Chapter 204: The Precursor Genetic Sequence! Resource Transactions! Intelligence!
Behind the Stargate, at the headquarters of the Multiverse Base, inside the command center.
As always, Li Ang stood before the central control platform, compiling reports from various fronts alongside his trusted confidants.
Observing the holographic screens displaying three-dimensional maps annotated with intelligence markers, Li Ang 's initially furrowed brows gradually eased.
Through the influx of reports, data, and intelligence from the frontline bases, Li Ang had now gained a relatively clear understanding of the current situation on Pacific Rim's Earth.
In particular, the investigative teams led by V and Reed had provided crucial information, giving Li Ang new insights into the Precursor civilization's Kaiju factory.
Judging from the tube-like breeding chambers created by the Precursor, those root-like structures were likely nutrient delivery conduits for the Kaiju.
The presence of highly corrosive acidic fluids further confirmed that these Precursor-engineered creatures were extremely resilient silicon-based life forms.
Additionally, these genetically modified Kaiju, known as Onibaba, could also secrete highly corrosive venom as an auxiliary attack mechanism.
This characteristic was strikingly similar to the Xenomorphs from Alien.
"Boss, after a detailed cellular analysis by the engineering department, we have confirmed that Onibaba's body contains both silicates and amino compounds."
At that moment, Lucy transmitted the engineering department's analytical report to Li Ang . As he examined the strings of data, he couldn't help but marvel at the Precursor' genetic engineering prowess.
The Precursor had managed to fuse carbon-based and silicon-based lifeforms into a single entity, and the resulting Kaiju even possessed a certain degree of reproductive capability.
This thing's vitality was on par with, if not superior to, the Xenomorphs.
Li Ang began to imagine the terrifying monstrosity that would result from merging an Onibaba with a Xenomorph—an ultimate bioweapon beyond comprehension!
"Additionally, we discovered through images sent by our investigative team that the Precursor have been conducting genetic experiments on humans."
"I suspect they're attempting to mass-produce humanoid bioweapons to infiltrate human cities in Antarctica."
As Lucy presented the compiled intelligence report, she also voiced her rational speculation.
"Humanoid bioweapons? If that's the case… it's highly possible that Precursor-engineered gene monsters have already infiltrated human cities!"
Standing beside Li Ang , Morgan Blackhand immediately grasped the gravity of the situation.
Given the Precursor' advanced genetic modification technology, it was entirely feasible for them to clone human-like monsters that were indistinguishable from real humans!
Perhaps… even the upper echelons of human cities had already been infiltrated by Precurs or spies!
"That possibility exists."
Li Ang affirmed his subordinates' concerns.
In reality, the Precursor in Pacific Rim possessed exceedingly high intelligence. They were fully capable of employing strategic deception to achieve their goals.
Unlike the Three-Body Problem's Trisolarans, who relied purely on technological superiority to crush Earth's natives, the Precursor were master tacticians in every sense.
For example, they deliberately sent Kaiju to attack human megacities, instructing them to poison water supplies with venom and excrete pollutants.
They even deployed Kaiju into volcanic craters to accelerate eruptions, worsening the planet's environmental conditions.
These tactics made it evident that the Precursor knew precisely how to exploit humanity's weaknesses and strike where it hurt the most.
Logically speaking, while silicon-based life forms had incredibly stable crystalline structures, their cognitive processes should have been relatively simple.
Unlike carbon-based organisms, which evolved complex thought patterns, silicon-based beings weren't expected to be highly intelligent.
In other words, silicon-based creatures typically weren't the sharpest minds.
However, the Precursor exhibited intelligence and adaptability on par with humans!
Given the genetic analysis provided by Lucy, Li Ang couldn't help but suspect that the Precursor were, in fact, hybrid organisms—a mix of silicon-based and amino-acid-based life.
To put it bluntly, these Precursor were mutts.
They weren't purely silicon-based life forms at all!
"Boss, with our current strength… can we really handle this alien civilization?"
Morgan Blackhand's expression turned graver than ever.
If even the LA Corporation couldn't deal with these invaders, their only option would be to retreat from the Stargate!
Seeing both Morgan and Lucy looking at him with anticipation, Li Ang merely responded with a calm smile.
With the LA Corporation's current fleet capabilities, annihilating the Precursor civilization would be effortless. These invaders were nothing more than small fry.
The only issue was that Li Ang wanted to achieve the greatest return with the least cost.
If they rashly bombarded the Precursor and their Kaiju armies with orbital strikes, Pacific Rim's Earth could become so contaminated by war that it would no longer be habitable for humans.
At that point, the LA Corporation would have no choice but to transform the entire planet into an ideal city, leveling the mountains and seas to build a completely new human civilization.
"At first, I wasn't sure. But now, I am certain—these alien heretics are insignificant."
Li Ang had already devised a solid plan: deploying the Manticore Virus to systematically eradicate the Precursor and their Kaiju.
If the Precursor were purely silicon-based lifeforms, Li Ang wouldn't be confident that his bioweapons would be effective.
But now, he knew it would work!
Before Morgan and Lucy could inquire further about his strategy, a transmission from the frontline base caught Li Ang 's attention.
It was Mann, providing a situational report and updating headquarters on Cory's squad.
"Good. Keep monitoring the situation and report any developments immediately."
After reviewing the frontline updates, Li Ang switched the holographic screen and initiated a video call with the LA Corporation's Biotech Division.
Soon, his old friend, Mr. Francis, appeared on the screen and greeted him proactively:
"What's up, Boss? Is there something our Biotech Division can do for you?"
"Francis, I've got a job for you."
Li Ang 's words were followed by him forwarding the compiled data from Lucy, along with the specifications of the Manticore Virus, to Francis.
Before Li Ang could even elaborate, Francis's expression shifted into astonishment.
"My God… The Precursor can combine human genes to create new lifeforms?! Are they trying to play God?"
Li Ang simply shook his head with a light chuckle.
With such limited capabilities, the Precursor weren't remotely qualified to call themselves creators.
"The Precursor modify and merge their own genes with other species to create new life."
"This means their genetic makeup is highly editable—they aren't purely silicon-based organisms. So…"
Li Ang didn't need to finish his sentence.
Francis glanced at the Manticore Virus details, then at Li Ang 's enigmatic smirk.
In an instant, he understood Li Ang 's true intent.
"Boss… You're suggesting we use the Manticore Virus to engineer a bioweapon specifically targeting the Precursor' genetic structure and wipe them out?"
Li Ang nodded.
"Correct."
"The biological samples V collected will be delivered to you shortly. Once you receive them, simply integrate their genetic data into the Manticore Virus."
"If extracting genetic information from the samples proves difficult, I can arrange for a live Precursor or Kaiju to be captured."
"Regardless of the method, I expect you to produce a fully tailored Manticore Virus as soon as possible. Consider this the LA Corporation's first gift to the Precursor civilization."
Receiving Li Ang 's clear directive, Francis immediately pledged his commitment.
Given that the Precursor relied on genetic modifications to engineer Kaiju, it was highly likely that they were susceptible to biological attacks.
Reviewing the Precursor images V had taken, Francis was now convinced that these creatures were far from pure silicon-based life forms.
They were nothing more than mongrels.
"Yes, Boss! The Biotech Division will deliver a Manticore Virus designed exclusively for the Precursor as soon as possible!"
Francis had no objections whatsoever.
If this experiment succeeded, the Biotech Division would claim the highest honors!
…
Antarctica: A Human City
In the lower hall of a slightly remote giant building, Cory and his team were patiently waiting for the seller to arrive.
They had already received supplies and a large amount of weapons and ammunition from the frontline base. To provide a suitable landing site for reinforcements, Cory had contacted the local gang to buy this chaotic, lawless building filled with all sorts of people.
In exchange, he would pay the gang with a batch of valuable supplies.
He had no choice—this was the most suitable base he could find.
The crowded city had already been developed to its limits, making it impossible to purchase an uninhabited, abandoned building.
This massive lawless structure was the best stronghold he could get.
Bang!
The large doors were suddenly pushed open from the outside, the loud impact abruptly breaking the long-standing silence in the hall.
Cory looked up.
A group of dozens of thugs, all dressed in protective gear with exaggerated outfits, swaggered in. Each of them carried a firearm of varying calibers, exuding an air of arrogance.
Leading the group was a man wearing sunglasses, a finely tailored red Tang suit, and a pair of gaudy gold-tipped leather shoes—the gang boss.
"Greetings! My name is Hannibal Zhou, the largest dealer in this city. As long as you have money, I can get you anything you need."
"Of course, if you have resources, I can also provide anything you want in exchange."
Hannibal Zhou swaggered toward Cory, casually pulling out a cigar and lighting it before flashing a grin.
"Sir, what exactly do you need this building for?"
Once the biggest monster merchant in Hong Kong, Hannibal Zhou had spent his early years trafficking Kaiju body parts and smuggling contraband.
After the human defense forces were defeated, he spent all his wealth to secure passage to this city. Here, he revived his old smuggling business and, over the years, reclaimed his status as one of the most powerful traffickers.
This chaotic, unregulated building was his private property, as his gang had complete control over it.
"I'm just running errands for my boss. He needs a base of operations to conduct some business. Now, can we start the deal?"
Cory didn't want to waste words. Once he secured control of the building, he could bring in more soldiers from the frontline base.
"Haha! Of course, we can start the deal anytime. But I must say, your boss is quite capable."
Hannibal Zhou nodded toward his men, signaling them to hand over the necessary documents to Cory while others moved in to inspect the goods for any shortages.
"Your boss has the ability to acquire such a large shipment of supplies—this isn't something an ordinary person could pull off. He must have quite a background."
"If you don't mind me asking, what exactly does your boss do?"
Hannibal Zhou pondered for a moment before asking.
Initially, he suspected Cory's group might be rival smugglers looking to do business in the city.
But after careful thought, he dismissed the idea.
After all, in this city, he was already one of the top smugglers, and he was familiar with all the other crime bosses.
These unknown newcomers, with their disciplined demeanor and rare supplies, looked more like former soldiers.
This made Hannibal Zhou suspicious—were they government-affiliated smugglers?
Otherwise, how could they have access to such an abundance of resources?
Something didn't feel right.
"Where the hell do you get off asking so many questions? Just make the trade already! This isn't something you need to know!"
Steve, ever the hothead, snapped at Hannibal Zhou.
Seeing this brash fool act so aggressively in his own territory, Hannibal Zhou's gang members instinctively drew their weapons in response.
"Hey! How the fuck are you talking to our boss? Didn't your parents teach you basic manners?!"
"Son of a bitch!"
Several equally hot-tempered gangsters shoved their way toward Steve, flicking off their gun safeties.
Amid this sudden escalation, both Cory and Hannibal Zhou remained calm, unlike their subordinates.
In reality, Steve's outburst was a deliberate move—Cory's signal to hint that they were acting so arrogantly because they had powerful backing.
A seasoned gangster like Hannibal Zhou wouldn't miss such a clue.
With a little thought, he quickly pieced together the situation—this was likely an inside job.
Some high-ranking official was using these men to run a side business.
Offending them could be a death sentence.
No matter what, you never crossed the true power players.
"Ahem! What the hell are you all doing? Put your guns away! Who told you to draw weapons?!"
Hannibal Zhou barked at his men and, without waiting for Cory's reaction, delivered a swift kick to one of his own subordinates—an indirect apology.
"Haha! Mr. Cory, we're just small-time crooks trying to get by. We can't compare to you guys, who are backed by the authorities."
Hannibal Zhou was a master at adapting.
Moments ago, he had been full of swagger, but now he put on an ingratiating smile.
"Rest assured, if you ever need to offload more supplies, just come to me. I'll guarantee a fair price for your boss!"
"This slum building is nothing. I have other high-rise towers just like it!"
Hannibal Zhou rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with greed.
He worshipped money—official backing was a necessity for any true profiteer.
"Alright, then. Here's to a successful partnership."
Cory smiled.
His objective had been achieved perfectly.
This tactic—borrowing power to intimidate—was still highly effective in human society.
No matter the era, those who truly wielded force were always the authorities, not petty criminals.
Seeing that their partnership was set, Hannibal Zhou grinned, revealing his gold teeth.
"Mr. Cory, does your boss happen to have any fresh Kaiju bodies? The market price for those isn't much lower than other supplies!"
Ten years ago, Hannibal Zhou had thrived on the illegal trade of Kaiju parts—dismembering the creatures and selling their organs as high-end supplements.
For customers with weak kidneys, he offered Kaiju kidneys. For those with poor appetites, he sold their stomachs.
The principle was simple—"eat what you need to strengthen."
Even now, Hannibal Zhou wished to continue this business.
Unfortunately, the supply had long since been cut off.
The government incinerated Kaiju corpses immediately, preventing any black-market circulation.
This meant only insiders had access to Kaiju remains.
"What the hell do you want those for? Aren't Kaiju corpses highly toxic? You're not actually selling them as food, are you?"
Cory frowned, unable to imagine how anyone could stomach such a thing.
The creatures were covered in corrosive, poisonous fluids—eating even a bite would be suicide.
"Haha! If there's demand, there's supply. It's basic market economics! Besides, Kaiju soup isn't deadly—it's quite nutritious!"
Hannibal Zhou chuckled before lowering his voice.
"But the real reason? Kaiju brains can be connected to human brains via special devices."
"I guarantee you—it's a million times more exhilarating than anything else!"
"As for side effects… just a little nosebleed, that's all."
Upon learning about the neurological link between Kaiju brains and humans, Cory's frown deepened.
It made sense—humans would go to extreme lengths for fleeting pleasure.
But he suspected there was more to it.
"Is that really all there is to it? I think you're hiding something."
Cory had once worked as an interrogator in prison and could sense deception.
Hannibal Zhou laughed.
"You seriously don't know? Or are you just pretending?"
Cory's expression remained cold. "Speak plainly. I don't have time for riddles."
"Alright, then."
Hannibal Zhou removed his sunglasses, revealing a jagged scar near his eye.
"When humans connect with a Kaiju brain, they can access shared consciousness—gaining intelligence from the Precursors."
"And that information is worth a fortune to the government!"
"But there's a risk—sometimes, the Precursors can take control of a human's mind. When that happens, they must be executed immediately."
"Now do you understand, Mr. Cory?"
Information was the most valuable commodity.
For humans, the most expensive intelligence was knowledge from the Precursors.
'This is critical intel… I need to report this to HQ immediately.'
Cory nodded, promising Hannibal Zhou that he would do his best to secure a Kaiju for him.
Hannibal grinned, delighted.
Then, he led Cory on a tour of the massive building, explaining its layout.
This part of the city was a crime-ridden haven, a true underworld.
And the authorities?
They simply turned a blind eye.
As long as no one colluded with the Precursors, they didn't care.