The Virus
The virus
Officially known as Purge-Rabies Strain 32, or P-R32, this virus has wreaked havoc on humanity since its mysterious outbreak. Often referred to by survivors as "PR," "32," or even colloquial names like "Mad John" and “New Plague,” this deadly pathogen has transformed once-thriving communities into zones of terror and death.
Symptoms and Transmission
P-R32 infection leads to catastrophic changes in human physiology and behavior. The infected exhibit limited or spastic movement, often coupled with a reduction in cognitive function. What makes this virus truly horrifying is the extreme aggressiveness it causes, stripping away almost all traces of humanity. Infected individuals behave in an animalistic, feral manner, often displaying open, bleeding wounds and grotesque mutations over time.
The virus primarily spreads through contact with infected saliva and blood, typically via bites or open wounds. Some victims have been reported to turn after suffering cardiac arrest, raising questions about whether the virus may have dormant or passive strains that reactivate after death.
Global Spread and Mutations
Though the exact origin of P-R32 is shrouded in mystery, many speculate that it is human-made. The virus spread rapidly across the globe, wiping out significant portions of the population. More recently, mutations have been observed, often associated with radiation exposure. These mutations, initially rare, have now become increasingly frequent, causing infected individuals to develop unnerving traits that go beyond human comprehension.
Some of the infected have enhanced senses—improved sight, hearing, and smell—making them deadlier hunters. In colder climates, some infected have been observed producing Etandiol, a chemical compound that prevents their bodies from freezing or slowing down, an ability more commonly seen in female victims. Despite this, the mutated infected are more vulnerable to certain gases, though research on which gases remain inconclusive.
Social Behavior and Hordes
Infected individuals often gather in hordes, displaying heightened predator-like behaviors, particularly in large groups. These hordes are highly aggressive and are known to swarm at specific locations, drawn there for reasons that remain unclear. This behavior leads to chaos as they overwhelm survivor communities.
Recent research suggests the existence of "sentient infected," beings capable of rudimentary speech and conscious thought. However, these individuals remain driven by the same violent, primal urges and are considered just as dangerous, if not more so, than their mindless counterparts.
Cure and Side Effects
No permanent cure exists for P-R32, although experimental treatments have shown some promise. One such treatment, only available from a group called “Bolaget,” can reverse infection if administered within five to thirty minutes of exposure. However, this cure has severe limitations and side effects. For example, if the cure is given more than five minutes after infection, the individual will lose all memories from before becomin infected. Furthermore, the cure only provides temporary relief—survivors can still be re-infected and may suffer from paranoia, hallucinations, or even violent outbursts.
A disturbing psychological effect observed in some cured individuals is a strange connection with the infected. This often manifests as a compulsion to aid the infected or even obey the commands of a group known as "Voice of the Infected."
Ongoing Research and Speculation
Research on P-R32 has been dangerous and inconsistent, often ending in disaster as medical teams fall victim to the infection themselves. Data loss and setbacks are common, hampering efforts to understand or contain the virus fully. Some rumors even suggest unethical human trials have been conducted to explore the limits of the infection.
While P-R32 has devastated much of the world, it has left survivors with one terrifying truth: the infection is not just a disease but an unstoppable force that pushes humanity to the brink, testing the limits of what it means to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
