novelzi Chapter 183 A Week In The Research Facility
Chapter 183 A Week In The Research Facility
Linsley didn't hesitate, meeting the doctor's gaze. "Yes, if it's only about eliminating the virus, regardless of the host's survival, I could easily do it with my current power."
Dr. Kerr nodded, gesturing toward the door. "We can discuss this further outside."
Linsley gave a final glance to the infected, still immobilized by his paralysis bullet, before following Kerr out of the containment area.
They passed through the decontamination chamber, a series of sprays and UV lights ensuring that no trace of the infection could escape with them.
Once the doors sealed behind them, they stepped into the observation corridor, where a large, reinforced glass wall allowed them a view back into the infected room.
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The infected individual remained still, his body rigid from the effects of Linsley's shot, though his eyes darted around with a dull, hungry awareness. The sight was a grim reminder of the virus's potency and the eerie sentience Linsley had detected.
"Is there any data on the virus's spread?" Linsley asked, his gaze fixed on the infected through the glass. "Or any hints about its origin?"
Dr. Kerr nodded, pulling a tablet from a nearby console and scrolling through the data. "We've done our best to map the cases, but the virus appears to have emerged in multiple locations at once. It's as though it was... introduced intentionally."
He hesitated, glancing at Linsley. "And there's another thing. Some of our Diviners have reported faint energy signatures when attempting to cleanse infected individuals. They couldn't trace its origin, but they sensed something unusual."
Linsley felt his suspicion deepen. This "energy" sounded all too familiar, aligning with the kind of residual influence he'd encountered from the Outer Gods. While he considered probing deeper, he knew a cautious approach was best.
Instead, he thought of a more measured test—a weapon specifically designed to weaken the virus rather than eradicate it outright, allowing him to study the infection's limits without revealing the full extent of his powers.
...
For the next seven days, Linsley immersed himself in observing the virus closely, studying its behavior and structure within the research facility.
He noted subtle, almost deliberate shifts in its form, each day marking what seemed like a calculated adaptation, as if the virus itself were aware of his efforts.
Every time he examined it, the infection seemed more than just a biological anomaly—it was evolving, responding to stimuli with disturbing precision.
He dedicated hours to refining a weapon through his Unlimited Gun Works.
His goal was to create something subtle yet effective, a tool that could immobilize the virus within its hosts and halt its adaptive changes. Though he downplayed the scope of his ability, he presented enough progress to satisfy the researchers, keeping his power restrained yet impactful.
The weapon he developed, however, required daily use to maintain its effect, underscoring just how challenging the virus was to control and leaving room for improvement if more drastic measures were required.
During his late-night observations, he allowed himself a moment to ponder the virus's unnatural traits. With each adaptation, his suspicion of the Outer Gods' influence deepened.
Though he hadn't voiced this theory openly, he logged every peculiar detail, mentally connecting the virus's response to the vile forces he had encountered before.
Throughout the week, he held regular discussions with Dr. Kerr and the other researchers. As he shared insights on the virus's adaptability, he could see the spark of interest in Dr. Kerr's eyes, mingled with a hint of amazement.
Though Linsley kept his explanations simple, the results spoke for themselves. His progress, though subdued, set him apart, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by those around him.
Still, Linsley was careful to downplay his accomplishments, presenting his progress as incremental, leaving the researchers with the impression that they were only beginning to explore the infection's limits.