The air was cold that night. Rain whispered gently against the library windows. Lucas entered through the grand doors, stepping past rows of ancient books until he found Martin, as always, seated calmly beside a flickering fireplace.
Lucas: So, Martin… tell me about this new monster.
Martin: (sipping from his glass) I see you've come with questions. Is it about Kuchisake-onna?
Stephen: Yeah. It's about her. Something feels off.
Martin: Then let me tell you a tale…
A long time ago, in Japan, there lived a beautiful princess. Her beauty captivated the king, and they fell madly in love. They lived together in peace — until one day, the king discovered she had been unfaithful. Enraged, he slashed her mouth open and killed the man she was with. Then he said to her: "Let's see who will love you now."
Since then, they say she became a ghost — cursed to wander the earth, her face forever mutilated, asking strangers: "Am I pretty?"
Martin (continues): There are also older cases. A woman named Yumeko Japsen once slaughtered over 40 children — wearing the face of that very folklore.
Lucas: So… we're dealing with a real Kuchisake-onna now?
Martin: It seems like it. Some spirits copy myths… others are the myths. Let's see what the body tells us.
Martin: But it's getting late. I'll help, but I can't stay now. I have other matters.
Lucas: Alright, buddy. Stay in touch.
Martin left the library. The roads were empty, and the sky was ink-black. At exactly 3 a.m., he stopped his car near an abandoned park — a place where recent victims were found. He stepped out slowly.
Standing ahead of him, draped in red with a surgical mask over her face, was her — the supposed Kuchisake-onna.
Martin: So you are her? The folklore I've read about?
Kuchisake-onna: Who are you?
Martin: Someone who helps monsters… like you.
She tried to attack — but her body froze. Martin smiled.
Martin: I know everything about you. You were just a child once. You loved ghost stories. When your parents died, you cut your own face… then your brother's… and you disappeared into myth.
Kuchisake-onna: Stop! I don't want to hear it!
Martin: (whispering) I understand. So let's make a deal. Find blood for me… and I'll keep you hidden.
She hesitated. Then nodded.
Just then, a man ran screaming from the trees — a surviving victim. He lunged at Martin with a blade.
But Martin dodged effortlessly, twisted the man's arm, and disarmed him. Calmly, he drove the knife into the man's cheek — mirroring the slit-mouth method — then slashed his throat.
Martin: Good blood… almost vegan.
He smiled, licking his fingers. The slit-mouthed woman stepped back, stunned.
Kuchisake-onna: What… what even are you?
Back at the investigation base, Lucas reviewed files.
Lucas: So… a girl named Kaito shifted to London last year. Her father died in an accident. Her younger brother had his face cut… but she vanished.
Stephen: So she became the new Kuchisake-onna?
Lucas: Possibly. But something's still missing.
Suddenly, Martin appeared behind them at the library.
Martin: You're all in my library again. Interesting.
Lucas (serious): We found Kaito.
Martin's smile vanished for a moment.
Martin: I see. Then I suppose… we've finally met the monster.
Lucas: Or maybe… she's not the only one.