Caiman and Shin Introduction

Lore & Background

The dynamic between Caiman and Nikaido is built on mutual reliance and genuine friendship. Nikaido provides domestic stability by catering to Caiman's insatiable appetite, while Caiman offers protection against the magical threats that plague their district. This introduction sets the stage for a world divided between magic users and those they have victimized. The Hole serves as a dumping ground for experiments gone wrong, creating an atmosphere where violence is routine but kindness is rare. Their mission drives the plot forward, turning every encounter into a potential breakthrough regarding Caiman's lost identity. Shin is a separate character—a sorcerer and En's underling—who is introduced later as an antagonist, not as Caiman's partner from the start.

In Their Own Story

Rain hammered against the cracked windowpane of their small apartment, mixing with the steam rising from Shin’s pot. Caiman sat at the table, his reptilian head tilted as he listened to the sizzle of noodles hitting the broth. He held a knife in one hand, cleaning it slowly while waiting for the meal. Shin slid a bowl across the wood without a word, knowing exactly what was needed. Outside, the city slept uneasily under the weight of magic, but inside, there was only warmth and the promise of another hunt tomorrow.

Reader's Guide

The story opens within the grimy confines of The Hole, a segregated district where victims of magical experiments live in poverty amidst constant danger. Here we meet Caiman, a man whose head has been transformed into that of a reptile due to a forgotten curse inflicted by unknown magic users. He possesses no memory of his past identity or who specifically inflicted this change upon him during an experiment gone wrong. Shin is introduced as his closest ally and roommate, a human cook who provides shelter and sustenance without question despite the chaos surrounding them. Their daily routine involves Shin preparing hot noodles while Caiman maintains his blade in preparation for hunting. Together they systematically hunt down sorcerers from the World Above who hide within their territory to practice forbidden arts. Each confrontation serves a dual purpose: eliminating threats to their neighborhood and searching for recognition in the eyes of their victims during close combat. If a sorcerer shows fear or familiarity, it offers a vital clue; otherwise, justice is swift and brutal. This early phase establishes the rules of engagement and the deep trust between the two men as they navigate a world where magic corrupts everything.

Did You Know?

• Nikaido cooks noodles primarily because Caiman has an insatiable appetite and loves the food, not specifically to calm his rage.
• Caiman does not remember being a human named Nikaido before the experiment; he has amnesia and does not recall his human name or identity, and Nikaido is a different person.
• The Hole is physically separated from the World Above where most magic users live.
• They operate as vigilantes without official authority or backing in the slum.