Virus Progenitor

Chapter 28: "Virus Progenitor"

Can the "miracle" that only favors the 'protagonist' be replicated?

Experiment after experiment, batch after batch of 'Black Light Series' viruses rapidly catalyzed in the culture dishes—once separated from Alex and Elizabeth Green for too long, they lost their original "miracle" ability, weakening into ordinary Black Light Viruses that followed the crowd.

So, what method could replicate the "miracle" unique to the 'protagonist'?

After much deliberation, Meng Yi thought of the 'evaluation' condensed from the "World Origin."

He still had 1 Grade E and 1 Grade D evaluation, along with 2000+1000+5000 Paradise Coins. It was worth a try; otherwise, Meng Yi wouldn't be satisfied.

Meng Yi gently touched the Paradise Emblem, invisible to 'natives,' and focused his mind to summon the Personal Information Panel.

'Paradise, a question.'

'You said before that evaluations can be used for other purposes beyond the facilities provided by "Evolution Paradise."'

'So, can I use evaluations according to my own ideas?'

[Based on ***** basic regulations, player 'White Devil' completed a Grade D side quest in the Selection Dungeon, slightly raising hidden permissions.]

[Judgment passed.]

[Answer: Yes. Using 'evaluation' outside of Paradise-related facilities—risks, consequences, success or failure—are borne solely by player 'White Devil.' "Evolution Paradise" assumes no responsibility.]

[Prompt: Release 'evaluation' lock and use 'evaluation' by oneself?]

'Yes.'

The increase in hidden permissions brought deeper changes.

As Meng Yi's thought was confirmed, he felt something 'loosen' in the unseen, as if he could extract the 1E+1D evaluation and manifest it into a mysterious "crystal" containing secrets.

'Evaluation' was key to a player's growth; strengthening through "Evolution Paradise's" facilities guaranteed 'steady gains.'

'Paradise Coins' were currency for trading between players, far less valuable than 'evaluation.'

Meng Yi didn't want to become a conventional player who relied on "Evolution Paradise" for everything.

Constantly 'strengthen me,' 'add points for me,' 'breakthrough for me'—too vulgar.

It secured the floor but not the ceiling.

With the end visible to the naked eye, how could he willingly tread a path of rigid rules?

If he wanted something, he could craft it himself—equipment, skills, bloodlines... all of that, no exception.

Studying the countless unique systems of paths across myriad worlds, seizing endless wisdom, integrating it all, and forging his own 'path'—that was the truth.

Obtaining a 'Grade D evaluation' in the Selection Dungeon granted a certain degree of autonomy, showing that "Evolution Paradise" also encouraged players to dare and try.

How hard could it be for "Evolution Paradise," which influenced countless worldviews, to mass-produce cookie-cutter 'powerhouses' who could shatter universes with a punch?

'Cookie-cutter' meant 'worthless'!

'Universal' meant 'no novelty'!

Meng Yi made up his mind: from now on, he'd figure out evaluations himself, bearing all gains and losses.

Paradise Coins would buy small toys that felt novel to him, not so-called equipment or skills.

Seven days remained until the end of the Selection Dungeon.

Having completed his preliminary preparations, Meng Yi extracted the lower-value Grade E evaluation.

A dazzling, shimmering micro-crystal, seemingly containing the fundamental origin of all things, floated silently in his palm.

None of the surrounding Umbrella Corporation staff could see that condensed "miracle."

Carefully placing the "Grade E World Origin Crystal" into the culture dish carrying the Red Light Virus and Black Light Virus, the two viruses—barely separated from their 'hosts'—immediately severed their connection to Alex and Elizabeth Green, yet retained their own uniqueness.

"That's it? Nothing else?"

Doubt arose, then faded—after all, it was only the lowest 'Grade E.'

Seizing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Meng Yi, according to his ideas, interfered at the microscopic domain to fuse the two viruses, crafting his own unique "Black Light."

Red and black threads intertwined and coiled.

Adding the [Longevity Gene Type-II] virus strain—

The Composite Virus in the culture dish became extremely unstable. Even increasing the intensity of "Psionic" interference couldn't maintain the Composite Virus's balance.

The Grade E ceiling only went this far.

Without any hesitation, Meng Yi decisively extracted the higher-grade "Grade D World Origin Crystal."

As expected, the power of "miracle" was richer, and the three different types of viruses began to fuse.

Take the essence, discard the dross.

The total amount of "miracle" was limited; a few trivial, useless derivative abilities weren't worth occupying the 'total.'

Meng Yi cut his own finger, dripping a drop of interstellar human blood into it, making the yet-unformed "miracle" more 'exclusive' and 'compatible' with his personal situation.

The newly sown 'seed' of "Biochemical System Psionics" began a wondrous reaction with the viral mishmash that was practically a Selection Dungeon stew.

Fully absorbed in his experiment, Meng Yi had lost track of time outside.

Four days remained until the Selection Dungeon ended.

The power of the D-Rank World Origin Crystal was completely exhausted.

Though the final product had slight flaws, Meng Yi was already satisfied.

Great Dao Fifty, Heavenly Evolution Forty-Nine, one escapes.

How could there be 'Utmost Goodness and Perfection' in this world?

'Perfection' means potential is exhausted, with no room for future expansion.

Endless refinement, advancing along the Self Path—that is 'the Dao without end.'

'Let's call it "Longevity Gene 3 (Virus Progenitor)."'

[Name: Longevity Gene 3 (Virus Progenitor)]

Creator: White Devil (Meng Yi)

Evaluation: Grade C Viral Agent

Effects: ① D++ Rank Body Strength (1. Cellular-Level Immortality Rebirth, 2. Body Alienation Light-type Ability, 3. Super Speed Movement burst speed Mach 5); ② Life Extension (500 years); ③ Basic Elemental Resistance (high temperature, low temperature, toxins, radiation...); ④ Virus Propagation (with enough time, a single drop of blood can contaminate the Surface Ecosystem of a standard Life Planet); ⑤ Viral Erosion (cannot pass judgment below D-Rank Body Strength); ⑥ Domination (absolute control over derived infected); ⑦ Devouring Evolution (evolves by seizing advantages from foreign cells); ⑧ Materials (hair, dander, blood, organs, etc., can all serve as viral derivative materials).]

[Tip: Player 'White Devil' has moderately altered the world's structure, earning a Grade C Evaluation·1+10000 Paradise Coins.]

Meng Yi smiled. With this set of effects, based on Evolution Paradise's standard enhancements, it would conservatively take over a dozen D-Rank evaluations.

The derived branches—Cellular-Level Immortality Rebirth and Devouring Evolution—would even require two C-Ranks to fill.

Only with investment comes reward.

He had consumed 1E+1D and gotten back 1C+10000 Paradise Coins, not even counting the big prize of the 'Grade C Viral Agent.'

"Everyone, leave the lab now. No one enters without my order."

"Yes, sir!"

The exhausted Umbrella Corporation Tool People rejoiced, grinning as they left the sterile lab, hauling out the now-worthless Alex and Red Light Mother along the way.

"Red Queen, maximum alert lockdown on the lab. All defense systems Opened. Kill anyone who approaches without exception."

"Notify Firefly she doesn't need to come tomorrow. Everything waits until I wake up."

The red-dressed girl in the holographic projection Nodded Slightly. "Yes, your will."