Project Evolved
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First things first, the Mercer Virus. Previously known as Blacklight Virus. Extremely lethal but with the right restructuring could potentially bring benefits for public and military. This has been proven with the creation of Super Soldiers to combat the much faster and stronger foes. However, it was later discovered that Alex Mercer himself, had been able to modify the said virus to create a combatant similar to a Super Soldier, but in some ways, better than it.
He created the Evolved. Although similar to a Prototype it is classified to a different category. The main similarities to a Prototype that it could shapeshift, albeit minimally. It also retains single offensive weapon from a Prototype, where most of the time the host have two blades in their disposal. They are also faster and nimbler than a Super Soldier, which is why they are somewhat superior in terms of strength and agility.
A Super Soldier also limited to their fists alone due to their increased growth and size. Convential weapons are not suitable to their use. However for Evolved, conventional weapons are suitable for them since they do not grow in size. Moreover, to some Evolved, they also carry a secondary ability. The abilities are ranging from Bio-Bomb ability to summoning a pack of Brawler. This was shown in multiple occasion by Dr. Archer whom is capable of summoning a pack of Brawlers and Dr. Roland's unique ability to rupture needle like biomass around his body that acts as an all around shield.
However, it comes with a heavy price.
The Mercer Virus changes everything down to every single cell rapidly. This means should the host's gene incompatible with the virus, the result often ended with a gruesome death. Either they die in excrutiating pain or simply exploded similar to a Bio-Bomb ability. Only a selected people with compatible genetics can survive the rapid change made by the virus.
This is the main obstacle of the Mercer Virus. Whereas the strain made for Super Soldiers, the DX-1120, have no negative side effect or even death other than enhanced physical capability. There have been attempts to weaken the virus without removing its amazing capability to reduce its mortality rate but so far, no breakthrough has been made. Even with Alex Mercer's aid, Gentek's former leading scientist, still unable to create a weaker variant of the Mercer Virus. The virus itself is a deadlier version synthesized from Redlight Virus.
The first attempt ended up in a massive failure. All test subjects ended up exploding in a shower of blood and flesh similar to a Bio-Bomb. The second attempt was slightly more successful although the mortality rate was still high. From 99.99% to 97.80%. A small portion of the test subjects ended up dying in extreme pain. Numerous attempts to reduce the mortality rate were authorized. However, the latest attempt only able to reduce the mortality rate down to 83.60%. With the war continues to rage on, human resources are extremely valuable. Gentek declared the research to be postponed for now. Research on compatible genetics were being executed as it was much safer and yield little to no death.
Overall, more research and study of the Mercer Virus are required to give a better understanding of the virus's nature. The virus's true potential are still locked, hidden inside a thick veil of darkness. Only time will tell.