The sun shone brightly as everyone got into training. Lyra explained about their affinities and the development of their own abilities. Azrael then brought up the idea of further evolution, which could make the humans even stronger. Adam contemplated this new strategy, wondering if it would harm the people.
Azrael explained that the virus and mana would be able to change the genetic code of humans, similar to how Serbas was able to change the variants into demons. He argued that it would at least give them a better chance of winning against the demons, especially if the people became stronger.
The mana suits would be useful, since they had already gotten used to mana, it would further develop their evolution. Another method involved mana cores: if a human ate the mana cores, they might develop a different genetic code as well. Azrael had even brought many mana cores from special variants and regular variants. The last method was through Vlad's blood, which could help create a new evolution.
Adam gathered everyone to discuss this potential new growth in the humans. As they discussed and decided it was their only chance of survival, Adam made a decision and informed everyone to gather.
"As you know, your evolution to use mana has been fast and effective in combating variants and special variants," Adam stated gravely. "However, the zombies have evolved further, becoming demons. There are a few methods to further evolve your body; however, it is a risk that can alter your body, making you something different from being human. You need to decide here and now if you're willing to go through it. You can choose whatever method you want and evolve from it."
Everyone looked at each other, discussing the prospect of further evolving to become stronger. It was something they wanted, to survive and protect the civilization.
"We all agree to evolve further! We are willing to take the risk if it means that we can be stronger than we are before!" one of them shouted. Everyone agreed, eagerly wanting power and to get stronger.
Lyra informed Adam to put the mana armor core into the universal tool and create a small room out of it for a few people to absorb mana inside. Each volunteer then chose their method: mana core, Vlad's blood, or mana concentration inside the mana room.
As the decision was made, some of them went to Vlad, asking to receive his blood. As they took Vlad's blood, they fell unconscious, and Johan gently laid them down to rest. Their bodies glowed as they went into evolution.
The riskier ones went to take the mana core and eat it, hoping to gain new abilities. As they ate the mana cores, their bodies convulsed, and Azrael quickly created a healing spell, covering the area. As their bodies stabilized, they lay down, going through evolution.
The last group, afraid of taking risks, sat inside the mana room as mana constantly flowed into them, leading to mana poisoning. Adam absorbed the mana poison, controlling the mana output in their bodies, causing their evolution. He carried the people out and laid them down.
Everyone else took their turn, and soon all 45 people lay in their evolution stage.
From the castle walls, people looking at them believed every one of the 45 people was dead and had become a casualty of war. They reported the information to the king, causing massive panic among the people. The king, however, informed them that they had won the war and that the people who "died" were heroes who protected the lands. Family members grieved, believing that those volunteers had sacrificed their lives to save the kingdom.
Adam and the others kept watch, hoping that the evolution worked as Lyra detected any signs of instability and reported it to help individuals who needed it. Azrael, Vlad, Johan, and Adam kept watch, trying to remedy and lessen any evolution mishaps. Hours went by as the bodies lay on the floor, everyone growing nervous about what would happen to the people.