Alfarius didn’t change posture when screen reorganized its diagrams again. Previous parasitic system’s figure decomposed into finer layers, as if someone had decided to separate each process to its minimal functional unit. Professor slightly raised hand, pointing at one of enlarged levels.

"Pay close attention," he said calmly, "because this is very interesting."

Image descended to microscopic scale. Individual cells appeared, each represented with well-defined internal organelles: nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum. Over them, external structure began adhering to membrane.

"In advanced rank D infections," he continued, "parasitic agent doesn’t limit itself to invading. It rewrites."

Word floated instant.

Screen showed how parasite particle coupled to cellular membrane. Didn’t break it immediately. First generated precise chemical interaction.

"First step consists of surface receptor recognition. Parasite synthesizes adhesion proteins capable of mimicking natural ligands. This allows it to deceive cell, which internalizes it through endocytosis."

Image showed how membrane enveloped agent and introduced it into cytoplasm.

"Pay attention to this point," he added, pointing at cell interior, "because here real alteration begins."

Parasite didn’t just float. Released series of filamentous structures extending toward nucleus.

"Once inside, agent releases catalytic sequences traversing nuclear membrane. Don’t destroy nucleus. Use it."

Screen showed DNA partially unwinding.

"Host’s genetic material becomes template. Parasite introduces chaotic information fragments integrating into DNA chain. This process recalls certain retrovirus action, but with far superior complexity."

Gerald swallowed, without looking away.

"So... cell starts producing parasite things?"

"Exactly."

Alfarius interlaced hands.

"Cellular machinery keeps functioning, but production changes. Instead of normal functional proteins, begins synthesizing parasite’s structural components. Filaments, enzymes, transmission units."

Image showed ribosomes working, assembling new proteins with anomalous shapes.

"Pay close attention, because this is very interesting. Cell doesn’t die immediately. Transforms into producer unit. While structure remains stable, parasite exploits it."

Bīng Xuě leaned body forward, resting both elbows on table.

"And when does it stop serving?"

Alfarius changed image.

Cell began deforming.

"When internal load exceeds structural capacity. At that moment, membrane collapses and releases new parasitic units to environment."

Simulation showed rupture.

"This allows exponential expansion."

Aku observed without moving. Attention centered on transition between cellular control and collapse.

Alfarius continued. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"In multicellular organisms, this process occurs distributedly. Not all cells transform at same rate. Some maintain basic functions while others specialize in parasitic production."

Screen showed muscle tissue.

"Pay attention to this example. Muscle fibers preserve contractile capacity, but metabolism changes. Mitochondria increase activity, not to maintain host, but to feed parasitic system."

Mitochondrion magnified.

"Parasite induces ATP overproduction through altered metabolic pathways. Generates elevated but also unstable energetic environment. Long-term, provokes free radical accumulation and cellular damage."

Gerald raised hand this time with more decision.

"That should destroy tissue, no?"

Alfarius nodded slightly.

"Would under normal conditions. But parasite compensates that damage through continuous regeneration."

Image changed.

Showed stem cells activating.

"Induces uncontrolled cellular proliferation in certain areas. Doesn’t seek healthy tissue. Seeks functional volume. While there’s mass it can use, system maintains."

Bīng Xuě released small interested sound.

"So it grows... but badly."

"Grows usefully for parasite."

Alfarius advanced step.

"Pay close attention, because this is very interesting. As system evolves toward superior ranks, parasitic nucleus stops depending completely on individual cells."

Screen showed more complex central structure.

"Begins forming conglomerates. Secondary nuclei connecting to each other through transmission networks."

Three-dimensional network drew.

"This allows greater coordination. Signals no longer depend on single control point. Distribute."

Aku slightly rested back on seat.

"Redundant network."

Alfarius turned head toward him.

"Correct."

Screen changed again.

Ground diagram appeared.

"Now, observe this."

Filaments extended under surface.

"In favorable environments, parasite abandons individual host limitation and colonizes medium. Uses decomposing organic matter, minerals, even soil microorganisms."

Image showed bacteria being absorbed.

"Pay attention, because this is very interesting. Parasite doesn’t compete with existing microorganisms. Integrates them. Modifies their functions and converts them into part of its network."

Gerald frowned.

"That sounds... very difficult to eliminate."

"It is."

Alfarius pointed at diagram zone.

"Soil acts as reserve. Even if all visible bodies eliminated, underground network can regenerate infection."

Screen showed how new body emerged from ground.

"That’s why containment methods must act at various levels."

Image changed to series of processes.

"Thermal interruption: effective, but limited in depth."

"Chemical alteration: pH modification, introduction of compounds destabilizing parasitic proteins."

"Biological intervention: use of organisms designed to compete or destroy network."

Bīng Xuě tilted head.

"Like bacteria that eat it?"

"Exactly."

Screen showed simulation of bacteria attacking filaments.

"Pay close attention, because this is very interesting. Some worlds have developed strains specifically degrading parasite structures without affecting environment too much."

Gerald raised eyebrow.

"That sounds... useful."

"It is, but requires time and control."

Alfarius changed image again.

Larger structure appeared now, with bright nucleus at center.

"At rank B, parasitic nucleus reaches superior complexity level. No longer just coordinates. Learns."

Word was clear.

Screen showed movement patterns adapting.

"System registers stimuli. Adjusts responses. Develops resistance to repeated containment methods."

Aku narrowed eyes.

"Directed adaptation."

"Correct."

Alfarius pointed at nucleus.

"Pay attention, because this is very interesting. This nucleus presents internal organization recalling primitive nervous system. No conscious thought exists, but information processing does."

Image showed impulses traveling through structure.

"This allows anticipating certain patterns. Avoiding dangerous zones. Reinforcing damaged areas."

Gerald released sigh.

"Sounds worse each time..."

Alfarius didn’t react.

"That’s why nucleus elimination is priority. Without it, network loses cohesion."

Screen showed nucleus destruction.

Network collapsed.

"However, if nucleus isn’t completely destroyed, can regenerate."

Brief silence.

"Pay close attention, because this is very interesting. In some cases, nucleus fragments can act as seeds, generating complete new structures."

Bīng Xuě smiled slightly.

"Like cutting something and more come out."

"Exactly."

Image returned to general plane.

Classroom remained calm few seconds, everyone processing information quantity.

Alfarius lowered hand.

"This covers parasitic infection fundamentals at ranks D to B."

Made brief pause.

"In next part, we’ll address cases where parasite develops functional intelligence and strategic capacity."

His gaze swept room once more.

"And there, errors stop being recoverable."

Screen remained active.

Class hadn’t ended.

And what came next promised to be even more complex.