Chapter 33: 33;HONING
A month had passed since the Hunters first set foot in the camps. What had once been chaotic training grounds filled with unorganized recruits had transformed into structured hubs of discipline and focus. Within this short but grueling period, humanity's newest army had been forged from ordinary individuals, each one transformed into a deadly force driven by a singular purpose: the annihilation of Formlings.
The training regimen was relentless. For thirty days, the recruits were pushed beyond their physical and mental limits. They trained day and night under harsh conditions, with every detail of their abilities scrutinized and refined.
Each Hunter underwent a process to identify the full extent of their humanic Formling transformations. Instructors guided them in controlling their shifts, ensuring they could summon their powers at will and return to their human forms just as quickly. The transformations varied widely—some bore animalistic traits like claws, wings, or scales, while others had more subtle changes like heightened senses or increased agility. The goal was uniform: to wield their powers with precision and purpose, with no room for error.
Combat training was integral to their preparation. The recruits were taught not only to fight but to kill. Sparring sessions often ended in injuries, with instructors stepping in only to prevent fatal blows. They were conditioned to feel no hesitation, no mercy. Drills simulated real encounters with Formlings, pitting the Hunters against holographic projections and mechanical dummies modeled after the creatures. Each strike, each move, was practiced until it became instinct.
A critical part of their training involved studying the enemy in detail. The Hunters spent hours poring over maps, diagrams, and models that depicted the various types of Formlings and their hierarchies. The Formlings were categorized into several ranks:
Insect level: The lowest rank, mindless beasts that moved in swarms. They were the least threatening but still dangerous in large numbers.
Vermillion level: Slightly more intelligent, capable of basic strategies and often serving as scouts or shock troops.
Commander Level: The first tier of Formlings with advanced intelligence. These beings coordinated attacks, organized defenses, and posed a significant threat.
Mercadian Level: Massive, highly intelligent creatures capable of immense destruction. They were known for leading entire hordes of lesser Formlings.
Continental level: The apex of the Formling hierarchy. These rare entities were so powerful that no single Hunter—or even a team—could hope to defeat them.
The Hunters learned about the Formlings' weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Detailed diagrams showed the best places to strike, from the soft underbellies of insectoid creatures to the nerve clusters hidden beneath layers of mutated flesh. Every lesson emphasized efficiency: one kill, one strike.
At the end of their training, the recruits were no longer mere individuals—they were now Hunters, humanity's first true weapon against the Formlings. Their mission was clear and unyielding: destroy every Formling they encountered.
The Hunters were given a structured system to track their progress and contributions. After each kill, they were required to bring back proof—usually a Formling's ear, claw, or any other identifiable body part. These trophies would not only serve as evidence but would also determine their rank within the Hunter hierarchy.
The camps themselves, now referred to as Hunter Bases, had been designed to act as both military outposts and strategic command centers. Each base had one primary goal: to identify Formling strongholds and assign missions to the Hunters. The bases operated with military precision, and no effort was spared in ensuring the Hunters were equipped with the knowledge and tools they needed to succeed.
Despite their training and newfound powers, the Hunters were given strict rules to follow in the field.
1. Avoid Higher-Level Formlings: Hunters were instructed to avoid engaging Commander-level or higher-ranked Formlings unless they were in large groups. Fighting these powerful enemies alone was considered suicide.
2. Stealth Over Bravado: Thanks to the physical similarities between humanic Formlings and their monstrous counterparts, Hunters could often infiltrate Formling gatherings unnoticed. This was a critical advantage, as it allowed them to strike from within.
3. Preserve the Mission: Personal vendettas or reckless behavior were strictly prohibited. Each Hunter was a part of a larger strategy, and any deviation could jeopardize the entire operation.
After a month of intense preparation, the Hunters were ready for their first mission. Across all ten bases, the plan was the same: release every Hunter into the Formling-controlled territories simultaneously. This coordinated assault would serve two purposes: to kill as many Formlings as possible in one massive strike and to identify the strongest and most capable Hunters in the process.
The Hunters were released into the wild in waves, each equipped with basic supplies and tracking devices to monitor their movements and progress. The plan capitalized on the Hunters' ability to blend in with the Formling population. By infiltrating enemy territories undetected, they could gather intelligence and launch surprise attacks with devastating efficiency.
The war to reclaim Earth had begun, but humanity's window of opportunity was narrow. The scientists who had created the humanic Formlings estimated that the Hunters would survive no more than three years in their altered states. Without a cure or a method to stabilize their transformations, the Hunters faced inevitable deterioration.
Despite this looming deadline, the resolve among the Hunters and their commanders remained unshaken. The first wave of attacks was only the beginning. With each successful mission, humanity would inch closer to reclaiming its rightful place on Earth.
The task ahead was daunting—a million Hunters against billions of Formlings. But for the first time in three years, humanity had hope. The Hunters were ready, and the world trembled at the sound of their march.
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