Time to Work
After finishing that long mission, we finally returned to the sector. More precisely, to the outer wall. I'd wondered why the wall was so massive, and it turns out the wall itself was built as a living quarter. It wasn't just for blocking cadavers, then.
As expected upon entry, we got sprayed with disinfectant, had our temperatures checked, and went through basic quarantine procedures. It might seem too simple, but that was because everyone living on the outer wall had undergone the Star Adaptation Procedure. Enforcers and inspectors were basically immune to the virus anyway, and if their bodies lost control, their temperatures would spike dramatically. The response to a fever was straightforward: leave them outside until it dropped, or kill them at the first sign of anything off. I hadn't seen it happen myself yet, but it was the same in the game, so probably here too. No need for elaborate quarantine protocols, then.
For reference, Carlos clocked in at 39 degrees, Rira at 38, Nova at 37. I was 36.5. Ah, that's normal for an enforcer. The really dangerous ones hit 45 to 50 degrees. Carlos had the highest because he was the strongest—meaning he carried the most virus. Anyway, I'm the normal one here. You inhuman freaks!
But then, after the quick check, they ordered a week of quarantine. For me alone. Turns out Dr. Licht had summoned me to bring back the cadaver bodies ASAP, so I needed quarantine to enter. Does he think a 4.0 cadaver will nab me out there? Or did someone report to him? Or is the doctor just throwing another tantrum? This time, though, his meddling helped. I got assigned the terrifying mission of bed-securing during quarantine.
Hmm... actually, sounds great. After age 10, I'd been constantly on the run, getting thrashed by the doctor. How long had it been since I'd had this kind of leisure? Is this the "welcome back to work" gift or something?!
Carlos stared at the computer screen in his private room. A middle-aged man in a suit stared back.
"Director Ugo of Defense, I have a report."
"It's not that. This time, it's a report for you, Director."
"We've discovered a special entity. Traits unknown, gender unknown, activation index... unknown."
"That was just the objective facts. Now for my personal assessment."
On screen, Ugo grimaced slightly. He soon picked up a notepad and pen, eyeing Carlos.
"The sensor read an activation index of 4.9 stage. But considering its actions, that's definitely wrong. Our mission was to clear five infestation sites. But 1st Squad only handled one."
"Yes. The other sites were already obliterated, no traces of other lifeforms. We rushed to the last one and encountered... the entity I'm reporting now."
"It uses blood. Freely manipulates it for offense or defense. Appearance... female, but likely camouflage. Probably unlocked mutation traits from devouring around."
Carlos didn't buy the outward form because it controlled 'blood' so freely. Remote control of body parts was typical of radiation-type cadavers. But it fell short. The blood, linked to the main body, deformed at will. That deformed blood had repelled Rira with solid, immense strength. Meaning it had mutation traits too. If it was a mutation-type cadaver, the exterior was mere decoration. No one could predict if it'd appear human or monstrous.
"It retained near-full intelligence. It saw through my Finisher's ability perfectly. Probably... watched us the whole time. Highest chance it's an overlord spawn. Aggression matches normal cadavers. If anything, its intellect made it more brutally efficient with life."
Carlos rested his chin, gaze dropping as he pondered.
"5.3... no, around 5.5."
Ugo, jotting notes, paused his pen and stared.
"Yes. At minimum, stronger than me."
"Of course."
Ugo nodded, and the screen went dark. Carlos sighed softly.
I need intel. No one could predict what happened if a cadaver past 5.0 devoured everything nearby. Worst case, an Overlord could emerge. Carlos pulled up a map. After minutes of study, he decided.
Next target: nearest survivor outpost.
Unlike the isolated sector, oblivious to outside ecology, survivors were hypersensitive to changes—especially powerful cadavers. Perfect timing for a supply drop mission; they could yield ecological info.
A week flew by. Just eat, sleep, shit—how could time pass this fast? Impossible. Someone must've tampered with it. Yeah, this world's fantasy after all. A virus ravaging everything? Definitely a curse on all life.
...Yeah, doesn't feel real. Just a week without seeing the doctor's face, and I already dread it? Haven't even met yet, but sighs keep leaking out. 1st Squad was awkward, but they had human warmth. Is this societal corruption?
"You're alive."
Thrilling—did Dr. Licht worry about me?!
"Tch."
Yeah, no. Wah, suddenly so sad. We had good times, but when did he start hating me? My fault for not unlocking Ampoule's full potential?
"Store it in the preservation room. No infection risk for a wretch like you anyway."
I've handled it solo fine; why dump on me? Too lazy, right? Yeah, I'm done with you too!
"Yes."
But orders are orders. Man, self-loathing creeping in. Means and ends swapped? No point siphoning ampoules anymore—overdid it, ended reinforcement early. Maybe off the doctor now...
No! Pull it together! Nineteen years endured for this! Sure, his ampoules helped 99.9%, but that 0.1% effort matters! Me out here so soon means his move's coming. Watch me, doctor. I'll keep eyes peeled.
First, stash samples, then raid his ferret folder. Sloppy guy types password right in front of me. Heh heh, gotta exploit that. Mood lifting—time for another secret virus. Last time he blamed aging hardware for slowdown.
"Long time no see."
Creeping to his room with sinister grin, Emma called out. Ugh, Emma, stop staring sneaky-like. Love me? Heart skips every time. Hope she didn't catch my face.
"Yes."
Nod suffices. Our greetings always this. Not too close, not too far... poetic?
"Good."
Good? Worried about me? Wah, well done. Doctor ditched me ages ago, yet you obey. Cuddle award for you. Not for those soft big breasts and shapely hips. Daughterly... no, motherly! Hugged Emma tight.
Warm, but no reaction. Like hugging advanced doll. Even my Johnson quit responding. Truly sad...?
Poignant reunion. Blank Emma seems thoughtless, but I feel it! How often do I hug women? Rira and Nova-chan hate me. Nova-chan hides it but dodges slyly.
"See you again."
Whispered in stiff Emma's ear, flashed smile. Risky here, but caught? Tactical overlord drop!
Hacked doctor's PC while snooping, installed virus. Genius with bioviruses, trash at computers. Probably raging at RAM hog now. Imagining it: cathartic. No signs of his big plans yet. Believes his freak rock can grow. Game mechanics say impossible. Resources exponential per stage. Past 5.0, needs quality materials. 4.0 samples? Maybe 0.01 stage up. Minor physical boost, no more index rise. From 5.0, 0.1 jumps are huge. Idiot doesn't know basics. Overlord birth ain't easy. 5.3's a miracle—my help or he'd stall pre-5.0.
Week back at outer wall. Lounging daily, then captain assembled squad.
"1st Squad will conduct daily sweeps as outer mobile unit."
Captain, what?
"On paper?" Rira said.
Ah, that vibe? Just for show?
"Yes. Real goal: hunt the cadaver we saw before."
Eh? Differs from my understanding. Secret chat? ...And which cadaver before? Did we...~?
Carlos eyed me.
"You didn't see it. No big deal. You're only after bodies anyway? Can share info if wanted."
Whoa, cold. Not mad, just "You're not one of us. Curious?" Squad leader sparking fires for 'lubrication'!
But misunderstanding; clarify.
"Was there? Why the delay last time?"
Please say not me. We had fun. No major hurts.
"Yes. Special entity, minimum 5.5 stage. Disaster-class cadaver. It wrecked four of our infestation sites. Could be higher now."
What? Four? Not me then. I did one moderately.
"Blood-user. Likely enhanced mutation and radiation traits. Frail-looking body, but camouflage."
Hmm? Me then. Wait, weird. No cheating! Mimicry fooled machines below 5.0?! And I did one! How'd you analyze me? I'm bona fide cutie! Just... vicious virus!
"Hard to believe. That it exists, or you survived intact. Just good at fleeing?"
"Didn't see, so sure. Don't believe? Fine. No op issues. Hate going? Stay. Better for us."
Whoops, hated fully now. Wait, already was? Anyway, tempting. Stay ok?
"Didn't say I hate going."
"Whatever."
Heart says stay, but curious about that four-site cadaver. Honestly, worried for cute squadmates. They'll handle most, but if hurt, my safe sector's at risk! Unlikely, but tag along. If good, only go for samples! You permitted first, Carlos. Just followed orders!