Chapter 2: Apocalypse Descends

"Can you tell me what exactly happened? Am I dead?" Fang Chong stared at the room in his supposed mind, attempting to converse with the 'Maya' system, hoping for some useful insights.

"It is currently April 3, 2012, 19:45 Earth time, seven hours after the arrival of 'extraterrestrial life,'" the Maya system provided Fang Chong with a detailed overview of the current situation. "Moreover, the 'host' should be alive and well."

"Alive and well." Fang Chong felt indescribable joy upon hearing these words, but soon his expression changed.

"Extraterrestrial life invasion?" What does that mean? Fang Chong was bewildered. Additionally, considering the seven hours since the invasion, he calculated – wasn't it during the daytime when the 'meteor shower' entered Earth? Could it be that those 'meteor showers' were not ordinary rocks but rather 'extraterrestrial life'?

Is it really the 'end of the world'?

"Maya, what does it mean that 'extraterrestrial life' has invaded?" After regaining his composure, Fang Chong hurriedly asked, opting for a casual name as constantly addressing someone by their system name felt impolite.

"Extraterrestrial life refers to life forms in the universe different from the host," explained the Maya system promptly.

"Are they powerful? Do they pose a threat to Earth?" Having somewhat grasped the explanation from the Maya system, Fang Chong realized that these so-called 'extraterrestrial life forms' were likely the 'aliens' that humanity had been searching for. However, he didn't know whether these 'aliens' were foes or friends.

"Due to system program limitations, I am temporarily unable to gather more data. If the host wishes to obtain more detailed information, please strive to increase your level," the emotionless voice of the Maya system stated.

"Increase level?" Fang Chong's eyes widened at these four words. "Could this be a game? There's even leveling up, is there a boss too?"

"Yes, the 'Maya system' is indeed a system that can continuously level up. For each level you advance, you'll receive corresponding gift packages and information." Despite Fang Chong's surprise, the Maya system remained unruffled, explaining the key points in a straightforward manner.

"What on earth is going on?" Fang Chong couldn't help but feel exasperated; this situation was truly maddening. The Maya system seemed to know nothing important, providing incomprehensible information.

"Leveling up, gift packages – aren't these terms from online games?" Fang Chong wondered aloud.

"Do you know what the outside world is like now?" It took Fang Chong a while to voice this question. Since calming down from the Maya system's earlier words, he realized that the Maya system probably wasn't originally from Earth.

"With the noon meteor shower entering Earth's atmosphere, extraterrestrial life has brought a powerful virus to Earth. I believe that by now, the life forms on Earth should have undergone changes," the Maya system promptly began explaining on this matter.

"A powerful virus." Fang Chong had mentally prepared for the worst just moments ago, but hearing about a "powerful virus" entering Earth still made it difficult for him to believe it was real.

"What is this powerful virus?" Fang Chong asked after taking a deep breath. Though he still hesitated to fully accept the notion of a 'world-ending' scenario, his communication with the Maya system from earlier gradually made him acknowledge this fact. Simultaneously, he felt assured that the Maya system wouldn't harm him.

Considering the intense impact when the fireball struck the windowsill, Fang Chong couldn't ignore the fact that he had sustained severe injuries. Being alive and well now was likely thanks to the Maya system.

"A virus carried by extraterrestrial life, also known as a genetic virus. If the body's genes are strong enough, getting infected with such a virus can make one even more powerful – a genetic warrior," the Maya system continued.

"So, isn't this thing a good thing?" Fang Chong questioned with confusion.

"It can be considered a good thing, but Earthlings are too weak to adapt to the genetic virus," the Maya system straightforwardly clarified, leaving no room for hope.

"What happens if they can't adapt?" Fang Chong was surprised to hear Earthlings described as weak by Maya.

"They turn into zombies." Maya unexpectedly displayed some images in the metallic-textured room. On them were people Fang Chong recognized, but upon closer inspection, he was startled.

Lifeless eyes, numb movements – they seemed dead, yet they could walk? Staring at these zombie-like figures with festering sores, Fang Chong was genuinely frightened.

"Are these zombies powerful?" Recalling a game called "Resident Evil" he had played before, Fang Chong remembered descriptions of zombies, stating that aside from losing human thinking, their other bodily functions became more formidable. Now, he wondered if real-life zombies were similar."In the early stages, zombies have five times the strength of ordinary humans, but their speed is slower. As time progresses, zombies evolve, with each evolution doubling their strength, and weaknesses gradually disappearing," Maya provided detailed information, seemingly not restricted by her qualification level.

"What's happening outside now?" Listening to Maya's description, Fang Chong felt a chilling sensation creeping over him.

"If nothing unexpected occurs, more than fifty percent of humans are likely infected and turned into zombies by now. After tomorrow, this number will double. A few months later, only one-tenth of humanity might remain unaffected," Maya gave Fang Chong a rough estimate.

"Why?" Fang Chong didn't quite understand after hearing Maya's answer.

"Most people are unaware of the drastic changes in the outside world due to the noon meteor shower. Nearly the entire world, except for a few places, is in a blackout, and satellite systems are all in a state of chaos, rendering them unable to broadcast dangerous information. Those unprepared tomorrow are highly likely to be attacked by humans turned into zombies. Considering the genetic virus can spread in the air, physically weaker humans have no chance of escaping the fate of becoming zombies," the Maya system explained.

"What about me?" Listening to Maya's description, Fang Chong's heart sank bit by bit.