The world changed in the blink of an eye as a massive shockwave tore through the planet, its energy reverberated through the very fabric of the earth and touching every human soul. Nothing would ever be the same again.
That day marked a turning point for humanity. With every individual imbued with power or abilities, some grew animal parts as an extension of their gifts, while others transformed into lost souls or phantoms, destined to haunt the earth.
The phantoms, driven by malice, unleashed havoc across the globe assaulting humanity, structures, and nature itself.
Some materializing with a physical form, while others were more like wraiths, wreaking havoc from beyond the vail.
Unbeknownst to humanity a hierarchy of power began to emerge. Those who had animal parts found themselves bestowed with unique abilities, their powers distinct and formidable. In contrast, humans without animal traits possessed more generic abilities, their powers less extraordinary but still significant in their own right.
Among the transformed, those without animal traits discovered they had basic elemental abilities manipulating fire, water, earth, and air and telekinetic powers. These capabilities though impressive, were more generalized.
In contrast, the humans with animal traits possessed powers that were more unique as their physical changes. They exhibited abilities that mirrored their animal traits, such as enhanced speed, acute senses, or even the power to heal rapidly.
Some even developed entirely new skills that defied conventional understanding, marking them as extraordinary in the new world.
Chaos reigned in the new world as old laws crumbled and new tensions arose. A rift formed between the humans without animal traits and those who had transformed. The former saw the latter as dangerous and unpredictable, while the individuals with animal traits felt ostracized and unfairly scrutinized, their powers and traits misunderstood and feared. Humanity fractured, with groups forming and claiming territories based on their differences. The majority isolated themselves from those with animal traits, and vice versa, as mistrust ran deep.
However, in certain areas, small bands of people defied this trend, staying together despite their differences, united in their efforts to rebuild and protect themselves from the relentless phantoms that attacked without warning.
Across the fractured world, human and human-trait groups alike took up the mantle of discovery. They banded together in search of answers, traversing continents in pursuit of any clue that might explain the transformation that had upended their lives. Following the path of the shockwave, they moved forward with a mix of determination and uncertainty, knowing that the truth or danger lay ahead.