"Depending on your specialty, some of you will have the chance to dissect Orks in the future. But it's unnecessary to have a deep understanding of xenobiology to know that they are more adapted and evolved for combat than the human race."
At the front of the room, the hum of the holographic projector began as Caine typed on the semi-transparent keyboard floating in front of him. After finishing, hundreds of images and videos were projected, each depicting gruesome Ork attacks on civilians and military forces. It was easy to see how humans were overwhelmed by their power.
"Sir, if the difference is so big, how are we still alive today?" one of the students in the second row asked, visibly disturbed by the brutal scenes and the stark difference in power between the two races.
"That's a very intriguing question; each expert would likely explain it differently. However, within the NEA, we believe it's due to two factors: biology and technology," Caine began to explain.
He typed a bit more on the keyboard, and an image of a human appeared alongside that of an Ork.
"Biologically speaking, humans are capable of reproducing much faster. An Ork typically reproduces once every 36 months and rarely has more than one offspring. On the other hand, they live longer than humans. At this point, we don't know how much longer."
The captain paused while new holograms showcased different weapons on the screen, ranging from Z-Crystals to Mechas.
"The second factor is technology, humanity's primary tool for adaptation. It's what gave us Ranger Armors, Weapons, and all the great feats of engineering that have kept the Empire standing."
More images appeared in the holograms, featuring famous scientists and entrepreneurs from the beginning of the First Wave. However, few were still well-known due to the secrecy surrounding Z-Crystal research.
"The Z-Crystal was pivotal to our survival during the First Wave. It has many different effects and uses, but the primary effect is allowing humans to 'evolve.' Not in a Darwinian sense, but it enabled us to use our genetic potential to develop abilities and optimizations previously thought impossible."
The instruction typed a bit more, and the holograms slowly faded. At the same time, Caine walked toward the front row of students.
"When a human first comes into contact with a Z-Crystal, they automatically undergo the First Evolution. At that moment, every human develops their physical capabilities at this stage, including what we call Boon and Glitches. In the end, it's your genetic potential that will determine what changes will happen to your bodies."
Caine continued walking in front of the first row, eventually reaching the back of the room. He kept looking outside, focusing on the gymnasium where other students were sprinting.
"However, we're not limited to just this one evolution. Our bodies are capable of undergoing further developments, which can result in a variety of outcomes. From enhancing our physical abilities to further developing our Boons. Yet, to achieve these 'miracles,' a person must be subjected to extreme stress, whether in combat or through physical challenges. After reaching a certain threshold, the evolution process begins."
As Caine continued explaining the process of evolution, Oliver began to sense that something was different about him. Not only could he tell when he was about to evolve, but he could also delay it until a more convenient time. He looked around at his classmates' faces, trying to see if anyone else was confused by the explanation, but apart from a few who were sleepy and some who were chatting, no one seemed to disagree or have issues with the information.
"Captain, are there limits to evolutions? How do we know if we've already undergone one?" one of the more enthusiastic students asked without raising his hand.
"So far, we haven't identified any limits. However, each subsequent evolution becomes harder to achieve. The easiest way to tell is by using your Gauntlet to monitor your physical capacity. If there are variations, it means you've gone through an evolution." Caine explained.
"However, sometimes the Gauntlet isn't even necessary. If the physical changes are significant, you might just be able to see them in the mirror. In some cases, evolution increases muscle density or height, and in rarer cases, even changes your hair and eye color." Caine displayed a few more holograms, showing people dressed in military uniforms in several before-and-after photos.
"But are there any side effects? For example, do we feel pain during evolution?" This time, it was Oliver who asked. He knew he could evolve at any moment, and it was better to be prepared.
"It depends on the effect of your evolution. There have been cases where people experienced significant increases in strength, and in such instances, they felt as though their muscles were being torn apart and rebuilt. Others, whose evolutions affected their Boons, experienced no clear physical changes." Caine looked at the boy as he answered.
Oliver pondered this, realizing that his experience would depend on his luck. He didn't know much about the world, but it was clear that information was vital, and even more so, controlling that information. It didn't make sense to reveal his circumstance; depending on who found out, it could be a blessing or a curse.
Next to him, Alan seemed uninterested. But it wasn't just him; there seemed to be several others who weren't paying attention to the class.
Oliver could imagine that they already knew the information or had been taught it before.
'Where the hell did they learn that?' Oliver wondered.
After a few more explanations and questions, Caine was wrapping up the lesson.
"To provoke your evolutions, the Academy will further increase the intensity of your training. Forcing evolutions is essential to improving your chances of survival against the Orks. Be prepared!" Caine's expression showed concern as he spoke to his students.
The class was dismissed with this final warning.
The students already knew they had two weeks until their first test, and because of that, many professors had begun informing them that the training would be more intense. However, each class would be conducted in its own way.
After the lesson ended, several small groups of students began walking, each heading to their next class: Specialty Combat. The main topic of conversation was evolution.
"My mom said her first forced evolution was the worst one. It was when she grew a tail. Now she looks half-human, half-cat," one of the girls explained.
"That's crazy, I didn't know an evolution could change someone that much," one of the boys reacted.
"Yes! My dad completely lost his hearing when he evolved. Now he listens through the Energy flow," another boy added.
Oliver followed them, listening to the conversation closely, hoping none of that would happen to him. 'I don't want to turn into a cat, and even less to go deaf.'
Many Second Battalion students hadn't yet reached their second evolution but were excited about the possibilities for the future, especially as they felt they were growing rapidly.
Unfortunately, Oliver didn't know any students taking Ranger Weaponry, but he kept walking near others he recognized were also headed to the gym. Oliver remained deep in thought as they walked between the modern buildings and along paths through dense forests that camouflaged the entire Academy.
'How much time does an evolution take?' Oliver thought, questioning himself for not asking this sooner.
The boy didn't want other students to know he had evolved. If he activated it now and experienced pain or physical changes, it would be evident to everyone that he had undergone his second evolution.
'At night, maybe I can hide it if there's any physical change. If it's just my hair color, I can shave it off,' the boy thought. 'But if it's my eye color or height… I'm screwed.'
'I'll wait,' Oliver decided that a few hours wouldn't make much difference.
As they continued walking, jokes were exchanged between the students, and the pace was comfortable. It didn't feel like they were in the military, much less training to face humanity's greatest threat. For a brief moment, Oliver felt connected to someone, or at least to this group of students.
The gym was in the distance. Oliver could already see some students preparing for the next class, mostly inspecting the arenas where the battles took place, while others discussed with their sparring partners.
"I've been training these past few days. I came up with a new way to fight," one of the boys said, trying to impress a girl walking beside him. "You'll see, I'm going to win for you today."
"No way. Aren't you fighting a boy from the First Battalion?" The girl tried not to laugh too much, but her disbelief was apparent.
"You'll see!" the boy replied, confidence ringing in his voice.
The class rivalry had grown significantly over the past few weeks, prompting every student to strive for individual distinction, especially against the trio from the First Battalion. But so far, those efforts had been in vain.
Oliver was one of these students, but had a more realistic view. He didn't expect to be able to defeat them anytime soon.
'But who knows after the second evolution?' He thought, trying to stay positive.
A loud whistle echoed throughout the gym.
Captain Musk was holding the whistle. The students hadn't noticed him yet, but after the sudden silence, they could hear the clicks and clanks of his prosthetics.
"Your professors have probably already warned you that there will be an increase in the level of your upcoming training. However, it's not just about the workload. It's also about the realism of these trainings." Musk warned.
The old trainer walked to the center of the gym. Oliver stopped his stretches to follow the instructor. He also noticed Katherine on the other side of the gym, tying her boots while trying to listen to the explanation. He couldn't help but imagine the possibilities that would open up after his second evolution and the chance to impress her.
The boy shook his head, not understanding his own thoughts. 'Why do I want to impress her?'
On the other hand, Astrid, another rival from the First Battalion, was practically glued to the trainer, her face beaming with excitement at the prospect of a new challenge.
"You will have your first field class and finally face real combat!"