Chapter 101: Explosive Evolution, Bai Qi!

Bai Qi knew that in order to survive in this apocalyptic world, continuous evolution was the only way forward.

Although evolution came with the risk of mutation, it was still better than death. To be honest, Bai Qi felt like he had already adapted to his newly grown legs. He even considered walking on all fours now.

In the kitchen, staring at the meatball and two [M Virus Essences] in front of him, Bai Qi took a deep breath.

Though he had mentally prepared himself for mutation, the pain that came with it was still fresh in his memory.

In this life—no, perhaps even in his previous lives—he had never experienced such agony. The pain of being cheated on by a girlfriend probably paled in comparison. But then again, he was still a virgin…

As his thoughts wandered, Bai Qi swallowed the two essences and the meatball in one go.

It was the same familiar formula, the same familiar taste.

Well, the meatball was different. It kept twitching in his mouth, reminding him of the time he swallowed a snake gallbladder as a child, though the meatball was significantly larger.

Fortunately, it didn't get stuck in his throat. Instead, it slid down his esophagus and exploded in his stomach.

Yes, "exploded" was the only word Bai Qi could think of. It felt like fireworks going off inside his stomach, and not just any fireworks—more like a Gatling gun. It was incredibly intense.

It was also painful, though not as excruciating as last time. Was it because his physique had been enhanced?

But soon, a series of crackling sounds erupted from Bai Qi's body. His joints ached with an indescribable soreness, and his body began to stretch visibly.

Next, his muscle tissue started developing on its own. White barbs grew from his elbows, gradually sharpening into a pair of deadly bone blades.

His newly grown feet also became sturdier, with bone spikes sprouting from his toes—ten in total, like ten sharp blades.

He's mutating… Zhao Kuo watched Bai Qi's transformation, gripping his boning knife tightly.

No one knew if this mutation would affect Bai Qi's mind. If he turned into a zombie monster, despite his fondness for the young man, Zhao Kuo wouldn't hesitate to act.

Fortunately, that didn't happen. Bai Qi's mutation was a success.

His height, originally 180 cm, grew to 210 cm during the mutation. His body was now covered in bone spikes that could be used as weapons. According to Bai Qi, these spikes could be launched like porcupine quills, with the difference being that they were connected to his joints by threads, allowing him to retract them after firing.

In other words, Bai Qi had become a porcupine that could continuously shoot and retrieve its quills.

That was one way to describe it.

Moreover, Bai Qi's physical abilities had significantly improved. Zhao Kuo tested him and concluded that his strength surpassed that of an ordinary second-tier professional. It wasn't far behind Zhao Kuo's own strength.

His speed had also increased due to the joint mutations, and his explosive power had made a major leap.

Looking at Bai Qi, who now towered over him, Zhao Kuo said, "Not bad. Ordinary zombies shouldn't pose much of a threat to you now."

"Yeah, probably. I just need some time to fully adapt to my body," Bai Qi replied, scratching his head.

Zhao Kuo glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's 3 a.m. There's still some time before dawn. Use combat to adapt to your body. We don't have much time."

Indeed, they had already spent two days in the mall, which was a long time.

Although they could still reach the next station in a few days with the internal combustion engine, Zhao Kuo wanted to be the first to arrive and claim the [Special Gift Package] and the blessings from the unknown entity. After all, a +1 boost to all attributes was quite tempting.

Bai Qi nodded in agreement.

Tang Yingying, who had noticed Zhao Kuo's intentions, said, "Why don't I come with you? I'm not bad either."

Zhao Kuo frowned. "No, you stay here. Someone needs to guard the place."

Bai Qi also smiled and said, "That's right, sis. With me and Brother Zhao here, the zombies outside are no problem! Just wait for us to return victorious."

Bai Qi was now filled with confidence. Even against evolved zombies, he was sure he could take them down.

And that's exactly what happened. Once they reached the third floor, Bai Qi entered a frenzy.

The bone spikes on his body shot out like bullets, mowing down ordinary zombies. Zhao Kuo counted a total of 26 spikes on Bai Qi's body, but he only used 13 at a time, always keeping the other half ready for action.

This guy has gotten smarter too, Zhao Kuo thought as he followed behind, collecting the dropped [M Virus Fragments] while marveling at Bai Qi's efficiency.

But then, something unexpected happened.

A zombie, noticeably stronger and bulkier than the others, slammed through the zombies in the corridor and charged toward them.

With every step it took, Zhao Kuo could feel the entire floor shake.

[Berserker]!

Zhao Kuo recognized it immediately. It was clearly a Berserker, but he didn't intervene. Instead, he stepped aside, leaving the stage to Bai Qi.

As he had said before, he and Tang Yingying would eventually return to the subway world. If Bai Qi wanted to face the challenges ahead, he had to hone his skills and grow through combat.

And the faster he grew, the better, because zombie evolution sometimes defied logic.

Bai Qi's expression turned serious as he watched the Berserker charging toward him. Brother Zhao isn't stepping in. Is he trying to train me?

Brother Zhao has faith in me. I, Bai Qi, won't let him down.

With that thought, Bai Qi started running—not toward the Berserker, but toward the fourth floor.

The third floor still had ordinary zombies, and fighting here would put him at a disadvantage. Bai Qi wasn't a player; he still feared viral infection.

If he got scratched during the chaos, it would be game over.

Zhao Kuo nodded in approval as he quickly followed Bai Qi.

Not bad. Even after gaining strength and abilities, he immediately abandoned reckless thinking and found the most advantageous position. That alone put him ahead of many ordinary people.

Zhao Kuo, being faster, reached the fourth floor first.

"Brother Zhao, leave this to me!" Bai Qi gave Zhao Kuo a reassuring gesture before the spikes on his back shot out, aiming straight for the Berserker's face!

An attack without visual confirmation—Bai Qi's combat instincts weren't bad!

But unexpectedly, the bone spikes only grazed the Berserker's face, causing no significant damage.

This guy's defense is really high! Bai Qi frowned as he turned to face the charging Berserker.

But I'm not a pushover either!

With that, Bai Qi, standing on the escalator, suddenly turned and leaped toward the Berserker.

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