Hidden within a realm unknown to humanity lies a place known only as the Cavern of Arrival. This expansive ecosystem, home to all manner of creatures, reshaped and empowered far beyond those traditionally known by mankind. Thousands of mossy colonies shimmer brilliantly, illuminating an otherwise lightless domain. Here, the laws of nature reign supreme, a silent force granting all beings their primal right to peace. Far removed from this natural cycle, nestled deep within the earth, something seeks to break free.

Located within this paradise rests a gigantic door overgrown with moss and flowering vines. Beneath the accumulated flora, a dark light with occasional shimmers of white radiates outward. The fragment representing Augustus’s primal nature descends and rests within. Bursting forth from ancient inscriptions, this light clears away all obstruction, laying bare its host before an empty audience. The sudden brightness begins to dim, paving the way for Augustus’ fragment to incarnate as a small ball of muscle. As it descends toward the ground, a black screen materialises. This screen shakily displays the word ‘Calamity’ in bleeding white letters before vanishing silently as it came.

Squirming around, the newly born creature attempts to move. Failing to do so, its body begins bulging as a thick leg-like limb sprouts from it. From the apex, three dull claws jut out. Contracting these claws causes Calamity to hop, then fall onto a patch of grass. A muffled munching sound is produced as the grass is torn by fleshy gums in a newly formed mouth. Once again, it pulses, its body self-devouring, leaving naught but a fleshy cocoon. Later, it emerges once more, having grown longer and possessing two additional, leg-like limbs that are grown opposite to the original. Grass grows from fresh flesh as the young life stumbles forward, aided only by instinct.

Devoid of senses often taken for granted, Calamity continues onward, unaware it’s no longer alone. Through sheer luck, the other creature hadn’t yet become aware of their presence either. Then came their momentary collision. Startled by the unusually soft yet spiky sensation, Calamity backs away, confusion flooding its thoughts. Upon laying dull eyes upon Calamity, this creature’s long brown tail lashes, anger overtaking its rabid features.

Under the wary gaze of the ravenous big rat, Calamity blindly wanders forward in search of that soft feeling. Circling the strange monster, the wary rodent prepares to strike. Calamity’s curiosity vanishes when an unbearable sensation erupts from its hind leg. Experiencing pain for the first time, it comes to a simple conclusion: pain is terrifying. Hating this new sensation, it grows a second mouth and bites back, attempting to make the pain cease. Startled by its head suddenly being sandwiched by fleshy gums, the rodent panics. An instant later, it realises there is no pain, just an unyielding pressure. In retaliation, it sinks its teeth anew, inflicting more pain on the monster.

The stalemate between this unlikely pair continued, seemingly giving way for the rat’s victory—if not for one unseen factor. Calamity possesses the ability to learn and adapt reactively. Taking inspiration from the rat’s own jaws, it begins pushing forth claws from its gums. Blood trickles down grey fur as the eyelids shoot open and panic floods its eyes. Utilising all its might, the rodent fights back, ripping and tearing whatever it can to escape. Its resistance proves futile; the muscles it tore stitch themselves back together. Before any further resistance is mustered, the rodent falls limp. Deforming once again, Calamity’s muscles creep across the creature, slowly forming a grotesque orb.

The lifeform known as Calamity is clearly unlike any other creature. This is due to it being a ‘fleshoid,’ one of many lifeforms that failed to develop. Unlike the original fleshoids, which couldn’t eat, Calamity began devouring and entering cocoon-like states. Roughly an hour later, it would emerge as something new. The unusual behaviour stems from the unique skill ‘Devouring Evolution,’ which allows Calamity to survive by robbing the strength, traits, and abilities of other species.

Blood overflows through narrow veins as the unskinned mass pulses wildly, revealing raw muscle beneath. The pulsing increases rapidly before suddenly ceasing. Blood spills forth as the veins burst, and a pale nose pushes forth. From the crack stumbles a naked, rat-like creature, its raw muscles exposed. The creature’s dark eyes dart around; its ears twitch vividly. For the first time, Calamity was smelling, hearing, and observing its surroundings. Without warning, eyes sprout across its monstrous physique, wildly twitching as Calamity leaves no sight unchecked. 

Dirt, plants, life, blood—all these stimuli flood Calamity’s newfound senses. The beauties of life stun even this grotesque monster. Whether it be from awe or instinct, Calamity’s jaw drops, revealing rows of sharp teeth. As it stands motionless, a grassy fur sprouts from its dried flesh. From its rear, a mass begins swelling outwards, slowly forming into a construct resembling their original leg. With an onset of bleeding, it deforms, stretching out as sharp spikes line the apex. Freed from awe, Calamity steps forward whilst drawing breath. Escaping the monster’s newborn throat comes a distorted rat-like squeal. Calamity has completed… its first true evolution.

Fuelled by its newfound senses, the ravenous Calamity explores the grasslands. Possessing full awareness of its surroundings, it effortlessly hunts other big rats. Whether through sudden ambushes or brute force battles, Calamity continues triumphing without fail. Through repeated encounters, it hunts the strongest rats to devour, replacing stolen genes and further strengthening itself. Yet only engaging rats has left Calamity gravely unprepared for what else calls these grasslands home. 

Lunging forth, Calamity feels its body jerk as something invisible stops it midair. Unable to comprehend what has occurred, it begins thrashing about to escape. The grass ahead sways. Put on high alert by the situation, Calamity’s countless eyes fix on the shift, tracking each change in motion. Something creeps forward silently, displacing the grass as it approaches. Whatever was approaching stops just a few blades of grass away, from behind which a thin, sharp leg creeps forward. Calamity is unable to react as the leg shoots forward, skewering the monster’s vile head. Not even a squeal escapes before Calamity’s hideous body falls lifeless.

This is the first half of Chapter 1 and the second part will be posted in a few hours. I am still new to posting online but have heard tapas prefers smaller part so I will try my best. There is a more lengthy word from me in Part 2 so let me end here with a thank you!