Disclaimer: This novel is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real events, people, or places is coincidental. The author does not endorse or promote any harmful or illegal activities, including violence, discrimination, or harmful survival practices. The novel's content is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as a guide for real-life survival or preparedness. Always prioritize safety, respect, and well-being in your actions and decisions.
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Before starting his explanation, Min-su posed a question, "What do you think mutation means?"
Min-ho replied, "Isn't it just a change in form or shape?"
Hana thought for a moment before answering, "I think it's when something transforms into a completely different state, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly."
Min-su nodded, "Hana's answer is closer to what I mean. Mutation, in this context, is a transformation that goes beyond physical change."
Min-ho asked, "Why are you asking us this, hyung?"
Min-su explained, "The Erebus substance, after crystallizing into Nexarion, absorbs sunlight through the host's body to mutate into a stronger form it's takes around two weeks of time but zombies can absorb a kind of energy from human flesh and blood. The blue zombie we encountered was not a mutated zombie but a Variable, which undergoes half-mutation instantly after awakening. They gain a boost in certain physical attributes."
He continued, "The one I fought, Smiley Face, has high speed. There are two others, Angry Face and Sad Face, with high strength and high defense, respectively. Since they're the result of half-mutation, they also contain Nexarion within them. Otherwise, it would take around two weeks for every zombie to develop a crystal inside them as I said previously."
Min-ho and Hana listened intently, fascinated by this new information.
But then, Min-ho's curiosity got the better of him, and he touched his ribs, asking, "If what we encountered was a half-mutated zombie, then what about a fully mutated zombie?"
Min-su chuckled, seeing Min-ho's eager expression. "The first stage of awakening would grant the powers of Smiley Face, Angry Face, and Sad Face combined."
Min-ho's face turned pale, but Hana asked, "Stage?"
Min-su nodded, "Yes, stage. Zombies won't stop mutating after the first transformation. In my previous life, the mutation stages were:
1. Outbreak stage
2. Putrefaction stage
3. Deformation stage
4. Mutagenic Transformation stage
5. Revitalization stage
6. Putridation stage
7. Distortion stage
8. Mutagenic Mastery stage
9. Transmogrification stage
10. Metamorphosis stage
With each stage, their physical power will increase exponentially, and they'll gain a special ability."
Min-ho's hope seemed to dwindle, and he asked, "How will we survive this?"
Min-su's response was met with a mocking grin, "We'll copy them."
Min-ho's confusion was evident, "What do you mean by that, hyung?"
Min-su held up the Nexarion, its crystal form glinting in the light. "This is the purified form of Erebus matter, containing the mutation power. Since it's purified, it won't turn us into zombies. Instead, it will create a Nexarion in our hearts, allowing us to mutate as well."
He paused, eyeing them seriously. "However, To mutate just like zombies we need to keep ingesting Nexarion, as we can't absorb sunlight or the mysterious energy from human bodies like zombies do."
Min-ho's curiosity was piqued. "So, we also have mutation stages like zombies?"
Min-su nodded. "Yes, and just like in every stages of history, humanity is one step ahead in this also. We have two mutation paths: the Evolutionary Mutation Path and the Magical Mutation Path."
He explained, "The Evolutionary Mutation Path focuses on enhancing our physical abilities and harnesses natural elements to augment our powers. The Magical Mutation Path, on the other hand, is the route to becoming a mage."
Hana's eyes widened, fascinated by the possibilities. Min-ho's expression was more cautious, but he listened intently, eager to understand the implications.
Min-ho asked, "What are the stages of both paths?"
Min-su began, "The Evolutionary Mutation Path has the following stages:
1. Adaptation stage
2. Evolve stage
3. Revolution stage
4. Transformation stage
5. Transcendence stage
6. Ascension stage
7. Elevation stage
8. Symphony stage
9. Unification stage
10. Omnipotence stage
At each stage, your physical abilities will enhance, and at the fourth stage, you'll awaken your element, which will be upgraded at the fifth, seventh, and eighth stages."
Then, Min-su explained the Magical Mutation Path:
"The stages are:
1. Awakening stage
2. Emergence stage
3. Transcendence stage
4. Illumination stage
5. Enlightenment stage
6. Ethereal Shift stage
7. Mind Mastery stage
8. Psyche Unity stage
9. Spiritual Ascension stage
10. Nirvana stage
At each stage, your mana reserves will increase dramatically, and your control over mana will improve. In the first stage, you'll awaken your power, which can be either battle-type or support-type. If you're a battle type, you'll awaken an element, which will be upgraded at the fourth, sixth, and eighth stages."
Hana and Min-ho listened intently, their minds processing the vast amounts of information.
Hana asked, "Can we create a human Nexarion by ingesting the one you're holding?"
Min-su smiled, "Creating a human Nexarion isn't that simple, Hana. Many people need to ingest multiple Nexarion to create one, and since this is a Hulf mutant's Nexarion, it won't create a new Nexarion no matter how many you ingest. However, it will integrate with your body and grant you the power of its previous owner."
He continued, "Since this Nexarion came from a Smiley Face half-mutant, whose special ability is high speed, it will boost the agility and reflexes of the person who ingests it."
Then, Min-ho asked, "What about the power you used in the 7th floor corridor? Why did you start vomiting blood after using it?"
Hana's eyes widened in terror as Min-su explained, "It's one of my sword techniques from my previous life, but I haven't reached the minimum requirement to use it. I had to force myself to use it, by spending my life force, which is why I vomited blood."
Min-ho and Hana were shocked, with Min-ho exclaiming, "How can you be so careless, hyung?!"
Min-su reassured them, "Don't worry, after ingesting this Nexarion, I'll be able to recover my lost life force."