Raven "opened his eyes," though the concept of eyes was no longer relevant to his new form. He was no longer bound to a human body, and the awareness he possessed now felt merged with something more fluid, subtler, and freer. This sensation was completely foreign but also mesmerizing. He felt he could perceive everything with more clarity and detail the air shifting, changes in temperature, even the movements of small creatures nearby.
"I'm no longer human," he thought with sharp awareness. His old body, along with all its limitations, was gone. In its place, he found himself in a simpler yet far more flexible form: a virus. He no longer had hands, feet, or any definite shape, but now he could spread, infect, and control. Like an entity that could glide without boundaries, Raven felt that this newfound freedom was both a gift and a challenge.
He tried to move. No more calculating steps or maintaining balance. He moved effortlessly through the air, gliding between molecules, more like a stream of liquid slipping into any space he desired. Each movement felt smooth, and he began to realize that his new body allowed him to infiltrate living beings, infect them, and seize control of the host.
Around him, he sensed a dense forest. The rustling of leaves in the wind was clear, indicating that he was in the middle of the wilderness. Large trees with towering branches blocked the moonlight, casting shadows that danced with the breeze. On the ground, grass and underbrush formed a natural labyrinth where small creatures hid from predators.
Raven began exploring the area. He no longer moved like a human, but more like an energy flowing through the air. It wasn't long before he sensed a small living creature moving between the tree roots. A tiny brown-furred mouse crept cautiously, its beady eyes gleaming in the darkness as it searched for food scraps. This was Raven's chance to test his new abilities.
He approached the mouse, moving silently and stealthily. There was no fear or hesitation. Swiftly, he infiltrated the mouse's body through open pores on its skin. The mouse shuddered momentarily, as if sensing something strange, but in a flash, the small creature was entirely under his control.
As the infection process took place, Raven's consciousness began to merge with that of his host. He not only gained control over the mouse's body but also access to its memories and life experiences. Fragments of memories began flashing in his mind the mouse's experiences hunting for food, running from predators, and living in constant fear. Though these memories didn't offer much useful information, Raven realized that this ability could be incredibly valuable when he infected more intelligent creatures.
...[Infection Successful]...
...[Skill Acquired: Cleansing Bite - A clean bite with poison-neutralizing effects]...
...[Evolution Points Gained: 1]...
Raven smirked inwardly. The system provided information directly embedded in his consciousness, like instructions appearing in a game interface. While the ability he gained from this mouse was simple, he began to grasp the immense potential of this mechanism. Each creature he infected could grant him new skills, and the stronger the host he controlled, the greater his chance to evolve.
However, this mouse's body was just a stepping stone small and fragile, unfit for larger ambitions. Raven began scanning his surroundings through the mouse's eyes, trying to understand where he was. This forest seemed unusual. The towering trees with softly glowing leaves hinted at the presence of magical energy flowing through this place. From the darkness, more rustling sounds were heard creatures larger and stronger than the mouse.
Suddenly, his awareness picked up something bigger. The energy in the air signaled to Raven that a much more powerful creature was nearby. He quickly moved, guiding the mouse's body toward the source of this energy. The closer he got, the stronger the pressure of the energy became. Carefully, he crept between tree roots and bushes, sneaking toward the source of the power.
Between two large trees, Raven spotted it a black wolf twice the size of a normal wolf. Its fur shimmered in the moonlight as if it were made of shadows themselves. Its red eyes glowed menacingly, and from its maw filled with sharp fangs, a low growl rumbled with each heavy breath. This creature was clearly not an ordinary wolf. A strong magical aura surrounded it, something only possible in a fantasy world.
...[Target Identified: Dire Wolf]...
...[Level: Intermediate]...
...[Risk: High]...
Raven couldn't contain his excitement. If he could infect and take over this wolf's body, his power would increase dramatically. But he also understood the risk involved. This wolf was far stronger than the host he currently controlled. The small mouse body wouldn't survive a direct attack from this creature. But Raven wasn't afraid to take risks. He had been accustomed to danger since his days as a human.
Using his cunning, Raven allowed the mouse to approach the wolf slowly. Every movement was calculated with precision, ensuring not to raise suspicion. The wolf was busy sniffing the ground, seemingly unaware of the looming threat. When the distance was just right, Raven exited the mouse's body, reverting to his invisible virus form, and quickly infiltrated the wolf through its skin pores.
As the infection process began, the wolf instantly sensed something was wrong. Its body tensed, muscles writhing in an attempt to fight off the unseen intruder. A loud howl echoed through the forest, shaking the leaves and scattering hidden birds. But Raven was prepared. He rapidly spread throughout the wolf's body, infecting every tissue and vital organ. Yet this wasn't an easy process. The wolf had incredible strength and instincts, fiercely resisting the infection.
An internal battle took place within the wolf. Raven had to combat the creature's natural instincts and the magical power coursing through its veins. Each counterattack from the wolf's immune system felt like waves of energy trying to destroy him, but Raven didn't relent. With the intelligence and determination that once made him the best assassin, he finally subdued the wolf's body. Slowly, his consciousness began merging with this new form, gaining control over every movement, every muscle, every instinct.
However, it wasn't just the strength and abilities he gained from this wolf. The creature's memories also unlocked in his mind, like flashes of images suddenly appearing. Raven saw the life of the wolf how it led its pack, battles it had fought against other monsters, and how it survived in this harsh environment. This information gave him a deeper understanding of the territory he now inhabited. He learned about hunting routes, the weak points of other creatures, and even the presence of greater threats in the surrounding area. Every fragment of memory was a clue he could use for his future strategies.
...[Infection Successful]...
...[Skill Acquired: Shadow Sprint - High speed within shadows]...
...[Skill Acquired: Feral Howl - An intimidating howl that weakens enemies]...
...[Evolution Points Gained: 10]...
This new body granted him far greater strength. The wolf's muscles were filled with energy and speed. Raven could feel how this body could move swiftly, almost like a shadow darting between the trees. Moreover, the wolf's howl held magical power that could weaken opponents before they had a chance to strike. This was a huge leap from the small, fragile form of a mouse.
Raven tested his new abilities by leaping from tree to tree. His paws struck the ground with incredible force, while his body surged forward like the wind. Every movement felt natural, as if this body had always been his. The wolf's predatory instincts blended seamlessly with Raven's intelligence and combat experience. He now possessed a deadly combination of speed, strength, and tactical prowess unmatched by any other creature in this world.
As he ran through the forest, a system window once again appeared in his mind.
...[New Quest: Find and Infect a High-Powered Creature]...
...[Reward: Special Skill - Devour]...
...[Location: Cursed Forest in the South]...
"Interesting," Raven thought with a smirk. This system not only provided information about his abilities but also gave clear directions on how to increase his power. If there was a high-powered creature in the southern forest, then that's where he needed to go. He required more skills and stronger hosts to survive and thrive in this new world. But it wasn't just about survival he had bigger ambitions. He wanted to conquer this world, transforming himself into the most powerful entity that ever existed not just a creature that infiltrates and hides.
With the wolf's body now under his control, Raven moved southward, following the instructions given by the system. His steps were light yet full of power, like a shadow moving swiftly under the moonlight. In his mind, strategies began to take shape. He needed to learn more about this world, about the creatures that ruled it, and certainly about any heroes or threats that might arise.
For now, though, his focus was on the mission given by the system. If he could acquire the "Devour" skill mentioned, his ability to assimilate the strength of other creatures would increase dramatically. He would become more than just an infectious virus—he would become a predator that not only steals power but devours it, assimilating every strength he encountered into himself.
As he approached the edge of the forest, the night wind grew colder, carrying a strange and slightly acrid scent. In the distance, the dark silhouette of a mountain loomed, radiating an ominous aura. This was his destination the cursed forest that harbored powerful creatures. Raven felt no fear; instead, he felt more challenged. Every threat was an opportunity for him to evolve, to grow stronger.
In the darkness of the night, a long howl echoed, resonating between the trees, sending a message of fear to every creature in the forest. The howl came from the wolf's body that Raven now controlled, but the essence behind those red eyes was no longer that of a wild animal driven by instinct. Now, there was something far more dangerous lurking a virus with human intelligence, grand ambitions, and a desire to conquer everything.
Raven's new adventure had begun, no longer as a human but as a virus that continues to evolve. This world was full of power waiting to be claimed, and he was determined to absorb it all, ruling the world from the shadows until nothing remained beyond his control.