Read Wormwood Dawn (Episode IV) for Free Online Page A

that?”
    “Airborne spores,” the man said. “Harmless fungi in the atmosphere; put there by scientists to help regenerate the ozone layer. They produced pure oxygen; not what we call breathable oxygen, but ozone. One oxygen molecule, not two.”
    What the fuck? “Alright.”
    “The fungal spores were the first victims,” the man continued. “They became altered by the virus, becoming the orange fog and spreading over the face of the Earth like a deadly poison. Most of the population was killed immediately. Others became carriers, and the fungus remained inside them; controlling them. They became walking spore carriers, capable of spreading the altered fungus by producing the spore sacs that you refer to as Floaters. The new fungus was contagious, and turned all of its victims into the walking dead. Those that were immune to the actual virus, that is.”
    “The Shufflers,” Dan said.
    “Yes. And there were others who were not immune to the virus, but not compatible with its original DNA altering characteristics. They simply rotted away, their minds becoming feral. They are the Shamblers that attack on sight. They spread the virus itself, but are immune to its mutative effects. Both Shamblers and Shufflers are infected by the fungus, and it eats away at their flesh. But the Shamblers are driven by pure madness and hunger.”
    “What about the strange creatures?” Dan asked. “The mutants?”
    “They are immune to the illness,” the man said, “but are somewhat compatible with the virus’s DNA for one reason or another; but to varying degrees. However, all in all, the human race is unfit for the full effect. You see, Dan, we are higher forms of life already. Even the wild animals of this world are unfit for the evolutionary aspects of the virus. Its mutative effects only serve to alter most of its victims to the point of monstrosity. For the most part, only those with hunter instincts or aggressive demeanors are compatible enough to evolve. Some horses, predatory animals, violent humans or hunters.”
    “And you?” Dan said. “You said you were infected. Why are you not a stark raving mad flesh eating mutant?”
    The man chuckled again. “For one reason, Dan, and one reason only. There is a characteristic I share with others of my kind that makes us fully compatible with the virus’s true purpose. We are the perfect vessels for this evolutionary change.”
    “And what is that?”
    The man chuckled again. “It’s very simple, and quite brilliant. It tells me a lot about the DNA that exists inside the virus, and why it is so incompatible with the average lifeform. It was not meant to create monsters, Dan. It was meant to create the perfect lifeform, and only those who are compatible can receive this blessing.”
    “What blessing?” Dan asked, shifting nervously.
    The man stood. He was exceedingly tall; nearly seven foot. He turned slowly, the harlequin mask appearing from behind the cowl. He opened the cloak, letting it fall to the floor in a heap, revealing the buckled leather straps that were wrapped tightly around his body. He chuckled; laughing demonically as the straps slowly unwound themselves from his pale, white flesh. With long, bony fingers, the man reached up and removed the mask.
    Dan’s heart throbbed painfully as he pressed himself against his chair in terror.
    “To become the perfect lifeform,” the man-thing said, “one must already have the perfect mind. The lack of empathy; the lack of humanity. Two things that hold our species back from greatness.”
    Dan’s mind squirmed as he gazed upon the horrific sight. The man’s face peeled away, taking with it what little humanity was left. Underneath, there was a skeletal countenance, complete with a large rictus grin with razor sharp teeth. His eyes had been replaced with deep set black orbs that glowed with purplish streaks of flickering plasma that swirled menacingly. His entire body was tightly corded, nothing more than strings of