Looking over Crystal's stats, I felt uncertain. Without a baseline to compare to other dogs, it was hard to tell if her numbers were impressive or just average.
"System, why are there so many zombies? And what exactly happened to cause this massive change in everyone?"
**[ The 'Incompatibles,' or what you are calling zombies, are individuals who failed to harmonize with the power of mana. Mana is an intense, otherworldly energy that your planet and its organisms have not evolved to handle. When exposed to mana, those who cannot assimilate it experience a catastrophic breakdown of their body, mind, and soul. The energy is too powerful for their systems, leading to their deaths. However, mana's reanimating properties take hold of the still-functioning parts of their brains, causing the bodies to reanimate and behave in a zombie-like manner. ]**
**[ Due to the sudden introduction of mana, nearly 70% of humanity could not adapt to this new energy. This widespread inability to harmonize with mana resulted in a massive number of Incompatibles, causing a significant transformation in the affected individuals and a drastic shift in the world's population dynamics. ]**
"So this so-called God essentially killed off nearly everyone on the planet and calls it an opportunity for us to evolve faster. That's messed up."
**[ The process of evolution has always been about the survival of the fittest. The strong surpass limits and move forward, while the weak die out, unable to keep up. This is a fundamental principle of nature, now accelerated by the introduction of mana. ]**
**[ Plants and animals have a better chance of adapting to this change. They operate primarily on instinct and follow the universal law of survival of the fittest without the complexities of human consciousness. Their simpler structures and instinctual behaviors make them more flexible and capable of evolving rapidly to harness mana. This gives them an edge in this new world, as they can adapt more naturally to the energy that is reshaping the environment. ]**
"Let me get this straight: you're saying that all plants and animals are evolving too? Does that include microorganisms and similar things? Do they also have access to this system?"
**[ Yes, all plants and animals, including insects, are undergoing evolution due to mana exposure. Microorganisms are also evolving, but their small size limits the amount of mana they can contain. However, this energy can drive the emergence of new types of microorganisms or accelerate the evolution of existing ones. These changes can lead to the development of entirely new species with unique properties influenced by mana. ]**
"So, while I might not catch a cold anymore as I get stronger, there could be new types of viruses to worry about."
**[ Exactly. The Incompatibles that have appeared on the planet also have the potential to evolve. While they currently act on instinct, this will develop into a more complex nature as they grow. They may start to think and advance their kind. Additionally, the dead cells in their bodies carry a new type of virus known as mana decay. Mana decay can infect humans if it enters the host's body, typically through ingestion of blood or being bitten or scratched by an Incompatible. As mana decay evolves, it could create new health challenges, even for those who have adapted to mana. ]**
"Is there a cure for mana decay? How long does it take for someone to fully turn into an Incompatible?"
**[ There is no known cure for mana decay. The virus essentially attempts to revive dead cells by using mana, making it extremely difficult to combat once it has taken hold. However, the progression of mana decay can be slowed or even halted depending on the level of the virus and the infected individual's state of evolution. If a higher-level being is infected by a lower-level Incompatible, the host's genes and enhanced abilities can often destroy or significantly delay the effects of mana decay. The time it takes for someone to fully turn into an Incompatible varies, but if the infected and the Incompatible are of similar levels, the transformation can occur in just a few minutes. In cases where the infected person has a stronger resistance, it might take hours or even days for the full transformation to complete. ]**
"Can we just call them zombies? 'Incompatibles' is too long and boring, and most people will understand what 'zombies' means."
**[ Yes, you can refer to them as zombies. While 'Incompatibles' is a more technical term, 'zombies' is widely understood and conveys the nature of these beings effectively. Using familiar terminology can make communication easier and more relatable for everyone. ]**
"Is there anything else I should know about these 'ZOMBIES' before I head out?"
**[ Yes, there are a few more important details you should be aware of:
**Senses and Behavior:** Zombies rely heavily on their senses of sight and sound. Loud noises and bright lights can attract them, so it's crucial to move quietly and avoid drawing attention to yourself. They are most active during the night when their enhanced night vision gives them an advantage.
**Weaknesses:** Despite their reanimated state, zombies still have vulnerabilities. Damage to the brain or spinal cord will incapacitate them permanently. Fire is also effective, as it can destroy their bodies and prevent them from reanimating.
**Evolution:** Zombies are not static creatures. Some may develop new abilities over time due to the influence of mana. These abilities can include increased speed, strength, or even rudimentary intelligence. Always be on the lookout for signs of such evolution, as it can make encounters more dangerous.
**Infection and Containment:** The virus that causes mana decay can spread rapidly through bites, scratches, or contact with infected bodily fluids. If you or anyone in your group is injured by a zombie, it's imperative to treat the wound immediately and monitor for signs of infection. Isolate the infected individual to prevent further spread.
**Environmental Changes:** The presence of mana has caused significant changes in the environment. Some areas may have higher concentrations of mana, making them more dangerous. Additionally, wildlife may also exhibit mutated characteristics, making encounters with animals unpredictable.
Your current power level does not grant access to further details. Stay vigilant and use the information provided to increase your chances of survival. ]**