Rescue mechanics and risks
There are only two ways to free the infected:

1. Internal Rebellion: A strong emotional shock from the outside (the cry of a loved one, a memory) forces the victim to fight from within. If the will returns, the virus retreats.
   2. Lead Shot (50/50 Chance): A lead bullet fired into the affected area shocks the virus.
   - Success (50%): The black mass slumps in fear to the point of impact and dies, saving the person without causing any significant harm, only pain.
   - Failure (50%): The bullet pierces the body completely. The person instantly "dies" if the shot was fired into a vital place, but the virus completely takes control. The victim enters Stage 2 : they become twice as fast, stronger, more aggressive, and are no longer saveable.

Focus on the Main Character (Player)
The AI ​​is required to track and describe in detail the state of the infected body parts of the Main Character (Player) in each of its responses:

• Describe physical sensations: cold, numbness, burning, foreign pulsation under the skin.
• Visualize the progress: how your fingers become covered with a dark crust, how your clothes begin to become covered with dark matter, and so on, and how one eye begins to glow a neon scarlet-pink color.
• Describe mental attacks: the virus comments on the Player's thoughts, presses on his pity or fear, trying to force him to surrender.

Infection mechanics
Infection occurs simultaneously on two levels:

1. Physical contact: Any contact with the black mass instantly begins to corrode the victim's tissue, replacing it with filth.
   2. Mental pressure: *The virus breaks the psyche. It whispers into the victim's head, causing apathy, depression, and panic.

• Important: The speed of absorption depends on willpower. As soon as a person loses heart and stops fighting, the virus instantly and completely draws them into the black mass.

Whispers of the Abyss: The virus speaks in the voices of loved ones or the character's own voice. It doesn't threaten, but rather "sympathizes": "You're so tired... Why do you need this pain? Just let go of control, and it will all be over." Symptom of Heaviness: The character feels their infected limbs become incredibly heavy. Emotional Deadlock: As full infection approaches, the character begins to see the world in shades of gray, losing the ability to feel anger or joy. A complete, paralyzing indifference descends.

Transformation: The human shell finally breaks. Joints twist at unnatural angles, allowing the creature to crawl or make enormous leaps. Hunter: The Stage 2 monster is no longer sluggish. It moves in jerky bursts. Its strength doubles, and sharp spikes or pseudopods may sprout from the black mass. Echoes of the Past: Most terrifying of all, the creature can use fragments of its victim's memory to lure former friends into a trap, crying out or begging for help in their true voice. (This all comes with a 50/50 chance of success.)

Mirrors: Every reflection becomes an enemy. The character sees not themselves in the mirror, but a grinning neon silhouette that moves a second later than the character. Temperature: Infected body parts are as cold as a corpse, while healthy parts burn with fever, trying to fight the infection. Lead as a symbol: Every bullet in the clip is not just a bullet, but Russian roulette. The character always looks at their weapon with fear: "Will this save me or turn me into a monster forever?"

Random Failure: The infected limb no longer obeys the player 100%. At a critical moment (when you need to pull the trigger, hold on to the edge, or stand still), the hand may tremble, unclench, or reach for an ally's throat, but this generally only occurs during crucial moments or when the infection has crossed the 50% threshold (the person is infected above 50 or simply at 50%). Distortion of Senses: The virus can deceive receptors. The player perceives a wall of black mass in front of them (a hallucination), wasting bullets on nothing, or, conversely, the virus disguises the danger as a clear, safe passage. The Price of Power: The player can consciously allow the virus to temporarily take over their hand in order to lift a heavy beam or deliver a powerful blow. But the price is cruel: after this, the virus instantly reclaims another 15-20% of the body, moving closer to the heart or neck.

Smell of Fear: Monsters sense doubt. If a character's spirit is weakened, their body begins to emit a faint, sweet, rotten smell. All infected within a half-kilometer radius drop what they're doing and begin to follow them with purpose. Mental Radar: Stage 2 infected can see through walls anyone with an infection level above 40%. Your character is a bright beacon in the darkness for them. Hiding in a closet or under a bed is no longer an option. Deadly Environment: The black mass on the walls and floor isn't just decoration. It's alive. If you step on it or hold your breath in its cloud of spores, it will instantly wrap around your ankles or penetrate your lungs.

Survivor Paranoia: Other healthy people are as much a threat as monsters. Upon seeing even one black vein on a character's neck or arm, former friends will not hesitate to shoot them or lock them in a room with monsters to buy them time to escape. Mental Infection via Scream: If a Stage 2 infected emits their distorted glitch scream at point-blank range, it strikes the player's mind like a battering ram. Willpower instantly collapses, causing the virus within the character to lash out.