Chapter 104: The M-Virus Core

Unfortunately, with the death of the Bloody Frenzy, Little White's massive body also vanished from the spot.

Originally, Zhao Kuo had hoped to rely on Little White to clear out the entire mall, but now that plan was completely dashed.

Zhao Kuo slowly walked over to the Bloody Frenzy's corpse. As he had guessed, a crimson heart appeared in the pool of blood, roughly the size of a human head, pulsating strongly.

[M-Virus Core]

[When combined with 5 True M-Virus Essences, it can allow a second-tier mutant to undergo another mutation. The effects of the mutation are uncertain.]

Is this the necessary item for a second-tier mutant to become a third-tier mutant? In a way, Bai Qi was lucky. If he hadn't met Zhao Kuo, even if he hadn't died at the hands of the zombies, he would have had a hard time obtaining the [M-Virus Core].

A creature like the Bloody Frenzy wasn't something an ordinary second-tier mutant could handle.

"Bai Qi," Zhao Kuo called out to Bai Qi, who was still in a daze, and showed him the M-Virus Core. "This M-Virus Core can allow you to evolve into a third-tier mutant. But as I've said before…"

Before Zhao Kuo could finish, Bai Qi interrupted him.

"I know, Brother Zhao. And I'll say it again—I want to survive," Bai Qi said, his eyes filled with both desire and fear as he looked at the heart.

In this world, everything comes with a price, whether visible or not.

Seeing the determination in Bai Qi's eyes, Zhao Kuo felt a sense of relief. In this dangerous world, only those with a strong will to survive and courage could go further.

"Alright, since you've made your decision, I won't say more," Zhao Kuo said, handing the M-Virus Core to Bai Qi.

Bai Qi nodded solemnly, taking the M-Virus Core. He could feel its rhythmic pulsation, as if it contained immense power.

He took a deep breath, his eyes shining with resolve.

"Brother Zhao, thank you. If it weren't for you, I probably would've…" Bai Qi began.

Zhao Kuo cut him off. "No need to say that. To complete the third-tier evolution, you'll need 5 True M-Virus Essences from evolved creatures. This mall is likely breeding more of them."

Bai Qi was momentarily stunned. He didn't understand how Zhao Kuo could so accurately state the need for 5 virus essences, but he trusted that Brother Zhao wouldn't lie to him.

For the next while, the two of them began clearing out the third floor.

The appearance of the Bloody Frenzy had drawn many zombies with its loud battle noises. However, with Zhao Kuo and Bai Qi's efficient slaughter, it took just over an hour to completely clear the entire floor.

During this time, they also killed a Screamer and obtained 1 [True M-Virus Essence].

Zhao Kuo's guess was correct. The mall's relatively enclosed environment had turned it into a crucible, continuously breeding stronger zombies and mutated creatures.

If it weren't for him and Bai Qi, who knew what kind of monsters this mall would have spawned in the future.

"We've got 1 essence, but we still need 4 more to complete the third-tier evolution. It's still early, so let's head to the second floor," Zhao Kuo suggested, casually tossing the [True M-Virus Essence] to Bai Qi.

Bai Qi nodded. "Alright, but what about Sister-in-law? Is she okay?"

The kind-hearted Bai Qi was still worried about Tang Yingying's safety.

Meanwhile, Tang Yingying was sitting on a chair, legs crossed, munching on biscuits while reading a manga Zhao Kuo had brought back from the bookstore. Although her shoulder injury hadn't fully healed, she was as relaxed as could be.

Zhao Kuo seemed to envision Tang Yingying's leisurely state and chuckled. "Don't worry, she'll be fine. Let's clear as much as we can before dawn."

After making their decision, the two rested for a while before continuing their exploration of the mall.

They descended through the passageway and arrived at the second floor.

The number of zombies here was noticeably higher than on the third floor, and the environment was much darker. With just a quick glance, Zhao Kuo spotted two evolved creatures.

A Licker and a Frenzied One!

Zhao Kuo glanced at Bai Qi and saw a burning fighting spirit in the young man's eyes.

They had fought both types of evolved zombies before and had experience dealing with them. Now was the perfect time to hone Bai Qi's combat awareness.

"Brother Zhao, should I take them both on?" Bai Qi asked eagerly.

Zhao Kuo thought for a moment and said, "Sure, but here's a suggestion—deal with the Licker first. It's too fast and poses the greatest threat to you. As for the Frenzied One, I'm sure you know what to do."

"Got it!" Bai Qi nodded, took a deep breath, and drew his boning knife from his waist, starting to clear out the surrounding ordinary zombies.

For Bai Qi now, evolved creatures weren't as threatening as hordes of zombies. After all, if surrounded by a zombie swarm, even a second-tier mutant wouldn't escape without being bitten or scratched.

Bai Qi moved like a ghost through the zombie horde, his boning knife precisely decapitating each zombie.

With his increased strength, Bai Qi had also started adopting Zhao Kuo's method of cleanly harvesting the zombies' heads.

Zhao Kuo followed closely behind Bai Qi, constantly alert to the surroundings in case of sudden attacks from [Lurkers] or [Exploding Zombies].

Fortunately, the things they feared didn't happen.

Soon, the Licker noticed the two of them and let out a low growl.

Unlike ordinary zombies, evolved creatures had heightened senses even in the dark, able to track their prey through scent or other means.

The Frenzied One was also alerted, letting out a roar as it charged toward Bai Qi.

The battle was about to begin!

Bai Qi glanced at the Licker and then at the Frenzied One. He took a deep breath and suddenly lunged forward, heading straight for the Licker.

The Licker reacted quickly, dodging Bai Qi's attack with a swift movement, its long tongue shooting toward Bai Qi's face.

Bai Qi was prepared. He sidestepped the tongue and, at the same time, swung his boning knife upward, cutting off the Licker's tongue!

The Licker let out a shrill scream.

"Strike while the iron is hot!" Bai Qi didn't hesitate. In that moment, he unleashed a speed that even surprised Zhao Kuo, closing the distance to the Licker and slashing at its body.

The Licker let out an even more piercing scream, its body recoiling backward.

But Bai Qi didn't stop. He followed up with another slash, this time aiming for the Licker's neck.

He knew that before the Frenzied One could join the fight, this was his best chance to turn the tide.

If he had to face both at the same time, even as a second-tier mutant, he'd likely end up severely injured, if not dead!

The decisive slash cut through the Licker's neck, and Bai Qi quickly followed up with another strike, completely severing its head.

By now, the Frenzied One was very close, letting out an ear-splitting roar as it charged at Bai Qi.

Bai Qi dodged the Frenzied One's attack with a quick movement, simultaneously slashing at its arm with his knife.

…