Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Experimentation and New Companion
I begin by summoning a leech, a slimy, sinuous creature that slides into my hand. The texture of its body is strange, both slippery and firm, a perfect incarnation of the T-Virus. It crawls slowly, its movements controlled by my power. With a precise gesture, I direct the leech towards the eel that I hold tightly. The leech, obeying my orders, latches onto the eel and sinks its tiny fangs into its scaly flesh. The eel writhes violently, feeling the venomous bite, but I maintain my hold, carefully observing the reaction.
The eel's electric shock immediately triggers, running through my arm with brutal intensity. The leech, unable to resist this power, contracts violently before succumbing, its body drying up and falling off the eel. The electric current leaves burn marks on my skin, but my rapid regeneration erases these wounds in the blink of an eye. Despite the loss of the leech, I observe the eel with renewed interest since its discharge has surpassed my resistance while the Virus had just entered its body.
DING
A benign mutation of T virus detected, absorption will take 5 seconds.
The time will be reduced by 10 seconds due to the bonus on mutations to the T virus.
The time will be reduced by 10 seconds due to the bonus on aquatic forms of the T virus.
5, 0
T virus mutation or electric eel successfully absorbed available in the factory
1 electric eel will be produced every 10 minutes. You have 10 electric eels directly in the factory.
You will be able to instantly master any electric eel that is not under your control with a simple touch.
You have created a new biological weapon, you can rename the creature.
"Call Zap," I say, laughing at my accomplishment.
I look at Zap, the eel, motionless between my fingers, its scales glinting faintly in the light. Its sinuous, smooth body is a source of raw electrical power, and I sense a certain tension in it, ready to discharge its energy. With a thought, I give it the order to electrocute me, and almost instantly, a powerful current runs through my body. The sensation is intense, every muscle twitching under the discharge, but my rapid regeneration counteracts the harmful effects.
The electric shock, while powerful, does not paralyze me. My body quickly absorbs and dissipates the energy, leaving me slightly dizzy but still standing. I feel the burning of electricity on my skin, but the marks disappear almost as quickly as they appear. Satisfied with this experience, I release my hold on Zap and store it in the factory. Its presence there might interest Marcus.
I watch the other two eels wriggling in the tank, their undulating movements reflecting a certain agitation. I grab one of them, immediately feeling the electric shock it emits, much weaker compared to Zap's. My body, already adapted to this sensation, suffers no damage.
I decide to repeat the operation with a leech. The invocation is quick, the slimy creature appearing in my hand. I direct it towards the eel which continues to writhe between my fingers. The leech bites the eel, injecting the T-Virus before perishing under the effect of the electricity sent to it. The leech's body contracts and dries up quickly, falling off the eel.
Without wasting time, I generate a seed on my finger, a small pulsating sphere filled with mutation potential. I gently push it into the wound caused by the leech's bite. The eel struggles for a moment before I release it back into the tank, watching intently as the fusion begins to take place.
The seed begins to fuse into the eel's body, its microscopic roots extending throughout the animal's internal system. The eel becomes immobile for a moment, its scales glowing faintly as the fusion takes place. Slowly, stems and vines begin to emerge from the wound, rapidly growing into plant limbs. These new appendages, made of sturdy plant fibers, twist and stretch, giving the eel the ability to move on land.
As the transformation continues, the eel gains almost two meters in length, reaching an impressive size. Its width also increases, gaining at least 30 centimeters. The vines transform into jointed legs, each with fine roots at their ends to adhere to surfaces. The eel, now equipped with these artificial limbs, begins to move awkwardly out of the tank. Its movements are hesitant at first, but it quickly adapts to this new form of locomotion.
I watch in fascination, noting how the fusion has not only allowed the eel to survive out of water, but also given it increased mobility.
When its mobility becomes sufficient with its new limbs, the mutant eel begins to move more quickly. Its new plant-like appendages twist and unfold with surprising agility. Suddenly, it turns toward the tank and rushes toward the last still normal eel. Her intentions are clear: she wants to attack.
Seeing this, I quickly interpose myself between her and her target. The giant eel hesitates for a moment before deciding to attack me instead. She uses her plant limbs to grab me, the vines wrapping around my arms and torso, holding me firmly in place. The strength of her grip is astonishing, the roots adhering firmly to my skin.
I feel an electric shock much more powerful than Zap's, running through my entire body. The pain is intense, my muscles contracting involuntarily under the effect of the current. I grit my teeth, refusing to give in to the pain, and I grab her body between my fingers.
DING
A special mutation of T virus detected, absorption will take 30 seconds.
Time will be decreased by 10 seconds due to the T-Virus mutation bonus.
Time will be decreased by 10 seconds due to the T-Virus aquatic form bonus.
30, 10,9
During the 10 seconds it takes to capture, the empowered eel projects so much electricity into me that it's like a fire is devouring my organs, a fiery furnace consuming every fiber of my being from the inside out.
1, 0
Special T-Virus mutation or plant electric eel successfully absorbed available in the factory
Correspondence with Zap, would you like to upgrade Zap?
After the eel disappears into the factory, I need a full minute for my body to start functioning normally again.
"Yes," I replied as my burnt skin began to return to its normal color after another two minutes of patience
Zap has been upgraded, new production time is one individual every 6 hours
"So, I lose the advantage of rapid production if the evolution is too different," I thought as I looked towards the last eel, fearful of the last evolution path I thought of, because it is the one that will give the eel the greatest reinforcement.
Looking down, I notice a huge urine stain on my pants, a consequence of the last electric shock. It is embarrassing, especially in front of the Jordan clones who accompany me.
One of the clones bursts out laughing. "Looks like someone had a little accident."
"Not very heroic, boss," the other adds as he stifles a smile.
I feel myself blushing with embarrassment. "Looks like I'm going to have to raid a few wardrobes to replace my current outfit," I said, trying to put on a brave face despite the situation.
"Why don't you summon a zombie T and take his pants? Most of them are men with the same build as you," said one of Jordan's two clones
I slap my forehead with the palm of my hand, realizing my stupidity. "Thanks, I hadn't thought of that," I say, a little embarrassed.
I concentrate and summon a T zombie dressed in a suit. I quickly replace my clothes with his, minus his underwear. Once dressed more appropriately, I transform the T zombie into a Plant Zombie to hide his nudity.
Jordan's clones exchange an amused smile. "Well done, boss. Problem solved."
"Yes, and now we can focus on what awaits us," I reply, regaining my composure.
I turn to the last eel, ready to repeat the first steps. I infect the eel with a leech that quickly dies from electrocution. "Good thing I'm gaining two per minute," I think as I summon a new leech.
I then decide to bite the eel myself to infect it with the G-Virus. Its body mutates rapidly, taking on proportions much larger than the new version of Zap. It grows impressively, reaching 10 meters long and 1.50 meters wide. Even the two G Zombies back away, frightened by its imposing size.
Unlike the first two, this one is not aggressive towards me. It stands in front of me, its presence imposing and majestic. Slowly, it pushes its head against me, triggering the control system. The contact is strangely gentle, almost respectful, as if it recognizes my dominance.
I find myself gently caressing its scaly skin, feeling the power contained in its gigantic body. "Welcome to the family," I whisper, feeling the connection fully established.
DING
A mutation of the G-Virus detected, control is given due to the animal's positive feelings and the cellular link.
The mutated electric eel has become a new unique boss-quality creature that provides a benefit to the host. Choose your benefit.
Benefit 1: Electric organ, the host can produce up to 5000 volts and project them from its hands
Benefit 2: The creation of new species by the host will have a greater chance of being automatically seized in the factory without having to capture the individual. (Bonus for direct creation by the host)
Benefit 3: Production of the new eel in the factory
"Benefit two," I said, continuing to pet the enormous eel, which behaved like a domestic animal. "You will be Zeus," I added, naming the giant eel.
Zeus stirred, showing a sort of contentment at hearing his new name. We left the room to find Lisa playing race with her two companions, Steve and Jordan. Despite their efforts, they can't catch up with Lisa, who dominates them with her surprising speed.
Seeing me, Lisa accelerates again, running towards me at full speed. She crashes into me, almost knocking me over. I laugh as I steady her in my arms. "Easy, sweetheart," I say, lifting her slightly. "You've gotten so fast!"
Lisa laughs happily, pleased with her speed and our reunion. Steve and Jordan join us, out of breath but smiling, admiring the scene. Zeus, behind me, watches calmly, his immense body snaking gently.
"Dad, I won!" Lisa exclaims proudly.
"Yes, you're the best," I answer with a smile, feeling comforted by her joy and energy.
As I put Lisa back on the ground, she finally notices Zeus, the enormous eel behind me. Her eyes widen in surprise and wonder.
"Daddy, what's that?" she asks, pointing at Zeus.
I smile at her amazed expression. "Lisa, this is Zeus," I say, pointing at the giant eel. "He's a new friend I met here. He's very nice, you can go say hello to him."
"Zeus, this is my daughter, Lisa," I say to complete the introductions.
Lisa hesitates for a moment, looking at Zeus with growing curiosity. She slowly approaches the eel, reaching out to pet him. Zeus, who seems to understand Lisa's intention, leans down slightly to make it easier for her to reach. Lisa gently places her hand on Zeus' scaly skin, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"He's huge! And so soft," Lisa exclaims, petting Zeus more confidently.
"Yes, he is," I say, smiling. "Do you want to ride him? He can take you like a mount."
Lisa's eyes shine with excitement. "Oh, yes, Daddy, I do!"
Carefully, I help her onto Zeus' back. The eel remains still and docile, accepting Lisa calmly. Once settled, Lisa laughs happily as she holds on tight.
"Looks like you two are getting along well," I say, watching Lisa and Zeus interact harmoniously.
We start to make our way back to the ladder we came down. Zeus slides down gently, carrying Lisa with ease as Steve, Jordan, and I walk beside him. Lisa enjoys looking at the world from her new height, and I can't help but smile at her happiness.
As I reach the ladder, I stop and turn to Lisa. "You're going to have to get off Zeus so we can climb back up," I tell her gently.
Lisa climbs down with Zeus' help, who leans slightly to make it easier for her. She gives him one last pat before turning to me, ready to continue our adventure.
"Thank you, Zeus," she says gratefully.
I summon Marcus, as two G zombies climb the ladder, to explicitly notify him not to touch Zeus as I send the two into the factory.
"Come on, sweetie, it's time to climb up," I say, guiding her to the ladder. She holds on to me like a koala bear as I quickly climb back up