Natural Disasters Strikes: I stockpiled like crazy! novel Chapter 147

Upon further analysis, the researchers discovered that the unknown element emitted low-level exotic radiation, destabilizing cellular structures and forcing the mitochondria into a hyperactive state.

The sudden spike in energy production led to increased metabolic heat, which caused the fever.

"This X-Prime also utilizes its exotic properties to penetrate the cell nucleus, integrating itself into the host’s DNA," the head researcher explained.

"DNA rewriting creates immense cellular stress, which further elevates the body temperature as the body’s systems attempt to compensate," another researcher added.

"My goodness, DNA rewriting—this pathogen is capable of enhancing cells!" The elderly scientists in white coats marveled at the discovery.

But beyond their awe, there was a palpable concern: The cells that could not survive the DNA rewriting would result in organ failure, and ultimately, death.

Yet, their plans to counteract the mutation seemed doomed before they could even begin. The progress of the pathogen varied between each patient.

"The onset and system hijack phases occurred rapidly, and some patients are already entering the mutation phase," a researcher noted.

Lin Weihao listened carefully. Unlike before, this time the researchers had made significant progress.

However, the situation remained dire. He asked if there were any methods to slow down the mutation, buying time for the patients.

The researchers and doctors proposed various approaches, including high-dose inflammatory medicines, glycolytic inhibitors, antioxidant therapy, and hypoxia control to disrupt the mutation process.

Lin Weihao instructed Colonel Tang and Wang Chul to distribute more medicine, food, and set up more isolation rooms.

He did everything within his power to help, but it wasn’t out of selflessness—he wanted to save as many awakened individuals as possible.

The researchers observed a temporary slowdown in the mutation, but it was far from a cure. It merely bought the patients more time.

Lin Weihao knew this would not stop the mutation.

As his suspicion grew, his phone rang after three hours. Pei Zhi’s voice was heavy with grief.

"Brother Lin…"

Lin Weihao braced himself, already guessing what had happened.

At the Survivor’s Camp Hospital, the infirmary was eerily quiet as Lin Weihao and Pei Zhi stood by a patient’s bed.

The man’s body had gone still—no more restless shifts or shallow breaths. The faint hum of the machines seemed distant, hollow. The transformation was complete.

The patient’s skin had taken on an ashen hue, and the veins, once darkened by the pathogen, were barely visible beneath his skin.

His eyes were closed.

Pei Zhi’s face was pale, his expression stricken.

Lin Weihao placed a hand on Pei Zhi’s shoulder, his own face grim. "Don’t blame yourself."

Across the room, another patient lay in the same state.

The man’s body, too, had stilled. The twitching of his limbs had ceased, and the subtle movements of his body had stopped.

Hei Qian, who had accompanied them, stood frozen in the corner, staring at the dead patient. His thoughts drifted to Bingwen.

Everyone could hardly breathe.

This marked the first recorded deaths from the fever—and certainly not the last.

In just a few hours, the death toll had risen to forty, with more to follow.

The researchers sighed and murmured among themselves, "If only we could find a stabilizer. Unfortunately, none of the medicines we have seem to work against the pathogen."

Lin Weihao, unable to focus, barely touched the meal Nanzhi had prepared for him. His mind was elsewhere.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Nanzhi was grating lemon peel, her thoughts heavy with worry. The mass fever continued to ravage the camp, and there was still no word from the base.

She recalled only vague details from when it had first started, as she had been unconscious at the time. Everyone who developed the fever showed symptoms.