When Dr. Isaac Gilmore tweaks the genetic code of a captured alien virus in 2041, he accidentally creates an unspeakably destructive shapeshifting plague—dubbed the Xeno-5 Strand. What begins as an isolated lab outbreak in a futuristic Tokyo research institute soon erupts into a full-scale global disaster.

Just years after the world beat back the original Xeno-3 epidemic, this new mutant “protean” strain proves even deadlier, triggering chilling bodily transformations. In hours, the entire metro area becomes engulfed by a biological tidal wave turning millions into ravenous beasts acting as one.

With apocalyptic annihilation looming, special operative Jiro Yamada ventures into the hotzone’s shifting landscape of alien tissue, nightmarish architecture and strange psychic phenomena to rescue Dr. Gilmore and secure research needed to formulate a cure. However, shadowy political interests have other plans for deploying the lab-grown viral payload that Jiro is determined to stop at all costs.

He bands together with the doctor’s gifted young daughter and a squad of misfit scavengers caught behind enemy lines. But can their makeshift alliance adapt fast enough to withstand the nightmare bubbling up from secret military Crypt labs seeded across the city? Hope hangs in the balance on whether Jiro’s team can uncover a counteragent before a key zero hour when Protean will enter an unstoppable final stage.

Protean Relapse 2041

Alyssa shouted, her voice trembling with anger and nerves stretched thin. 


 "The latest Ghost variant targets children's immune systems specifically. We've crossed ethical lines no sane society tolerates!" 


Her research team fell silent exchanging uneasy looks under the flickering fluorescent lights. 


…..Their clandestine lab suddenly felt more claustrophobic prison than a haven of scientific discovery. 


"Have you forgotten our technical mandate here?" Dr. Jiang replied smoothly, an eyebrow raised in challenge. 


 "To advance defensive biotechnologies protecting Dyford's commercial interests and allies." 


He turned to Vijay who seemed fascinated by the lab reports scattered across his desk rather than meeting Alyssa's glare. 


 "Recall the shareholder briefings. Any breakthrough in attributes or deliverability is a victory." 


"This goes beyond share prices into crimes against humanity! 


Defecting with Deadly Secrets