The Revelation of the Otherborn

In 2065, the global population was aging rapidly, and the annual birth rate fell below two million. With fewer people and resources growing scarce, human technology began to stagnate. In response, humanity formed a secretive organization and built a human gene research facility beneath the Arctic ice. There, they developed fifth-generation test-tube babies and began researching anti-aging treatments and a super-soldier program. However, an accident involving a mysterious serum leak occurred, and in just six months, human society began to collapse completely. Worldwide, 80% of humans and 95% of plants, animals, and insects mutated after being infected by the serum virus, becoming Bonewalkers, Bonebeasts, and Boneborn. But there are always exceptions. Some humans gained supernatural abilities instead of becoming terrifying Bonewalkers after infection. Among animals, Bonebeasts began to emerge with high intelligence and the ability to command their own kind in battle. Insects usually mutated into Bonebeasts with average intelligence that preferred to act in swarms. Plants generally mutated into Boneborn, though some whose roots and stems were infected became mobile, gained a degree of intelligence, and could command others of their kind. These special mutants were collectively known as Aberrants. More astonishingly, killing Aberrants, Bonewalkers, Bonebeasts, or Boneborn and absorbing the marrow or root fluid from their infected parts could evolve one’s abilities and grant corresponding supernatural powers. But as time passed, the intelligence of Aberrant plants and animals continued to increase. Whether humanity can survive this catastrophe and what the future holds for Earth have become mysteries.