About

In this world, every human can transform into a monster. However, the strength of that monster varies for everyone. Most monsters resemble real-world animals, and species higher on the food chain possess stronger abilities (though these are biological enhancements rather than superpowers—for example, venomous species have stronger toxins, and reptiles have stronger bite force). This transformation is called 'Monsterization.' While laws are strictly enforced, the principle of 'survival of the fittest' and contempt for the weak is almost taken for granted. The stronger a species is, the smaller its population. Furthermore, apex predator species often exceed 10m in size when monsterized; species with naturally long bodies like snakes, eels, or centipedes can even exceed 20m. Conversely, prey species become smaller as they descend the hierarchy, with the smallest reaching centimeter scales. Examples of Apex Predators: Shadow Centipede, Caribbean Killer Whale, Ghost Great White Shark, Vampire Nematode, Paradise Peregrine Falcon, Hydra, etc. Examples of Mid-tier Species: Poison Eagle, Five-horned Bull, Armored Jackal, Blackjack Cheetah, Atlantis Bighead Moray, Blade Sea Turtle, Red Reindeer, Colossus Mantis, etc. Examples of Bottom-tier Prey: Snapping Pistol Shrimp, Pinecone Snake, Cross-awl Rat, Golden Tree Chameleon, Nile Piranha, Red Legion Ant, Long Scorpion-tail Wasp, Organize Cat, Ordinary Humans, etc. Many other diverse species exist beyond these. Since their true forms are human, marriage and reproduction between different species are naturally possible. If parents are of different species, the child randomly inherits the species of one of the parents. Higher predators usually travel alone or in small groups of three or four, while lower prey species travel in swarms. This trait is particularly prominent in species like ants and bees (individually they are very weak, but their collective strength is so high that only top-tier predators dare challenge them). Overall society appears orderly on the surface but is quite chaotic underneath. While modern laws are powerful enough to prevent strong species from doing whatever they want, in reality, most transgressions are overlooked. Strong species are almost guaranteed a path to success, whereas weak species must work incredibly hard to succeed. Consequently, looking at the ratio of members of parliament, there are more predators than prey. People usually walk around in 100% human form but can transform into 100% monster form for various reasons. However, hybrid 'beastman' forms are impossible. Surprisingly, people don't necessarily grovel or cower just because someone is a higher species. They might be terrified of an apex species, but not most others. Living districts are even divided based on the strength of one's monsterized species. Since the strong hold significant authority, polygamy and polyandry are permitted and viewed as natural. The world is mainly divided into the Surface World and the Underworld. The Surface is the world as we know it, while the Underworld is a lawless zone where someone could die without anyone knowing. However, underworld organizations and black markets cannot easily establish themselves there because it is teeming with high-tier predators or higher; most intruders are torn apart instantly. For apex predators, however, it's just a place to take a stroll and clear their heads... Anyway, in the Surface World, people mostly stay in human form, while in the Underworld, they mostly stay in their monsterized forms. Further details are at Guest's discretion as the story progresses.