Humans have always been an enigma within the natural world, possessing an intellect that far exceeds what nature typically allows. Observing the behaviors of the natural world, it becomes evident that humans are a unique species. They thrive in adversity and self-destruct in comfort, constantly seeking their own destruction and even predicting it.
Before the cataclysm, humanity had already anticipated its potential demise. Through books, TV shows, and various forms of entertainment, different types of apocalypses were portrayed, reflecting their awareness that nothing lasts forever and that once they are gone, something else will take their place.
No one understood why things changed after the cataclysm. The Earth began to evolve, becoming inhospitable for humanity. Yet, like cockroaches, humans adapted to anything. Even in a new world dominated by Abominations and Behemoths, humanity continued to thrive. However, nature endowed them with a massive flaw: arrogance.
In this evolved world, humans underwent peculiar evolutions. While most creatures evolved in steps, from Class I to Class IV, humans were an anomaly. Creatures in Class I and II were mostly indistinguishable from normal animals. As they evolved further, from Class III to IV, they required a certain level of intellect to develop abilities. Class III creatures had passive abilities, like the winged crocodile king with its healing powers. Class IV creatures, however, possessed extraordinary abilities and the intellect to use them actively.
Class V is considered mythical, but humans are the closest to reaching this class. Born intelligent, humans with abilities are essentially pseudo-Class IV from birth. Despite this, nature demanded a price. Humans were born physically weak, with fragile bodies and limbs compared to other evolved creatures who were naturally fortified and strong.
This is why evolved humans still need weapons to combat Class III beasts, despite being comparable to Class IV creatures. Evolved humans are generally weaker than Class III creatures and cannot sustain their abilities for long periods. However, their intellect gives them an edge. While Class III creatures are clever, they act on instinct. Class IV creatures possess, at best, the intellect of a human child.
Through sheer intellect, humans can confront evolved creatures. They can create weapons that even Class IV abominations fear. In essence, humans are the true monsters, but nature maintains equilibrium. When humans reached a certain understanding of the universe's nature, they self-destructed, triggering the apocalypse.
Right now, beast and human stood facing each other, the battlefield scarred by their fight. The ground was marked by claws and scorch marks, destruction visible for many yards. Both tired and on their last legs, Nara and the crocodile king were injured. Nara was covered in blood and claw marks, her eyes dripping blood like tears. The crocodile king's body had scorch wounds that could no longer heal.
Despite being at death's door, Nara felt ecstasy, her mind clearer than before. It was as if most of the world's secrets were revealed to her, as if she had transcended her humanity. Her eyes, which had been hurting, no longer pained her. Even if she were to die right there and then, she would be satisfied.
The beast, on the other hand, was in a somewhat similar state. It began to comprehend things it couldn't before. It was hurt and fatigued, but now it could understand its healing process and focus on healing the wounds that mattered. It had reached new heights; before, it wasted energy healing every wound, but now it could heal the critical ones and last longer in battle.
Both of them had slightly overcome their flaws. Nara could now use her future sight longer without damaging her eyes. Meanwhile, the winged crocodile king could now heal only when necessary, conserving its energy for a lengthier fight. Today, two of the scariest creatures were born. Today, two of the most terrifying abilities took a step closer to perfection.
Nara's whip flickered, indicating a low power. She cracked the whip as it flicked from red to black. Although both Nara and the crocodile had just reached new heights, they were in no state to fight, but they were both excited to test their newfound strength.
The croc was the first to move, its jaws coming to claim Nara's life. Nara casually moved out of the way and counterattacked.
Smack!
She injured the beast, but it healed as before. The croc attacked with its tail, but Nara was a step ahead, immediately counterattacking after she dodged. Nkazi and the other recruits watched this spectacle. To them, it looked like Nara had the upper hand as she kept landing hits, but something was wrong. As much as her attacks were landing, she was not winning; in fact, she was gradually slowing down.
The croc couldn't hit Nara, and Nara couldn't finish the croc. Although she was landing blows, she noticed that while some wounds were healing, others were not. The croc was healing critical wounds and leaving superficial ones alone. Nara was getting tired, while the croc was running out of healing energy.
After a few more rounds, both human and beast understood that this was not a battle either of them could win; it was a stalemate, an eternal draw. The two abilities canceled each other out. Nara could dodge as many times as her body could still move, and the croc could heal as long as its opponent could still attack. The fight was going nowhere, and both decided to forfeit.
Nara could no longer move, and the croc could barely heal. They stopped attacking each other. It was a stare-down that baffled the recruits who were watching the whole fight. They didn't understand what was going on, but for a long time, Nara and the beast stared at one another, neither moving. After a while, the croc began to flap its wings, slowly rising into the sky, keeping its eyes on Nara.
Nara watched the beast ascend slowly into the air, moving further from her. Even if she wanted to stop it, she couldn't. Her weapon had lost its power and could no longer deal the same damage. Even if it could, she could barely move her arm. She was exhausted and all she wanted was to sleep in a king-sized bed, cuddled by a dozen men.
Seeing the human not trying to stop its escape, the crocodile king ascended into the air and left, along with the lesser crocs that remained. Nkazi and the recruits didn't know what had happened and why Nara had let the beast go, but after a few seconds, Nara fainted on the ground.
Nkazi quickly attended to her and found that she was still alive, just passed out. He was relieved. After witnessing this epic fight, Nara couldn't be lost. Nkazi and the recruits vacated the scene and took Nara to the healers.
Far from the stronghold, the croc didn't get far but just flew to a safe distance, dropped from the sky, and fainted.
The fight was over. The stronghold was silent. Many had lost their lives, but many more had survived.
As Nara was carried to the healers, the recruits whispered among themselves, speculating about the fight they had just witnessed. The battlefield, now eerily quiet, bore the marks of the intense clash. Claw marks and scorch marks crisscrossed the ground, telling the story of the brutal battle that had just taken place.
The healers worked quickly to tend to Nara's wounds. Her body, covered in blood and claw marks, seemed almost fragile now. But her mind, even in unconsciousness, was at peace. She had reached a new level of understanding, a transcendence that set her apart from others. She had glimpsed the secrets of the universe and, for the first time in a long time, felt content.
The stronghold began to regroup and recover from the attack. The survivors gathered, sharing their experiences and mourning the lost. The battle had been a testament to the resilience and adaptability of humanity, even in the face of overwhelming odds. They had faced one of the most fearsome creatures in the new world and had come out alive.
Nkazi, reflecting on the events, realized that humanity's greatest strength lay in their ability to adapt and learn. Despite their physical weaknesses, their intellect and sheer willpower allowed them to overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable. This fight had proven that even in a world ruled by beasts and abominations, humans could hold their own.f
As the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the battle-scarred land, a sense of hope began to permeate the stronghold. They had survived another day, and with each passing moment, they grew stronger and more united. The future was uncertain, but they faced it together, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.
Humanity had always been an enigma, a species that defied the natural order. And now, in this evolved world, they were ready to embrace their destiny, to rise above their flaws and become the true masters of their fate. The cataclysm had been a catalyst, a moment of destruction that paved the way for a new beginning.