Chapter 4 - Genesis

Chapter 4 - Genesis

Five Months Later

I had been diligently practicing my abilities over the past five months, but unfortunately, I discovered some limitations. Unless I could level up Aether Morphosis, I was stuck with just one form. After much consideration, I had chosen a singular form that existed in both Western and Eastern mythologies. It was perfect, a blend of fear and reverence.

I smiled, reviewing my progress. Everything was falling into place as I finalized my plan for my first appearance.

"For now, the Earth is preparing to welcome back their old gods. The time of man is now to step back as the Earth welcomes its true rulers."

I couldn't help but laugh at the cringiness of my own thoughts. I guess isolation can affect even someone considered a superhuman.

---

America

In a lecture hall filled with eager students, Professor James Albright, a distinguished zoologist with a graying beard and a penchant for khaki jackets, was passionately discussing the intricacies of animal behavior. His students—Emily ,a bright-eyed aspiring ecologist; Marcus, a skeptical yet curious student with a knack for critical thinking; and Sophia, an adventurous spirit who was always ready to leap into the unknown—hung on his every word. 

As the lecture wrapped up, the students gathered their things, chatting excitedly about their upcoming expedition to South Africa to research potential new species of animals. Professor Albright beamed with pride; it was the culmination of years of hard work.

After a few moments, the professor excused the class, sending them to their respective offices to prepare. As he shuffled into his office, he contemplated the logistics of their upcoming trip. Suddenly, a knock echoed through the door.

"Come in!" he called, curious about who might be interrupting his thoughts.

The door creaked open, revealing a couple of suit-wearing agents. Their expressions were serious, yet there was an air of professionalism about them that immediately put the professor on edge.

"Good afternoon, Professor Albright," one of the agents said, his voice smooth but commanding. "We need to speak with you."

The students, still lingering in the hallway, hushed their gossiping whispers. They exchanged speculative glances, whispering about how these agents might be higher-ups from the academy, given Professor Albright's recent struggles to facilitate their expedition.

After a few moments of awkward silence, the professor asked the students to leave. They complied reluctantly, eyeing the agents with curiosity as they exited.

Once the door closed, the agents stepped further into the office, and the atmosphere shifted. "Professor, we're here on behalf of the CIA," one agent said, flipping open a briefcase and revealing a manila folder. "We'd like to sponsor your trip to South Africa—under one condition. We need you and your team to change your course and investigate something for us."

The professor raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "The CIA? What do you want with a zoologist? I'm no expert in anything covert."

The agents exchanged knowing glances. One of them slid the file across the desk, warning, "Before you take a look, you should know that doing so means you'll be part of this investigation."

Curiosity, however, got the better of him, and he opened the file. Inside was a low-quality satellite image. At first glance, it seemed to depict a large animal, but as he focused, confusion crept in. It was massive—far too large to be a native species of South Africa.

"This… this can't be," he muttered, shaking his head. He leaned closer to the photo, squinting at the pixelated image, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. It was at least three times the size of a large rhinoceros, and there was no known creature that could match its proportions. "What *is* this?"

The agents leaned in, their expressions serious. "We need you and your students to investigate this creature. Reports indicated it was pinged while we were scouring South Africa from overseas. It was flagged for investigation, and we believe it could be a new species. But it comes with risks."

The professor felt the weight of their words settle on his shoulders. A new species—something that shouldn't exist found in the wild? His mind raced with possibilities and implications.

"What do you know about it?" he asked, suddenly overwhelmed. The photo was unsettling. 

"The size is concerning," the agent replied, "but we'll have a few Marines escorting you for protection."

Professor Albright took a deep breath, his mind racing. Though he was renowned in his field, the stakes of this investigation felt far higher than any research he had ever undertaken. After a long pause, he nodded. "Alright, I'll do it. Let me call my students."

He reached for his phone, excitement and trepidation coursing through him. 

Once he had his students back in the office, he shared the discovery with them. The room was filled with murmurs and theories as they gathered around the satellite image, examining it closely.

"This has to be a dinosaur," Marcus theorized, eyes wide with wonder. 

"That's one possibility," the professor said, "but we need to approach this scientifically. Whatever it is, we'll need to document everything carefully."

As they prepared for the unexpected expedition, excitement buzzed in the air. Unbeknownst to them, their investigation would intertwine with forces far beyond their comprehension, setting the stage for a collision of myth and reality.

One Week Later

The sun hung high in the South African sky, casting a relentless heat over the rugged landscape. Professor James Albright stood in the midst of the bustling camp, double-checking the equipment for their expedition. He adjusted his glasses and glanced around at the excitement and anxiety bubbling among his students and the two squads of Marines assigned as their escort. The Marines, clad in tactical gear, were methodically preparing their gear while exchanging nervous glances. 

"Ugh, it's so hot!" Emily complained, wiping sweat from her brow. She stood next to Marcus and Sophia, who were both equally uncomfortable in the sweltering heat. "I didn't sign up for this heatwave! Can't we just start already?"

"Tell me about it," Marcus chimed in, fanning himself with a piece of cardboard. "And what's with these Marines? They look more terrified than we are! I thought they were supposed to be tough."

Sophia laughed, glancing at the Marines, who were checking their weapons and gear. "They are tough! It's just that we're heading into the unknown. That's exciting!"

The students' banter turned into an eager conversation as they discussed the implications of their journey and how they would make history by documenting the creature they were about to encounter. The thought of being part of something groundbreaking sent ripples of exhilaration through the group. They couldn't help but express their gratitude to Professor Albright, who stood nearby.

"Thank you for bringing us along, Professor!" Emily said, her voice bright with enthusiasm. "This is going to be epic!"

"Yeah, Professor!" Marcus echoed. "You've really given us the opportunity of a lifetime."

The professor smiled, his heart swelling with pride at their enthusiasm. "I'm glad you're all excited. Just remember, our priority is safety. We don't know what we're dealing with yet."

With the equipment checked and everyone geared up, they set out, following the path where the creature had last been seen. The terrain was rough, littered with rocks and dry brush, but their spirits were high as they trekked through the wilderness. 

As they walked, they stumbled upon something remarkable. There, partially obscured by the dust and dirt, were large tracks embedded in the ground.

"Look at that!" Sophia exclaimed, kneeling down to get a closer look. "What kind of animal could make prints this big?"

Professor Albright crouched beside her, his eyes narrowing as he studied the print. "These are massive… and look at the claws. This is unlike any animal I've ever seen." 

The students gathered around, excitement buzzing in the air. They eagerly took out their notebooks and cameras, each wanting to capture the moment. Marcus leaned in closer, his brow furrowed with concentration. "If this is what I think it is… we're looking at something potentially prehistoric!"

Emily nodded, her eyes wide. "We need to measure the prints! This could help us identify the creature."

As they measured the tracks, the group started hypothesizing what kind of animal could have made them. "Maybe it's a dinosaur! Or a massive predator we haven't discovered yet!" Marcus suggested, his voice laced with enthusiasm.

Just then, the ground beneath them began to tremble slightly, causing the students to exchange worried glances. 

"Is that an earthquake?" Sophia asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.

"Everyone, pack up your stuff! We need to move!" Professor Albright commanded, urgency lacing his tone. The Marines sprang into action, checking their surroundings, weapons primed and ready. 

They quickly packed their gear, adrenaline pumping through their veins as the tremors intensified. 

---

The source of the commotion soon revealed itself as they followed the noise. Emerging from the underbrush, they stumbled upon a sight that made their hearts stop. There, in a clearing, was a creature of unimaginable proportions—an enormous dragon, its deep black obsidian scales shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight. It was feasting on a recently killed elephant, blood splattering its maw, and chunks of meat hung from its jaws.

Everyone froze, caught in a moment of sheer awe and terror. The creature's magnificent form was unlike anything they had ever seen—majestic yet terrifying.

"Is that… a dragon?" one of the Marines whispered in disbelief, his voice barely audible over the sound of the creature gnawing on its prey.

As if sensing their presence, the dragon jerked its head in their direction, crimson eyes locking onto the group. The world around them seemed to hold its breath. 

Professor Albright felt a strange pull, a deep-rooted fascination for the creature. Without thinking, he took a step forward, as if drawn into a trance by the beast's presence. 

"Professor, no!" Marcus shouted, but his warning fell on deaf ears as Albright continued to approach the dragon, captivated by its power.

The Marines instinctively tightened their grips on their weapons, a cold wave washing over them as they beheld the dragon's predatory gaze. It was a look that transcended words—a primal fear that had not been felt by humanity in thousands of years, as the creature's aura radiated dominance and raw power.

The dragon's scales gleamed in the sun, and the sight of its powerful jaws, stained red, ignited a fear deep within their bones. The realization that they were mere prey in the face of such a formidable predator struck them hard. 

For the first time in millennia, humanity was reminded of its fragile existence in the grand tapestry of life—a lesson history had long buried under the weight of civilization.

The air was electric with tension as Professor Albright moved closer to the dragon, drawn in by its mesmerizing presence. The world around them seemed to fade away, every heartbeat echoing in the silence. Just as his fingers were about to brush the creature's shimmering scales, the sudden snap of a camera shutter shattered the moment.

A blinding flash erupted from Emily's camera, illuminating the scene with stark light. The dragon jerked violently, its massive head turning toward the source of the intrusion. For a split second, time stood still, and then all hell broke loose.

The dragon let out a thunderous roar that reverberated through the very ground beneath them. It was a sound that seemed to embody primal rage and fear, a declaration that it would not tolerate such disrespect. The force of the roar was so intense that it sent Professor Albright flying backward, crashing into Emily with a sickening thud. They both tumbled to the ground, the impact jarring and disorienting.

"Professor!" Emily cried, trying to push herself up but feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her. The world spun, and she realized with horror that the ground was stained red beneath them, the remnants of the elephant now forgotten.

The Marines, initially taken aback by the sudden chaos, quickly regained their composure. The sergeant barked orders, urging his men to open fire. "Weapons free! Engage!"

The crack of gunfire filled the air, but the bullets ricocheted harmlessly off the dragon's obsidian scales, creating sparks that illuminated the chaos around them. The creature barely flinched, its eyes narrowing as it assessed the tiny humans attempting to provoke it.

"Fall back! Fall back!" another Marine shouted, his voice tinged with panic. But the dragon was unwilling to let its prey escape. With astonishing speed for its size, it lunged forward, swiping its enormous claw through the air. The force of the attack bisected two Marines in an instant, their screams cut short as they were reduced to mere afterthoughts in the face of such ferocity. Blood sprayed across the ground, and the stench of death hung heavily in the air.

Chaos erupted as the remaining Marines scrambled to reposition themselves, fear palpable in their expressions. The team leader fumbled with his radio, shouting for backup while simultaneously firing his weapon, his hands trembling. "We need air support! Get the flare up!"

As he reached for the emergency signal flare, the students huddled together, their instincts screaming for survival. Sofia, desperately assessing the situation, realized they had to act fast. She quickly looked around, spotting Professor Albright and Emily struggling to regain their bearings near the gnarled roots of a tree.

"Help! We need to help them!" Sofia yelled, but before she could move, another swipe of the dragon's claws caught a student off guard, sending them flying through the air. The horrific scene unfolded in front of them, with blood painting the ground in vivid splashes.

"Emily! Professor!" Sofia shouted, running toward them. She could see Emily lying there, clutching her head, her eyes unfocused and wide with terror. Albright, dazed from the blow, tried to shield her, but he was clearly injured.

"Get under the roots! Now!" Sofia ordered, her heart pounding in her chest as she pulled them both toward the protective barrier of the tree.

But the dragon was relentless. It turned its massive head, eyes glinting with malevolent curiosity as it sensed the remaining humans hiding in the shadows. It stepped forward, its claws digging into the earth as it moved with predatory grace.

"Take cover!" one of the Marines shouted, dropping back behind a thick trunk as he fired wildly at the approaching beast. The shots were useless, mere annoyances to the dragon.

As the chaos raged on, Albright's eyes focused. "Sofia! Get Emily out of here! We can't fight this thing!"

"No! We're not leaving you!" Sofia cried, desperation creeping into her voice.

But the dragon, sensing the imminent threat, unleashed another roar that shook the very air around them. It lunged, and in a blur of motion, another swipe of its claw took out a Marine who was trying to regroup. The dragon's movements were fluid and terrifying, a reminder of the raw power that lay within this ancient creature.

With only three Marines left, the team leader's voice was frantic. "We need to regroup! Get the flare ready!"

Just then, another Marine fell victim to the dragon's wrath, his body flying through the air as if he were nothing more than a rag doll. The cries of terror filled the air, drowning out reason.

Emily, cradled in Albright's arms, struggled to regain her senses. "What's happening?" she murmured, blinking rapidly as she tried to make sense of the pandemonium.

"Just hold on!" Albright urged, his voice steady despite the panic rising around them. "We need to find a way to escape!"

Sofia, still crouched low, scanned the area, frantically searching for a way out. The thick forest surrounding them felt like both a refuge and a prison. They were surrounded by ancient trees, their roots twisting and turning, offering a temporary shelter but no way to escape the looming threat.

With a final cry of anguish, the team leader launched the flare into the sky. It shot upward, illuminating the darkening sky like a beacon of hope, but the dragon barely took notice, its attention fixated on the remaining humans. 

"Get down!" Sofia yelled as the last Marine made a desperate attempt to run. The dragon lunged once more, and with a devastating swipe, it took the last of the squadron. 

Only the terrified students, Professor Albright, and Emily remained. The professor turned to Sofia, his eyes filled with determination. "We need to find a way to distract it! We can't stay here!"

As they huddled together beneath the roots, the sounds of destruction echoed around them, each roar of the dragon reminding them of the precariousness of their existence. Panic settled in their hearts as the weight of their situation became undeniably clear.

"Emily! What do we do?" Sofia whimpered, her voice trembling.

"Just stay close," she replied, heart pounding in her chest as she formulated a plan. "We need to find something to draw it away from us. If we can create a distraction…"

The dragon prowled, its nostrils flaring as it sniffed the air, searching for its next victim. The students held their breath, praying for a miracle as they prepared for whatever came next, knowing that their very lives hung in the balance. 

In that moment of despair, one thing became abundantly clear: they had unwittingly crossed a threshold into a world where ancient beasts ruled, and survival was no longer guaranteed. As the dragon's shadow loomed closer, they braced for the inevitable clash between humanity and the primal force of nature that had been awakened.