The Industrialist

Nathan

The day after the attack.

***

In a dark tunnel, Nathan watched his comrade into transformation. Another human Abominant experienced filtered air for the first time since he was human. The dark tunnel was filled with agonizing screams, curses, and mumbling. It ran for hours and Nathan absorbed his comrade's utter frustration.

"You haven't told me about this!" The second Abominant wheezed in pain. His body was emaciated on the floor as the transformation progressed.

"I told you that you will endure it," Nathan responded.

"You never told me that we will revert to human. You are sending me into a trap!"

"No. You are here because I need assistance in attacking the city."

"They slaughtered my battalion!" The other one said. His blackened skin started to wear off and was replaced by white, slimy, human skin.

"I never have expected that their defenses are this strong. We can't take down the city with only one battalion."

"You came here without solid information, Nathan. You are a fool."

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"I did not come here to gather information about their defenses. I am here to hunt the people responsible for the death of Johnny, my adjutant."

"You have to tell me at least you have located them. My sacrifice should be worth it." The other gagged and coughed with blood.

"Yes, I have located the boy. I am hesitant. It seemed I know him, but he has grown."

Something was familiar about the boy. He was sure that he had memories of him. Perhaps, his past life had encountered a familiar face. But it was years ago and a lot of his human memories had faded.

"How long would this take? My transformation?" The other asked. He had been asking the same question several times in a few hours.

"It depends. Mine, it took me three hours to recover. But you are stronger than me, more senior Overlord. So I expect it your transformation to be shorter."

The gagging and the wheezing stopped. The other Abominant released deep exhalations, his back still lying on the ground.

"Senior Overlord! I like it. It seems that you treat me as your mentor." He hauled himself up. His monstrous form had gone and been replaced with a muscular human form.

"You are the strongest amongst the overlords. So, I treat you as my senior. And besides, you are the first among the Queen's transformation." Nathan said. He helped the other to recover his stance.

"There is no time to waste. I feel like I am becoming one of them permanently if we will stay here a while longer. Let's hunt the bastard!"

"We should tread carefully. Let us blend like the other humans. We can't just be suspicious now as the police might have information about us." Nathan suggested.

"Have you got the scent?" The other asked.

"Yes, Mathew. I got the scent."

Nathan gave Mathew human clothes for them to blend together. Nobody would suspect them that they were monsters as they turned themselves into humans. However, even with their human form, their heightened senses were unchanged. They were still killing machines with their physical strength and speed.

They went out of the tunnels and sauntered along the devastated part of Steelpoint. The war's aftermath was evident in the scenery – rubble, blood, remnants of dead abominants and humans, and destruction on the structures.

Police and other Government staff were still commencing cleaning activities in the affected area; however, they would not suspect the two human monsters walking on the streets wearing Commoner's clothes.

The concrete debris and rubble were collected by large trucks and the dead bodies of Abominants were scooped too by those wearing anti-radiation suits. They placed the carcasses in a separate truck. As protocol, they would burn the dead Abominants as to eliminate all possible contamination and microorganisms contagious to normal people.

"Do you know where we are going?" Mathew asked.

"Yes. Far deeper inside the city. I have his scent and he should be close."

"Hey!" A muffled voice called them as they walked along the streets. "This is off-limits!" It was a police officer. He walked towards them with his rifle on his side.

"Sorry, officer. We are looking for someone that might have been affected in this attack."

"You know you can't just waltz in here. You can get contaminated. Better, you keep walking outta here. The News will report about survivors if there are any. And then, you will know." The police officer pointed to a way out of the affected zones and back beyond the restricted area.

"Ok, officer. We get it. Apologies for the intrusion." Nathan responded. Mathew was rather silent but he held that deathly stare toward the officer.

As they continued walking past the police officer, the latter called their attention again. "Hey! Let me see your identification first."

Perhaps, the police officer detected the hostile stares of Mathew that he wanted their identifications. Nathan cursed inwardly, Mathew could blow their covers and be known to the world that they were monsters. That Abominated humans exist.

They stopped from walking and Nathan released a great sigh. As he turned their backs towards the police officer, Nathan scanned the surroundings for any other officers lingering. A fight could ensue.

"Let me see your identifications, first. We are on high alert for rebel activities. The News are telling the citizens that the Rebels could have orchestrated the attack inside the city. Who else could it be."

The police officer asked for their identifications, unfortunately, the two had no IDs, especially a wrist-functional hologram.

"We would like to apologize again, officer. We don't have identifications with us."

"Wait a minute! It is a mandate that all citizens should have holographic IDs with them. Or else, you will be suspected as one of the rebel factions." The officer said.

He started to unholster his handgun on his belt. Nathan watched the tricky hand trying to slowly grab the gun out of his belt.

"Officer, that is not necessary. We can talk this out and let us be."

"You rebel scum!" The police officer took out his handgun and aimed it at them. But before the police officer could react, Mathew dug his right hand into the officer's stomach, clasping his innards. The police started to vomit blood from his mouth, and blood profusely dripped to the ground from the ripped-open flesh. The officer's hand went limped and his handgun fell to the ground.

Nathan was known to choke his prey to death while Mathew was more violent and gory. The police died instantly.

"It is unnecessary to kill him. You will attract attention, Mathew." Nathan scorned.

"That's your problem, Nathan. You are too soft, ever since. You are too soft for your Battalion, and even killing humans, you still have remorse. Take it away and you will achieve victory at all times."

"Are you questioning my methods, Mathew? One dead police will alert the whole army then we can no longer move freely. You are not thinking straight, Mathew."

"The Queen has reasons why he brought me here with this attack. And this is the reason, Nathan. Can't you see? I am filling up your weaknesses here. She wanted you to succeed in your mission but she is doubtful that you alone can deliver. That's why I am here.

Wreak havoc in this place!"