Zombolution: Unleash the Undying Power

Chapter 57: The Uses Of Zombie Cores For Humans

In the sterile environment of the laboratory, the sound of scalpels and medical instruments had ceased, signaling the end of the dissections. The researchers stood back from the operating tables where the remnants of their meticulous work lay. One by one, they began to evaluate the quality of the zombie cores they had extracted.

A senior researcher peered through his glasses at the line of specimens now laid out on the pristine surface. "Any variations in quality?" he inquired, his voice steady, betraying neither disappointment nor hope.

A junior scientist, clutching a digital tablet to his chest, scrolled through the data. "It’s consistent with the previous extractions, sir. No significant deviations," he reported, his tone matching the clinical atmosphere of the lab.

The lead researcher sighed, rubbing at his weary eyes. "Is this the limit of what we can achieve with the deceased subjects?" he pondered aloud, his gaze drifting toward the cages where the live zombies were contained.

A colleague stepped closer to the holding cells, her eyes thoughtful. "Perhaps the living specimens hold more potential. The cores might retain more... vitality," she suggested, her curiosity evident.

The team’s attention now turned to one of the live zombies. The creature snarled and thrashed as the machinery clamped it onto the table, securing it in place for the procedure.

With a deftness born of experience, the scientists began their grim task. The whir of the bone saw, and the clinical clinks of metal against bone punctuated the heavy silence. Once the cranial cavity was breached and the sawing ceased, so too did the zombie’s movements.

As one of the researchers carefully extracted the core and held it aloft, there was an air of deflated expectation among the team. It looked identical to those taken from their deceased counterparts.

One scientist, the frustration evident in his voice, broke the silence. "It’s the same, isn’t it? No better than the others," he muttered, scrutinizing the luminescent core.

His colleague, a woman with a furrowed brow, nodded in agreement. "We’ve known zombies are already dead," she said. "The fact is, they probably all produce this level of core quality. We can’t expect more from something that’s no longer living."

The group exchanged weary glances, their earlier vigour giving way to resignation. One researcher sighed, leaning on the cool metal table. "So, our hopes of finding a higher-grade core in the living... It’s fruitless. They are what they are. The living dead."

The lead researcher, pressing his fingers to his temples, closed his eyes briefly. "All this effort for what? More of the same. The higher-ups won’t be pleased, but it seems we’ve reached the current limit of what these creatures can provide us."

Their quiet discussion was a confirmation of sorts—a realization that the living zombies, despite the danger they posed, did not harbour more potent cores than those already extinguished.

---

The team of researchers, surrounded by the metallic gleam of their instruments and the less-than-pristine remnants of their latest subject, appeared downtrodden. Their initial enthusiasm seemed to have evaporated as they came to a disheartening conclusion.

"So, what are we supposed to do with all these level 2 cores?" a researcher asked, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet of the lab. She removed her glasses, rubbing her eyes as if to clear away the fatigue.

Another scientist, his arms crossed as he leaned against a wall, looked at the collection of extracted cores. "For now, it looks like our best bet is to continue enhancing humans to level 2 bionic status. It’s a significant improvement from a regular human, even if it’s not what we ultimately want."

The lead researcher, a note of weariness in his voice, added, "Indeed, level 2 is the ceiling for now. And while it’s a substantial boost, our ambitions don’t end there."

He paused, and a murmur of agreement went through the group. "We want more. We want to push beyond, but without a level 3 core..."

A woman at the back of the group piped up, her tone a mix of frustration and hope. "But level 3 zombies are scarce, and when we do find them, they’re incredibly dangerous. We’ve lost good people trying to get those cores."

From their hidden vantage point, Zorvax and Ophelia exchanged a glance as they listened to the exchange. The mention of bionic enhancements using zombie cores was new to them, and it suggested a depth to the human struggle for survival that they hadn’t considered before.

The lead researcher, massaging his temples, sighed deeply. "The bionic enhancements are a breakthrough, especially since they don’t turn the subjects into zombies. It’s a silver lining, at least."

Another scientist chimed in, his voice tinged with the bitterness of unfulfilled potential. "We’re enhancing humans with these cores, and it’s a victory, sure. But human nature—it always wants more. If we could get our hands on a level 3 core, the advancements we could make..."

The conversation faded into the background noise of the lab as the scientists began to pack up their equipment. Zorvax and Ophelia remained still, processing the wealth of information they had just overheard.

Zorvax’s expression was pensive; his forehead creased with thought as he turned to make his way out of the lab. "Let’s head out," he signalled to Ophelia, his voice barely a whisper. "We’ve got what we came for."

He paused, his gaze returning to the scene before him—a tableau of science and survival. "I must admit, it’s impressive what the humans have accomplished," he remarked. "To think they’ve harnessed the power of zombie cores."

Ophelia remained silent, following his lead. Her eyes, though, reflected a newfound awareness of the humans’ capabilities.

Zorvax continued, his voice low and even, "They’re adapting, using what they’ve learned to become stronger. It’s only a matter of time before they all start doing it."

With measured steps, Zorvax led the way, skirting the edge of the room and avoiding the notice of the departing researchers. "We can’t stay at level 2 forever. Not if we’re going to stay ahead of the game."

They moved stealthily, blending into the remaining shadows as the light in the lab began to dim. Their exit was as unobtrusive as their arrival, leaving no trace of their presence.

Once clear of the lab’s immediate vicinity, Zorvax and Ophelia quickened their pace. The pressing need to evolve, to ascend to level 3, weighed heavily on them.

"We need to evolve quickly," Zorvax said, glancing back to ensure they weren’t followed. "If humans continue to improve, it won’t be long before we encounter the bionic humans enhanced with level 2 cores. We need the power of level 3 to compete, to survive."