Chapter 12: World-Class Outbreak

“We have indeed observed evidence that Aspergillus flavus maintains body temperature. The corpse-like symptoms in patients are caused by this fungus sustaining heat, with tissue liquefaction being the greatest source of internal heat.”

“Some pyrimidine-class drugs have shown partial effectiveness, but the required doses are enormous. Nevertheless, this could be a breakthrough.”

“At present, the condition of all patients is grim. Their bodies have suffered severe damage; even if they survive, they will be confined to the ICU for life.”

After hearing the report from his researchers, the elder in the middle rubbed his brow, looking deeply troubled.

As the leader of the chemical defense unit, the weight of all matters—big and small—rested heavily on his shoulders, making it truly hard to bear.

“Alright, have you uploaded that evidence to the research institute? What did they say?”

“Yes, we have already uploaded it. They said there is a very high probability that this fungus was not naturally formed.”

The leader frowned and looked at the researcher who gave the report. “How high is this probability?”

The researcher flipped through his notebook and answered, “46%.”

Everyone who heard this nearly stopped to stare at the person who reported the percentage.

Though 46% might seem low, not even reaching half, under normal circumstances, if a virus were evaluated, the probability would rarely exceed 3%. This was already an exceptionally high figure.

“Are you saying this could be a biochemical attack?”

“No. They assessed the probability of a biochemical attack at 2%, and biochemical leakage at only 0.4%.”

The leader gasped, clearly baffled. “A deadly fungus of unnatural origin, yet it’s neither a biochemical attack nor an accidental leak—what else could it be?”

“The research institute has collaborated with psychology departments from universities in Shangjing and Xiayun, using their psychological models for evaluation. The results were similarly inconclusive.”

“Could it be that this fungus was released just for amusement?” The leader glared at the researcher, though knowing he wasn’t responsible for this matter, he couldn’t help but ask angrily.

The researcher looked at him and shook his head. “Xiayun University offered a hypothesis. Our psychological models are all based on human behavior and thought, so there is significant deviation in some behavior predictions, which contradicts previous results. It is very likely that…”

The leader couldn’t help but look over at him.

“It might be from another non-human intelligent lifeform.”

The leader was stunned. “Do you realize what you’re saying?”

“I do. This is Xiayun University’s conclusion. By modifying the model, they have even backtracked some information, but they say it’s for reference only.”

His terminal beeped twice, signaling a file upload.

He glanced over it roughly and understood why it wasn’t a biochemical attack—the reason was simple: the fungus wasn’t released in densely populated areas. If it had been, transmission would have been easier.

Besides that, numerous other possibilities were listed, each with corresponding evidence and conclusions.

In the end, human origin was ruled out, and the explanation was that “it” doesn’t yet understand humans well, which is why such a fungus was created, unable even to choose an optimal transmission source.

“The psychologists inferred from the fungus’s characteristics that ‘it’ believes we are still in the timeframe from six years ago. Back then, we couldn’t have established such an efficient regulatory system. This alone could deal a major blow to our nation.”

The leader nodded. “Anything else?”

“Yes. The psychologists also believe that the unique and horrifying symptoms caused by this Aspergillus flavus can be called ‘gruesome,’ likely intended as a form of ‘deterrence.’”

The leader had seen the photos. Indeed, living corpses are far more terrifying than actual dead bodies. Patients in this condition would certainly cause widespread panic.

*Ding~~*

The nearby landline rang. The leader glanced at the number displayed, his expression changing drastically. He immediately answered and held the receiver to his ear.

After a long pause, he put down the phone and looked at the researcher with a complex expression. “I think ‘it’ doesn’t fail to understand humanity—it’s just that ‘it’ doesn’t understand us.”

The researcher was puzzled. “Why do you say that?”

“There have been two large-scale strange fungal outbreaks in Yinzhou and across the ocean. The government couldn’t suppress them, so they leaked out. Even more were suppressed.”

“We’re in deep trouble.”

The situation shifted rapidly. The nation assembled all its top think tanks, each forcibly conscripted by the state to participate in the largest online discussion ever.

Countless experts assessed the crisis and proposed solutions—truly a gathering of brilliant minds.

Yet they all shared one consensus: they agreed with the leader’s view—civilization was in peril.

~~

Two flowers bloom, each displaying its own beauty.

---

Xu Chen had no idea that the hole he had poked had caught the attention of those above. He only knew that his recent slack days finally bore fruit. Seeing the various compensations and rewards listed on the contract, he was overjoyed.

Unlike the worried Ouyang Xing, who, after signing the contract to leave, still led his seniors hoping to continue research, Xu Chen knew he was purely shirking work. So with clear self-awareness, he took the contract and left.

Besides scholarships and awards, extra credits were granted, and these achievements would be specially recorded, greatly enhancing his resume and making it easier to get a good job in the future.

Smiling, he put the contract away, intending to boast to his dorm mate, his “own son,” since he had played a part in earning it.

With time to spare, he went to eat.

Taking out his phone, he paused in surprise. The disappearance had been covered up by the school, disguised as some event requiring secrecy, and notifications had been sent out—no calls had come in.

But one news headline silenced Xu Chen completely.

“Our country has stationed troops along the coast of the island nation, cooperating to enhance sewage treatment efficiency.”

The fewer the words, the greater the gravity. Xu Chen flipped through the news—it was indeed true.

An aircraft carrier had even been dispatched.

Unexpectedly, across the ocean, there seemed to be no resolute measures.

Other news detailed massive upgrades to domestic water and sewage plants, striving to eliminate drinking water safety issues caused by vapor circulation.

Less favorable news concerned customs and border closures amid a foreign epidemic outbreak.

There were also pharmaceutical companies promoting new anti-cancer drugs in development.

Since arriving in this world, Xu Chen had never seen the internet so lively. These news items were released at separate times, each likely a headline at the moment.

After reading for a long time, Xu Chen sighed deeply. “Damn it all.”