The crystal's energy spread beyond the device, like a wave of light sliding across the ground, walls, and bodies. The virus within each creature underwent instant deactivation — cells trembled, disintegrated, and vanished, leaving bodies motionless.
Min-jun and So-hyun watched, trembling from exhaustion and tension. Min-jun felt the vibration of energy through his legs, back, and shoulders — like a powerful wind penetrating the bones.
"Look, they're falling!" So-hyun trembled, clutching the crystal. "The virus is breaking down! It no longer controls them!"
Those closest to the device fell first, but the energy wave spread quickly. Min-jun saw the last zombies in the distance slow down, steps uneven, movements chaotic, claws sliding over the floor without purpose. Their eyes dulled, breath became irregular, until their bodies froze in complete stillness.
"We did it!" Min-jun shouted, embracing So-hyun. "They're no longer dangerous!"
So-hyun closed his eyes, feeling warmth emanate from the bracelet and crystal. They both sensed a strange harmony of energy: the virus was gone, along with the fear. The air vibrated slightly, sparks of energy flickering between walls and bodies, the light slowly fading, leaving a sense of victory.
Min-jun approached the fallen creatures, confirming that the virus was truly gone. He saw their skin quiver, shadows dissolve in the energy glow. So-hyun knelt beside him, trembling but calm.
"We… did it," he whispered, gripping Min-jun's bracelet. "We really did it."
Their eyes met, full of relief, exhaustion, and deep understanding: they had saved not only themselves but all the survivors, stopping the viral threat.