Why Did the Zombie Kiss Tess?
The zombie kissed Tess to directly transmit tendrils of the evolved Cordyceps fungi into her, thereby infecting her.
The Unique Encounter
During a pivotal moment where Tess was drawing the attention of an approaching group of infected, a specific runner behaved in an unexpected manner. Rather than exhibiting the typical violent charge or aggressive attack commonly associated with infected individuals, this runner calmly walked up to Tess. This departure from the usual hostile behavior underscored a particularly disturbing and unique method of spreading the infection.
The Purpose of the Kiss
The open-mouthed kiss was not an act of violence in the traditional sense, but rather a calculated and gruesome means to directly transfer the fungal infection. It served as an efficient conduit for the Cordyceps to proliferate.
Mechanism of Fungal Transmission
- Direct Contact: The primary method involved intimate, open-mouthed contact between the infected runner and Tess.
- Tendril Passage: This specific interaction allowed microscopic tendrils of the evolved Cordyceps fungi to pass directly from the infected individual into Tess's mouth and subsequently into her body.
- Adaptive Infection: This horrifying method showcased an advanced and insidious way the infection could propagate, moving beyond typical bite-based transmission. It highlighted the evolving and sophisticated nature of the Cordyceps fungi within the narrative, emphasizing its capacity for varied and highly effective infection strategies.
This scene provided a powerful and impactful demonstration of the Cordyceps' unique ability to spread, revealing a chilling aspect of its lifecycle and further solidifying its horrific characteristics.
