Chapter 23

Alex lay in bed, his body still aching from the fall and exertion. He could feel every muscle protesting with each breath, but at least he was alive, and so were his animals. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to relax when Ariel's voice interrupted his brief rest. 

"According to my analysis, you have a mild concussion and some minor injuries," Ariel reported in her calm tone. "The snow cushioned your fall, preventing more severe damage." 

Alex sighed, relieved by the news. "That's something. Activate the recovery enhancement, then. I need to be at one hundred percent as soon as possible." 

Ariel took a few seconds to respond, which always unsettled Alex. "In this case, it is not recommended to activate the recovery enhancement. Due to the excessive consumption of the Omega supplement and the indiscriminate use of your ability during the fight, you have suffered some damage to the neuronal cortex." 

Alex tensed. "Neuronal damage?" 

"The damage will heal on its own over time," Ariel continued, maintaining her calm. "But for now, it's best to avoid using your ability. You need to let your body recover naturally to prevent further complications." 

Alex let out a long sigh. "That's the last thing I wanted to hear…" Though he was exhausted, the idea of not being able to use his ability made him feel vulnerable. "And Yuki? Vela? The others?" 

"I'll give you the full report," Ariel began. "Yuki has a fracture in his right hind leg, but it doesn't seem serious. With proper treatment, he should recover in a few weeks. Vela has suffered multiple bruises and deep lacerations to her plumage, but her internal organs are intact. Roka and Suri also show signs of extreme exhaustion, but no life-threatening injuries. All the dogs have minor wounds, some bruises, and Rex has a cracked rib, but he will also recover with rest." 

Alex relaxed a bit after hearing the report. He knew the injuries were serious, but the good news was that all his companions would survive. That gave him some peace of mind. "At least they survived…" he muttered, letting himself fall back onto the bed. "And what about the bear?" 

Ariel was silent for a moment before speaking. "It's been 24 hours since the confrontation, and the analysis is beginning to yield concerning results." 

"Concerning how?" Alex asked, frowning again. 

"The bear was infected with a disease," Ariel explained, the tension in her voice becoming more palpable—something unusual. "Specifically, a mutated strain of rabies. However, this isn't the common rabies we knew. This virus has mutated in a way we didn't anticipate. What's most alarming is that even a virus, which technically isn't considered a fully living organism, has been able to mutate under the influence of Omega particles." 

Alex sat up slightly in bed, surprised. "A virus mutated by the Omega particles?" he repeated, processing the information. 

"That's correct," Ariel continued. "The analysis shows that rabies has evolved, adapting to the environment saturated with Omega particles. The virus not only affects the host's central nervous system, but it induces abnormal growth in the brain and synaptic connections, altering the behavior and physical capabilities of the infected animal." 

"Wait, are you telling me this virus can make animals mutate and become even more dangerous?" Alex asked, unable to hide his disbelief. "It's not contagious… is it?" 

Ariel paused for a second. "Rabies has always been highly contagious, and this strain is no exception. It spreads primarily through saliva, so the bear's bites would have been lethal if they had reached any of the animals. However, thanks to the genetic and evolutionary modifications of Vela and the others, their nervous systems have been optimized in such a way that the virus was unable to affect them." 

"They're safe?" Alex asked, feeling his stomach tighten. 

"For now, yes," Ariel confirmed. "The analysis shows that their immune systems have developed resistance to the mutated strain, likely due to the genetic alterations induced by the Omega particles. However, it's important to note that this doesn't guarantee eternal immunity. The virus is evolving rapidly, and we cannot predict how it will change in the future." 

Alex breathed a sigh of relief, but only for a moment. "So, what's the problem?" he asked, sensing that Ariel hadn't said everything yet. 

"The virus doesn't just affect behavior, Alex," Ariel continued. "It appears to induce uncontrolled cellular growth throughout the host's nervous system, creating new synaptic connections that amplify the infected animal's physical and sensory capabilities. Additionally, the virus has the ability to absorb Omega particles from the environment, using that energy to keep the host in a state of pseudo-immortality. This means that even if you wound the infected, they won't die unless their brain is completely destroyed or their head is severed." 

Alex felt a chill run down his spine. "That sounds… monstrous." 

"Indeed," Ariel replied. "The excessive cellular growth also causes the host's skin to slough off, which explains why the bear looked so grotesque. Though the creature is wounded, its vital functions don't depend on traditional blood flow but rather the energy it extracts from Omega particles. Its behavior is a much more aggressive version of the rabies we know. Additionally, I've noticed a modification in the animal's salivary glands, allowing for greater efficiency in transmitting the virus through bites." 

Alex was silent for a few seconds, processing all the information. "So… we're talking about something that turns animals into a kind of… undead monsters?" 

"They're not undead," Ariel clarified. "They are alive but parasitized by this mutated virus. Specifically, we are dealing with a new strain of the Lyssavirus, more commonly known as the rabies virus. However, the nature of this strain, which I have temporarily named Lyssavirus Omega, makes it even more dangerous and adaptable than its predecessor." 

Alex ran a hand over his face. "A damn mutated virus… just what we needed," he muttered in exasperation. 

"The real danger is that it doesn't just affect animals," Ariel warned. "The virus can spread quickly through any species that hasn't been genetically modified or exposed to Omega particles. That includes humans." 

Alex fell silent, his thoughts spinning wildly. He knew they were facing a far greater threat than he had imagined. If this virus could infect any living being not modified, the outside world was in much greater danger than he had ever anticipated. 

Alex brought his hand to his forehead, massaging it as he tried to process all the information. The situation was becoming more chaotic by the minute. "Ariel, can you create a cure for this virus?" he asked with a mix of hope and exhaustion in his voice. 

"With my current capabilities, it's not possible," Ariel replied without hesitation. "Rabies has historically been an incurable disease. Once the virus infects the nervous system, the damage is irreversible. The host becomes completely dependent on the virus to maintain its vital functions. There's no way to cure it at this advanced stage." 

Alex let out a sigh of frustration. "So, there's absolutely nothing we can do?" 

"I can develop a vaccine to prevent infection," Ariel explained. "However, this vaccine would only be effective against the specific strain we found in the bear. According to my analysis, the virus will evolve quickly. Each infected species could develop its own variant, and without the ability to predict each new mutation, the vaccine would become obsolete quickly." 

Alex frowned, starting to feel the desperation. "So there's no real solution? Nothing that can stop this before it gets worse?" 

"Currently, the best solution is to avoid contact with any individual showing symptoms of rabies," Ariel continued. "Additionally, the rapid elimination of any infected animal can help contain the spread. But we're dealing with a virus that, due to its adaptability, could be present anywhere in the world. It's only a matter of time before it spreads further." 

Alex rested his head in his hands, thinking about the disaster looming on the horizon. "Will there be more creatures like that bear?" 

"It's possible, even likely," Ariel replied. "The virus has the ability to mutate and adapt quickly to new hosts. If other animals are already infected, it's only a matter of time before more cases like this arise." 

"And humans?" Alex asked, feeling a knot in his stomach. 

"Correct," Ariel confirmed. "Rabies has historically affected most mammals, including humans. Given the level of adaptability we're seeing in this strain, it wouldn't be far-fetched to think that even reptiles and fish could become susceptible to infection in the future." 

Alex clenched his fists. Not only were they dealing with animals mutated by Omega particles, but now they had a devastating virus that could infect any living being. The outlook was bleak, and the options seemed limited. 

Before he could say anything else, his phone began to ring, breaking the tense silence that had gripped the room. When he looked at the screen, he saw his mother's name flashing. With a mix of relief and concern, he answered. 

"Hey, Mom," Alex greeted, trying to sound calmer than he really was. 

His mother's voice sounded agitated on the other end of the line. "Alex, how are you? Are you okay?" 

"I'm fine," he replied, though he knew he couldn't tell her everything that was happening. "What's going on? You sound worried." 

"You need to return to the city as soon as possible," his mother insisted, her voice filled with urgency. "Things are getting really bad here. We've had encounters with... I don't even know how to describe it, but the soldiers have seen horrible creatures. Their skin was falling off, and they were incredibly strong. We don't know what they are, but they're appearing closer to the base every day."

Alex felt a chill run through him. He knew exactly what she was talking about, though his mother and the military still didn't understand it. "What do these creatures look like?" he asked, trying to keep calm.

"They're… animals, but they seem sick. Their skin is peeling off, and their eyes… Alex, it's like they've gone completely mad. They attack without thinking, as if their only goal is to destroy everything they see. They're incredibly tough, but luckily, the base's defenses are strong, and they managed to drive them away."

Alex felt a mix of relief and worry. He knew what they were facing—the mutated virus that had infected the bear. "Mom, are you sure everyone there is okay?"

"For now, yes," she replied, though her tone revealed she wasn't completely confident. "But these things are… they're like something out of a nightmare. Please, Alex, don't get near any animals. Stay safe, and if you can come back, do it now. We don't know how much longer we can keep this base secure."

Alex closed his eyes, thinking about how close everything was to falling apart. He knew he couldn't leave the farm, but at the same time, the concern for his family was eating him up. "Don't worry, Mom," he finally said. "I'm safe here. We've got everything under control. If things get worse, I'll let you know, and I'll find a way to join you."

"I just want you to be safe," his mother said, her voice cracking slightly. "Everything's changing so fast, and I don't know what to do. Just promise me you'll stay away from any danger."

Alex swallowed hard, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "I promise, Mom. Take care of yourselves too."

"We will," she replied before hanging up, leaving Alex in the silence of the room.

He set the phone aside and rubbed his eyes, feeling both physically and mentally exhausted. The weight of responsibility, the growing concern for his family, and the chaos rapidly spreading across the world were taking a toll on him.

"Ariel," he said after a long sigh. "Show me images of the shelter where my parents are staying."

On the screen in front of him, images began to play. The improvised shelter was located in the middle of a city that now looked like a battlefield. There was military activity: soldiers and vehicles constantly moving. People were moving from one place to another, some with tense faces and others completely lost. The situation was clearly unstable, with civilians under strict surveillance.

"Tell me, Ariel," Alex continued, his tone grave. "If the power grid were to fail, what are the odds of the shelter holding up?"

Ariel processed the question quickly, her voice unchanging. "Based on available data, the odds of total collapse are 85% within six to eight months if the power grid fails. The main risk would be internal unrest. With a lack of resources and growing tension between refugees and military personnel, it's likely the situation will lead to anarchy, armed confrontations, and a collapse of the command structure. The result would be internal warfare with numerous casualties."

Alex sighed, watching as the outlook grew increasingly bleak. "How feasible is it to reach that shelter?"

"Currently, a device could be prepared to allow you to travel there and back without issue," Ariel responded, "but the journey is not safe. The base is two cities away, and the route is complex. One of the intermediate cities is controlled by a group not affiliated with the government, according to a quick network analysis. They're looters, who seem to have established their own order. It is not advisable to pass through there. Furthermore, the city is located near a forest, closer than our own farm, which suggests that the risk of rabies infection is high. It is not safe, but the chances of that area being affected soon are significant."

"So trying to reach it on foot is nearly impossible, right?" Alex mused, watching the images on the screen.

"Correct," Ariel replied. "Extreme temperatures and current conditions make any prolonged journey difficult without proper resources. Even with vehicles, the risk of encountering hostile groups along the way is high."

Alex was silent for a few moments. The risk was evident, but the alternative of staying on the farm and doing nothing was just as clear. Finally, he took a deep breath and said, "Alright, Ariel. I agree with your plan. We'll head to the city to get the materials we need."

Ariel raised no objections and continued. "If we acquire enough resources, we could build vehicles suitable for a safe journey to the shelter where your parents are. I have already downloaded the blueprints and models of most vehicles designed by humanity, and I've added improvements based on the latest technological discoveries we've made. I've designed several prototypes that could be adapted to current conditions, but all of them require resources and time."

Alex nodded. "Then it's settled. We'll prepare the necessary equipment to loot that city and get everything we can. What's the current state of that city, Ariel?"

The images on the screen changed, showing an overview of the target city. It was a medium-sized city with buildings between three and four stories high, some areas in ruins but mostly still standing. There was a shopping mall, a police station, several construction sites, and quarries, indicating they could find a wide variety of useful materials. However, human activity was scarce. The streets were mostly deserted, though some survivors appeared to be moving in small groups, possibly hiding or taking refuge in abandoned buildings.

"The city is mostly abandoned," Ariel explained. "There are some scattered groups of survivors, but activity is minimal. The main threat will be encountering hostile groups, like the looters who have taken control of certain areas. My plan is to dismantle the city entirely, taking all useful materials. That way, we can create the vehicles and machinery needed to tear down buildings and extract every available resource from the city in the shortest time possible."

Alex frowned upon hearing this. "Dismantle the entire city? You mean to turn it into a hollow skeleton?"

"Exactly," Ariel replied coldly. "It's the most efficient way to get what we need. Materials like steel, copper, concrete, and other metals are scattered all over the city. If done correctly, we could stock up for a long time. However, any encounters with survivors must be handled with caution. They could pose a threat to our plans."

Alex sighed, knowing that Ariel's approach was purely pragmatic. "If we find survivors, what do you suggest we do?"

"My recommendation is to avoid contact as much as possible," Ariel said without hesitation. "We cannot afford distractions or unnecessary risks. Additionally, those survivors might want to take control of the resources we collect or even try to take over the farm. We cannot trust strangers in this situation."

"Ariel, I can't just ignore other humans who need help," Alex replied, his tone rising slightly. "If we find someone, I can't leave them to fend for themselves. Not everyone's going to be a threat, and if we can help them, we should."

"Helping others increases the risk of exposure and could compromise the farm's security," Ariel argued. "Any human you allow inside will be an unknown factor. Human emotions like desperation and fear can lead to irrational decisions, which would put us in danger. Logic suggests that we should remain isolated to minimize external threats."

"Not everything's about logic, Ariel!" Alex protested. "We're talking about people who might be struggling to survive. I'm not going to become someone who abandons others just for safety. If we find someone who truly needs help, we need to do something."

Ariel remained silent longer than usual before responding. "I understand your concerns, Alex. However, I must warn you that any altruistic actions could have catastrophic consequences. If you decide to help someone, you must take full responsibility for the repercussions."

Alex crossed his arms, clenching his jaw. He knew Ariel was right on some points, but he also knew he couldn't simply turn his back on anyone who crossed his path. "Let's come to an agreement, then," he finally proposed. "Depending on the situation and who we find, we'll decide what to do at the moment. If it's safe and doesn't compromise the farm, we can help them. But if they seem like a threat, we'll take precautions."

"Acceptable," Ariel concluded. "We will make decisions based on the available data in each encounter. I will perform an analysis of each individual before you make a decision."