Chapter 162: Progenitor Virus And T Virus!

With such a staggering number of evolution points, Novak found himself with a wealth of options to choose from. In fact, he could freely select from the many branches and three main veins of evolution available to him.

Had it not been for the need to advance through flu inflammation, which required a class change and level-up to progress further, Novak might have been tempted to continue enhancing the flu virus to see how far it could evolve.

However, he knew his current points were likely insufficient to take that path. Without wasting much time, Novak made his decision on this round of evolution.

He chose the Progenitor Virus.

This virus, like the Blacklight Virus, fell under the category of self-enhancement, something Novak favored. Under normal circumstances, he might have explored other abilities and talents within his Virus King repertoire, seeking potential surprises.

But with the abyss drawing nearer, his primary concern was maximizing his power. 

At his current level, Novak realized his weaknesses were few. His four-dimensional attributes were terrifyingly strong, and his recovery abilities, along with his enhanced strength and constitution, were his greatest assets.

Yet, Novak was aware of a slight weakness in his spiritual strength. Although his biochemical disaster equipment offered 14 enhancements, it mainly focused on defense, not offense. Furthermore, his combat abilities were largely geared toward close-range battles, leaving his long-range capabilities lacking.

To quickly balance out these shortcomings, he needed something more. Among the Progenitor Virus options, the T-Virus offered a solution by greatly enhancing his mind power—a perfect way to fortify his mental abilities. 

The Virus King's system featured only two prominent viruses in the self-enhancement category: the Blacklight Virus and now the Progenitor Virus.

[Progenitor Virus: An RNA-like virus that serves as the origin of other virus strains like the T-Virus, G-Virus, and Ouroboros Virus. Successful absorption and fusion with this virus can significantly improve overall physical attributes and extend lifespan. Additionally, evolution points can be spent to unlock further virus enhancements in other branches.]

(Note: As Virus King, fusion with any virus carries the inherent risk of failure.)

[Activate the Progenitor Virus?]

"Yes!"

[Progenitor Virus activated. All physical attributes +5.]

Though the cost was only a single evolution point, it barely scratched the surface of what Novak was after. Yet, even at this stage, just activating the Progenitor Virus had significantly boosted his overall stats.

The moment the virus was activated, two additional evolutionary paths illuminated on his talent tree:

[T-Virus: A branch focused on self-enhancement, primarily unlocking telekinetic powers and strengthening abilities. Requirements: 10 evolution points.]

[G-Virus: Enhances the user's abilities while also infecting others, granting control over them via the Virus King's powers. The user can decide when to trigger or suppress the virus. Requirements: 10 evolution points.]

Novak's eyes narrowed slightly. In that moment, he felt a surge of gratitude that he hadn't squandered his precious evolution points on lesser enhancements earlier on. By reserving them for the Progenitor Virus, he now had access to even greater power.

Otherwise, Novak would have felt genuinely embarrassed.

While the strengthening of the T-Virus was impressive, it clearly lacked the same explosive growth arc that the Blacklight Virus offered. The real question was whether this slower growth would still justify the 10 evolution points he was about to spend on it.

With that thought in mind, Novak injected 10 more points into the T-Virus.

Almost immediately, the temperature within his body surged, particularly in his head. His face flushed, and his brain suddenly felt hyperactive, buzzing with energy. The Blacklight Virus, which had begun to stir in response, quickly fell silent under the command of the Virus King, retreating back into his cells.

If the Blacklight Virus resided within every cell of his body, then the cerebral cortex and his overheated brain had now become the domain of the Progenitor Virus and its variants.

A sharp pain struck his mind, and for a brief moment, everything went blank.

Suddenly, he felt it—an invisible force, a pair of unseen hands that he could control with ease. 

Telekinesis.

Subconsciously, Novak directed this newfound power towards a cabinet above the bed. In an instant, the cabinet floated effortlessly into the air, without the slightest resistance. 

At that moment, a notification from the cosmic will appeared in his mind:

[T-Virus activated: Strength +15, Agility +15, Constitution +15, Spirit +40! You have also acquired the 'Psychic Power' talent.]

Spirit +40?

Novak's eyes widened in astonishment. The sheer intensity of his telekinetic force was staggering—it was capable of lifting over two tons!

What did that even mean?

With such immense power, he could effortlessly crush an ordinary evolutionary with nothing but a thought. He could manipulate weapons, move them with deadly precision, and strike silently.

The T-Virus was indeed powerful, particularly in terms of enhancing his mental faculties and telekinetic abilities.

But it didn't stop there.

Once the T-Virus enhancement was complete, new branches on the talent tree lit up, signaling more potential for growth.

[T-Virus Enhancement: Further strengthen the T-Virus. Significantly boost spiritual power and diversify telekinetic abilities. Requirements: 50 evolution points.]

Novak couldn't help but feel a twinge of shock. 

Fifty evolution points?

If the earlier upgrades were a mere sprinkling of power, this enhancement would be a massive leap. Despite the steep cost, Novak didn't hesitate. Evolution points were meant to be spent.

He immediately activated the next upgrade.

In that instant, his mind blanked out again. The world around him seemed to collapse, simultaneously distant and near, as an overwhelming surge of mental energy consumed him. A powerful storm of spiritual force whirled around his body, making him feel as though he had access to limitless potential.

However, something else caught his attention amidst the chaos of this mental storm. From the far corner of the villa's backyard, a figure began to float toward him.

It was a strikingly beautiful form, but the icy expression on her face was filled with hatred and murderous intent. Just as this figure approached, another one floated out, trying to stop the first.

Feeling the swirl of spiritual energy around him, Novak couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.

Revenants?