Seeing the sudden system notifications appear in his mind, Tony knew his cheat ability had finally arrived.
Without needing instructions, he instinctively accessed the extra-dimensional storage—his inventory—and took out the three items he had just obtained.
Fortunately, each one came with detailed descriptions.
[Item Name: T-Virus Sample]
[Type: Consumable]
[Effect: An unrefined T-Virus sample with extremely high infectivity and lethality. Capable of airborne transmission.
Remains active for 10 hours. During this time, all carbon-based lifeforms exposed will become infected.
Non-compatible hosts will suffer genetic collapse and transform into zombies.]
[Note: The origin of everything. Break it, and usher this world into a new era.
Friendly reminder: without the enhancement serum, don't dream of becoming Alice. You are not a compatible host.]
[Item Name: T-Virus Enhancement Serum]
[Type: Consumable]
[Effect: Inject it, and you will become the next Alice. Not a clone. The one and only.]
[Note: Fully adapted to the host's genes. After injection, you will be immune to the T-Virus and will not become a zombie.
However, your blood will still contain a certain concentration of the virus, meaning you are effectively the true carrier—the origin of infection.
The good news: your other bodily fluids do not contain the virus.]
[Item Name: T-Virus Antiserum (10 doses)]
[Type: Consumable]
[Effect: Grants antibodies for 24 hours after injection, providing temporary immunity to the T-Virus.]
[Note: Immunity does not mean recklessness is recommended.]
"…These notes feel a little inappropriate," Tony muttered.
Then, without hesitation, he pressed the enhancement serum injector against his neck.
The red liquid rushed into his bloodstream.
Instantly, a burning sensation spread through his veins, racing across his entire body.
A sharp stabbing pain exploded inside his brain. His heart pounded violently, like a war drum.
His chest began to itch intensely.
Then—
Clang!
The electromagnet embedded in his chest was forcibly pushed out, along with metal fragments that had been lodged in his bloodstream.
Blood sprayed out briefly—then stopped almost immediately.
"What…?" Yinsen stared in shock.
This was impossible.
"This feels incredible," Tony said, breathing deeply.
As the wound in his chest visibly healed, strength flooded every part of his body. He felt lighter, faster, stronger—like he could take on ten men at once.
His vision sharpened dramatically.
Even more strangely, he could vaguely sense the environment around him, as if he had gained an extra sense.
There were no other obvious changes for now, but the surge in strength alone filled him with confidence.
Escape was no longer impossible.
"What happened? Your chest!" Yinsen asked, stunned.
Tony didn't know how to explain it.
So he made something up.
"Yinsen… do you believe in God?"
"I didn't," Yinsen said slowly. "But if you tell me this is a miracle… then I do now."
"Then let's call it a miracle," Tony replied casually, already scanning the cave and planning their escape.
"…What god performed this miracle?" Yinsen asked.
Tony paused.
"…Let's just say it was… divine intervention."
Yinsen nodded uncertainly.
Tony's gaze shifted to the fire burning in the middle of the cave.
"Wait," Tony said. "We're inside a sealed cave with a metal door, and there's an open fire burning. How is there enough oxygen?"
"There are ventilation fans throughout the cave," Yinsen explained. "They circulate air."
"They're all connected? Including vents that lead outside?"
Yinsen thought for a moment.
"Yes. They made me inspect the ventilation system before. Every room is connected, and the outlets lead to the surface inside the camp."
He pointed to the spinning ventilation fan near the ceiling.
Tony watched it carefully.
An idea formed in his mind.
"When will they come back?" Tony asked. "When will they open the door again?"
"Tonight," Yinsen replied. "In about four hours. They want you to list the materials needed to build the Jericho missile."
Tony glanced at the surveillance camera mounted in the corner.
"…I don't think we'll be eating dinner tonight."
Yinsen frowned.
"Does that mean you've given up… or you have a plan?"
"I have a plan."
Tony took out the box of antiserum and removed a syringe.
"What do you need me to do?" Yinsen asked.
Tony held up the syringe.
"First, you need a little protection."
"What?"
Before Yinsen could react, Tony stepped forward and injected the antiserum into his arm.
The liquid disappeared into his bloodstream.
"What was that?!" Yinsen asked, startled.
"Protection," Tony said calmly. "You'll understand tonight. For now, we prepare."
He walked to the crude table, flipped it over, and tore off one of the legs. He tested its weight.
A decent club.
He placed it beside him and sat down, waiting.
Yinsen sat across from him, unable to stop staring at Tony's chest. The once-gaping hole was gone, replaced by smooth, pink skin.
"…That was part of the miracle too?"
"Yes."
"…Can I believe in it?"
Tony gave an awkward smile. "Faith isn't something you can force."
They sat in silence until night fell.
Right on time, soldiers from the Ten Rings opened the heavy metal door.
Yinsen immediately signaled Tony to stand and raise his hands.
Tony complied.
But as he raised his arms, he secretly gripped the T-Virus sample in his palm, hiding the small vial behind his head.
The soldiers seemed satisfied. One of them spoke in a harsh tone.
"They're asking if you've decided," Yinsen translated.
Tony looked at the spinning ventilation fan. Fresh air flowed continuously through the cave.
Perfect.
"Tell them," Tony said calmly, "I've decided. I need some time to prepare."
At the same moment—
Crack!
Behind his head, the vial slipped from his fingers and shattered silently against the ground.
A faint green mist spread outward.
Within seconds, it became invisible. No one noticed—except Yinsen, who stood closest.
"Translate," Tony urged quietly.
Yinsen swallowed, then relayed the message.
The soldier responded.
"One week," Yinsen translated. "No matter what preparations you need, they want the Jericho missile in one week."
As he spoke, one of the soldiers suddenly coughed.
Once. Twice. Then violently.
His skin rapidly turned gray.
"It won't take that long," Tony said calmly. "I think a few minutes will be enough."
The soldier began coughing blood.
He collapsed.
Another soldier staggered.
Then another. Within moments, they all fell to the ground.
Silent. Dead.
Yinsen stared in horror.
"…What is this?"
Tony picked up the table leg and walked toward the fallen soldiers.
"What else could it be?" he said calmly.
"A miracle."