Chapter Four: The Watch (Part Two)
"Subject 77, congratulations on passing the test of the G-virus and successfully completing the initial evolution. Judging from your initial bodily parameters, you belong to the relatively rare category of individuals with extraordinary psychic abilities," the girl uttered expressionlessly.
"Are you speaking to me? Who is Subject 77? And who are you?" Xian Ran glanced around, ensuring there was no one else present, and inquired with a hint of perplexity.
"Yes, I am indeed addressing you. Your blood contains the G-virus designated as Subject 77, hence you are Subject 77. As for myself, I am merely an artificial intelligence program. You may refer to me as Chris."
"G-virus." Xian Ran's countenance shifted. He picked up the glass test tube discarded on the ground from the previous night and examined it closely. Indeed, the bottom of the tube was inscribed with the numbers 77.
"You're holding a sample of the G-virus. It's an evolved version of the T-virus, capable of substantially enhancing various human functions, unlocking human potential, transforming ordinary individuals into exceptional beings. However, its toxicity is formidable, resulting in low survival rates among those exposed to it. When a test subject successfully overcomes the toxicity of the G-virus and survives, they become a person endowed with abilities. In that regard, you truly are fortunate," Chris explained, seemingly observing Xian Ran's actions and offering targeted explanations.
"Fortunate!" Xian Ran felt the word was a bitter irony. First, he narrowly avoided infection and becoming a zombie, then he unwittingly imbibed this inexplicable G-virus, and now an artificial intelligence program emerged to offer guidance. He queried with some displeasure, "What do you intend to do with me? Who is behind all this? What connection do you have to the spread of this disaster?"
Chris appeared unperturbed by Xian Ran's hostility. She continued calmly, "The unlocking of human potential by the G-virus is not an instantaneous process. Test subjects need to continuously evolve to perfect themselves. Due to genetic variations, the direction of evolution differs for each individual. I am your guide for future evolution and will provide assistance based on your progress. As for your latter two questions, given your current low level as an anomaly user, you do not have the authority to know. If you wish to uncover the answers, you must elevate your own level as an anomaly user."
"Anomaly user level? What does that mean?" Xian Ran's head was swimming. Anomalies, levels, attributes—this sounded like playing an online game. He even began to doubt if he was dreaming.
"Anomaly users are classified into different levels based on their abilities. Each level allows for the comprehension of new anomalies. However, with your current level, I can only provide you with this information. Presently, you've only completed the initial evolution, confirming yourself as an anomaly user with psychic abilities."
"What nonsense about psychic abilities, anomaly user levels! I can't make heads or tails of this gibberish. What exactly do you want?" Xian Ran roared in frustration.
Chris's lips curled into a cool smile, paying no heed to Xian Ran's outburst. She continued, "Your inquiries have been sufficient. I am not omnipotent. Some things must be discovered through your own endeavors in battle. To learn more, you must strive to elevate your level. Farewell."
After uttering these words, Chris gradually diminished and vanished, leaving the watch screen to display the simple time once more.
"Hey, hey!" Xian Ran shouted several times, but Chris did not reappear. Enraged, he cursed, "What a piece of junk, a mere artificial intelligence program! What's so great about it!"
Xian Ran was deeply unsettled by his conversation with Chris. He felt like a laboratory rat, manipulated by unknown figures behind the scenes. Yet, he had consumed the G-virus, and he couldn't remove the cursed watch. He could only adapt to the situation as it unfolded.
From this incident, Xian Ran vaguely sensed the intricate connections between Tianhe Biological Gene Pharmaceuticals Company and this catastrophe. However, he was just an ordinary person. In these turbulent times, preserving his own life was challenging enough; he had no spare energy to investigate further. Collecting his thoughts, Xian Ran resolved to first seek out a map and weapons. Regardless of the veracity of Chris's claims, he lacked both the inclination and courage to confront zombies unarmed. A survival tool was imperative. As for food, he had gone two days without eating, and his stomach was audibly protesting.
Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away, in an underground facility in a major city, dozens of individuals clad in white coats were frantically busy at computers. In the center of the hall stood a large screen displaying various peculiar symbols. A young researcher, upon seeing something on the screen, suddenly adopted a grave expression. Rising from his seat, he walked to a closed