Blacklight

The "Blacklight Virus" was not actually a virus.

It had originally been a species that existed before life was born on Earth.

At first, its only function was to help its host activate hidden genes, thereby allowing life to evolve.

Thus, researchers initially called it "the symbol of evolution."

In other words, it was the physical manifestation of the concept of evolution.

It was only later that Blackwatch, an organization established by the American military, named a "variant" of this species during an experiment.

Only then did it receive its name—"Blacklight Virus."

Unlike the original prototype, which merely assisted biological evolution.

The variant Blacklight Virus was contagious, and the chances of an infected person turning into a zombie were infinitely close to one hundred percent.

Even Alex Mercer, the protagonist of the story, failed to successfully fuse with the virus.

In fact, he had already died before the fusion even began.

Alex had originally been a researcher for Blackwatch.

Due to his unusual upbringing, he possessed certain antisocial tendencies.

After discovering that something was wrong with the organization, he tried to flee with the original virus sample, only to be discovered when he reached the subway.

The Blackwatch soldiers pursuing him decisively opened fire.

As Alex was shot dead, he angrily smashed the original virus sample, intending to drag all of Manhattan down with him while exposing the truth to the entire world.

But the viruses did not merely infect Manhattan.

They also devoured the dead Alex nearby, inherited part of his memories, and became him.

In the end, the newborn Alex woke up in a Blackwatch laboratory and grew stronger while fleeing.

Ironically, this Alex created by the Blacklight Virus was actually more humane than the original owner of those memories.

At the end of the story, he flew