seems to have already noticed.

Shin: Are you hurt?

Chief: Looks like it's just a scratch.

Shin: Let me take a look.

System Notifications: Before you can refuse, Shin has already lifted your hand and begun examining it carefully.

Shin: This wound is quite deep. It should be treated as soon as possible. Let me help you.

Chief: Wait a minute...

System Notifications: You instinctively want to pull your hand back. Shin doesn't react, simply watching you and quietly waiting for you to decide.

• Prompt: Accept Shin's help
• Chief: Please go ahead then.
• System Notifications: Shin smiles faintly and pulls bandages from her personal bag.
• System Notifications: To your surprise, she simply treats your wound using standard first aid procedures.
• Chief: ...Thank you.
• Shin: Hehe, did you think I was going to use some special treatment methods?
• Shin: There's no need to apologize. I'm delighted. You clearly had doubts, yet you still chose to trust me—that's precisely what makes you so special.

• Prompt: Refuse Shin's help
• System Notifications: You're not sure whether Shin's "help" is the kind that humans can safely endure. After thinking it over, you decide to politely decline her offer.
• Chief: No need to trouble yourself. I'll head to the medical room right now to get it treated. Just wait here for me.
• System Notifications: Shin makes no attempt to stop you, merely standing in place with a smile as she watches you leave.
• Shin: Very well. I'll accept whatever you choose.

⚠⚠⚠ Call of Darkness

Shin has been alone in the Confinement Cell for a long time.

System Notifications: Supervision System:
Sinner Shin has been in the confinement cell for dozens of hours. Go check the supervision footage?

• Prompt: Yes

System Notifications: Video Playing
...

System Notifications: The footage shows Shin entering the Confinement Cell alone, turning off the lights, and staying inside without ever coming out.

• Prompt: Head to the Confinement Cell

Chief: Shin? Are you alright?

System Notifications: Shin's drowsy, half-conscious voice drifts out from within the Confinement Cell.

Shin: I'm fine... I'm listening to Its teachings.

Chief: Good.

Shin: Hehe, are you worried about me?

Chief: Some Sinners in the past couldn't handle the dark confinement room and passed out. I was worried the same thing had happened to you.

Chief: I didn't expect you to be so fond of it.

Shin: Like it? No, it's not that kind of feeling.

Shin: But I know that I belong to the darkness. You do too. In darkness, your true self manifests.

Shin: Would you like to come and try it with me?

• Prompt: Stay
• System Notifications: The fanaticism and obsession in Shin's voice are deeply unsettling. But perhaps this will help you understand her a little better.
• Chief: Alright, I'll give it a try.
• System Notifications: You step into the confinement room, sit down beside Shin, and close your eyes in the darkness.
• System Notifications: You have a pure black, indescribable dream.
• System Notifications: When you wake up again, you find yourself lying on the couch in your office. You have no idea who brought you back.

• Prompt: Leave
• System Notifications: Even though you are inside the Bureau, Shin's power is still dangerous.
• Chief: No, I have my own methods to study the darkness.
• Chief: But I'll stay out here with you, just in case.
• Shin: Hehe, suit yourself.

Black Tide Revelation

Newborn whispers are hidden within the black tide.
She follows these sounds, peering into the abyssal depths, seeking only to witness the world's hidden truths.

[Phase One]

Some years before the Keylan Expedition, Shin receives an award for outstanding achievement as a junior researcher. She is adored by her elite parents who see her rising academic star as a ticket to higher status. Her mentor is a prestigious oceanography professor whose association provides her with a direct path to funding and recognition. She is adept at disguising her feelings and cooperating with the establishment, but she secretly despises the professor's orthodox methods and cowardice in refusing to do studies in waters that have been deeply affected by the catastophes. In her acceptance speech, Shint anks her childhood tutor, an oceanographer who had been pushed out of academia but nevertheless instilled in her a deep interest in the new forms of life that have rapidly evolved since Nightfall.

At the reception for her award, Shin is plied by businessmen who want to monetize her discoveries and by scientists who want her name attached to their unambitious projects so that they'll get funding. She politiely brushes them all off, but she is intrigued by one offer: a ship's captain named Joseph who wants to take an expedition into highly contamined polar waters. Shin recognizes that Joseph doesn't really share her zeal for discovery -- he's just desperate for a big breakthrough to improve his fortunes. Nevertheless, she is compelled by the chance for a bold foray into into the unknown. Despite the ridicule of her peers, Shin throws away her promising career to join Joseph's expedition.

[Phase Two]

Eight months later, Shin and Emily, a supply officer on Joseph's voyage, discuss the difficulties that their group has faced since entering polar waters and the high tensions between members of their crew. When Emily derides Joseph's ability as a captain, Shin tries to tell her that he is doing the best that anyone could expect and that they must remain united as a team. However, over the next few weeks Shin subtly works to undermine Joseph's authority while endearing herself to the rest of the crew. When their ship encounters an aquatic mania creature, Shin feels inexplicably drawn to it, but she calms her terrified teammates until the monster loses interest and swims away. This confirms Shin's hypothesis that the creatures are drawn to despair.

Joseph is furious when he learns that Shin has bypassed his authority and decided on her own not to pursue the creature. Shin begins advocating to give up on the mission and turn around, which makes her a champion to the suffering crew but brings her into direct conflict with the captain. Shin marvels at how the contaminated area seems to amplify people's negative emotions, making her manipulations work faster and more effectively than she even expected. She hears a voice in her head celebrating that she has finally arrived and promising to show her the new form of post-human evolution that she has longed to behold.

In a heated confrontation in front of the entire Shin acquisces to Joseph's authority, but they both know that his hold over the crew has been broken. Emily asks if Shin if there's any chance they'll get home alive. Shin comforts her, but internally exults at the brewing confluence of danger and despair.

[Phase Three]

The polar voyage runs low on stocks of food and fuel. Emily, as the ship's supply officer, keeps this a secret from everybody except Shin. When Joseph eventually discovers their deception, he succumbs to Mania. As he begins to transform into a Corruptor, Joseph attacks Shin with a fire axe but she is saved by Emily, who surprises Joseph and beats him to death with a crowbar. While Emily breaks down in horror at what she's done, Shin exults in her success at discovering the trigger for post-human evolution.

Over the following days, the remaining crew degenerate into madness. Under Shin's manipulation they slowly kill and cannibalize each other until Shin and Emily are the only ones left. By now Emily has fully become a maniac and is undergoing further mutations. When the storm that has trapped their vessel finally lets up, Emily believes that she and Shin will finally get to go home. This shred of hope momentarily restores Emily's sanity -- and thus provokes Shin into murdering her. With this betrayal, Emily finally realizes that Shin has been behind the entire voyage. Shin reflects on Emily's last words; she realizes that maybe if she's truly not human, that would explain why she was never satisfied by normal human concerns.

A bizarre shapeless organism emerges from Emily's corpse. Shin recognizes it as the same kind of existence that she heard speak to her before, but it pays no attention to her now. Shin rapturously decides that just learning about this new form of life isn't enough for her -- she too wants to become a new Apostle.

[Phase Four]

Five months after returning home from the voyage, Shin gives a press interview in which she solicits global scientific support for a project to track and study Apostles, framing it as a way to honor the memory of her crewmates who died as part of that mission. Over the next ten years she becomes the world's foremost expert on the Apostles, never betraying that all of her studies are for a higher purpose than just scientific curiosity. By tracking their movements and the conditions for their birth, Shin eventually determines that they are all steadily moving toward one geographic point: The DisSea. When the Keylan Expedition reaches the DisSea's shore, Shin cheerfully encourages them just like she had on her first expedition years before. In the back of her mind, she once again hears the voice of the Great Existence whispering that after so many years, the moment she has striven for is at hand.

As that resonance transforms into a cold pulse, piercing every inch of her consciousness, she finally understands. The future is meant to be this painful, his beautiful.

Though still barely maintaining a human appearance, her body has fundamentally transformed into a non-human structure.

When you gaze into the abyss, it shall open its embrace to you.