"Good guess." Genm nodded.
"By spreading the Bugster virus contained within the Dangerous Zombie Gashat, letting the virus grow, and then reclaiming it, I can obtain a large amount of homologous Bugster virus.
In theory, absorbing more Bugster virus that was born and strengthened from the same game can raise the level of the Dangerous Zombie Gashat."
"That's the special property of so-called Level X—an unknown game-level Gashat—the ability you mentioned to increase its level.
So those patients infected with the Bugster virus were meant for us to deal with, so you could collect the Bugster virus from them," Elena said, having also returned, questioning Genm.
"This test was extremely successful.
It proves that my design is completely feasible," Genm replied without denying it, his tone carrying a hint of pride.
"So spreading the Bugster virus and infecting so many people was all for your experiment?!" Gwen shouted angrily.
Genm shook his head. "This isn't an experiment. It's a game test."
"What's the difference? You just changed the wording," Tony sneered.
"Of course there's a difference."
Genm wasn't annoyed at all and continued smiling. "Every game has a way to clear it. The games I design are no exception.
Players who enter the game must make full use of their courage and wisdom
to defeat the final boss and successfully clear the game."
"That's the fun of games. Players challenge themselves in the stages, defeat enemies,and finally break through their limits to clear the game. One day, I will definitely create a game that everyone can participate in. That will be the most fun game of all."
"You won't get that chance!" Li Hua leaped straight at Genm, swinging his sword at him.
"Since the fruits I planted haven't all been harvested yet, I'll play with you for a bit first."Genm blocked Brave's holy sword and dodged Snipe's gunfire.
"Let me show you the power of the Dangerous Zombie Gashat.
The zombie game's proliferation ability isn't limited to viral infection and transmission."
"Dangerous Zombie"
Dozens of identical clones appeared beside Genm, completely surrounding the three Kamen Riders.
"Damn it—how is this possible?!" Elena exclaimed in shock and anger.
Only she, using the Jet Fighter Gashat and its flight ability, managed to escape the encirclement.
Gwen and Li Hua were directly restrained by the clones Genm had summoned, almost completely unable to move. Each of these clones possessed strength no weaker than that of the three Riders at Level 3.
"Tony, should we step in? The situation doesn't look very good," Rhodes asked.
Tony was about to respond when he suddenly felt a sharp pain and couldn't help crying out.
"Tony, what's wrong? Were you injured in the earlier fight?!" Rhodes asked anxiously.
"It's nothing. I'm not hurt," Tony shook his head, though a shadow rose in his heart.
"Let's go help them deal with this Genm."
Tony and Rhodes immediately fired their armor's repulsor blasts at the clones Genm had summoned, helping Brave and Lazer break free from their restraints.
"So your name is… Tony Shit-Stark, right?" Genm looked at Tony with a teasing tone.
"Ha—" Rhodes couldn't help laughing, though he immediately forced himself to stop.
"It's Tony Stark!" Tony emphasized forcefully, shooting Rhodes a fierce glare.
"Alright, that's not important." Genm spread his hands. "I just want to remind you of one thing—right now, it's better if you don't meddle in this."
"What, are you afraid of Mr. Stark?" Tony refused to back down verbally.
"You are already infected with the Bugster virus. It could erupt at any time, so you'd better be careful."
"Tony, you're infected with this Bugster virus too? What's going on?" Rhodes asked immediately, concerned.
"Mr. Stark?" Li Hua asked in confusion.
Tony took a deep look at Genm. As expected—it was from earlier, when he thought he didn't have much time left and had let himself freely experiment with the game cartridges…
Tony spoke to JARVIS, "Activate the Bugster virus aggregation device."
"Sir, the device hasn't undergone practical testing. I do not recommend—" JARVIS tried to dissuade him logically.
"Now is the most suitable testing opportunity."
"Very well, sir." JARVIS began execution.
Armor plates on Tony's shoulder opened. The device, built around a game cartridge, was activated as reactor energy was injected.
A powerful suction force formed, actually pulling part of the Bugster virus that had been gathering toward Genm over to Tony instead.
"Are you crazy?! You're actually absorbing the Bugster virus on purpose?!" Elena exclaimed in shock.
Genm, however, looked at the device Tony had designed with great interest.
"Interesting. Is this staking everything on a desperate gamble?
To avoid being eroded by the Bugster virus, you simply provide enough energy and sufficient Bugster virus, allowing the virus infecting you to form smoothly.
That way, the Bugster virus doesn't need to erode the host, and can instead directly become a complete form with ample nutrients.
What an interesting idea. Let me give you a helping hand."
With a wave of his hand, even more Bugster virus surged toward Tony.
As more and more Bugster virus and energy were absorbed, the game cartridge grew brighter and brighter.
Finally, quasi-energy matter began pouring out from the cartridge, and the armor immediately ejected it.
The substance flowing out of the cartridge quickly formed a complete body.
"Anyone want to eat a delicious burger?" the Bugster said as its first words after forming.
The game name also appeared on the Bugster's body.
"Ju Ju Burger"
"Tony… is this guy a hamburger man?" Rhodes asked, his mouth twitching.
Tony stared at the Bugster monster born from the virus he himself had been infected with—so different from the Bugsters he had seen before—and was momentarily speechless.
"Doesn't anyone want to eat the burgers I make? The burgers I cook are the best!" the Burger Bugster insisted.
Everyone looked at each other, at a loss for words.
"Tony Stark, the human who gave birth to me—you love eating burgers the most, don't you?"Seeing no one respond, the Bugster used the fragments of Tony's memories it had inherited and approached him to pitch its food.
"Uh… how about a cheeseburger?" Tony said uncertainly.
What kind of burger would a Bugster make? Could a human even eat it?
"No problem!" the Burger Bugster replied happily, immediately operating the devices on its body to combine ingredients. A fresh burger was soon finished.
Afterward, it handed the burger to Tony.
"JARVIS," Tony said, looking at the burger in his hand.
JARVIS immediately conducted a comprehensive scan of the burger.
"Sir, although it is hard to believe, according to all data analyses, this is indeed no different from a normal hamburger.
Moreover, its nutritional balance is very healthy."
"You're sure?"
"…Absolutely sure," JARVIS replied after another scan.
Tony opened his faceplate, smelled the burger's aroma, and saw that it looked exactly like the burgers he had eaten before. He took a small bite—the taste was exactly… a burger.
"Mr. Stark!" Li Hua and Elena cried out in alarm together. You can really just eat that?!
"Delicious. This really is the best burger I've ever had," Tony said, devouring it and praising it.
Hearing this, the Burger Bugster jumped happily. "Of course! My burgers are the most delicious!"
"How about you become my personal chef from now on?" Tony suggested.
"Of course! You like my burgers, and you're the one who allowed me to be born. I'm willing to make burgers for you," the Bugster nodded.
"From now on, you're my chef.
By the way, do you have a name?" Tony asked the Burger Bugster.
"I don't have a name yet," the Bugster said, looking a little downcast.
"I'll give you one. How about 'Burgermon'?"
"I have a name now—Burgermon!" the Bugster Burgermon said happily.
(End of chapter)