CH19:ISOLATION

"Interesting. This…red thing's DNA has a close resemblance to ours." One of the twelve scientists announced to the others as they observed some of the red thing's DNA under a microscope.

"You certainly are right." Another replied. "If you take away its disfigured parts, it looks more like a human. In fact…" The scientist swabbed its checks, observed it under another more powerful microscope and said, "This is a human being."

"Impossible. How could this be?"

"This must be the effects of the red gas those aliens shot at the planet." He replied. "They must have had a solution that alters the human genetical makeup and mutated them into these creatures."

"So like. It's a gas that turned them into mindless zombies?"

"Zombies is an over exaggerated statement." Another pipped in. "Now that we know what they are, we can try and work an antidote so we can reverse the effects of this."

"But wait. These things are also pathogenic. What if they can be transmitted from the carrier to a new host?"

"Oh goodness no. We must isolate General Jack. He could be a carrier."

Two scientists left the laboratory in hazmat suits as they ran to the medical room. Once they got there, they quickly sprayed General Jack with disinfectant spray. "

"What in God's good green Earth is wrong with you?" He asked angrily. The scientists quickly observed his body and noticed his flesh wounds weren't getting any better.

"Sir. We fear that you could turn into one of those red men. It seems that gas altered their DNA and turned them into those."

"Like zombies?" He asked.

"It's an understatement but correct. We need to get you into isolation." The base already had an isolation area so it was easy for them to get him settled. The room was plain white with a white bed, white sheets, a television for entertainment. It also had cameras on all four corners so that the scientists could observe him better.

"Sir, this is for your own good and the safety of this base. We cannot risk anything."

"I understand." He replied. "Just don't involve the students. Keep this away from them. No one else should find out."

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The last set of teenagers had just finished their physical test and the results were given to them. The five generals, including General Luke, presented themselves before all the teens with clipboards in their hands.

"I congratulate all of you for completing your tests successfully. We haven't suffered any casualties so far and most of you have shown some potential while others," He said as he starred at Ace. "You need further assessments but that will be held out in the course of the week."

"Now, this is how things will go as followed." Another general spoke. "We will separate you into groups of ten. Five boys and five girls each. You shall all have your own sleeping quarters in the fifth floor. Girls will be on the left, boys will be on the right. Your tutors will be in the middle."

"Training and learning halls will be on the fourth, third, and second floor. Meals will be had in the first floor. You may have the rest of the day to yourselves. Feel free to explore the area but stay away from the Titanium doors. The gas has been cleared out but it is not safe to be outside yet."

Ace and the other nine teens he did the test with were grouped together and this was something he highly dreaded. For one reason, Jason and Lilly had some dislike towards him, and yet he didn't do any to them. Second, the Ruby girl from earlier kept giving him pity stares, which made him uncomfortable. Third, the only 'friend' he had wasn't going to be with him for a week, so he had to take care and protect himself from Jason, Lilly and the others who may see him as easy pickings.

To make it all worse, he was still suffering injuries from Jason's attack and his bloodlust was quickly rising to worrisome rates. 'I just hope I can handle this a little longer.' He thought to himself while his stomach raged on the inside.

[Ding]

[Your bloodlust has increased. Consume blood, doesn't matter from which species it is. You have twenty-four hours before transformation.]

"Err…are you good bro?" A girl, roughly his age with red, asked as she sat next to him. She had long, red hair shaved on the sides with wild lines. She had an average build for a girl her age with a round average face, blazing red eyes, a wild composure, and fair white skin. She had the orange uniform, signifying she was a body cultivator and yet, her bracelet had 2.1, meaning she too was as weak as Ace.

"You're a low level, just like me!" He said, almost sounding surprised.

"Err…yeah. You don't have to remind me." She smirked. "Name's Skyler Parkson but you can call me Sky." She greeted. "So, I see they put you in the elementals class, huh?"

"Elementals?" Ace didn't even realize that he was given a red uniform to show that he was an elemental. The generals thought that he was able to manipulate liquids, since he drew out the oil from the machines earlier. "Oh yeah, I'm an elemental. Oh f*ck. I'm an elemental!!" He dreaded as he saw Jason, who was also an elemental, walking past him.

"This just isn't your day, is it?" She smiled. "I err…I noticed how that kid thrashed you in the test."

"How did you…"

"They played out the results for the weakest." She replied. "Looks like they only had two cause it's just you and me."

"Sorry. It's just you. I'm on my own, kid."

"Kid!!" She stood in front of him. "I'll have you know that I am seventeen and a half."

"Still a kid." Ace mumbled. "If you'll excuse me, I have some business to take care of." He said as he noticed Jason walking off alone. He needed to seize the opportunity so that he could get his fill of blood, or else.

"Look man," She blocked his path again. "We're the weakest people here and if we're looking to survive, we have to have each other's backs. You know what I'm saying?"

Ace, who was losing his patience, just walked past Sky with a limp in each step. "Don't follow me, stranger. You will be taken down if you do, TRUST ME!!"