002

EVELYN'S POV

I stared at the blue screen floating in front of me, wondering if I had finally lost my mind.

A system? Like something out of a novel?

I reached out cautiously, but my fingers passed through it. Instead of disappearing, the screen displayed a new message.

[Would you like to access your status panel, Host?]

“Yes.” I said , and the screen changed immediately.

[HOST STATUS]

Name: Evelyn

Occupation: Medical Doctor

Physical Condition: Healthy

Medical Knowledge: Advanced

System Level: 1

System Points: 0

Special Abilities: Locked

Available Functions: Medical Analysis, Mission Board, System Inventory

I read through the information twice before focusing on the available functions.

“System, explain what you are.”

[The Medical Evolution System is designed to assist the Host in preventing biological catastrophes and preserving human life.]

Biological catastrophe. The virus.

In my previous life, I had watched it spread until hospitals became overwhelmed and entire cities descended into chaos. Even when Virexon became available, the outbreak had progressed too far for the drug to save everyone.

If this system could help me prevent that future, I needed to understand its capabilities.

“Can you help me develop medication?”

[The system can analyse medical information, identify abnormalities, and assist with treatment research. All potential treatments must undergo appropriate testing before use.]

That was reasonable. I was a doctor, and I understood that developing a drug required more than a promising formula. There were safety assessments, laboratory tests, and clinical trials to consider.

“What about helping me save someone who would otherwise die?”

The screen remained unchanged for a moment.

[The system cannot guarantee survival. However, it can provide information and assistance that may improve the Host's chances of success.]

“Show me the mission board.” I said.

A new interface appeared.

[INITIAL MISSION UNLOCKED]

Mission: Secure the Future.

Objectives:

1. Secure the Host's original medical research.

2. Establish an independent research backup.

3. Begin investigating the emerging viral outbreak.

Reward: 100 System Points.

Bonus Reward: Unlock Basic Medical Analysis.

Time Limit: 72 hours.

I frowned.

“Why do I need to unlock Medical Analysis when it's already listed as available?”

[Basic access is available. Advanced analysis requires system progression.]

Of course. There had to be a catch.

Still, the mission was straightforward. My research had to be protected before anything else.

I walked over to my desk and gathered my files. They contained months of observations and preliminary findings about the virus.

In my previous life, I had shared my research with Daniel and Vanessa because I trusted them. That mistake had cost me my work, my marriage, and eventually my life.

Never again. I photographed every page and uploaded the documents to a secure storage account. I also saved another copy on an external drive.

But digital copies weren't enough. I needed to preserve my original laboratory records and establish clear documentation proving when and how I had developed my findings.

If Daniel and Vanessa tried to steal my work again, I would have evidence to expose them.

My phone vibrated on the desk, the caller ID showed Daniel.

I stared at his name, remembering how he had walked out of my hospital room while I struggled to breathe.

For a moment, I considered answering just to hear whatever lie he would tell me.

Instead, I let the call end. A message appeared immediately afterward.

‘Good morning, sweetheart. I have a busy day ahead, so I might not be able to see you until later. Don't forget to eat.’

A bitter laugh escaped me.

He was already lying, and I hadn't even confronted him. I deleted the message without replying and returned to my work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By noon, I had organised most of my research and prepared a list of the equipment I needed to continue working independently.

I also reviewed the latest public health reports.

There it was. Several locations had reported unusual clusters of respiratory illnesses. Officials described the cases as isolated and urged the public not to panic.

I knew better. In my previous life, those reports had marked the beginning of the apocalypse.

At first, the symptoms had seemed manageable: fever, fatigue, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing in severe cases. But the infection had spread faster than medical authorities anticipated, leaving hospitals struggling to cope.

I opened my notebook and recorded everything I remembered.

However, I couldn't rely entirely on my memories. The timeline might already be changing, and assumptions could cost lives.

I needed fresh data, proper testing, and reliable research partners.

Most importantly, I needed Adrian.

My phone rang. The moment I saw his name, my breath caught.

Dr. Adrian Hayes. I answered immediately.

“Hello?”

“Evelyn? Are you alright? I've called you twice.”

His voice was clear and healthy, nothing like the weak whisper I remembered from his final days.

I closed my eyes. He was alive.

“I'm fine,” I managed.

“You don't sound fine.”

A small laugh escaped me before I could stop it.

“I'm sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” he asked.

I had no answer. How could I explain that I had watched him die? That I had been given another chance, and the thought of losing him again terrified me?

To him, we were simply colleagues who had discussed medical research a few days earlier.

“I'm just tired,” I said.

“That makes two of us.” He sighed. “Have you seen the latest reports about the respiratory infections?”

I straightened in my seat. “Yes. I've been reviewing them.”

“Something doesn't add up. The number of cases is increasing, but the available information is limited. I think we should compare the symptoms with the earlier reports and investigate further.”

Even now, Adrian was paying attention to the details everyone else overlooked.

“I agree. We need to investigate this properly.”

“Can you meet me at the hospital tomorrow? I'll bring the reports I've collected.”

I hesitated. I needed someone I could trust, but I wasn't ready to involve the hospital just yet.

“Could we meet somewhere quieter first? There's something important I need to discuss with you.”

“Is everything alright?”

“I'll explain when we meet.”

He paused before agreeing.

“Alright. Send me the time and place.”

After the call ended, I sat quietly, trying to contain the relief flooding through me.

I had spoken to him. Tomorrow, I would see him.

This time, I would make sure he survived.

The blue screen suddenly appeared in front of me.

[MISSION UPDATE]

New Objective: Establish a Research Partnership.

Suggested Candidate: Dr. Adrian Hayes.

Compatibility Assessment: High.

I raised an eyebrow. “Compatibility?”

[The candidate possesses relevant medical expertise, strong ethical principles, and a high probability of cooperation with the Host.]

I smiled softly, keeping my face low. For once, the system and I agreed completely.

Before I could respond, another notification appeared.

[WARNING: Preliminary outbreak indicators suggest an increased risk of viral transmission.]

My smile faded.

[The Host is advised to accelerate preparations.]

I stared at the warning. Two months. That was all the time I believed I had before the outbreak spiralled out of control.

I had my memories, my research, and a system that might give me an advantage. But I still needed resources, trustworthy allies, and a way to protect my discoveries.

I gathered my research files and placed them in a secure folder.

Tomorrow, I would meet Adrian. And this time, I would make sure he survived the apocalypse with me.