A package that had been lying on the street suddenly disappeared. Yet, the passersby didn’t notice it was gone—in fact, they didn’t even realize the package had existed in the first place.

Six, having brought the package into her room, opened it and tilted her head in confusion as she stared at the fabric inside. She had no idea what it was until she read the enclosed instructions, at which point her face turned red, and her lips quivered.

“You expect me to wear this!?”

Six repeatedly picked up and dropped the scrap of fabric, letting out a hollow laugh. The material covered even less than most bikinis. It wasn’t even comparable to lingerie used for intimate evenings—this was far skimpier.

The closest equivalent would be a slingshot swimsuit, but even those typically covered more. This so-called “clothing” didn’t even have fabric to cover the stomach—it was draped loosely across the front and fastened behind the back. Could this really be called clothing?

Even though no one could see her, wearing something so absurd felt unthinkable. Even exhibitionists wouldn’t stoop to wearing something like this.

“How… how does he expect me to wear this? That damn perverted scientist…!”

After venting her frustrations for some time, Six stared at the outfit, swallowed hard, and headed to the bathroom. Moments later, she emerged, took a deep breath, and gingerly put the garment on.

“Put on” wasn’t the right term—it simply hung on her body, clinging to her bare skin. She wondered how it stayed in place, but the fabric adhered to her skin as if it had a mind of its own, wrapping around her with a sticky sensation. The pressure made her face flush involuntarily.

“Ugh… is this how it’s supposed to work?”

Six let out a faint groan and looked in the mirror. Staring back at her was a woman who could only be described as indecent—a blushing, nearly naked figure that exposed 99% of her body.

For a moment, she considered that being completely naked might have been less embarrassing. Before she could process the absurdity of her appearance, a translucent membrane emerged from the outfit, enveloping her body entirely.

The texture was reminiscent of a soap bubble given form. Covered in the strange membrane, Six carefully recalled the instructions she had read.

“I need to imagine the appearance I want…”

She pictured her usual long dress—a flowing gown she could wear without concern since no one could see her. The familiar image of her go-to outfit took shape in her mind, and the membrane began to ripple and shift.

The sensation of it vibrating across her body tickled, making her laugh softly. Opening her eyes, she gasped in amazement. The dress she had imagined was now draped over her body.

“Oh… it really works?”

She touched the transformed dress cautiously, her awe growing. Then, with a nervous gulp, she stepped out of her room. Just in case, she threw a light coat over the outfit. Of course, if no one could see her, the coat wouldn’t matter, but it gave her some comfort.

Walking down the street, her heels clicked against the pavement. Yet, as always, no one paid her any attention. Disappointed, she sighed.

“Of course… why would it be any different?”

Suddenly, someone bumped her shoulder. Normally, she would have brushed it off, assuming it was just a coincidence. But this time, the person who collided with her flinched and turned to apologize.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t looking where I was going…”

“…You can see me?”

“Huh? Of course I can… are you a ghost or something?”

“No, no! I’m so sorry!”

Realizing her awkward question, Six bolted from the scene. As she ran, she noticed more and more people glancing her way. For the first time in years, she was visible.

“Yes… they can see me. I’m visible!”

Her heart pounding with excitement, she hailed a taxi and directed it to a destination she had long avoided. Soon, she arrived at an apartment complex and hesitated before pressing the doorbell. She knew the passcode but wanted to surprise them.

A frail, elderly woman answered the door. She squinted at Six in confusion.

“…Who are you?”

“It’s me, Mom.”

“Mom?”

The woman’s face twisted into an expression of annoyance. Her voice grew sharp.

“I don’t have any children. Are you at the wrong address, miss?”

“…What?”

“What a strange person…”

With a resounding slam, the door shut in her face. Six stood there, stunned, as the realization dawned on her. Just because people could see her didn’t mean her ability was fully deactivated.

Her parents, her boss, her friends—they still didn’t recognize her.

She was like a newborn stepping into the world for the first time.

Six understood this all too well. She also knew the only person who could help her now.

Evilus Corporation, President’s Office

I handed the boss a small pill, my tone careful.

“…What’s this?”

“Don’t ask. Just take it, please.”

“Hmm… I trust you as a scientist, but giving me something with no explanation…”

“It won’t harm you. I swear on my reputation.”

Still skeptical, the boss ordered an orange juice from their secretary to wash down the pill. Watching them gulp it down with a grimace at the bitter taste reminded me how young they still were.

Moments after swallowing it, the boss blinked rapidly and rubbed their temples.

“…I see. It’s not harmful.”

“You’ve regained your memory, haven’t you?”

“Yes. Where is Six?”

“Not sure—she went out.”

The pill I had given the boss was designed to implant and then erase a specific memory. It was crafted to induce the recognition that creatures like the Beast existed, which was a prerequisite for perceiving Six. Once triggered, the ability to recognize her remained even after the memory was wiped.

While I couldn’t mass-produce the pill for all of humanity, I could create enough to distribute among the executives of the organization. Its efficacy was undeniable.

“Bring her here immediately. I’ve neglected her for far too long…”

“She didn’t seem particularly bothered.”

“That’s nonsense. I recruited her, gave her orders, and then forgot about her…”

“It’s not your fault. No one could’ve predicted her ability would evolve to this extent.”

“Reasons don’t matter.”

Regalia, determined to apologize, urged me to track Six down. Unfortunately, finding her was easier said than done—AI couldn’t perceive her, meaning I would have to scour CCTV footage manually. My best option was simply to call her.

“Six? Where are you?”

[Why? Is something wrong?]

“The boss wants to see you.”

“The boss? Why?”

“…Ah, you’re here.”

Her voice came from behind me. I turned to see Six standing in the office, wearing an eccentric dress instead of the specialized outfit I had given her. Regalia, however, ignored her odd fashion choice and greeted her warmly.

“It’s been a while, Six.”

“You… remember me?”

“Of course. Who recruited you?”

“…How strange.”

“Something wrong?”

Six’s trembling voice prompted Regalia to ask cautiously. After hesitating, she finally spoke.

“…The people who gave birth to me, who raised me, don’t remember I exist.”

Regalia’s face fell, and I exchanged a look with them, both of us silently acknowledging our shared guilt.

Six began recounting her experience, her tone bitter.

“Do you know what my mother said to me? That she didn’t have a child and that I was just some strange woman…”

“…Scientist?”

“…Yes. I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for? It’s my fault for not controlling my ability…”

As Six continued to blame herself, I stepped forward and gently said, “Six, there’s something I didn’t mention…”

I explained the pill I had given the boss. Listening quietly, tears welled up in her eyes, and they began to stream down her face.