'I will master this'
It was a thought that resounded through my head quite often. Stalking through the bushes I found my prey.
It had been quite some time since the last period of time that they had been out but I only smiled at that. It was a vicious smile, one that enjoyed the hunt of the game.
I looked up only to find the dead cavern ceiling. I do not know how long I have been in this damned place. The sun never shone through the ceiling and neither were there any other indicators of time.
It was a still place, one that seemed to be set in rotation. Even though I said that I didn't know how much time had passed I still have a relatively good estimate.
You see, the creatures that I fought to survive operated on a schedule. It wasn't one noticed very easily. It took me time and effort to figure out the intervals in which I was safe and which I wasn't.
However once I had it was rewarded with easier hunting, something that I knew I needed to do. It had taken time. How long I did not know but I knew that it was a long time.
The creatures operated on a cycle, one in which they hibernated. Though that might seem like good information, the actual rewarding information was what they did before that period.
It was at the start of that hibernation period that, like a squirrel they would gorge themselves on food. However they were also hyper aggressive during this time, refusing to help any of their fellows in fear that their prey would be stolen and even then some helped only to be killed by the wounded and eaten.
After that period of time they would go off into Lord knows where to hibernate for the next couple days, months, years, I did not know but I knew it was a long time.
I had tried to count at one point but that did not work, I seemed to be set on exterminating something. Whether that was the influence of the realm or my own inclination I still could not know.
However that was beside the point, I got restless and could not count the time no matter my efforts.
The only thing that I could do was entertain myself by hunting the myriad of wildlife that sustained me.
It was then that I remembered my first encounter with them. I was lucky, damned lucky. I hadn't known it at the time but I was at the very end of the hibernation cycle, meaning that there were only the desperates that were unable to gather much food before hibernating.
It was lucky because those others would never bother with something that could injure let alone kill them.
If it wasn't for that they would have hounded me to death, however it seemed like luck prevailed.
"Hah" I breathe out, my breath appearing in the cold weather.
My finger tenses and a bullet flies from the barrel.
At first I was worried about the amount of ammo and whether I would have enough to survive, however I need not worry about that.
It was some sort of enchantment or something that those in the research hall made.
It allowed for me to make bullets out of some kit that popped from the side of the rifle.
It didn't weigh much but it did its job. All I needed was some organic materials. freewebnov(e)l
I glance to the dead creature, its neck bleeding out.
'Which I have an abundance of…' I finish in my thoughts.
I climbed from where I was, the creatures around the area wildly searching for me.
However they would not find me as I hid well.
It was something I learned to do early on. Although their senses were on such a higher caliber than mine I was still able to deceive them.
I covered myself in mud, washed off any scent, made sure I was completely silent, and a myriad of other things.
…
I watched as the one I had decided to evolve first walked to the corpse of the creature he had killed.
It was honestly quite impressive, the way that he stalked through the forest like a true predator.
However I could tell that this evolution was wrapping up as could the rest around me.
Well the ones that could actually perceive what was happening.
I had learned that if I slowed down my perception and focused hard on the screen I could actually sort of see what they were going through.
And although it was still very fast I was at least able to understand.
It was why I was able to know that he was reaching the end.
The way that his power fluctuated, in how he reacted to the environment. It all had evolved so much from the stumbling recruit that he was.
A moment later a flash of light blinded everyone but me and the silently watching Delta.
As it receded I came to see the soldier I had evolved, unsullied with clothes that had not undergone any hardships. His gaze was hardened as he swept said gaze over the crowd.
A sneer was on his face as he looked at each and every one of them, even his hands were tense as he tightly gripped the rifle I had given him.
"Congratulations" I clap, smiling as I approach him from where I was standing.
I had tried to make myself as known as possible to him but even that was able to slip past his defenses which resulted in me startling him.
There was a moment where he had pointed that rifle towards me but it was quickly suppressed as he realized where he was and to who he was being addressed by.
"On what…" he carefully asked. His eyes flickering to the ground in regret. However I had no grudge against him, he had just gotten out of his evolution. It would be rude of me to not allow him these leniancies.
"On your evolution, you must feel stronger, yes?"
"I do, but why did you evolve me?"
"Because I did not want you nor anyone here to die a preventable death. It is why you…" I turn to look at the watching spectators, "will all be evolving."
…
It was an interesting few minutes. Small as the time frame was a huge amount of things had happened during then.
For one I had asked those that had strong partnerships if they would have liked to evolve together.
Most refused, out of courtesy or anxiety I didn't know but there were a couple who did so.
'A couple… heh' i snorted to myself, those that dual evolved would most likely couple together.
However that was not the most significant thing that had happened.
What was most significant was the amount of firepower that they had. It may not come even close to me in power but together, with proper training, they could be the main force.
Of course that depends on whether they could evolve more.
I had found out recently that there was a limit on the amount of times someone could evolve in a period.
For some most notably Aoif, Tama, Delta, and I, we could evolve almost infinitely yet we didn't.
Those reasons could wait another day but others weren't able to evolve for maybe a couple days or even as far out as a year.
These guys I didn't know what they would turn out to be but whatever they did they would still have a place in my military.
I watched as they all settled into place, their hands shoveling food that I had Melia have her other subordinates prepare.
It was a sudden thing for me to ask for this but she obeyed nonetheless.
Though it was also a kind of miracle that she was even able to bring this much food in the first place.
How she did it or who she whipped to do it I didn't care, all I cared for was the well-being of these people right now.
They would help me create my empire in that cavern world.
But first before that could happen I needed to teach them teamwork.
"Ahem-" I coughed, my voice resonating into the ears of all before me.
Their heads perked up although they continued to eat.
I didn't mind that though instead I just continued with my little speech.
"Tomorrow, I will have you each assigned to a squad. Who is in that squad is up to you but know this." I pause my gaze falling over them all.
"You must show significant teamwork with each of the members of your squadron, including picking a team leader. Whether your decision stays is up to you."
With my piece said I leave the research hall, letting them react to the information and act accordingly.
This would determine their future life and allie's, I hope they picked well.
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