SSS+ MONSTER EVOLUTION

Chapter 2 : A Discovery

Date: July 24, 2173

Location: New Sunset City

A group of scientists led by the prestigious Doctor Elana Brown were researching an organism that was recently discovered on the inner surface of a meteorite that struck Earth.

The virus showed various characteristics that fascinated the researchers. It could adapt to almost any environmental circumstance it was placed in, from temperatures as high as 300°C to temperatures as low as -47°C.

Most importantly, it could create antibodies to protect itself from any and all foreign substances. They exposed it to many viruses and bacteria, but none proved effective against its resilience and will to survive.

The scientists believed that this organism—which they later called the Sanguine virus—could very well be the key to finding a universal cure. Doctor Elana believed it could even conquer death itself.

Scientists from different fields—biologists, genetic engineers, medical physicists, and many more—were called up to research this organism, all led by Doctor Elana.

They first conducted multiple experiments on lab rats, and after a series of tests, they finally had their first successful result.

The Sanguine virus was then introduced into the body of a chimpanzee. At first, it showed signs of severe illness, such as vomiting, excessive diarrhea, and bleeding. But after several hours, everything changed.

The illness vanished. It was as healthy as the term could possibly be defined.

They tried introducing various infections into its body, but none affected it. It produced antibodies that combated every foreign substance.

It was a wonderful day indeed. The scientists extracted the antibodies from the chimpanzee and prepared for their first human trial.

A prison inmate suffering from cancer volunteered for the experiment. Multiple high-ranking officials came to witness this miracle.

I was one of the scientists involved in the experiment.

The human was placed in a glass chamber, and the antibodies were introduced into him via injection.

At first, it looked like the experiment was a success. Multiple businessmen laughed, already seeing the profit in it. Government officials congratulated Doctor Elana for her accomplishment.

The prison inmate, who now looked completely healthy, walked around, amazed by what had just happened.

Everything was perfect... until it wasn't.

The inmate fell to the ground in pain, grabbing his stomach as if something was trying to rip its way out of him. He screamed for help at the top of his lungs.

The security personnel tried holding him down to calm the situation, until... the prisoner's stomach burst open.

Blood spewed everywhere. The prisoner reached out for the nearest person and bit straight through his neck.

Suddenly, everyone was getting infected. Chaos and panic erupted. The prisoner had transformed into a horrific monster.

Doctor Elana was immediately escorted out by her security and rushed away. The government officials fled as well.

The rest of us were left to fend for ourselves. I saw Doctor Yelena on the ground, a monster towering above her, ready to pounce.

I quickly grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher and slammed it into the monster with all my strength.

"Run!" I yelled at her.

I don't know what entered me that day to make me think I could be a hero.

The monster stared at me, blood spewing from its mouth. My knees felt weak from fear, my arms shaking as I held the extinguisher.

The monster tried pouncing on me, but I quickly sprayed it right in the face. I managed to blind it just enough to escape.

I ran as fast as I could, but the door in front of me was sealed shut. The doctors who had escaped earlier had locked the doors to contain the infection. I was trapped inside.

"At least Doctor Yelena is safe," I muttered.

A stupid thing for me to say. I was about to die, and all I could think of was Doctor Yelena? I'd had a crush on her for over four years, but not once had I ever made a move. I was pathetic. Thinking sacrificing myself would buy me any credibility? What was the point if I was going to die either way?

That's when it clicked. There was a secure research lab used to keep dangerous diseases and viruses under strict isolation. Due to how lethal those infections were, the room was heavily reinforced. If I could make it there, I would be safe.

I rushed toward the research lab as fast as I could, my chest pounding while all I could hear were the screams of people being torn apart.

The lab was just ahead. I could see it. I had authorization—my handprint could open it. I was going to be safe. Maybe, if I survived, I could even ask Doctor Yelena out.

A foolish thought.

*BANG!*

I was slammed hard against the wall. An infected rushed me, slicing through my guts with its claws.

Everything went silent. I gasped for air. The monster was ready to finish me off, but almost as if life wasn't done toying with me, the floor beneath us collapsed, sending the beast plummeting into the drop below.

I used every last ounce of strength to drag myself toward the pharmacy room. It wasn't far. I was bleeding out and needed to stop the hemorrhage; the pharmacy had everything I needed. After that, I could make it to the secure lab and wait for rescue.

I finally reached the pharmacy room. As I got near the freezer where the heavy painkillers and disinfectants were kept, I collapsed.

I could feel myself slowly losing consciousness. But worst of all, I heard a loud clicking noise just outside the freezer door.

The monster had followed me.

Surely, I was going to die.

[ Present Day ]