At Limei Hotel, a ceremony was underway for the group formerly known as the Mutual Aid Sharing Association, now renamed the Hall of True Goodness.
Yesterday's host had become today's Hall Master. Smiling, he stood amid the crowd and shared his insights on truth and goodness.
Ever since he had survived the infection a few days ago and gained the ability to identify the infected, his status in everyone's eyes had become extraordinary.
People did not treat him as a god, but they all believed he was an exceptional person with special abilities. They revered him because they hoped that, like him, they might survive if they were ever infected.
"...So, we must love everyone and harbor no hatred. Hatred is the thief that steals all the beauty from life. We must..."
As the Hall Master spoke, he suddenly looked toward a woman on his left.
Meeting his gaze, her face gradually filled with terror.
She knew that whenever the Hall Master suddenly fixed his eyes on someone, that person would become the next Blood Plague infected.
This had happened ten times over the past week, and every single time, his prediction had come true.
Yet none of those ten people had been able to stay alone in a room for twenty-four hours, then walk out healthy and unharmed like the Hall Master had.
"No, no!" the woman screamed. "I pray every day! I yearn for truth and goodness every day! Why me?!"
"It seems you are not devout enough. You still harbor selfish thoughts and distracting desires, allowing the virus to exploit your weakness." The Hall Master stepped forward and helped the woman up. "Return to your room. I hope you can pass this trial."
"No... Hall Master, save me, save me..."
The woman struggled and refused to leave.