Chapter Five: The Hamlet (Part One)

Chapter Five: The Hamlet (Part One)

"Director Huangfu, the missing Sample 77 of the G-virus has been located," the young man spoke deferentially.

"Yes, it was the reconnaissance team that first discovered it. Is the G-virus sample intact?" The lean man raised his head, his expression betraying his deep concern for the matter, as per the young man's words.

"The reconnaissance team didn't find it; the signal emanated from the Evolution Guide of Subject 77. According to her report, the G-virus sample has been successfully located within a host and has completed initial evolution," the young man replied.

"What? How is this possible? Even in laboratory conditions, with a multitude of auxiliary instruments and emergency medications, the survival probability of test subjects is less than one in ten thousand. How could there be a successful case in the wilderness?" The lean man furrowed his brow slightly, expressing his incredulity.

"We find it quite baffling as well. However, the data provided by the guide of Subject 77, Chris, is limited. We cannot make further judgments. Nonetheless, we can confirm that the evolutionary direction of this test subject is that of a psychic anomaly user."

"A psychic anomaly user. Such anomalies are relatively rare. Among the successful test subjects we currently possess, there are few of this type. The prospects of Subject 77 are quite intriguing," the gleam in the lean man's eyes betrayed his keen interest.

"Psychic anomaly users belong to the category of low initial potential with high latent abilities. The increase in physical attributes such as strength and agility for test subjects is limited compared to other types of anomaly users. For the safety of the test subject, I suggest we immediately inform the reconnaissance team to retrieve Subject 77 for further study," the young man said, his tone tinged with concern.

Director Huangfu rose from his seat and, after pacing back and forth for a few rounds, remarked, "No, recall all the reconnaissance teams in Z Province immediately, and simultaneously reinforce surveillance of Subject 77 using satellites."

The young man was somewhat surprised. "From the intelligence we've received, the Asian Federation government is preparing to shorten its defenses, abandoning several provinces with severe T-virus infections, and Z Province is one of them. It would be dangerous to keep the test subject there."

Director Huangfu scoffed. "Anomaly users need continuous trials of life and death to evolve. I don't need mice that will hide in a greenhouse and drink milk. I need a warrior who can withstand trials by blood and fire. Previously, test subjects were cultivated and trained in the laboratory to a certain level before being deployed. We have yet to experience the release of test subjects directly into the wild. This is an excellent opportunity for such an experiment. Follow my instructions without worry, and I will negotiate with the committee."

The young man opened his mouth but ultimately did not refute Director Huangfu. After respectfully bowing, he exited the room.

...

After nearly ten hours of walking, Xiao Ran gradually became aware of the peculiarities in his body. He had never been fond of exercise, and coupled with several days of not eating well, he should have been out of breath and exhausted after even a short run. However, his stamina was remarkably high now, and he felt no hunger despite the long journey. It was as if there was a simmering furnace inside him, rendering the continuous cold moisture of the night in Z Province ineffective. His somewhat nearsighted eyes could now easily discern objects hundreds of meters away. It seemed that the G-virus had indeed enhanced his physical fitness.

After walking for nearly fifteen kilometers, Xiao Ran finally came across a dilapidated hamlet. It was a scene of desolation, with torn plastic bags fluttering in the cold wind alongside crumpled pieces of paper. Everywhere lay ruined wells and crumbling houses, standing dark and silent with not a glimmer of light to be seen. The surrounding silence was eerie; apart from the whistling wind, there was nothing to be heard. The entire hamlet resembled a gaping demon's maw, ready to swallow up anyone who entered.

Xiao Ran dared not be careless. This seemingly quiet hamlet might hide dreadful zombies within. But if he didn't enter to find food, he would eventually starve to death in the wilderness, even if he wasn't eaten by zombies. He had to take this risk. However, Xiao Ran, who was accustomed to being cautious, did not dare approach the center of the town. Instead, he chose to stealthily enter a three-story building with an open door on the outskirts of town.

The interior of the house had clearly been ransacked, with smashed mahogany furniture strewn everywhere and various items scattered haphazardly. However, the opulent chandelier hanging from the ceiling hinted at the former luxury of the place.

Glancing at the animal furs hanging around the walls, Xiao Ran inferred that this was likely a wealthy person's suburban villa. Located in a remote mountainous area with abundant wildlife, hunting activities were prevalent. Some affluent businessmen who enjoyed outdoor activities would build villas here for relaxation.

"Finding this place is truly fortunate for me," Xiao Ran thought happily. "For hunting, there must be firearms stored in the house, and perhaps even food."

However, his joy did not last long. The armory on the ground floor was already empty, and the refrigerator contained only rotten and spoiled food. Apart from a bent steel pipe, he couldn't find anything useful. Just as Xiao Ran was feeling dejected, something suddenly caught his attention.

It was an extremely ordinary mirror. Xiao Ran saw his reflection in the mirror; his skin was frighteningly pale, resembling that of someone suffering from vitiligo. Traces of blood flowing through his veins could be faintly discerned beneath his skin. His eyebrows had all turned silver, and his ears had become pointed. His black eyes were as deep as the sea, captivating anyone who glanced at them. What was even stranger was that Xiao Ran's somewhat chubby figure had become thin and tall.

"How could this be? Is this still me?" Xiao Ran stared blankly at his reflection in the mirror. Originally, he had some doubts about Chris's words, but his appearance confirmed everything. Xiao Ran had indeed undergone mutation due to the G-virus. Now, he couldn't tell if he was a zombie or a human.

"Be careful!"

A warning cry startled the dazed Xiao Ran. Looking up, he saw a middle-aged woman covered in blood staring blankly at him.

"A zombie." Xiao Ran suddenly realized. Instinctively, he fiercely swung the steel pipe in his hand at the middle-aged woman. With a loud crash, the mirror in front of him shattered, and what he had seen as a zombie in the mirror was nothing but a reflection. The real zombie behind him lunged forward, knocking him to the ground. Its body pressed firmly against Xiao Ran, rendering him immobile, while its hands gripped his neck like iron clamps.