Further study

Waltz's Masterpiece – The Virus Unleashed

Inside his dimly lit laboratory, Waltz observed his creations.

For years, the virus had evolved naturally, chaotically, unpredictably.

But under his guidance…

It had been shaped. Refined. Perfected.

No longer was it a mindless infection—it was a calculated force of nature.

Now, with Crane's DNA, Draemir's growing influence, and Aiden's unique mutation, Waltz was ready.

The world thought it knew the virus.

They were wrong.

They had only seen the beginning.

Now, it was time for the next phase.

THE ABYSSAL STRAIN – EVOLUTION OF DARKNESS

"Shadows are the perfect predators—silent, unseen, and inescapable."

The Abyssal Strain focused on stealth, advanced hunting techniques, and intelligence.

These infected did not charge blindly.

They planned, stalked, and executed with precision.

Their purpose? To create fear before death.

Mutations & Evolutionary Tree

1. Shadewalkers (Tier 1 – First Stage) The first stage of the Abyssal strain, Shadewalkers are Virals that have adapted to blend into darkness. Their skin absorbs light, making them nearly invisible in the shadows. They move silently—their growls muted, their footsteps barely audible.

Weakness: Prolonged UV exposure forces their skin to overheat, making them slower.

2. Voidstalkers (Tier 2 – Intermediate Stage) A more advanced form of Shadewalkers, Voidstalkers develop a heightened form of echolocation. They produce low-frequency growls that bounce off surfaces, allowing them to track prey from miles away. Even if completely blinded, they can still "see" their surroundings through sound.

Weakness: Loud, constant noise (like sirens) confuses their echolocation.

3. Phantom Revenants (Tier 3 – Advanced Stage) The pinnacle of the Abyssal Strain, Phantom Revenants are capable of mimicking human speech. They lure survivors into traps by calling out for help or imitating the voices of their loved ones. Unlike most infected, they retain partial intelligence, using their surroundings to their advantage.

Weakness: Their intelligence is unstable. Over time, they start hearing "voices" in their own heads, sometimes driving them into uncontrollable fits of rage.

4. The Void Hunter (Final Apex Stage – Waltz's Personal Project) The most advanced form of the Abyssal Strain. A perfected version of the Night Hunter, combining Crane's DNA with Waltz's viral modifications. Nearly silent in movement, immune to most conventional tracking methods. Has an adaptive camouflage, allowing it to blend even in daylight. Possesses razor-sharp claws capable of tearing through reinforced armor. Can "infect" its prey, slowly turning them into another Void Hunter.

Weakness: The Void Hunter is unstable. Its rapid mutations mean it cannot fully control its instincts, leading to sudden outbursts. THE PLAGUEBORN STRAIN – EVOLUTION OF DECAY

"Why stop at infection when we can turn the entire world into the virus itself?"

The Plagueborn Strain focused on biological warfare, infection control, and environmental contamination.

These infected didn't just kill—they transformed the very landscape into a breeding ground for the virus.

Mutations & Evolutionary Tree

1. Spore Reapers (Tier 1 – First Stage) Early-stage Plagueborn infected, their bodies are covered in fungal growths. Spores constantly release from their backs, creating a low-hanging toxic mist in confined areas. Anyone who breathes in these spores becomes infected.

Weakness: Fire burns away the spores, neutralizing their effect.

2. Blight Bringers (Tier 2 – Intermediate Stage) Advanced Bomber-class infected that, instead of exploding, rupture violently, releasing acidic bile. Their bile can melt flesh, armor, and even metal. They "charge" themselves by absorbing moisture from the air, making them more dangerous in humid environments.

Weakness: Their bile is highly reactive to UV exposure, causing them to self-destruct if exposed for too long.

3. Parasite Lurkers (Tier 3 – Advanced Stage) They hide inside corpses, "playing dead" until prey gets close. Once someone gets near, they burst out violently, impaling their target with sharp bone-like appendages. Some attach themselves to their prey, slowly burrowing inside their bodies and infecting them from within.

Weakness: Thermal scanners can detect them inside corpses, exposing their hiding spots.

4. The Scourge Tyrant (Final Apex Stage – Waltz's Bioweapon) A monstrous being, the Scourge Tyrant is a walking source of infection. It exhales massive clouds of airborne spores, turning entire cities into contaminated zones. Its flesh constantly regenerates, making it nearly unkillable.

Weakness: Requires high concentrations of UV radiation to slow its regeneration. THE JUGGERNAUT STRAIN – EVOLUTION OF POWER

"When death isn't enough... we make them unstoppable."

The Juggernaut Strain focused on brute force, resilience, and destructive capabilities.

These infected weren't subtle.

They were walking disasters.

Mutations & Evolutionary Tree

1. Titan Ravagers (Tier 1 – First Stage) Stronger, faster Virals that are heavily resistant to melee weapons. Their muscle density triples, making them harder to take down.

Weakness: Headshots slow them, but don't guarantee a kill.

2. Ironbacks (Tier 2 – Intermediate Stage) A Demolisher variant with a reinforced spine, making them nearly invulnerable from behind. They charge with immense force, capable of tearing through barricades.

Weakness: Exposed joints are their only vulnerable spots.

3. Apex Behemoths (Tier 3 – Advanced Stage) A fusion between Chargers and Goons—gaining both speed and immense power. Can rip apart entire buildings, turning safe zones into rubble.

Weakness: Firearms are nearly useless; explosives are the only reliable way to slow them.

4. The Prime Juggernaut (Final Apex Stage – Waltz's Ultimate Weapon) The culmination of raw power and resilience. Resistant to UV light, bullets, and melee attacks. Can only be stopped through complete dismemberment.

Weakness: Requires constant mutation stabilization, or it devolves into mindless aggression.

THE FUTURE OF THE VIRUS

Waltz leaned back, staring at the data.

His creations were ready.

The world had no idea what was coming.

"Let the Sun come for me…"

"Because when he does… he'll find nothing but darkness waiting for him."