Virus King!
SSS!
Even Novak hadn't imagined that his talent would be so exceptional, reaching the peak in one step!
SSS-level talents were exceedingly rare. In his previous life, barely a handful of individuals were known to possess them—perhaps less than could be counted on one hand.
But one thing was certain: anyone with an SSS-level talent who managed to grow and develop their power would become an unstoppable force. At a minimum, they would reach the rank of a saint, possibly an emperor, and might even touch the realm of mythical beings.
Though Novak had been a White Demon Saint in his past life, much of his early success had been due to serving under the Dark Mother Goddess.
But now, his journey was starting on an entirely different footing!
Taking a deep breath, Novak's heart pounded as he focused on his newfound talent. The next moment, an image resembling a vast banyan tree appeared in front of him:
The Talent Tree!
Talents below S-rank typically had one fixed effect, such as Novak's earlier Virus Resistance talent, which was only E-level. But with S-rank and above, including SSS-level talents, a talent tree would appear—offering the ability to evolve and upgrade powers.
This was why the gap between S-rank and A-rank was like heaven and earth.
Every option on the talent tree was shrouded in darkness, except for one glowing central branch.
[Virus King (SSS): You possess exceptional control over all bacteria and viruses in your body! Any type of virus can be harnessed for your use! By absorbing and coming into contact with infected viral bacteria, you gain evolution points, which allow you to develop further abilities! Current evolution points: 2 points.]
Evolution points, the ability to control any virus— Novak's eyes burned with excitement.
As he focused on the central branch, several more branches began to illuminate.
—[Evolution of Infectious Diseases: Traditional viral infections spread through physical contact, body fluids, droplets, etc. As it advances, the virus can evolve to spread through unknown methods!]
—[Virus-Enhanced Evolution: Use special viruses to enhance your own abilities, strengthening your physical attributes and combat effectiveness!]
—[Virus Parasitic Evolution: Create parasitic viruses that primarily damage enemies, though some parasitic strains can also enhance your abilities!]
Infectious diseases, virus enhancements, and parasitic viruses...?
Three branches to choose from, but with only two evolution points, Novak had to be strategic in his decision.
He immediately dismissed the first option, Infectious Diseases—it seemed more useful for spreading sickness than for combat.
His focus shifted to Virus Enhancement and Virus Parasitic Evolution. After some thought, Novak opted for the safer choice: virus enhancement.
The idea of parasites—controlling and manipulating others—sounded intriguing, almost like a summoner's ability in future professions. But it didn't suit Novak's fighting style. Plus, it would take longer to form effective combat power with that branch. Strengthening himself, on the other hand, would allow him to immediately improve his combat abilities.
He allocated one evolution point to Virus-Enhanced Evolution, and the corresponding branch lit up further. Two new sub-branches glowed at the edges of the talent tree.
In the apocalyptic future, Novak had encountered some familiar abilities from films and TV series. He had known this phenomenon existed, but he hadn't expected to see it here, within his own talent tree.
When he saw the two newly available virus enhancement options, his pulse quickened:
—[Ancestor Virus: An RNA virus, the origin of all viral series such as the T-virus, G-virus, and Uroboros virus. Absorbing and fusing this virus can greatly enhance your body's overall quality and extend your lifespan! Evolution points can be used to unlock further enhancements on other branches!]
(Note: The Virus King can absorb and fuse any virus with zero risk of failure!)
—[Black Light Virus: A DNA-like virus that significantly boosts overall physical fitness, strength, stamina, agility, and mental faculties, vastly increasing combat potential. It also greatly enhances cellular regeneration! Evolution points can be used to develop additional abilities tied to the Black Light Virus!]
Two potent viruses to choose from. Novak hesitated for a moment, unsure which to select.
The Ancestor Virus offered versatility and could improve his body in many ways. However, the raw combat power of the Black Light Virus was unparalleled.
Though the Virus King talent granted immunity to most negative side effects, Novak knew that further development of the Black Light Virus would likely require a significant investment of evolution points.
In contrast, the Ancestor Virus had broader potential, with multiple branching abilities.
But in the end, Novak couldn't resist the allure of the Black Light Virus. Its sheer power was unrivaled—no other virus-enhanced ability he had ever known could compare.
The Ancestor Virus would have to wait. When he gathered more evolution points in the future, he could unlock everything.
To grow stronger, sacrifices must be made. Novak had no doubt that his future, now drastically altered by this decision, would lead to unimaginable heights.
With the last of his evolution points spent, the option for the Ancestor Virus dimmed.
Instantly, the Black Light Virus lit up!
A wave of excruciating pain surged through Novak's body, almost as intense as the agony from the previous night. He gritted his teeth, biting down on the tattered quilt to keep from screaming as sweat poured from his skin.
Fortunately, the torment lasted only a few minutes.
Even through the pain, Novak could sense something different inside him—something new coursing through his veins.
The Black Light Virus.
It had fully integrated with his body. Under its influence, the muscles he had trained so arduously transformed within mere minutes, sculpting his physique into a perfect form brimming with strength and vitality.
As Novak marveled at the changes in his body, the voice of the universe echoed in his mind once more:
[Preliminary fusion with Black Light Virus completed. Current progress: 0.1%! Your Strength +10, Agility +10, Constitution +10, Spirit +10! Life regeneration rate +200%!]
Novak clenched his fists, feeling power surge through every fiber of his being!