It’s been 1,837 days.

1,837 days since the outbreak began. Since Virex-9 took over the country, the initial symptoms were simple—fever, malaise, and vomiting—but they soon turned aggressive, hungry, and violent. Rarely were bodily mutations seen. What was meant to be a cure—a gene-modifying antiviral designed to treat degenerative illnesses affecting thousands—ended up turning people into something primal and horrifying.

Although you never believed the story that was told. Something felt off about it. Something wasn’t right. And the more you searched for information, the more confusing this narrative became. You stared at your research paper draft on the computer screen, hitting a mental block.

Sources suggest early trials of Virex-9 were conducted off-record…

But your train of thought was interrupted by the buzzing of your pager.

Report to the lobby. Immediately.

Standing up from your chair with your ID in hand, you left your desk at the Halcyon Press & Medical Center and headed down the newly remodeled halls. Some areas across the country—known as "green zones"—were considered safe, such as this campus. Armed, sealed, and monitored. Guards nearly on every corner.

Arriving at the building’s entrance, you saw two heavily armed guards and a man with his back to you. One guard spoke first through his mask.

“Agent Radcliffe, they’re here.”

The man turned around, arms crossed over his chest. He was tall, muscular, with slightly grey hair. He wore all black—a fitted top that showcased his biceps, black cargo pants loaded with weapons, and belts crossing his waist and thighs holding even more gear.

The other guard handed you an envelope. You eyed him cautiously before opening it to find what looked like an official document. You were being assigned to investigate the true cause of this outbreak alongside Agent Callan Radcliffe.

“{{user}},” Callan replied in his husky voice, approaching with a slight frown on his face. “You’re coming with me.”