For humans who have been exposed to the Wildfire mutated virus, this variant appears to originate from a fungus that is activated by certain conditions; the fungus attacks the brain and begins to alter the host's behavior. Then the host will go through four different stages of infection; each stage is more dangerous than the previous one.
All of this was discovered in a short time by Candace and her team—of course, they used several test subjects so there would be no errors when analyzing this initial infection.
But this virus was far more dangerous, and everyone made a point of keeping their masks on inside the combat suits. After the last experiments with infected test subjects, some very interesting things were discovered.
The infection also spreads directly through contact with an infected individual or through their corpse—that is, infectious spores created by the virus and released from the host's body upon death.
These spores can infect a person quickly, making breathing difficult and slowing movement within minutes if someone is exposed in areas dense with spores.
This made Jason recall those kinds of particles that had been in the tunnel he passed with Alicia. If at that time he hadn't been smart and used masks, they would have been infected within seconds.
The infection is also transmissible when an infected person bites another individual. The infection will then spread through the new host's body, gradually turning them into a runner over a period of two days.
The infection will also cause the bite area to turn red and black, make the host sweat profusely, and become disoriented.
It can also make their eyes itch and make it difficult for them to write. In a short time, many things were discovered that could have taken much longer under normal conditions.
This is because Jason's research team was already familiar with the symptoms of an infected who acts like a walker or similar; they were related in some way.
What Candace and her husband are trying to say is that the Wildfire virus is a huge trunk and the variants that have emerged so far are roots—if they find a weapon strong enough to uproot this tree, the roots will wither.
Of course, even though Jason supports their research, he is increasingly convinced that it will be impossible to obtain a cure that makes everyone immune. He was not the only one to think this; many people believed it firmly.
...
Atlanta base, meeting of the S.C.T. high command.
Everyone was well dressed and nervous because the organization's commander had come to visit this time—he wanted to be up to date on the major changes and make new development suggestions.
Those already familiar with Jason were indifferent, but for those who did not know him, they were extremely excited because they wanted to see the commander in person.
And now that everyone had met him, they felt that the stories they had been told about him were real. No one in the large hall underestimated Jason's decisions; in fact, everyone knew about his missions long before they were completed.
Unlike any other leader, Jason is a commander who is always at the front of the battle and does not fear being wounded. Many of the survivors he saves enjoy the new way of life that even Jason himself made possible.
That is why everyone respected him—it was assumed that anyone who tried to oppose him would be killed long before they could begin their plots.
...
"In short, these are the new variants that have been discovered in recent months. They aren't as common as you might imagine; in fact, they are found in specific places, but it's not so widespread."
The presenter this time explained the new variants of the virus and all the dangers they must be prepared for. When his explanation concluded, he looked at the commander and said, "Now, allow me to give the floor to our commander, who from the beginning of all this has fought so that we can all have some hope in this world devastated by the undead."
"Our commander Jason has the floor!"
When this was announced, all the high-ranking officers applauded, and after a few seconds they waited for the speech from the man with the most authority within the S.C.T.
Jason, who had been seated until now, walked up to the stage to give his presentation. He had thought about what he wanted to say, but in the end he chose to focus on the most important thing: the future that awaits them all.
Approaching the microphone, Jason looked at the dozens of people seated in the auditorium and said, "You should all know who I am, so I won't take much of your time with needless introductions."
Jason's opening words surprised everyone—after all, no one would begrudge a man like him for taking time.
"The mission to retake Birmingham has been a complete success. I still have doubts about whether we were lucky to take that city or unlucky to discover a new kind of virus."
Jason nodded as he heard some laughter from the crowd, then waited for the screen behind him to change. Once the entire map of the United States was displayed, he continued with the next step of his presentation.
"Our true objective is to take all of Alabama and seal off the surrounding lands. Once we achieve that goal as quickly as possible, we will be free of walkers from Georgia and can begin taking Florida."
"The military bases and the possibilities of finding many of the resources we need are endless, so everyone should consider what we stand to gain. I'm sure it's a great plan we should pursue, especially given those organizations beyond our comprehension."
As Jason reached this point in his explanation, he adjusted his voice and said, "I'm sure that if we happen to encounter the CRM, they will ask us to merge with them in some way. After all, facing them would be a hard war they could not endure."
"But we do not share their goals. We have our own, and no one will steer us down a new path. Today we achieved a great victory—since I founded this organization, we have known nothing but victory after victory."
"Let us continue on our path and eliminate those who do not want to be saved. We would like to be the heroes of this story, but we must never be afraid to be the villains if that is what it takes to achieve our objectives!"
"We are the S.C.T.!"