Intelligent Design: A Monster Evolution LitRPG

As David stepped into the warehouse, he was struck by the contrast to his last memory of the place. Gone was the haphazard arrangement of bedding and lounging areas, the little bits of grass and twigs that had covered the floor. In its place stood a scene of surprising order, despite the palpable tension in the air.

The cavernous space was packed to the brim with a crowd of transformed humans, their diverse forms creating a living tapestry of fur, scales, and everything in between. At the center, a loose circle of large stones stood conspicuously empty, like some primordial council chamber.

Well, would you look at that. Seems like they've got their shit together after all. This place used to look like a break room for zoo animals.

His eyes swept over the crowd, noting the careful organization. The largest creatures huddled near the walls, their bulk carefully contained to avoid crushing their smaller neighbors. In front, a veritable blanket of diminutive forms jostled for position, their tiny voices creating a high-pitched buzz of conversation.

A rustle of movement above caught David's ears, locking onto the noise like radar dishes. He glanced up, his keen eyes picking out dozens of winged creatures perched in the rafters and support beams. What looked like a giant clothesline – actually stripped power cables stretching between the walls – served as an impromptu roost for even more airborne residents.

Gideon's been busy. I wonder if Pinchy is…far enough along to get bored of gluing stuff down for us all the time? The murderfloofs already get bored with keeping watch for me when I'm sleeping, I wonder if–

Suddenly, a rapid clatter of claws against concrete sent David whirling, his body tensing instinctively. His Wildsoul surged through him, a decoy already beginning to form as he prepared to unleash a shot at full power.

But instead of a threat, he found himself face-to-face with an exuberant ball of fur. Wally, looking more wolf-like than ever with his flowing coat, bounded around David in circles. His tongue lolled out in a goofy grin as he barked excitedly.

"I knew you could solo a boss!" Wally yipped, his tail wagging so hard his entire rear end swayed. "Wasn't worried for a second! Gideon owes me five bucks now – you're not even covered in extra eyes or anything!"

David let out a breath, his charged attack dissipating harmlessly. He couldn't help but laugh at Wally's enthusiasm. "Glad to see you too, buddy. How's Riverport treating yo– Wait, Gideon thought I was gonna die?"

Wally cocked his head, considering the question with canine seriousness. After a moment, his jaws dropped open in a wide grin. "Nope! But he bet that you'd come back with some…Omega-themed reward. I love it here! Always something useful to do, you know?"

Before David could respond, a blur of motion distracted him yet again. Thomas sailed over them in a graceful arc, clearing their heads by several feet. The panther-like creature landed without a sound, fixing David with a pointed look that clearly said ‘follow me.’

Damn. Looks like the Hunting Team's been keeping sharp. I know it was just a jump, but that was smooth.

David gave Wally a friendly shove with his wing, and the man returned the gesture with a fierce poke of his snout before trotting away with a promise to find him again later. As they made their way through the crowd, David spotted a familiar group off to the side. His face split into a wide grin at the sight of them, ears perking forward happily.

Betty, the massive crab, now sported an even more impressive anemone on her back. Its bioluminescent tendrils swayed gently, casting an ethereal glow around her. Two smaller anemones had sprouted from her imposing claws, giving her the bizarre appearance of wielding glowing pom-poms.

Beside her stood a creature that could only be described as a bipedal goat on steroids. Its obsidian hooves gleamed wickedly, their edges so sharp they looked like they could slice like knives. A twisted mass of horns erupted from its skull, supported by a neck as thick as a tree trunk.

And just behind them, looking like something that should be airbrushed onto the side of a van, was an elk-man of startling beauty. His pearly white fur seemed to shimmer, while his crystalline antlers caught and refracted the light, their tips needle-sharp and dangerous.

As David approached the group, he couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and amusement.

Evolution's been kind for these guys. Or maybe "kind" isn't the right word. "Creative" might be better. About time people caught a break these days.

As David followed Thomas toward the Hunting Team, they caught sight of him ambling along behind. A flurry of excited greetings followed, though Betty started violently when her eyestalks swiveled around to follow Leo's gaze towards David. She shuddered, an odd thing to see from a giant crab, her entire carapace rattling and making her anemone sway crazily.

"Whatever the hell you've been doing," Betty warbles, her voice a mix of awe and revulsion, "you should try doing the opposite. That look of yours should come with a warning label and a government health advisory."

David dramatically clutched at his pendant with a taloned wing, subtly flexing the blades that ran along the outside edge for a bit of extra hideousness. "You wound me, Betty. And here I thought I was looking rather dashing today. I even broke out the good jewelry!"

Charles, the bipedal goat, shook his head in a gesture that looked... weighty, his mass of horns swaying like a bizarre chandelier. "Lay off him, Betty. We all got pigeonholed into something specific since this mess started." He turned to David, his obsidian hooves clicking on the concrete. "Though you do look like something out of a particularly nasty horror flick. What's with all the baby bats? Did Claire finally knock you up?"

David blinked, confusion etching across his face before his ears snapped forward again, realizing the Cuddlebugs had crowded under him. They snarled in hideous silence at almost every member of the Hunting Team, tiny bodies almost vibrating with suspicion.

Well, shit. When did they get so good at following without me tripping over them? Or have I just stopped paying attention?

David clapped Charles with a mock-stern expression, his talons making a soft 'tink' sound against the floor as he drew himself up to his full regal height. "How'd you like finding out you lay giant eggs that hatch into random bats? Surprise parenthood, my friend."

Charles held his gaze for a few seconds, his rectangular pupils dilating slightly before he bleated out a laugh. "You almost had me for a second, but those are clearly summons. Nice try, though."

David cackled, the sound echoing off the warehouse walls. "Allow me to introduce the Cuddlebugs. They're usually much friendlier."

Leo spoke up, his musical voice a stark contrast to the barking, growling, and rumbling that surrounding them. "They don't look very cuddly right now. More like they want to cuddle with their teeth. Violently."

"They're stressed," David explained, absently patting Captain's head. "New people, tense situation. They're not sure who's dangerous or not." Right as he said this, one of the newest Cuddlebugs darted out a few inches in front of him, fluffing its fur out as far as possible and letting out a hiss so savage spittle actually flew out of its mouth. David casually scooped it back under him with a wing like you'd sweep trash into a dustpan. "Maybe look with your eyes and not your fingers?"

Leo responded wistfully, his crystalline antlers catching the light. "I'd gladly lose a finger to pet them if it meant I could get my fingers back."

David twiddled his own talons, the wicked curve almost seeming to blend into the dim light. "At least you don't have knives for fingers. Makes every itch a potentially dangerous situation."

"At least you can scratch an itch, bud.”

David's gaze traveled upward following the voice, and he found himself face-to-face with a creature that sent shivers down his spine.

Dallas clung to the wall about twelve feet up, his form a fusion of wasp and spider that made David's recent encounter with the Hive Queen seem almost quaint by comparison. Gone was the merely intimidating wasp-man of before. In his place hung a real murder-hornet, its exoskeleton a striking pattern of dark crimson bands against deep yellow. Six elongated, arachnid-like limbs splayed across the wall, each tipped with wickedly curved claws that clung to the rusted wall effortlessly.

But it was the stinger that truly captured David's attention – and horror. Protruding from Dallas' abdomen, the foot-long appendage gleamed with a metallic sheen, its edges serrated. It tapped against the wall in an anxious rhythm as Dallas' antennae waved in what David remembered was a greeting.

The sudden reveal was too much for David. A strangled screech escaped his throat as he stumbled backward, wings flaring instinctively. His reaction set off a chain of startled jumps and yelps from the surrounding group.

The Cuddlebugs, ever attuned to David's distress, reacted with instantaneous fury. They coalesced into a living swarm, tiny bodies whirling through the air as they launched themselves at Dallas with murderous intent. Only to slam, comically, into an invisible barrier inches from their target as he reigned them in with a rapid mental command. Frustrated and seething, they retreated to David, forming a protective, bristling carpet around his feet.

Captain, the alpha of the bunch, took charge immediately. With a series of chirps and growls that sounded absurdly cute coming from such a vicious little creature, it herded the others into a more organized formation. Soon, the Cuddlebugs settled into a surly huddle beneath David, their beady eyes still fixed on the wasp with unmistakable hostility.

The man froze, his compound eyes reflecting David's startled expression. Leo snorted in an understanding way, his nostrils flaring as he watched.

Dallas' multitonal, buzzy voice vibrated through the air. "We still cool, man?"

David nodded, trying to calm his racing heart. "Yeah, we're chill. Just had a bad experience with giant bugs lately. You look like a way-more-scary version of something I tangled with about a week ago."

"Almost got eaten by bugs?" Dallas asked, his antennae twitching sympathetically.

David sighed, nodding as Captain quickly perched on his back and settled down imperiously, snout in the air and fluffy tail held high.

Dallas, clearly changing the subject, commented, "I've got summons too, you know."

Betty shuddered, her carapace rattling again. "They're not summons, they're a crime against nature, humanity, ontological goodness, and decency. An angel loses its wings every time you implant one."

Dallas agreed wholeheartedly but added, "They're super useful in a fight, though."

Just as David's curiosity about Dallas' summons peaked, a thunderous bellow reverberated through the warehouse, cutting off all conversation. The sound vibrated through David's bones, setting his fur on end as his mane lifted from his neck all the way down to his back. Without thinking, he darted across the fractured concrete to take his place beside Thomas and Betty. Above him, Dallas clung to the wall, his form casting an ominous shadow that set the Cuddlebugs bristling with barely contained aggression.

In the center of the makeshift stone circle stood a creature that defied easy description. At first glance, it resembled an ox, but that was like saying a tank resembled a bicycle. This beast was a monument to raw, unyielding power. Its massive frame dwarfed almost everyone present, muscles rippling beneath a coat of dense, shaggy fur. Atop its broad skull sat a pair of horns that would have made a pre-Integration moose green with envy.

As the creature pawed at the ground, tiny chips of concrete danced off the floor from the sheer force of each motion. David's mind raced, trying to put a name to this colossus. Then it hit him – Ezra. The beast opened its mouth, and David braced himself for whatever earth-shaking proclamation was to come.

Ezra's voice boomed through the warehouse, sending vibrations through the floor. "As I'm sure you're all aware, the Second Wave will be beginning in two days. We're putting our disaster plan into effect immediately, regardless of total progress on the preparations."

A murmur ran through the room, a mix of nervous energy and determination. Ezra began to list off duties and tasks for certain groups, using team names that sounded like they'd been coined during a particularly creative drinking session.

"Alright, listen up! Land Sharks, I want those trenches dug deep and wide. Make 'em nasty, we don't know what's coming. Lightweight Babies, shore up those walls – I don't care where you get the stone from as long as long as it isn't holding something up already. Don't step on anyone this time! R.P.D., you're on patrol duty in the surrounding ruins. Keep those eyes peeled and those senses sharp!"

He stomped a hoof, sending tremors through the floor. "Flappy Boys, set up the net. I want eyes in the sky and the treetops."

Ezra's gaze swept the crowd, fixing on various groups. "Scavengers, you're on resource duty. Anything useful, bring it back. Thumbs, work on those makeshift defenses. Get creative – I want nasty surprises for any unwelcome guests."

With each team name called, various creatures perked up or made sounds of acknowledgment.

David listened, literally shocked by how civil it all was, the entire event unfolding like a very tense city hall meeting. Many seemed a bit frightened, but everyone also had a measure of fire in their eyes as Ezra continued to drone out instructions.

As he wrapped up, Ezra's voice took on a hint of humor. "And remember, folks – training will continue unless a giant purple people-eater descends from the sky with ice cream, candy, and opposable thumbs for everyone! The new schedule will be announced tomorrow morning."

The warehouse erupted in laughter. A group of smaller members, mostly rodents and primate-like creatures, threw their 'hands' into the air and twiddled their 'thumbs' in what was clearly a running joke.

David shook his head in amazement. The organization, the teamwork – it was a far cry from the chaotic scramble he'd witnessed during his first visit to Woodland. He glanced at the Hunting Team, seeing his own mix of determination and nervous energy reflected in their bizarre faces.

As Ezra's speech concluded, the warehouse erupted into a storm of activity. Bodies of all shapes and sizes began to move with surprising coordination, like a well-oiled machine springing to life.

"Daylight's burning, folks!" a gruff voice called out.

"Some of us can see in the dark, day walker!" came the snarky reply, eliciting a few chuckles from the crowd.

David watched in amazement as the smaller creatures and those blessed with flight darted out ahead, weaving between the lumbering forms of their larger counterparts. It was an organized chaos, each person seeming to know their role by heart.

The Hunting Team, however, remained still, a practiced patience evident in their postures. Dallas descended from his perch on the wall, his spider-like legs making soft clicking sounds as he approached David.

Captain, ever vigilant, bounced down to the floor, snapping at a few overzealous Cuddlebugs who took offense at Dallas' proximity. David, seeing an opportunity to smooth things over, reached out and patted what he assumed was Dallas' shoulder – or the wasp equivalent of a shoulder anyway.

"Easy, guys," David cooed to his summons. "Dallas is a friendly wasp. Friendly. No need for any biting, got it?"

The survivors of the Hive Queen battle looked far from convinced, their tiny eyes narrowed in suspicion. But the newer Cuddlebugs, taking their cue from David, began to settle. Their aggressive postures slowly morphed into curious observation, though they kept a wary distance from the towering insectoid.

"So," David said, turning to the Hunting Team, "anything I can do to help out? I'm feeling a bit useless just standing here."

The team exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, Betty spoke up, her voice tinged with amusement. "Not really, David. We've got this down to a science now. Kozlov even ran us through a drill two days ago, so it's all fresh."

Leo chuckled, his antlers catching the light. "It's not like the old days when a handful of us were doing everything. We've got a system now, and throwing you into the mix might just gum up the works. No offense."

David grumbled good-naturedly, his wings rustling. "Fine, fine. I get it. Civilization's progressed past the stone age since I've been gone. Here I am, feeling like a caveman watching you work a computer. Want me to go club something? That I can do."

His joke elicited a round of laughter from the group. Even Dallas' wings buzzed loudly in amusement.

"Look," Leo said, his tone softening, "Ezra's handling the workforce now that Herold's too big for indoor meetings. But Herold's still calling the shots overall. He might have something for you to do, but honestly? You should probably take it easy."

Charles nodded, his horns bobbing. "We can't stop what's coming, but we've got a plan. Maybe you can help in other ways. For now, we're just glad to have you back in case something does need a good clubbing."

"Because something always needs clubbing eventually," Betty added dryly.

David sighed, a mix of frustration and acceptance. "Alright, I'll try not to get underfoot. But the second you need something melted or scared half to death, you know where to find me. The Cuddlebugs are amazing scouts, too. Maybe we can find something..."

‘Wait, melted?"

David grinned in response to Thomas' question, but didn't answer. Instead he offered a casual shrug of his wings that left Thomas blinking suspiciously back him, gears clearly turning in his mind.

As the last of the crowd filtered out of the warehouse, David found himself in an odd state of limbo. He was back among friends, back in a place that had once been a sanctuary of sorts. But now, watching the well-oiled machine of Woodland's defenses spring into action without him, he felt like an outsider.

Well, at least I've got two days to figure out where I fit in this new version of Woodland before the ‘fun’ starts. And hey, if all else fails, there's always the "nuclear" option.

With that thought, David settled in to wait, his mind already churning with possibilities for the challenges that lay ahead. Whatever Wave 2 had in store, he was determined to be ready – even if that meant being the designated surprise clubber in a world that had moved beyond the stone age.