"Ugh... ugh..." The attacker let out short, harsh growls, then gradually went limp and collapsed to the floor like a pile of mud.
Tattered clothes, a body with bulging black veins, and a brain leaking nothing but black matter.
It was a zombie.
Its teeth were as sharp as hooks. It had completely become something inhuman.
The instant she pierced its brain, Sophie had held her breath. Now she quickly backed away, tore a piece of clothing from a nearby rack, found the restroom, and rushed inside.
Holding a large pair of tailor's shears before her chest, she first made sure the restroom was empty. Then she swiftly opened the tank behind the toilet, found the remaining water inside, and tossed the garment in to soak it.
She then took the garment back out, cut it apart with the shears, made it into a scarf, and wrapped it around her nose and mouth.
This counted as the most rudimentary gas mask possible.
She had no idea what the game's initial settings were. If the character she controlled after entering the game was not immune to the Evil Spirit Virus, she might turn into a zombie and get GAME OVER right at the start.
This makeshift gas mask was somewhat useful, at least making droplet infection less likely.
Sophie also understood that everything she did now was likely being watched by the Commander.
This game mission was not simply about completing an objective. It was also a test—an interview.
After doing all this, Sophie quickly grasped her wrist, felt her pulse, and began counting down while watching the electronic clock on the wall.
Seventy-two beats per minute.
Ten minutes passed.
There were no early infection symptoms of the Evil Spirit Virus, such as coughing, increased heart rate, or rising body temperature.