Chapter 0048: Evolution Begins! The Real Meaning Of Chat Groups! (2/5)

[Virus King (SSS) Talent: You possess a natural and exceptional control over any bacteria or viruses in your body! Any type of virus can be manipulated at will! Each time you absorb or come into contact with infected viral bacteria, you gain talent evolution points and develop new abilities. Current evolution points: 10.7.]

10.7 evolution points. 

This was enough to trigger the awakening of the 'Blacklight Virus', and since Novak had absorbed Roshan's phagocytic virus, the evolution point requirement had significantly decreased. The additional two evolution points earned now seemed somewhat unnecessary, though it was still a positive development.

With his mind focused, Novak directed his attention to the 'Blacklight Virus' talent tree. A vast and intricate structure made up of a core and countless branching paths appeared before his eyes once again.

[Blacklight Virus: Initial Awakening. Current Awakening Level: 0.9%. Would you like to proceed with awakening and evolution?] 

[Evolution points required for further evolution: 8 points.]

Thanks to absorbing Roshan's virus, the evolution point cost had dropped by two points, bringing a bright glimmer to Novak's eyes. Those additional two points, which once seemed unnecessary, were now even more valuable.

However, with his body temperature already nearing 50 degrees Celsius, Novak had no time to dwell on how to use those extra two points. He immediately channeled all eight evolution points into the seething 'Blacklight Virus'.

The virus, present in every corner of his blood, organs, muscles, cells, and genes, seemed to come alive, as if eagerly anticipating this moment. 

As the evolution points merged with the virus, Novak could feel an unprecedented surge of energy coursing through him. His entire body began to undergo a transformation.

In the darkened room, black and red streaks of light started to emanate from Novak's body. The 'Blacklight Virus' had fully integrated with his flesh and blood, altering not only his appearance but his very cellular structure.

Countless black-red tendrils sprouted from his body, a result of the virus fusing with his flesh—a clear sign of the 'Blacklight Virus's' evolution. Novak was acutely aware of this change, knowing it was part of the virus's awakening process.

Before long, the black tendrils retracted, vanishing beneath Novak's skin. In their place, a dark red glow—resembling deep wounds branded by a hot iron—flickered across his body. In the shadows, the sight was both mesmerizing and terrifying.

Yet Novak himself was in a unique state. His perception had shifted to a space beyond normal awareness. It was akin to the inner vision described in fantasy martial arts novels, but far more intricate. Every heartbeat felt like the surging rivers of ancient times, and every cell's tremor signaled a transformation in life and genetics.

Of course, with each shift in his body, the pain of cellular and genetic collapse, followed by their reconstruction, hit Novak relentlessly. It was an inhuman agony, as though he could feel every cell being rewritten and rebuilt at the most fundamental level.

His instincts had been right. The 'Blacklight Virus' was operating at its limit, delivering a primal "report" to Novak, who held the title of Virus King. Under its influence, every cell in his body was being restructured toward perfection.

Yet, despite the virus's immense power, Novak's body still contained over 60 trillion cells. The transformation process, though swift, would take time to fully complete. 

But when it was done, Novak would emerge as a new being—a true Virus King, entirely reborn and empowered by the 'Blacklight Virus'!

---

Meanwhile, outside in the dark of night, chat group No. 001 had been buzzing ever since the White Emperor's last message.

[Your King—Bart]: What does he mean?!

[Overlord]: Didn't White Emperor make it clear? But… is he about to do something dangerous?

[Lotte]: I'm praying for his success…

[Vince]: Who's going to handle what Brother White mentioned about the Post Bar?

[Rider]: This old man doesn't understand the internet, so it's up to you!

[Ruby]: Let's all post on the Post Bar. If anyone believes in Brother White, they can message us privately. Or we could just post the group number for No. 001 directly on the bar. Pioneers will know how to join.

[Ruby]: Once doomsday begins, and survivors become Evolutionaries like Brother White said, we'll turn off new applications and make the group invite-only. What do you think?'

[Overlord]: That sounds like a solid plan. There aren't many members in chat group No. 001, but do you think White would mind if the group got bigger?

[Vince]: I don't think so. Didn't Brother White include it in the group rules? The group is supposed to be a communication platform for talented pioneers. We're doing this to help ensure they survive in the doomsday environment. It fits within the rules!

[Your King—Bart]: Exactly! Right now, it's not reliable with so few people. Plus, I think there are some functions in the group that haven't been unlocked yet. Maybe they'll activate after doomsday begins—like the trading system!

Upon hearing this, excitement spread through the rest of the group. 

It suddenly dawned on them—the true purpose of creating a communication platform for the "Evolutionary Forerunners" wasn't just idle chatter. It was something far more profound.

Inspired by this revelation, the group members worked together to draft a post for the 'Cosmic Will Evolutionary Forerunners Post Bar'. Ruby, who had a knack for writing, shared the draft with the others. After some final tweaks and unanimous approval, she posted it.