Asad only knew about the Eclipse Followers since these cultists seed to be helping the Zombies spread the virus.
To be exact, they were known as evolved humans who wanted the mutation of the Zombies to go further, leaving only a few select humans, or people like them, who were immune to the virus alive.
Indeed, based on the information he had, these people were the ones responsible for the new mutations of the Zombies.
"What about those three projects you ntioned?" Asad asked.
Shane smiled as he didn’t mind explaining this precious information they had found out before.
"Well... It turns out that there were three classified governnt research initiatives. All launched just before the outbreak spiraled out of control. They were codenad Project Protheus, Project Eclipse, and Project Icarus. Each one—if completed—could fundantally alter the outco of this Apocalypse. Or doom us all."
Asad leaned back on his chair as it seed that these projects were indeed crucial...
"Sounds like a ss..." He comnted.
Shane nodded. "Project Protheus focused on rging humans with advanced nanotech—cybernetic enhancent. A fusion of flesh and machine."
Asad didn’t speak and waited for Shane to continue.
"There were three phases in this project. The first was called the Neural Weave—a network of nanofibers implanted into the brainstem and spinal cord to enhance reflexes. Supposedly, it allowed near-precognitive reaction speed. You could dodge bullets if you trained hard enough.
The second phase was what they called Onyx Bone Reinforcent... They reinforced human skeletal structures using a carbon-titanium fra, making them strong enough to withstand tank shells without shattering."
Asad raised a brow. "Sounds painful."
"It probably was," Shane agreed. "But the final phase was the most extre—Phoenix Organ System. Regenerating organs. Lungs, heart, liver... all designed to rebuild themselves within minutes, even after fatal damage."
"Cybernetic immortality?" Asad asked.
"Close enough. But I think they never finished the last phase. Or if they did, it’s hidden sowhere. Apparently, the Super Soldiers that we currently have are the result of this project. However, they didn’t reach the third phase." Shane explained.
"Ho~ That’s actually impressive. So that’s also the one curing the people from the Zombie Virus?"
"Yes... However, it was diluted by Anna, so the effects weren’t that impressive. Unfortunately, remaking them was too difficult even for her. Even with her Alchemical Knowledge, she could only make a dozen vaccines out of one vial of Super Soldier Serum."
Shane then explained the Project Eclipse.
"This Project Eclipse is worse... It’s where the real danger lies. It was a bioweapon developnt plan. It involved weaponizing the Z-Virus—not for humans, but for the Zombies themselves. We learned that this project started the mutation of the Zombies."
Asad frowned. "They’re the ones who worsened the Zombie Virus? I guess I’m no longer surprised."
Shane nodded. At this ti, he decided to ask Cloud to show him the information about this Project as he couldn’t recall all of it.
"Phase One was the Reaper Strain. A mutation of the Z-Virus designed to target specific DNA. It allowed limited control of infected subjects—but only certain Zombie types."
"Phase Two was the Valkyrie Protocol. This one took it further. It involved infecting humans in a controlled way, turning them undead while halting the decay process. Obedient, immortal, but still technically dead."
"Like the Eclipse Followers?" Asad asked.
"Exactly," Shane said grimly. "They most likely used this thod to ensure that they remain alive. They’re remnants of this perfected experint. The final phase was sothing called the Necroforge. They wanted to implant neural chips into corpses... However, this final phase probably didn’t work that well for them."
Asad exhaled sharply. "They were trying to build a controllable undead army..."
"That’s right... I wouldn’t even be surprised if the Zombie Leaders, Zombie Kings, or Zombie Lords were a part of their organization. After all, these Zombies are the only ones capable of controlling other Zombies." Shane replied.
He had really considered this since he couldn’t find other reasons how these boss-type Zombies could control other Zombies, no matter how mutated they were.
As a matter of fact, even Zombies with no ears or eyes could sohow follow the command of these Zombie bosses.
Anyway, the last project, called Project Icarus, was also discussed by Shane.
"Project Icarus, or what they call Genetic Ascension, was about making humans evolve.’ Basically, replacing humanity with a superior species."
This ti, Asad was quite excited. "Now... I want to join that project."
Shane couldn’t help but laugh at this.
"If you think about it, Foreign Survivors, or us who were sent from Earth, are also like this... We have the ability to improve our physical status with each Level Up. Isn’t that Genetic Ascension already?" Shane said.
"Ahhh." Asad gently nodded as he understood what Shane ant.
Still, Shane continued to explain the Project Icarus.
"First phase was the Adonis Code—a complete rewrite of human DNA. It eliminated disease, aging, and even fatigue. It’s what they call biological perfection. It was a much better project than making themselves undead. However, this project was simply too difficult for obvious reasons." Shane said.
Asad nodded at this.
"You’re right... If they could really do that, it would be very impressive. However, I have a feeling that they’d need the Zombie Virus still." He muttered.
"Right... So the next phase was the Titanblood. It was the synthetic hormones that increased muscle density by 1000%. Physical strength beyond our natural limits. I’m guessing that they could only find such a thing from the mutated Zombies."
"And the final phase... the most dangerous one. The Icarus Gene. It gave the host photosynthetic energy absorption. In other words, no need for food or water. Self-sustaining bodies that draw power from light."
Asad’s eyes narrowed. "It’s like they were trying to create gods."
Shane nodded. "Well, in the Project Director’s log that we found, we confird what they wanted to do..."
"What is it?" Asad asked.
Shane then recited from mory...
"Humanity is obsolete. The future belongs to those we create..."
User Comments
0 comments from readers