The world was no longer the same as the one humanity had known before the appearance of the Alters. It wasn't just the emergence of superhuman abilities in 80% of the population that had redefined the laws of civilization, but also a silent revolution that had struck the fauna and flora in unpredictable ways.
The Neoforms.
Animals endowed with Alters, as diverse as they were terrifying, began to appear shortly after humanity showed the first signs of mutation. Some were harmless, others were natural predators of unimaginable power. In just a few decades, the Neoforms had reshaped the map of the world, transforming entire regions into forbidden zones and forcing humanity to rethink its approach to borders, security, and even ecology.
The Neoforms: Origin and Classification The Neoforms appeared alongside humans with Alters. It is believed that these animal mutations are the result of prolonged exposure to the "Alter Factors" present in the environment. Like humans, Neoforms manifest varied abilities, some minor, others capable of disrupting entire ecosystems.
Classification of Neoforms To manage the dangers posed by these creatures, a universal classification system was established. This system is used by governments, hero agencies, and even professional hunters:
Class E (Minor): Neoforms with weak Alters or no real danger to humans (e.g., a dog that can levitate small objects).
Class D (Moderate): Neoforms that can cause limited injuries or damage but are easily neutralized by conventional forces.
Class C (Dangerous): Neoforms capable of posing a serious threat to untrained humans or heroes.
Class B (Major): Neoforms requiring the intervention of hero teams or military forces. These creatures can wipe out villages or destabilize ecosystems.
Class A (Catastrophic): Neoforms capable of rivaling high-level villains or even experienced professional heroes. Their capture or elimination requires special teams.
Class S (Apocalyptic): Rare but feared. These Neoforms possess Alters so powerful they can destroy entire cities or disrupt geographical regions. Some governments even consider these creatures potential biological weapons.
Consequences on Human Societies The appearance of the Neoforms had major repercussions on how humanity lives, works, and moves.
Fortified Major Cities To protect civilian populations from Neoforms, many cities have been transformed into modern fortresses. Walls several dozen meters high, often reinforced with anti-Alter materials, surround metropolises and densely populated areas. These walls are equipped with automatic turrets, energy barriers, and surveillance posts manned by heroes or specialized military personnel.
Secured Urban Zones: Within the walls, life is relatively normal. Neoforms are rare in these areas, and their appearance triggers immediate interventions.Suburbs and Countryside: Rural areas, on the other hand, have become much more dangerous. Many communities have been abandoned, and those that survive live in constant fear of attacks. Local farmers and hunters often have to collaborate with heroes to ensure their survival.
Commerce and Travel Land routes between major cities are often deserted, with Neoforms making travel risky. Air and high-speed rail transport have become the norm, with armored trains specially designed to withstand attacks. Land convoys, when necessary, are always escorted by heroes or specialized mercenaries.
Economy and Employment The global economy has adapted to the constant threat of Neoforms. New professions have emerged:
Neoform Hunters: These experts track and neutralize dangerous Neoforms, often for bounties offered by governments or individuals.Bio-Adaptation Scientists: They study Neoforms to understand their Alters and attempt to find ways to control or utilize them.Fortified Builders: Engineers specialized in constructing structures capable of withstanding Neoform attacks.
Conflicts and Geopolitical Tensions The Neoforms do not respect human borders, and their presence has caused international conflicts. Some countries, better equipped to handle the creatures, have become refuges, while others are overrun by Neoforms they cannot control.
Great Powers: Countries like Japan, the United States, and some European nations have heavily invested in defense against Neoforms. They possess specialized heroes and advanced technologies to protect their populations. Forbidden Zones: Certain regions of the world, such as portions of the Amazon, Central Africa, and Siberia, have become territories dominated by Neoforms. These areas are unexplored or only accessible by heavily armed teams. Militarization of Neoforms: Some governments and criminal organizations seek to capture and use Neoforms as biological weapons. These experiments are illegal, but they fuel a thriving black market.
The Neoforms and the Human Psyche The constant threat of Neoforms has left a deep mark on the collective psyche.
Fear of the Wild: In this world, nature is no longer a peaceful refuge. Forests, mountains, and seas are hostile territories where man is no longer at the top of the food chain.Tamed Neoforms: Some creatures, primarily Class E or D, have been domesticated and have become valuable allies. Heroes use Neoforms as companions or combat partners, while others integrate them into their daily lives. Social Divisions: Just like human Alters, Neoforms provoke debates. Some view them as threats to be eradicated, while others see them as a natural evolution that should be preserved.
A Redefined World The appearance of the Neoforms has redefined human civilization, forcing it to adapt or disappear. Heroes, once seen as symbols of peace, have become essential lines of defense against superhuman and wild threats.
But amidst all of this, one question remains: nature always finds a way to adapt. What will happen if one day, the Neoforms surpass humanity itself?