Chapter 244 - 140: Warning

Chapter 244: Chapter 140: Warning

The morning sun filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled light across the small courtyard. Xu Mo stood motionless in his Pile Training stance, his focus turned inward. He felt the steady rush of his vital energy and blood flowing through the pathways of the Iron Bone Realm, as powerful and constant as a great river.

As Xu Mo was training, the introductory music for the daily broadcast began to play from a radio tucked under the eaves. But the announcer’s voice that followed was far more serious and grave than usual, carrying a rare urgency that bordered on a warning.

"Attention all residents of Jiang City. This is an important public health and safety announcement!"

Xu Mo slowly relaxed from his stance, opening his eyes and looking toward the radio.

The announcer’s voice was clear and forceful, enunciating every single word:

"Recently, the Jiang City Medical Center has received and diagnosed multiple cases of abnormal physical mutation resulting from the consumption of mutated creature flesh. All patients have exhibited varying degrees of tissue deformity, organ dysfunction, and neurological damage. Some severe cases have already begun to display aggressive tendencies and a loss of rational thought, posing a grave threat to themselves, their families, and the community."

"Therefore, the Jiang City Management Committee and the Department of Health and Epidemic Prevention issue this solemn declaration and urgent appeal:"

"Do not listen to or spread baseless rumors claiming that ’eating mutated creature flesh can awaken Superpowers’ or ’strengthen one’s physique.’ Such rumors are extremely misleading and dangerous."

"Mutated creatures are abnormal life forms that have emerged due to unknown factors in this post-cataclysm environment. Their genetic structures, physiological functions, and metabolic byproducts are all in a highly unstable and unknown state. Their flesh may contain unknown pathogens, toxic substances, or highly bioactive mutagenic agents that cannot be neutralized by conventional cooking methods. If consumed by humans, not only will you fail to acquire so-called ’Superpowers,’ but you will, with extremely high probability, trigger unpredictable and irreversible malignant physiological mutations. Mild cases will result in disability and deformity. Severe cases will result in a loss of humanity, turning the person into a monster that knows only how to kill."

"Biological evolution is a long and complex process. The current human form and function are the result of millions of years of natural selection and adaptation. Any attempt to forcibly alter one’s own biological makeup through extreme, short-term methods is tantamount to opening Pandora’s box. The consequences will be unimaginable."

"We understand the desperate desire to increase one’s personal strength in this post-apocalyptic world. However, please trust that the only safe, reliable, and sustainable path to survival and progress is through scientific training, rational use of existing resources, and active participation in the construction of our shelter’s defensive systems."

"The Jiang City ’New Home’ project is now in full swing, and we need a large number of builders from all trades. We promise that every honest laborer will receive enough food to eat their fill and a corresponding reward in Contribution Points. Building a safer home with your own two hands is the most responsible choice for ourselves and for the next generation."

"We urge all residents to remain vigilant, to cherish your lives, and to stay away from this source of danger. If you discover anyone eating or attempting to eat mutated creatures, please discourage them immediately and report it to your local district security post. For your safety and the safety of your family, for the stability and future of Jiang City, you must heed this warning."

"I will repeat this message..."

The announcer’s voice repeated the message, the tone growing heavier with each loop. Xu Mo stood in the courtyard, listening in silence, his brow slightly furrowed.

’For Jiang City to use such a formal, severe tone to issue a "food safety warning" across the entire city... that in itself is extraordinary. It must mean the phenomenon of people eating mutated creature flesh and suffering the consequences is no longer just a few isolated incidents. It’s probably become widespread, and may have already caused one or two violent outbreaks, forcing the city’s hand. They have no choice but to issue such a public warning and debunk the rumors.’

"Have they come to some sort of research conclusion?" Xu Mo muttered to himself.

’The broadcast was so definitive. The medical and research departments must have conducted in-depth studies on the cases and found conclusive evidence confirming a direct causal link between eating mutated creature flesh and malignant mutation. Otherwise, they wouldn’t use absolute terms like "extremely high probability" and "irreversible."’

Xu Mo could understand the mindset of those who took the risk. ’With the apocalypse came the collapse of order, and the importance of personal strength for survival was magnified to an infinite degree.’

’Who wouldn’t want to have the strength of a Superman? Who wouldn’t want a better position in a dog-eat-dog world?’

’The existence of Superpower Users was like a lighthouse in the dark—rare, but incredibly brilliant, a symbol of power and status that transcended the mundane. When a rumor like "eating mutated flesh can grant Superpowers" spread, it was a lifeline for those struggling at the bottom, desperate to change their fate but lacking any legitimate means to do so. It was a straw for a drowning man to clutch. No matter how high the risk, that single, illusory sliver of hope was enough to drive them to take the gamble.’

’As for the other possibility mentioned in the broadcast—that people were forced to eat mutated flesh out of starvation—Xu Mo believed that while such cases might exist, they were far from the main reason.’

’Mutated creatures were generally far more dangerous and difficult to hunt than ordinary animals. How could someone who couldn’t even secure basic food possibly have the skill or guts to actively hunt them? It was more likely that some people were trying it with a "might as well try" attitude. Or perhaps after killing a mutated creature, they were misled by its seemingly powerful physique, falling for the absurd folk belief that "you are what you eat" and decided to consume it.’ℯ