The crisis of mutated birds has spread to regions worldwide. In this situation, some organizations struggling to survive the apocalypse were directly wiped out, some by attacks from mutated birds, others by lack of food. As for those hiding and living in the deep mountains and forests, very few managed to survive.
Facing the mutated birds, most of the major countries globally found themselves at a loss, with no effective countermeasures.
The mobility of mutated birds was simply too great. Perhaps an area where mutated beasts were cleared would take half a year to recover, but even if mutated birds were cleared, mutated birds from other places would replenish the vacant areas. Moreover, the reproductive capacity of mutated birds was incredibly strong. They might be cleared once, but within three months, their numbers would return to previous levels.
Birds survived from ancient times relying on two powerful abilities. One was flight; currently, only birds and flying insects could fly. Other species could essentially only glide, not truly fly. The other ability was reproduction. Birds have strong reproductive capabilities. Except for species like the green peacock that lay only one egg a year, many birds' egg-laying capacity was enough to make humans daunted.
Thus, in this scenario, mutated birds swept across the globe. To manage this problem, global cooperation was essential. However, while the Northern Hemisphere could barely achieve this, the Southern Hemisphere could not. The Southern Hemisphere's strength was too weak. Even if they wanted people to kill mutated birds together, they would be unable to stop them.
Immediately after the apocalypse broke out, the wealthy in the Southern Hemisphere directly utilized their financial advantage, taking their pre-apocalypse possessions and leaving, completely disregarding the people of their homeland. Perhaps in the eyes of these wealthy individuals, they had no homeland.
In this situation, North America took action. North America's methods were also horrifying. North America planned to use viruses and bacteria for attack, and this time, their target was not humans but birds.
Microorganisms encompass a wide range. Especially among bacteria, there are archaea, which are not thoroughly understood. It can be said that the danger posed by microorganisms far exceeds that of mutated beasts and mutated birds. However, it is precisely these terrifying entities that North America intended to weaponize to make birds sick.
North America acted decisively, commencing experiments in South America. It was winter in North America, and there were not many birds for experimentation. However, it was currently winter in South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest, which was in its rainy season. During this time, there were many birds in South America. Releasing toxins now was perfectly aligned with favorable timing and location.
Subsequently, after North America's actions began, countless mutated birds in South America died. Even though these birds had undergone mutation, they still could not withstand the attack of microorganisms. Mutated birds naturally did not know what viruses or bacteria were, nor did they expect bacteria and viruses to appear on them.
Later, reporters discovered that in the Amazon rainforest, large patches of bird carcasses littered the ground. This, in turn, satisfied the appetite of piranhas, which had been worried about finding food daily. Now, food was falling from the sky.
Upon discovering this, North America was overjoyed. Various news media began to extensively publicize the event with simple headlines: "The Beacon of Humanity Will Save the Earth, We Are the World's Last Saviors."
It had been a long time since a major country in North America had referred to itself as the beacon of humanity. Currently, major countries worldwide had no effective way to deal with mutated birds. Yet, at this moment, North America was the first to inflict casualties on the mutated birds, which was a remarkable achievement.
This news spread far and wide, reaching Shen Feng in Yuzhou. Shen Feng never expected such a turn of events. At this time, everyone was at a loss regarding mutated birds, yet North America had taken the lead in using viruses and bacteria for attack, and the results seemed quite good.
"Viruses and bacteria are so dangerous; can this truly achieve the goal of eliminating mutated birds?" Shen Feng harbored such doubts.
Shen Feng's aimless thoughts could not ascertain whether this method of releasing viruses and bacteria was effective. To know the truth, he needed to consult professionals. Shen Feng then went to the Yuzhou laboratory and found Director Niu, explaining his purpose.
Professor Niu Baiye felt troubled upon hearing this and immediately said, "I see. I'm not very knowledgeable about this. I'm a biologist. I'll take you to the professor of microbiology. He has some understanding of bacteria and viruses, though there aren't many conditions for detailed research right now. However, he can definitely answer your question, City Lord."
Han Yu once said: "To hear the Way, there is precedence; in specialized fields, there are experts."
Therefore, specialized matters should be inquired about from those engaged in that specialty. The professor of microbiology was named Zhang. Professor Zhang, upon hearing Shen Feng's question, calmly lit a cigarette and slowly said, "City Lord, I cannot say this plan is good or bad. Because these viruses that only infect birds, after their virulence is enhanced, indeed only infect birds. However, viruses mutate. Even scientists cannot control the changes in viruses and bacteria."
Receiving this answer, Shen Feng became somewhat confused and then asked, "You mean viruses and bacteria can solve the mutated bird crisis, right?"
Professor Zhang nodded and said, "You could say that. However, once a virus or bacterium becomes zoonotic, it will not only harm birds. For instance, avian flu is prevalent in North America. North America has released too many viruses this time. It's hard to say if mutations will occur. In such a situation, as long as a zoonotic disease appears, humans will also be threatened."
Hearing this, Shen Feng couldn't help but frown and say, "If that's the case, then we also need to take precautions. Once diseases transmitted by birds occur, we will also be threatened."
Professor Zhang nodded and said, "Furthermore, viruses and bacteria cannot completely eradicate mutated birds. All living beings evolve. Just as bacteria develop drug resistance, birds will also develop resistance after being infected by a certain number. Regarding resistance to viruses and bacteria, I think completely eliminating mutated birds is impossible, but reducing their numbers can be achieved."
Upon receiving this answer, Shen Feng felt helpless and then said, "If that's really the case, then North America is truly not acting humanely. If killing mutated birds is one thing, but if the viruses and bacteria change and become diseases that humans also contract, then it will be truly troublesome. At that time, no matter where the mutated birds fly, they will spread human diseases. At that time, humans will also face the impact of viruses. Alas, a bunch of selfish people."
After inquiring about the virus situation, Shen Feng was not as carefree as the news suggested. Instead, he was filled with worry. Previously, when a plague broke out in Yuzhou, it almost turned Yuzhou into a dead city. Therefore, at this time, Shen Feng's greatest concern was the outbreak of diseases.
At this moment, Shen Feng took the opportunity to say to Director Niu beside him, "By the way, how is the plant heart in the laboratory? I want to go and see it."
Professor Niu nodded and said, "City Lord, please rest assured. In the research institute, besides the City Lord and Deputy City Lord, only I have the authority to enter the deepest part. Normally, no one can come near the plant heart. Let's go and see it now."
Yuzhou's advantage over other cities was its ability to produce large quantities of evolution base. Previously, in Siberia, Shen Feng had seen another plant heart. To monopolize the advantage of producing evolution base, Shen Feng burned the mutated plant to ashes behind Xiao Sheng's back.
Deep within the research institute, a spacious opening led directly downwards, connecting to the underground. Soldiers patrolled the entrance. Anyone passing by needed to show their identification and have their fingerprints verified. Everyone's fingerprints are different. Even if disguised, fingerprints cannot be altered. Imposters appearing here would be immediately recognized.
Shen Feng took out his identification and had his fingerprints checked. The soldier then let him pass, saying, "City Lord, please."
The research institute's defensive capabilities were already good, but at this moment, Shen Feng was still worried. "There are enough soldiers, but there are no ability users specifically protecting this place. It seems we need to cultivate ability users specifically to protect the laboratory. If ability users infiltrate, it would be bad."
In the underground factory, workers were busy. Their job was to send inedible mutated beasts to the factory for the plant heart to absorb, then package the evolution base, and finally clean up. These workers had undergone vetting, their backgrounds were clean, and there were no issues, ensuring they would not leak information about the factory. Of course, the workers in the underground factory received extremely high wages; one person could easily support a family.
"City Lord, the production of evolution base has not been high recently. Because it is winter, the mercenaries can't hunt many prey, so we can't get much food to supply the plant heart. The output will return to normal in spring next year," Professor Niu explained earnestly.
Shen Feng nodded and said, "It's alright. There's not much to do in winter. If production is less, then so be it. By spring, if the mutated bird problem is still unresolved, I estimate headquarters will order a large-scale cull."
Professor Niu led Shen Feng into the deepest part of the underground. There was a room there. After opening the aluminum alloy door, they saw a large flowerpot in the center of the room, and in the center of the flowerpot was a giant plant heart, still beating.
When Shen Feng saw this, he was astonished because the plant heart was currently reading a book. Two vines grew from the plant heart, and these two vines, like human hands, held a book and were reading it. Light shone down from the ceiling of the room.
"What is going on? Plants can read books now?" Shen Feng was completely stunned upon seeing this.
Professor Niu quickly explained, "City Lord, strictly speaking, this is no longer a simple plant. It has a brain. So, to be precise, it is between a plant and an animal. Since it has a nervous system, it is bound to be capable of thinking and learning."
At this moment, the plant heart also discovered Shen Feng's presence and directly said, "You are very strong. You are the strongest person I have ever seen. I can feel a very powerful energy in your brain. Are you here to kill me?"
Shen Feng shrugged and said, "As long as you behave and obey, why would I kill you? Don't worry, I won't kill innocents."
The plant heart then said, "I have read many books. The books describe humans as very cruel animals, extremely ruthless towards plants and animals that are not of their own kind. I have threatened the status of humans. Why don't you kill me?"
Shen Feng looked at the book the plant heart was reading and found it was titled "Compendium of Extinct Animals in the World." He immediately understood the plant heart's meaning. He didn't know how many plants and animals had been destroyed by humans. Now that he appeared before it, it thought he was going to exterminate it as well.