Chapter 106 Mushroom Rain【VIP】
Shen Boyun has used his special ability to produce a small rain ball, which looks quite cute. It is also raining, but the rain is much cleaner than outside.
After collecting rainwater, it can be used to wash dishes.
He paused for a moment before sighing and saying:
"Since you ask this, I'm afraid you already have an idea about this, right?"
"Well, I checked the forums. It's not just Spring City that's getting mold. People are getting the same infection everywhere else. And it's because of the rain that all these weird things are growing all over the country, so..."
"This might not be acid rain, but bacterial rain!"
Even though Shen Boyun already had some answers in his heart, his mood was different after hearing them from other people.
Anyone with a discerning eye can see the connection between rain and mold.
But this was even worse news. If it was just acid rain, at best it would destroy the base's buildings. But if it was the unprecedented fungus rain, then the aftermath would be much more difficult to control.
No one knows what these molds and mushrooms will eventually develop into, or what threats they will pose...
After the medical station reported the situation, the authorities promptly corrected the information.
It turned out to be not ordinary acid rain, but a bizarre fungus rain that caused mold and mushrooms to grow everywhere in the world and could infect humans.
In the planting area outside, the newly laid soil was also covered with mold. The mushrooms grew so rapidly that they almost absorbed all the nutrients used by other crops and turned them into shrunken clumps.
The livestock that were originally arranged outside were quickly brought indoors, but because the indoor and underground areas needed ventilation, mycelium still seeped in from the ventilation system, causing large-scale spread.
After being infected, plants and animals begin to mutate, and these mutations are different from those that can be used as food.
Animals began to become aggressive, similar to the mutants encountered before, and plants even began to attack actively.
Especially the cacti that were planted the earliest, most numerous and most widely. They all grew sharper thorns, and they would shoot out the thorns when they sensed people. Some staff members in the underground area of the institute had to retreat temporarily, looking very embarrassed.
These infected animals and plants definitely cannot be left behind, as they will cause harm to humans. The authorities can only send out armed teams with aggressive abilities to painfully remove those things, including the surrounding mold.
Tang Tian and Shen Boyun were naturally in this queue, and they also clearly saw the appearance of the mutants.
Unlike the previous ones, those were attacks from the outside, but these were changes from the inside. Any delay would be a huge threat to the survivors' base.
Tang Tian released LV10 fireballs without hesitation, each one hitting the red-eyed animal or the attacking plant.
Shen Boyun also used wind blades and lightning. Fortunately, he was becoming more and more proficient in his abilities.
While things were still going on here, a riot broke out at the medical station.
But this time the rioters were not humans, but the infected patients.
Their entire bodies had turned black and festering, with black and red pus and blood constantly dripping down. They had a strong stench and looked inhumane. Like the animals and plants, they began to attack the people around them!
The officials and all the survivors felt a sinking feeling in their hearts.
In the past, it was only animals and plants that caused mutations, so it was not a burden for them to eliminate them.
But this time it was different. Human-based mutants appeared. I knew in my heart that they could no longer be considered human, but I was still hesitant at first to take action.
…
After receiving the news, Tang Tian and Shen Boyun rushed to the medical station.
That was probably the place most affected by the bacterial plaque. The entire building was almost buried in mold, and the fishy-sweet smell was becoming stronger.
Tang Tian and Shen Boyun put on gas masks.
"Help, help!——"
Several medical staff wearing special protective suits ran out of the gate, followed by a group of human mutants.
I don’t know if it’s because of human mutation, but they can also run, and they will chase living flesh and blood relentlessly and won’t give up.
In the pouring rain, bursts of low roars came continuously from the place where their mouths could still be seen, and it was unclear whether they were expressing desire or asking for help.
Tang Tian looked at the horrific scene and suddenly thought of the zombie movies before the apocalypse.
But it’s not quite correct to call them zombies, because the mutants are covered with mold all over their bodies. It seems that even if they are not attacked, they will be infected if they are close to them. It would be more accurate to call them [fungal corpses]!
Feeling an inexplicable chill behind him, Tang Tian immediately threw a huge fireball, which hit the mutants with a loud bang and began to burn.
At least the thing on his body was easy to ignite.
The rest of the armed team members also seemed to have suddenly realized something and began to use their special abilities in that direction.
The fungi were like nails scratching a blackboard, or about to pierce the eardrum, and finally turned into charcoal when they fell to the ground.
The rescued medical staff were gasping for breath and stuttering.
Those strange black sores, actual ones.
But it was too late to find out what it was. It mutated and became a zombie-like creature.
The other small half of the patients also began to mutate, but they did not become bacterial corpses. Instead, their entire bodies began to swell and eventually exploded and died.
But what burst out was not flesh and blood, but dense flying mold, which even blocked the vision and left only corpses.
But those corpses did not seem to be wasted. Some fungus corpses came over and started eating them directly, as if they were the best nutrients. The medical staff were so nauseous that they almost couldn't escape because their legs and feet became weak.
I didn't expect to see different kinds of people eating each other in such a situation.
In fact, they also tried to resist, but after those fungus corpses were knocked down by ordinary cold weapons or hot weapons, they could still get up again and could not be killed, just like those immortal zombies.
I noticed the mold wriggling slightly on the face of the corpse. Perhaps these strange molds found a way to cut off the human nervous system, thereby controlling the movements and turning people into this half-human, half-ghost appearance.
The medical staff chose to abandon the medical station and escape first.
And right now, it seems that only supernatural powers can kill these fungal corpses.
The medical staff said seriously:
"Hurry, put on your gas masks! These things can emit explosive spores. Even if you don't get close, you might get infected!"
"According to our incomplete research... this is most likely a mutated zombie fungus!"
…
But this news seemed to be a little late. Although Tang Tian and Shen Boyun were fine, one or two psychics in the distance had their hands stained with bacterial spots sprayed out by the fungal corpses when they died.
Not only that, all the medical stations in the Ping'an base have fallen, and among the living areas, the civilian areas have the most people infected.
The base once again sounded the level one alert, asking everyone to stay at home and not go out, in order to isolate potential infected people.
The armed team will reorganize and carry out disinfection after taking comprehensive protective measures.
Their mission is to continue killing mutants, including the various colonies next to them, otherwise they will only continue to appear.
Of course, we can't rely on psychics for everything. After all, up to now, the mental power of psychics is still limited, and they cannot release their superpowers all the time.
Therefore, the base will also take out some weapons of mass destruction and disinfectants that were developed earlier.
Fungicides will be sprayed everywhere to inhibit growth, and weapons are specially prepared for fungal corpses, ensuring that no ashes are left after one shot.
But for this kind of fungal corpse that has been assimilated into mold, it is estimated that even if only ashes are left, it will not be good. After all, the fungal rain is still falling, and it may be able to revive on the spot.
The ubiquitous mold gradually seeped into residents' homes.
Tang Tian and Shen Boyun had used up all their mental energy and came to the special rest area for psychics set up at the base.
It is fully protected from mold and mildew, has furniture and items for resting, a food station, a refreshment area, water tanks, a first aid kit, and more.
However, the easiest way to restore mental strength is to drink various drinks made from mutated ingredients, which can also quench your thirst.
Tang Tian and Shen Boyun each poured a glass of lemonade and sat on the sofa next to them to rest.
Seeing that there was no one around, the former took out a few candies from the warehouse and stuffed them into Shen Boyun’s hand, and whispered:
"Eat this."
Shen Boyun had no objection and opened one and ate it.
I didn't expect this to be fruit candy.
However, making candy is not difficult, and there are several kinds of fruits now, so it is not surprising that Tang Tian has some.
Moreover, since he was able to feel his own mental power, Shen Boyun has also learned to control it. Unexpectedly, when he held this candy in his mouth, he really felt that his mental power was recovering.
Is it because of the sweetness?
Just as I was thinking about it, a loud shout came from the other end:
"Oh no! He has black spots on his body!!"
As soon as this sound was uttered, those who were resting stopped resting, and those who were taking a nap stopped taking a nap. They all jumped up from their seats, as if they could throw the supernatural power in that direction by just raising their hands.
After figuring out the origin of the fungal corpse, this disease of black ulceration and inflammation on the body is generally called melasma.
As long as these black spots appear on the body, no matter what the reason is, all defense and highest vigilance should be taken.
"Don't, don't kill me!"
The armed team member quickly shook his head and waved his hands, and black spots appeared on his hands and arms, which were most susceptible to infection.
He looked quite young and stammered fearfully:
"I, I haven't turned into a zombie yet! And I feel fine, I definitely won't turn into a zombie!"
By the end of his speech, his mouth was tangled, and he collapsed to his knees, wailing and pounding the ground, tears glistening in his eyes:
"No! No! I won't die!—I don't want to die yet!"
Tang Tian and Chen Boyun didn't say anything. They just put on their gas masks again silently.
It seems that even in this lounge, it is not necessarily completely safe.
…
There were several vibrations in the trouser pocket. It was the walkie-talkie that Shen Boyun carried with him.
Because of this mushroom rain, just in case, Shen Boyun brought all the communication equipment he could carry and used whichever one could be used to make contact.
The person who contacted him this time was Chen Yaoyue, who was temporarily at home with Cheng Jing.
But her voice didn't sound good, and even sounded a bit like crying.
When Shen Boyun heard what she said, his head buzzed and he was petrified on the spot.
Tang Tian frowned and asked:
"What's wrong? What happened?"
Shen Boyun twitched his lips a few times, and finally clenched his fists tightly, with veins on the back of his hands showing, and finally answered in a hoarse voice:
"My mom...she also has dark spots!"
Tang Tian's heart was suddenly shaken.
I wonder if the mold has already entered the building, or if it has been infected before and the symptoms only appeared this time when I was at home?
This is probably why the authorities have asked almost everyone to quarantine at home.
But this time the person who showed symptoms was Yan Chunhua, which was what they didn't want to see.
Tang Tian then saw Shen Boyun's slightly red eyes. She had rarely seen him with this expression.
Since Shen's father's death, Yan Chunhua has raised two children alone. Although they lived through the apocalypse, they have all done well. As the base develops, she should be able to live a relatively stable life and retire.
But unexpectedly, a mushroom rain destroyed all of these.
As for people with black spots, everyone avoids them, let alone trying to cure them, unless someone has the corresponding special powers!
Tang Tian lowered her head slightly, and finally took Shen Boyun's hand and said:
"Let's go back and take a look!"
Shen Boyun finally came to his senses and returned home with Tang Tian.
"elder brother……"
Shen Yaoyue's eyes were slightly swollen, and it looked like she had cried, but when she saw Shen Boyun, she wanted to cry again, and kept saying:
"My ability is useless. It can probably only heal external injuries and has no effect on those molds. Mom is almost comatose now. What should we do?"
People with black spots have not been treated and will ultimately have only two outcomes: one is to transform into a fungal corpse, and the other is to explode and die, becoming food for the fungal corpse. Either outcome means death.
The atmosphere in the room was frozen and sad. Chen Yaoyue simply hugged Cheng Jing beside her and cried bitterly, as if she had already given Yan Chunhua a notice.
"...Where is Mom now?"
Shen Boyun seemed to have accepted this ending and wanted to see him one last time, his voice still trembling when he spoke.
"In the bedroom... She said she wanted to isolate herself..."
Chen Yaoyue replied with sobs.
Tang Tian didn't say much. She and Shen Boyun put on their gas masks again, and asked Chen Yaoyue and Cheng Jing to continue wearing them before entering the bedroom.
Yan Chunhua was half lying on the bed, with his exposed arms covered with soft plaques, as if he would soon move upwards again and completely control this body.
"mom……"
Shen Boyun called out softly, but Yan Chunhua, who was already in a semi-comatose state, seemed not to hear it. He just closed his eyes and waited for the final judgment.
Shen Boyun raised his hand to cover the upper half of his face.
Although the fire-based ability can also burn mold, it is completely unclear whether the mold has already invaded the body, and the ability cannot reach there.
But if it can enter the body's supernatural power, then it is...
…
Tang Tian was silent for a moment, and a kettle quietly appeared in his hand.
Then she walked forward, suddenly pinched the lower half of Yan Chunhua's face, opened her mouth, put the mouth of the kettle down, and poured all the liquid in the kettle into her.
Fortunately, I can still drink, so it’s not hopeless.
"...Tang Tian?"
Shen Boyun watched all this in surprise.
After a few seconds, the mold on Yan Chunhua's arm began to fall off in small pieces until it returned to normal skin, and even his face turned from slightly blue to rosy.
Tang Tian then used his fire ability to burn away the mold.
The liquid given to Yan Chunhua was a white dish called lychee ice milk that he had specially made in the system to eliminate mold.
I always carry it with me when I go out to prevent myself and Shen Boyun from getting into trouble with mold.
But unexpectedly, neither of them was infected during this period, but Yan Chunhua was the first to be infected.
Shen Boyun looked at all this in disbelief.
Could it be that the research institute has developed a special drug for melasma? Why is it being kept secret from the public? There's no news of any patients being cured.
But Yan Chunhua looks like... he seems to have been cured!
Tang Tian cleared her throat. After some consideration, she still didn't plan to tell the truth, so she continued to make excuses:
"Foods like salt water, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and tea can all help, so I thought I'd give it a try..."
Fortunately, the kettle she used was not transparent, so she couldn't see what liquid was inside.
But before she could finish her words, Shen Boyun hugged her tightly, with such strength that it seemed as if she could crush even her bones, and she was trembling slightly.
"Anyway, thank you..."
Shen Boyun spoke in a deep voice, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders. Tang Tian felt as if a light rain was dripping down her ears, burning them incredibly.
If we talk about suspicion, perhaps Shen Boyun would have suspected it long ago. But he never said it. That was not his concern. He cared most about the people around him and how to survive as usual.
This would allow Tang Tian to not worry so much about hiding.
Tang Tian didn't answer. She just raised her hand and wiped it on Shen Boyun's face and the wet and hot corners of his eyes.
“Hmm…”
The person on the bed woke up slowly.
The two of them quickly let go, and Shen Boyun wiped his eyes before asking:
"Mom, are you awake? How do you feel?"
Outside the house, Shen Yaoyue and Cheng Jing had been waiting at the door. When they heard these words, they rushed in with their eyes wide open.
Yan Chunhua's first feeling was a sweet taste in her mouth, but she was afraid of the black spots on her body, so she quickly said:
"Hurry, get out now, it would be bad if you get infected..."
"It's okay, Mom, you're back!"
Shen Boyun said as he helped her up.
Yan Chunhua touched his arm with an incredible look on his face:
"How is this possible? There's no official notice that these spots will disappear on their own..."
Tang Tian smiled and said:
"Those who survive a great disaster will surely be blessed in the future. Aunt, take good care of yourself. I'll go home and visit you."
Before leaving, she cast a look at Shen Boyun, who understood.
As for how Chen Yaoyue and Cheng Jing came to express their gratitude later, that is a story for later.
…
When Tang Tian returned home, she found that Tang Yi and Wei Mingxia had already closed the doors and windows. An air purifier was being used in the room, and it had purification capabilities. The charcoal that was temporarily placed there was also full of energy. Only then did she feel relieved.
They also specially made some extra metal protective shields for Tang Tian, and there was still some scrap metal left in the warehouse.
As long as the rain continues, preventing mold from entering the home has become one of the most important things for everyone in the base...
The mushroom rain lasted for another half a month. Every day, they took turns draining the water and dealing with the mushroom corpses. Tang Tian and Shen Boyun didn't want to do anything when they returned home. They just wanted to fall into a baby-like sleep immediately.
Sometimes they were so sleepy that they didn't notice it at all, and they both lay down on the same bed and slept together naturally.
Of course, it is impossible to do anything else just sleeping.
Finally one day, Tang Tian was suddenly awakened and quickly sat up from the bed.
I looked at the time on the alarm clock and it was indeed the time to get up on weekdays.
Shen Boyun was sleeping next to him, with almost half of his face buried in the pillow, and he almost suffocated.
Tang Tian was about to wake him up, but she suddenly realized something was wrong.
She hurried towards the balcony.
Although it is blocked by a metal protective cover, under normal circumstances, the rain will hit it and make a loud noise.
But this time it was different, it was surprisingly quiet, could it be...
“Hmm…”
Shen Boyun slowly woke up. He sat up while yawning. Before he could speak, he was suddenly hugged by someone, who said in a joyful tone:
"Boyun, the rain has stopped!"
Shen Boyun was stunned for a moment. He opened his eyes wide and finally saw Tang Tian's smile clearly.
"Woof woof!"
Tan Tan had also woken up and left his nest long ago. Perhaps sensing Tang Tian's mood, he also barked a few times.
"The rain has stopped, great..."
Not only them, but also other people, or the entire base, the entire Spring City, and even the people of China, all felt relieved.
As long as the fungus rain stops, there will be no more black spot patients, and then they will mutate into fungus corpses. Now we just need to eliminate the remaining ones in the base.
All that was left outside was some raindrops falling from high above, and mold and fungi growing on buildings and roads.
The largest ones have even extended a mycelium network, which is densely spread everywhere. People will be attacked if they get close, and spores will be automatically emitted.
But at least, it's safe for now, right?
Both of them thought so and relaxed their bodies.
Shen Boyun's hand intentionally or unintentionally lifted the hair on Tang Tian's neck. The hair was very short at first, but it had been trimmed several times and has grown longer now.
The hair was wrapped around her fingertips, brushing against her neck from time to time. Tang Tian then realized that she was still holding Shen Boyun and had not let go, but...
He is already your boyfriend, so what’s wrong with hugging him?
Thinking of this, Tang Tian hugged him even tighter and leaned her head on him. The mushroom rain made everyone feel unspeakably tired.
But after a while, she heard another noise.
But it was not as dangerous as the mushroom rain - she heard the heartbeat in the chest getting stronger and stronger, like a drum beating.
The surroundings suddenly became warm, and there was a damp feeling unique to rainy days.
Shen Boyun placed his slightly rough hand on Tang Tian's cheek, with his thumb against her chin, outlining her thin jawline.
Tang Tian raised her eyes, and everything else also looked up. It was actually a very good angle.
The first time they kissed, her lips were exceptionally soft, and their noses touched. But precisely because it was the first time, just lips touching, it felt passionate yet immature, like a wisp of smoke just drawn from tinder.
Shen Boyun's eyes dodged for a moment, and then he whispered:
"Sorry, I should have asked you first..."
"No need." Tang Tian interrupted softly, "Don't ask me about this kind of thing in the future."
Although it was their first kiss, she didn't feel awkward or resist, as if they had experienced the same magic before.
Moreover, she also confirmed that her liking for Shen Boyun was not due to the suspension bridge effect or some weird psychological effect—it was simply because of the person in front of her...
Shen Boyun laughed, and he lowered his head again.
But he suddenly stopped, touched the tip of his nose, and said in an embarrassed manner, pretending to be serious:
"Um, I'm going to brush my teeth first."
The most common item in the base now is soap, followed by toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, etc., which are more expensive than soap.
But the two of them haven't put their assets together yet. Tang Tian also took these out when she moved, and was willing to share. So Shen Boyun thought to herself that she was a clean person.
Tang Tian sighed:
"Okay, go ahead. If you don't want to kiss me, forget it. It seems I'm no longer attractive."
Shen Boyun's head buzzed, and he almost danced with joy, his face red as he denied:
"No, no, I just..."
How could he not want to kiss her? He had thought about it long before, but he had been holding back because Tang Tian didn't want to.
Tang Tian chuckled and pushed him to the bathroom.
"Okay, I know what you mean, let's go brush our teeth together!"
As for how I tasted that light mint flavor afterwards, that’s a story for later.
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