Chapter 0031: The Black Light Virus That Has Been Upgraded Again!

Evolution Points: 4.39

Novak looked at the number on his screen and sighed in mild frustration.

He couldn't help but feel a bit helpless.

Sure, 4.39 evolution points seemed like a decent haul—it was more than he'd ever gained at one time. But was it really that much?

There were over a hundred and sixty zombies. Even if he couldn't extract every last virus, shouldn't the number still be higher?

The issue lay in his ability as the Virus King: he could extract traits from various viruses to fuel his own evolution, perfecting his body from a genetic standpoint. 

However, once a virus was extracted, its effectiveness would diminish if it was too similar to what he already possessed. 

Of course, human DNA and RNA vary. Each virus that enters the body undergoes its own changes. But at their core, many viruses share the same essence. 

And that essence was what limited his evolution points. 

The viruses extracted from over a hundred zombies only yielded 4.39 points—a clear sign of diminishing returns. 

This was the nature of low-level zombies. Before the full apocalypse hit, it seemed Novak's focus should shift to harvesting viruses from the hospital.

The variety and volume there were incomparable. After all, the little nurse he encountered had already provided him with several virus samples, netting him over two evolution points—far more than from the zombies.

But when the apocalypse truly begins, the evolution of zombies will progress as quickly as, if not faster than, human evolutionaries. In fact, some high-tier zombies will likely surpass human evolution altogether.

Once again, Novak reminded himself—the protagonists of the Gods and Demons Trial Field were never solely human.

In the grand scheme of evolution, the human race didn't hold the lofty position it imagined for itself.

Pushing these thoughts aside, Novak focused on the 4.39 evolution points. Instead of experimenting with other avenues, he decided to channel them all into upgrading the Black Light Virus.

He had a strong feeling that once the Black Light Virus reached 1% fusion, it would bring about unimaginable advancements.

The innate ability of the Virus King would finally reveal the true terror of its SSS-level potential.

At that moment, the Black Light Virus, which had been dormant, suddenly surged to life, thrumming with unimaginable energy inside Novak's body.

The evolution points transformed into the purest nourishment, allowing the Black Light Virus to rapidly develop further.

At the same time, the virus merged with Novak's own cellular energy.

The cellular tearing that followed sent waves of pain through every muscle, making Novak's entire body tremble. His heart raced, pumping blood faster and faster through his veins.

Within moments, Novak's body temperature soared past 40 degrees Celsius.

But alongside the excruciating pain was an indescribable surge of euphoria.

This blend of agony and ecstasy was something no ordinary person could ever comprehend.

Thankfully, the process didn't last long.

Within ten minutes, the raging Black Light Virus quieted once more, as if its earlier frenzy had been nothing but an illusion.

However, the enhancements to his body were real and undeniable.

As Novak exhaled, the metallic tang of blood in his mouth, he heard a notification ring in his ear.

[Black Light Virus Evolution and Awakening Progress: 0.8%. Additional Attribute Gains: Strength +35, Agility +35, Constitution +35, Spirit +30! Life Recovery Speed +200%!]

It was yet another significant boost to his physical attributes, though this time the improvement to his spirit was slightly less than before.

A five-point increase in mental power wasn't much, but it reminded Novak that the Black Light Virus wasn't invincible.

Even it had its limits.

Mental power seemed to be one of them. This was likely the reason why consuming memories caused such strain on the host.

But that was just the nature of the Black Light Virus.

Other viruses, like the Progenitor Virus, T Virus, and G Virus, offered significant enhancements to telekinesis and similar abilities.

In fact, Novak was certain that any improvements in telekinetic powers would correlate directly with mental power growth.

However, there was no need to worry. With his Virus King ability, Novak would eventually surpass any host relying purely on the Black Light Virus.

Besides, the Black Light Virus and its kin were only one branch of the "self-enhancing" viruses.

There were still two more branches to discover.

Who knew what other abilities lay hidden within them?

Beyond talents, there would eventually be professions, bloodlines, and authority—each of which would affect his overall strength.

The future was vast, and Novak couldn't help but smile.

One day, he would stand at the pinnacle of power and see for himself what made those so-called gods so mighty.

As this thought crossed his mind, Novak's fingers brushed the special pendant hanging around his neck.

The Hourglass of Time—what secrets did it hold? 

Was it truly the key to his rebirth? Had it really sent him back to the past? Was the hourglass responsible for everything?

Novak didn't know. But he believed the answers would reveal themselves after the apocalypse.

With the further fusion and awakening of the Black Light Virus, sweat poured from Novak's body once more.

After taking a moment to adjust to his newfound strength, Novak headed to the bathroom.

To be honest, after the special back-rubbing experience he had just received from Daphne at the Red Building, bathing alone felt a bit lonely.

But just as this thought crossed his mind, the door to his bedroom slowly creaked open.

A figure slipped in quietly, moving with soft, measured steps.

The person froze for a moment upon realizing no one was in the room, only to turn around and see Novak—standing perfectly naked, water droplets clinging to his body, the bathroom door wide open.

"Ah..."

Before Dane could let out a startled cry at the sight in front of her, Novak had already crossed the room and clamped a hand over her mouth.

He glanced down at her.

Dane was dressed in a full-body black latex suit, her appearance a stunning surprise.

Was this girl really going all out?

Without wasting a word, Novak scooped her up and carried her back into the bathroom.

Sometimes, timing really was everything.