In a vast forest surrounded by a mountain range lies the Primeval University, a center of learning where people with powers and mutations train to protect their society and stay alive in the world;
This morning, four third-year students received a mission from the university's Dean, the wise Oracle of the Abyss, an ancient entity that governs the University.
These are Astra, Mollusk, Kaido and Mantis, summoned for their unique abilities and exceptional teamwork.
"So, what did the old man call us to do this time?" Kaido said in resignation, he was a large guy with gray scales covering his arms, claws and reptilian eyes, his arms and head being the only parts of his body that were not covered by black metallic armor with scale patterns.
"You!! How many times have I told you to refer to the Dean that way, he is the highest authority in this facility" exclaimed a voice next to him in exasperation, it was Mollusk, he was shorter compared to Kaido.
His most striking features were his phosphorescent eyes and his medium-length hair that resembled tentacles at the ends, he wore a cloak that constantly changed color and had a shell-like shield strapped to his back.
"But it's true, this guy only orders us to do difficult things" replied a colder voice, her owner was Mantis, she was a tall girl wearing an elegant light pink dress with edges that resembled an orchid.
Her arms were covered by exoskeletons where two folding blades resided. She had short, wavy hair with two long, light pink strands that flowed down to her shoulders, on her head were two large mantis eyes that resembled horns.
"Ughh even you are against me Mantis!?" exclaimed Mollusk.
"Everyone, let's be quiet, the Dean is coming," said the last of the four. Astra was the shortest of the four, wearing simple armor in blue and purple colors, her hair was blonde with touches of purple. Her main characteristic was her yellowish skin and small, bright blue suckers.
As soon as they finished their conversation, the large double doors opened and a giant Orca-Man wearing an elegant black suit entered. He nodded to the foursome before sitting at his desk as Dean.
"Good morning everyone, today I summon you for a very important mission."
"An anomaly has emerged in the heart of the Ebonon Valley, the energies of the Complex Virus that are corrupting life.
Complex is a virus that spread across the planet some time ago. Its main characteristic is the ability to merge or modify individuals' DNA. There are no people safe from the virus because everyone is already infected.
When people reach a certain level of exposure, they end up transforming, usually with something that is close to them, preferably living beings such as insects, mammals, etc. The only thing that is hoped for is enough luck that the Complex does not make extreme changes to their body or appearance.
"You must investigate and restore balance by eliminating anyone who is beyond saving. Should you fail, all life in the region will be consumed."
"UNDERSTANDED!!" the four said at the same time before leaving through the double doors of the office.
With the fate of the valley in their hands, the group immediately sets off, facing the challenges that await them.
Currently on their way to the designated location, Astra led the group, her experience in navigating underwater currents was coming in handy as they crossed the Luminal River, the border of the valley.
Mollusk was currently using his camouflage to spy on the creatures around him, and look for traps on the riverbanks, while Kaido and Mantis were further back using scuba tanks to be able to breathe underwater.
"All clear, we can go up to the shore," Mollusk declared as he entered the water again.
As soon as they got out of the water and managed to remove their diving gear, Kaido complained.
"What the hell, bro! Why do we have to go under the river? Couldn't we just walk along the shore before crossing to the other side?" Kaido said as he shook his head to get the water off his face.
"I wish Klark was here," Mantis said as she wrung out her clothes lightly.
"That stupid water spider? His powers would be useful right now," Kaido replied.
"Come on guys, you know how busy Klark is in the lab," Astra said with a bit of discouragement.
"Guys, focus here, there's something that's not right," Mollusk said, pointing to the trees that seemed to twist as if they were alive. "The corruption has already started to infect the environment."
It seemed that the group weren't the only ones to notice something at that moment.
Suddenly, coming from the corrupted forest, deformed creatures created by the Complex's lack of control.
"What the hell are these creatures?" Kaido then extends his claws and advances with a fierce roar.
Propelling himself with heavy steps, Kaido attacks one of the deformed beings using his claws, quickly cutting off part of the centipede exoskeleton on its waist.
Mantis unfolds her hands into scythes with quick movements, and quickly advances like the wind, easily dodging some of the aberrations' attacks and attacks the abomination that looked like a combination of a fly and a scorpion.
Quickly cutting it in several different places using spinning attacks.
Meanwhile, Astra and Mollusk combined their skills, generating several water-based traps and attracting the abominations to contain them.
After quickly finishing off the less problematic enemies, Astra went to assist Kaido while Mollusk went to Mantis.
Kaido was holding his own against the Scolopendra, there were a few cut scales here and there, but he seemed to be doing well compared to the enemy who had already lost part of his semi-human waist.
"Kaido, I'm going to distract him!!" Astra shouted as she got close to the two.
As soon as Astra was close enough to the Scolopendra, the latter tried to attack Astra using several of its paws only to be surprised when Astra multiplied into a dozen copies that began to run around him.
"Hahaha thanks for the help but I'll take care of this" Kaido shouted with a laugh.
He quickly took advantage of the Scolopendra's distraction to throw himself to the ground and assume a running stance, although his stance was much more animalistic than conventional athletes.
A sound similar to something being torn or small joints being pulled echoed and with that Kaido tensed his body before shooting at breakneck speeds towards the Scolopendra who ended up noticing him too late.
Kaido jumped on top of the Scolopendra and bit its collarbone before quickly pulling it back, ripping off a third of the enemy's collarbone and neck, at the same time as he dug his claws into the enemy's heart from behind.
"HIIIIYYYYYYYYYRRRR" Scolopendra's scream of pain echoed a little before it stopped moving and fell to the ground with its massive body, and along with it came Kaido, whose entire jaw and neck were covered in blood.
"UGHH it's taste like shit!" Kaido complained as he spat out what was left of his enemy from his mouth.
"Ahaaha that was definitely something?" Astra asked, not knowing how to react to the scene she witnessed.
"Hey, are you guys done yet!?" Mollusk's voice came from behind calling them.
"We should probably hurry up" Astra said before turning and running towards her other companions.
"TCH wait for me damn it!" Kiado said angrily before also running towards where the other two were.