12:00AM 09/25/2030
Most human beings lost consciousness simultaneously. A spore-like substance was expelled from the soil all over the world. Whatever organic the spore-touched, mutations started to happen.
In the beginning, the skin started to darken and harden, and then the skin started to have cracks in it. But weirdly enough, the blood did not come out of the body and the blood also didn't clot, the blood was flowing normally.
But suddenly, blood of some people started to darken and they started to convulse intensely, while others' skin started to return to its former gloss. Ha-Joon's skin returned to its former gloss, but Shanshan's symptoms were similar to the former.
Alan never fell unconscious. From the beginning, Alan started to absorb the spores from the air. His skin, blood, muscle, organs, everything was greedily absorbing the spores as if it was starved for a very long time.
Alan could feel his Awareness is strengthening more and more, and his body is becoming stronger and stronger. Previously, direct bullet hits on flesh would leave 1 inch wound, now they won't penetrate his skin.
He kept on breathing as he looked at Shanshan's convulsion becoming stronger by the minute. He was surprised. He could sense, she was still in control of her own body, which means she'd awaken as a superhuman.
Normally, three distinct categories were created after the D-0, the pollen phase of the apocalypse. 1. Normal humans, whose bodies could reject the virus, and they had low compatibility with the virus. 2. Infected, mindless creatures that could not reject the virus, regardless of their compatibility. 3. SuperHuman, they could reject high doses of the virus and have high compatibility towards virus.
In practicality, where normal human lose their mind after 1 infected bite, SuperHumans can survive 3-4 bites. Although highly evolved, infected also contain high doses of virus.
Many brilliant minds tried to cure infection, but it's deemed fruitless, because at its core, the virus isn't a poison but a stimulant of growth. Its effect varies from one gene to another.
Superhumans exhibit the positive side of the Apocalypse. Superhumans unlock the true potential hidden within their gene. Although the enhancement also varies from person to person. Some unlock kinetic for within them, letting them fly or use telekinesis. Some unlock chemical reactions within their body, letting them use various element control and release. Or some unlock abilities that are scientifically difficult to prove.
Alan's body had body-enhancement type potential. He awakened that gene on the first day and he had a second enhancement with the pollen phase of the apocalypse.
Alan eagerly looked at Shanshan, curious to know about her powers. Ha-Joon and her mother were recovering, they'll be humans. But not many of the guys within the Casino were lucky, about 60-70 percent of people here will become infected.
Alan removed the safety lock and fired at the infected that stood up. The blood splattered on the other participants, although it's a bit dangerous because blood can cause infection. Blood often splattered on normal humans during infected hunting and food gathering. A little bit of immunity will go a long way.
Alan kept rapidly reducing the infected as many normal humans started waking up, they're horrified to see the ones they knew dying infront of them, but some sort of pressure emanated from Alan that they kept their mouths shut and sat down quietly. With time, the ones dying were acting crazy, and the normal guys were left alone.
Ha-Joon woke up, she kept trembling like a deer as she saw Alan's apathetic slaughter. As slaughter was almost over, Shanshan screamed. Alan noticed her consciousness was fading fast. With a swift movement, he was about to help her, but he stopped. If he does take away the virus, she may remain a normal human but she may never awaken, and if he doesn't help she may die and become an infected.
Alan looked at the storehouse and sighed.
'She's more useful alive'
Alan fired a bullet at the last infected and quickly appeared before Shanshan. He put his palm on Shanshan's mouth, intending to force out the virus.
As his senses barely touched the virus, Shanshan bit down Alan's hand with her canine teeth, with Alan's body-enhancement abilities he didn't put her bite in mind. However, Alan felt a sharp pain sensation.
Shanshan's teeth were able to break his defences, he was amazed but started getting cautious in his heart.
A drop of blood sprayed from Alan's palm into Shanshan's mouth. His blood contains 5 times more virus than the pollen, but weirdly enough, Shanshan's fading mental state started recovering.
Alan, sensing her state, started probing the virus state in her body. He saw that his blood was very compatible with her own blood and it was getting mixed and enhancing Shanhsan's blood, and finally her presence and emotions started to transmit into Alan's mind. As if, Shanshan became one of his limbs.
Seeing the situation, Alan willed it as the skin in his palm tore open and blood gushed out into Shanshan's mouth. Little by little, Shanshan's state improved as Alan started to feel her more and more. Shanshan's body started to radiate a sharp blue light. After a while, she opened her eyes, she smiled. Alan also smiled, a genuine smile. He didn't know he could feel this way.
Shanshan sat up, leaned her body on Alan, she closed her eyes as if resting. Alan looked around to see how many were alive,
'600 out of 1200 people, not a bad percentage.'
Normally, 70-80% of the global population should be infected. As Alan was observing, Ha-Joon silently held Alan's other arm and looked at Shanshan. Against Ha-Joon's provocation, Shanshan smiled without opening her eyes.
"Pile the dead bodies in a corner. Rest for tonight, everything will begin from tomorrow onwards."
Alan looked around and commanded.
Everyone started getting to work. Ha-Joon's mother tried to make some calls but failed due to network failure. She approached Alan and asked if he could save him. Alan replied that if they passed by the hospital and if he was still alive, saving him would be possible.
Ha-Joon looked a bit teary-eyed hearing this, but she urged Alan, to which Alan neither agreement nor disagreement.
As the situation was becoming melodramatic, Shanshan asked,
"Alan, do you want to stay in my room tonight?"