FSE

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“...The full genomic sequencing results for all animals were analyzed and published last year. Some of the findings are truly thought-provoking…” The ferret instructor switched slides as she spoke in the general biology class. “First, the ‘Out of Africa’ hypothesis has gained further supporting evidence. Beyond that, we discovered that if you randomly select two animals from the African continent for sequencing, their genetic differences would exceed those of comparing a random African animal with one from outside Africa. What does this imply?” The teacher scanned the classroom.

“It suggests that there might have been other primitive populations in Africa. After one of these groups left, the remaining groups interbred, creating genetic exchange within the continent. Meanwhile, the departing group expanded its range, eventually spreading across the globe,” I answered.

The teacher nodded, casting an approving glance that woke a few dozing classmates.

“The evidence we’ve gathered so far…” The ferret continued teaching, while Ayaan nudged me with his elbow, shooting me a mocking look. I responded with a faint hum of acknowledgment. “...Moreover, the most astonishing results came from the cross-animal variation analysis. Although prior studies have suggested that there are no significant differences between species, this is the first time such claims have been substantiated with data.”

Finally, a student raised a question, and the teacher switched slides while explaining further. The class buzzed with discussions, waking even more drowsy animals.

Indeed, this outcome might seem counterintuitive. Elephants and mice, buffaloes and cheetahs, panthers and doves—how could animals with so many apparent differences truly have no fundamental distinctions? Body size, diet, coloration, habits—don’t these differences suffice to distinguish us? The answer is no; they do not.

In reality, we can use almost infinite methods to divide society’s animals into infinite-plus-one categories. Most perceived differences among animals are illusions. What’s more important is what lies beyond these differences. Differences are always easy to notice, but we often overlook just how much we share in common.

Claws and nails may differ, but don’t we all have hands? Carnassials and molars are different, but aren’t they all in our mouths? Feathers, scales, and fur vary, but don’t they all cover our bodies? Beneath the skin flows blood, which circulates to a beating heart. The heart carries all our joys and sorrows, and this intertwining of emotions forms the essence of life—our shared, most significant value. Isn’t this undeniable proof of our sameness? It is precisely because we are all different that we collectively reveal our unity.

The Enormous Social Beast locked its damp, sticky gaze onto me at that moment. What now? Do you want to test it out? Our similarities disgust me. Do you want me to tear open your body cavity to see if we’re identical inside and out?

“Haruo!” Ayaan jabbed me hard in the side.

Shit.

I retracted my fangs, feigning calm as I relaxed my nose. Some animals sitting nearby had noticed my low growl and turned to me with startled eyes.

Fantastic.

I awkwardly cleared my throat, pretending to focus intently on the passage in my book. I spent the rest of the class enveloped in the lingering scent of blame and fear around me.

Wonderful.

Damn.

Why did I lose control like that? Curse it, curse it, curse it!

The Enormous Social Beast smirked mockingly at me, baring its teeth. I ignored its infuriating antics, trying to refocus on myself.

I relaxed my ears and tidied my hair, messed up during my earlier outburst. Taking a deep breath, I tried to regain composure, preparing to get back to work.

“What’s up with you today?” Ayaan’s message popped up.

“I got lost in some troubling thoughts and lost control,” I replied briefly.

“You scared everyone, you know? Your expression was terrifying. Luckily, most classmates didn’t see it.”

Argh, I know that! Don’t talk to me in that same lecturing tone Uncle Louis uses on some beast. It’s annoying!

I sighed, typing an apology to Ayaan.

Could this be genetic? Is my self-control relatively poor? I vaguely remember Uncle Jack mentioning someone with an issue in his autonomic nervous system. If you add in Shuntaro, who’s always ready to draw a blade to settle things, maybe my impulse control really is genetic.

Whatever. Thinking about this won’t help anything. I tried calming myself to respond to Ayaan’s message, but the Enormous Social Beast’s provocative breath on my ears finally pushed me over the edge.

“Enough,” I said as calmly as I could, quickly typing on my keyboard.

“Oh dear, oh dear,” it mocked.

Damn it. I knew I’d regret it. I had fallen for its taunts.

“Look who we have here. Not only did you dare to return to my territory, but today you finally decided to respond to me.” It slithered closer, the oppressive weight almost suffocating me. I struggled to maintain my breathing rhythm. “Let me in. All animals eventually accept me. After all, I cannot be defeated.” It opened its unimaginably foul-smelling maw, pretending to devour me. “You want it, don’t you? You envy them, don’t you? The laughter, the expressions free from fear?”

Resisting it was becoming harder.

“Just say the word, and I can fulfill your desires.”

Thankfully, I knew it always lied.

“Leave,” I expressed my wish with a single word.

It leaned in close to me, its translucent form blocking the screen, its crimson eyes exaggeratedly widening in mock surprise.

“As you wish,” it replied, mimicking my own form—something I detested the most. “I will claim you eventually. You know you can’t refuse me forever.” Occasionally, it told the truth, especially when reality was grimmer. The Enormous Social Beast tightened its grip on me until I could barely breathe. “Struggle harder to resist me. I’m looking forward to the day I finally crush you. Your regret and despair will be exquisite.” Its slimy tongue licked my cheek. “Until then, I’ll allow your futile defiance to continue.” It withdrew, though more accurately, it merely redirected its attention elsewhere.

Damn it. This time, it didn’t even try to devour me. Just focusing on me was enough to exert such pressure. I couldn’t tell whether it was growing stronger or I was growing weaker.

Once I regained my freedom, I gasped for air, determined not to let this cursed interruption affect my mood. What had Ayaan just said? Right, apologizing. I resumed replying to his messages while browsing the newly announced updates on the department’s website.

Defeating the Enormous Social Beast was impossible, but resisting ensured I wouldn’t lose. As it said, though, I was growing more exhausted. A small part of me feared I’d one day forget why I fought so hard to resist it. But what scared me even more was the thought of being swallowed whole, becoming another part of that unimaginable stench.

When did I first notice and start resisting it? I could hardly remember. Most of the effort in resisting it lay in ignoring its existence. The mere realization of how overwhelming the power disparity was could crush me, leading to surrender.

I decided not to waste any more time on it and redirected my focus to handling the PR disaster caused by my brief loss of control.