The world had descended into chaos once more, but this time, there was hope. The higher-ranked soldiers had discovered a way to **calm the portals**—for now. But the discovery came with a heavy price: humanity had to evolve or be wiped out.
As the beasts grew stronger, so too must humanity. The **Hybrid Initiative** was introduced, a program to fuse human DNA with that of powerful animals, creating **Demi-Humans**—half-human, half-animal warriors. This would give humans the strength and abilities necessary to fight back against the increasingly dangerous beasts. The transformation was voluntary, but all surviving humans were strongly encouraged to undergo the procedure.
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### The **Hybrid Transformation** Process
The transformation process involved a **DNA fusion** that would bond the essence of an animal to a human's genetic makeup. It was a fusion of power and instinct—imbuing the person with the abilities of the chosen animal, such as enhanced strength, speed, senses, or agility. However, the process also came with a risk: the more a person embraced the animal side, the more it would influence their mind. The willpower of the individual would determine the extent of the transformation and their ability to control it.
**How it Works:**
1. **Animal Selection**: Each person's will and personality would influence which animal they would bond with. The animal's traits would be a reflection of the person's inner strength and character.
- **Predators** like lions, tigers, or wolves were ideal for those with powerful wills and the desire for dominance.
- **Swift animals** like cheetahs, eagles, or falcons suited those with a need for agility or speed.
- **Survival-oriented creatures** like bears, elephants, or crocodiles were chosen by those who valued endurance and resilience.
- The process also allowed for hybrid forms, such as **half-lion and half-eagle**, giving a balance of strength and speed.
2. **Fusing Process**: Advanced technology, coupled with genetic manipulation, would splice the animal DNA into the human genome. This would require a series of **painful physical and mental adjustments** to accommodate the new abilities and instincts. Those who could not control the change would risk **becoming feral**—more beast than human.
3. **Results**: The resulting **Demi-Human** would possess **enhanced physical attributes** (speed, strength, durability, senses), but their emotional and mental stability would be tested. The more they tapped into their animal instincts, the more they risked losing their humanity.
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### Ranking System for **Demi-Human Warriors**
To maintain order and discipline among the new Demi-Humans, a **rank-based system** was established. These ranks were determined not only by strength but also by skill, experience, and mastery over their animal abilities.
Here's the breakdown of the ranking system:
1. SSS Rank (Legendary)
- Description: The highest rank, reserved for individuals with unparalleled power and mastery over their Demi-Human form. These warriors could take on entire hordes of beasts with ease, and their connection to their animal form was near-perfect. They could be seen as the strategic leaders or the most feared soldiers on the battlefield.
- Example Abilities: A combination of multiple animals, like the speed of a cheetah with the strength of a lion and the heightened senses of an eagle.
2. SS Rank (Elite)
- Description: Top-tier warriors who have mastered their animal abilities and are capable of taking on the most powerful beasts. Their strength and skill are recognized across the globe, and they often lead smaller, specialized units.
- Example Abilities: A tiger hybrid with regenerative healing abilities or a wolf hybrid with heightened speed and tracking abilities.
3. S Rank (Exceptional)
- Description: These individuals are incredibly powerful and skilled in combat but may lack the full mastery or range of abilities that SS-ranked warriors possess. They are highly respected on the battlefield and often serve as squad leaders.
- Example Abilities: Enhanced strength and speed, like a lion hybrid with powerful claws and superior agility.
4. A Rank(Advanced)
- Description: Strong and experienced, A-rank warriors are highly skilled but not yet at the level of the elite ranks. They may struggle with controlling their animal instincts but still contribute greatly to the war effort.
- Example Abilities: A bear hybrid with immense physical endurance or a cheetah hybrid with exceptional agility.
5. B Rank (Competent)
- Description: B-rank Demi-Humans are still undergoing their transformation process and learning to control their new abilities. While powerful, they may lack the refined skills of higher-ranked individuals and are still considered rookies or "middle-ground" fighters.
- Example Abilities: A crocodile hybrid with heightened durability but slower mobility or a wolf hybrid with enhanced tracking and senses but limited strength.
6. C Rank (Novice)
- Description: These are newly transformed Demi-Humans still adjusting to their new forms. They have basic abilities but lack the necessary skill or mental stability to truly excel in combat. They may struggle to control their transformations.
- Example Abilities: A fox hybrid with basic stealth abilities or a rabbit hybrid with enhanced speed but little offensive power.
7. D Rank (Underdeveloped)
- Description: These Demi-Humans have barely begun their transformation, and their abilities are weak. They are often used for reconnaissance or support but are not yet fit for frontline combat.
- Example Abilities: Basic animal features, like heightened senses but no true combat ability, or a hybrid that has only partially transformed, such as a human with animal ears or claws.
8. E Rank (Failed Transformation)
- Description: E-rank warriors are those who failed the fusion process, resulting in unstable transformations or physical deformities. They are often abandoned or sent into isolation to avoid posing a threat to others.
- Example Abilities: An unstable beast form with random and uncontrollable traits, or those who have become more beast than human.
9. F Rank (Incapable)
- Description: These are individuals who were unable to undergo the transformation or those who failed so completely that they were deemed unfit for combat. They are often put into administrative or non-combat roles.
- Example Abilities: No animal features or powers, but still possess enhanced physical traits from the failed procedure.
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How Kai Fits In:
- Kai, after surviving the encounter with the beast, now faces a choice: will he undergo the Hybrid Transformation ? If so, which animal will his DNA fuse with? Given his mental resolve, it's likely that he could qualify for a higher rank.