Chapter 16 The Creator's Confession II

Victor's gaze turned distant, his mind sinking into memories of the past, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "We were so confident, so blind to the monster we were about to unleash. At first, everything seemed perfect—flawless even. But perfection is a dangerous illusion."

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Two years ago…

Victor stood at the center of the lab, the hum of machinery and the soft whirring of cooling systems filling the sterile air. The containment unit that had once housed the evolved humans was now empty. The figures—three of them—stood motionless in the middle of the room, their pale skin glinting under the harsh fluorescent lights. Their crimson eyes glowed faintly, like embers in a dying fire, and their physiques were unnervingly perfect, sculpted as though by some divine hand.

Victor clasped his hands behind his back, his voice calm yet brimming with pride. "Ladies and gentlemen, what you see before you are the results of years of tireless research and dedication. These evolved humans represent the pinnacle of biological engineering. They are stronger, faster, and far more resilient than any natural human. And most importantly, they are immune to every known disease."

The room was filled with an air of awe and curiosity. Top politicians, military officials, and investors leaned forward in their seats, their eyes fixed on the evolved humans standing before them.

One of Victor's assistants approached, holding a small tray containing vials of different viruses and diseases. "Dr. Hallow, we're ready for the demonstration," the assistant said, handing Victor a syringe.

Victor nodded, taking the syringe in his hand. He turned back to the crowd, his voice steady. "What you are about to witness is the culmination of over a decade of research. These individuals, though they appear altered, are still very much human. But their biology has been enhanced in ways that make them… extraordinary."

He approached the nearest evolved human, who stood still as a statue. With practiced precision, Victor drew a sample of its blood, the crimson liquid glowing faintly as it filled the syringe. He walked back to the tray, where the vials of various diseases were lined up like a macabre collection.

Victor injected the blood into a clear container filled with a concoction of deadly viruses—HIV, Ebola, smallpox, and more. The crowd watched in tense silence as the blood interacted with the pathogens.

At first, nothing happened. The mixture remained still, the blood suspended in the solution. Then, slowly, the crimson fluid began to glow brighter. It expanded, reaching out like tendrils toward the viruses. The pathogens, once deadly, were absorbed one by one, their structures dissolving as the blood consumed them.

The blood began to swirl, its glow intensifying. It danced within the container, its movements almost joyful, as though it were a living thing celebrating a meal. The crowd gasped as the blood shimmered and pulsed, the deadly concoction rendered harmless.

Victor turned to face the audience, his expression triumphant. "Ladies and gentlemen," he declared, holding up the container, "this is the future."

Applause erupted throughout the room. Some of the politicians exchanged glances, their eyes alight with possibilities. Military officials leaned back in their chairs, nodding to one another as they considered the implications for warfare and defense. Investors whispered excitedly, already calculating the profits this breakthrough could generate.

One man, a gray-haired senator with a mischievous grin, raised his hand. "Dr. Hallow," he called out, his voice carrying over the applause, "this is impressive, no doubt about it. But tell me—are we all going to end up looking as pale and creepy as these guys if we use this treatment?"

Laughter rippled through the room, breaking the tension. Even Victor allowed himself a small smile. "Senator Matthews," he said, his tone amused but firm, "I can assure you, there is nothing to fear. These individuals may look… different, but they are still very much human. In fact, they are the next step in human evolution."

Victor gestured toward the evolved humans. "If you're skeptical, why not see for yourself? Come closer. There is nothing scary about them—they won't bite." He paused, his smile widening slightly. "Unless, of course, you ask them to."

The room chuckled again, and Senator Matthews stood, adjusting his tie. "Alright, Dr. Hallow, you've convinced me," he said, stepping forward. "Let's see these 'next-gen humans' up close."

Victor watched as Matthews approached the evolved humans, a faint glimmer of something unreadable in his glowing eyes.