In a world where hybrids—humans fused with animal DNA—are both feared and exploited, society has found a new way to control them: The Trials.

Once a year, the world watches as two elite hybrid universities are forced to send eight of their students into a deadly arena. It’s a government-sanctioned bloodsport—televised, glamorized, and adored by humans. Survival earns immunity, fame, and fortune. For the rest? There’s only one way out.

At Ardenwild Institute, survival isn’t just a goal—it’s a language. Each student is a weapon with a pulse, each year a countdown to the next sacrifice. This year, eight names have been chosen. Among them are eight hybrids with the power to change everything.

There’s Park Seonghwa, the quiet snow leopard with a strategist’s mind. Kim Hongjoong, the lynx rebel with fire in his blood. Choi San, the deadly panther who loves harder than he fights. Jung Wooyoung, the caracal who plays the game better than anyone. Kang Yeosang, the ghost-like ocelot who sees all. Song Mingi, the lion with too much heart. Jeong Yunho, the cougar who carries the team on his back. And Choi Jongho, the jaguar whose silence says more than words ever could.

And then there’s you, a cheetah hybrid—and the fastest Ardenwild has ever seen. Voted into the Trials not for fame or honor, but because the public wants to watch them run.

But this year, the game is different.

Because this year... Ardenwild is done playing nice.

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i’m such an animal nerd so i’m surprised i hadn’t already made a hybrid ateez au. got inspired to make this after watching a big cats documentary ☺️ hope u like it and feel free to leave requests in the comments!! - M