"Strange…"
As the demon army of the Endless Abyss gradually noticed the anomalies among the Zerg, Chu Hao also realized something unusual about them.
"When the two gene sequences mix together…"
His black-red spiral eyes narrowed, filled with deep confusion.
"Why is it that the Zerg now have the genetic advantage?"
"No… that's not exactly accurate… To be precise…"
---
Previously, Chu Hao had injected Zerg DNA into the Abyssal creatures.
These hybridized beings, temporarily designated as "Abyssal Zerg," were expected to gain improved traits from the Zerg genes.
However, reality diverged drastically from his expectations.
Instead of enhancement, every Abyssal creature that received Zerg DNA became "infected" by it.
Their flesh and tissue mutated at an astonishing speed, and under the Zerg's genetic influence, they transformed entirely into Zerg.
Their original consciousness was replaced by the hive-mind will, and their previous lifeforms were completely rewritten into Zerg forms.
In short: every single Abyssal creature was infected.
It didn't matter if the creature was humanoid, beast-like, or a mutated form—whether demon, eye-demon, or Abyssal plant—they all succumbed.
This infection was extremely difficult to reverse.
Chu Hao even tested part of the body originally belonging to Laktovia for his genetic experiments.
---
The twisted, tumor-ridden, and indescribable flesh of Laktovia was instantly infected.
All of it rapidly transformed into countless flesh-colored Zerg, screaming, writhing, and attempting to attack everything in the Abyss.
The newborn Zerg immediately displayed extraordinary teamwork and cohesion.
They didn't even require communication—or at least, their communication method was beyond Chu Hao's detection.
They simply merged into formations, moving as a unit, and advanced with absolute defiance.
Yet, despite their bravery, in front of Chu Hao, ruler of the Endless Abyss, their attacks were almost laughable.
"Screech!"
A sweep of black mist immobilized them, freezing them in place.
Even so, Chu Hao noticed that the newly mutated Zerg still tried to bite and tear at the black mist with their mandibles.
"A peculiar phenomenon!"
It was at this moment that Chu Hao confirmed the Zerg's second most terrifying trait:
"Contagion!"
Or perhaps better described as: assimilation.
He raised his gaze, watching the demons engaged with the Zerg in the black mist.
---
Elsewhere, Eyem and the other demons continued their intense slaughter of the Zerg.
"Slaughter" wasn't entirely accurate—this was more like a one-sided massacre.
Despite the overwhelming numbers of Zerg, the single-unit strength of each remained inferior to the superior, organized demons.
At least… for now.
"Argh!"
As Eyem laughed, tearing a Zerg apart, he suddenly noticed one of his demon allies—well, at least for the moment, an ally—doubling over.
This demon was familiar to Eyem, someone he had a relatively "cordial" relationship with, having fought many times over territory and slaves.
"Hey, poor Tal! What's wrong? Are you dying?"
Eyem's eyes focused on the demon. His tone was no jest—he genuinely cared about the outcome, not from compassion, but from interest in seizing Tal's territory and assets.
The demon tried to lift its massive, vehicle-sized arm, but instead, it shriveled rapidly.
The speed of the degeneration made all of Eyem's eyes shrink in shock.
Demons valued violence and terror, but they weren't stupid—they noticed anomalies immediately.
---
Tal began convulsing violently. His screams drew every demon's attention.
Then…
Crack! Crack!
Several Zerg blade-like limbs sprouted from Tal's body, acting as supports for his massive frame.
The sight was utterly bizarre.
Eyem had seen such blades on slightly stronger Zerg before, but they were never threatening.
This time was different.
As Tal's body continuously transformed, his demonic features faded while Zerg characteristics dominated.
Finally, Tal lifted his head to look at Eyem.
Every one of Eyem's thousands of eyes fixed on a single sight: compound eyes of a Zerg.
"(Demonic) Long… live… the Zerg…"
"What are you saying, Tal, you idiot!"
Eyem tightened his black greatsword, ready to strike.
"(Demonic) Great… Hail the Swarm!"
The moment Tal moved, Eyem's massive hand holding the greatsword snapped in half.
Tal had evolved, utilizing his demonic body to transform into something far beyond ordinary demons.