Reddy indeed had ideas for creating artificial Devil Fruits.
The principle was based on the Bloodline Factor technology, allowing users to obtain the abilities of Zoan-type Devil Fruits.
Reddy's approach was to extract specific gene fragments from animals and use a special catalyst as a medium to fuse these animal gene fragments with human genes, thereby achieving animalistic transformation of the body.
Extracting specific gene fragments from animals was something most researchers in the institute could do to some extent.
Beal was one of the best at it.
The only challenge was the special catalyst.
This catalyst needed to break human DNA strands, allow animal gene fragments to embed smoothly into the DNA chain, and then recombine the DNA chain while eliminating rejection reactions.
Fortunately, this was the Punk Hazard Research Institute, which possessed vast resources granted by the World Government.
Reddy spent two days sifting through extensive raw data and found what he needed.
In fact, this sample was not unfamiliar to him.
IQ!
This special plant, which grew on the Floating Islands, had the effect of altering animal genes.
Reddy had previously collected genetic samples of this plant on the Floating Islands.
However, he was surprised to find that Punk Hazard also stored this special plant.
Reddy thought about it and realized it made sense.
After Vegapunk discovered the Bloodline Factor, the World Government immediately placed great importance on it.
Naturally, they would collect a plant like IQ, which could alter animal genes, though until now, no one had developed it and it was merely stored as a raw material.
So Reddy unceremoniously requisitioned this material.
First, he used his system to analyze IQ and lock onto specific gene fragments.
Then, based on the analysis results, he provided Beal and the other assistants with a clear research direction.
Meanwhile, he continued eating and drinking heartily, actively stockpiling energy.
And this was despite having to spend some time winning over Beal and the other researchers.
Otherwise, he could have stored even more.
With a clear research direction, Beal and the others worked with great enthusiasm.
In just one week, the first-generation catalyst was developed.
Scientific research truly was a field where money could make anything possible.
After developing the first-generation catalyst, Beal and the others immediately urged Reddy to begin experiments.
The experimental results left Beal and the others disheartened.
It was a failure!
The first-generation catalyst could indeed break DNA strands, but it could not fuse different genes while eliminating rejection reactions.
Reddy, however, was unfazed and comforted them, "We still have plenty of time. No rush."
...
"Is he about to succeed?"
Reddy's challenge was an open secret, and the entire institute was paying attention to the matter. Soon, news reached Caesar's ears.
Caesar was dumbfounded.
Had only a week passed?
But soon, news of Reddy's experimental failure spread throughout the institute.
Caesar immediately regained his vigor and belittled him, "Shurororororo... Does he think he's Vegapunk?"
Even though he always considered himself the world's greatest scientist, Caesar unconsciously used Vegapunk as a benchmark.
And he didn't even realize it.
However, the good times didn't last.
From Reddy's lab, intermittent, unverified news kept leaking out.
Caesar felt like he was about to have a heart attack.
One moment, success was imminent. The next, news of failure would arrive.
Caesar's mood swings were as wild as a rollercoaster.
One month!
Two months!
Three months!
Reddy's lab delayed announcing any results, and Caesar felt at ease again.
That's it?
I told you no one but me could create artificial Devil Fruits!
Half a year passed in the blink of an eye.
The atmosphere in the institute shifted from initial anticipation to calmness. The researchers, each busy with their own projects, had almost forgotten about the matter.
Until one day, Beal and a few other assistants appeared before everyone with their heads held high.
Only then did the other researchers remember the challenge.
"Did they succeed?"
Eager researchers immediately pressed Beal and the others for confirmation.
"Dr. Reddy is the foremost expert in the field of Bloodline Factors!"
After spending half a year in Reddy's lab, Beal and the others had completely become his devoted fans, singing his praises.
The researchers were stunned.
The news quickly spread throughout the entire institute.
Even the Marines stationed at Punk Hazard heard about it.
"Ara ara, Dr. Reddy has developed yet another astonishing achievement. Truly remarkable." Upon receiving the news, Borsalino was full of admiration.
In just half a year, Reddy had produced two strategically valuable results.
The Active Agent needed no further explanation.
Although it hadn't reached mass production yet, small-scale production had already allowed Marine Headquarters to taste its benefits.
As long as the injury wasn't fatal and didn't cause immediate death, a single dose of the Active Agent could save a person.
Even if the injury was fatal, administering a dose before death gave a 70% chance of keeping the wounded alive until they reached the hospital for emergency treatment.
And the newly announced achievement was even more shocking.
Artificial Devil Fruits!
Vegapunk had once researched this technology and achieved remarkable results.
However, Vegapunk was a perfectionist. He considered his artificial Devil Fruits to be failures and sealed the research, halting further development.
Yet now, Reddy had completed this technology.
Borsalino, full of amazement, went to Reddy's lab.
The lab was packed with people.
All the researchers in the institute had gathered there to witness this historic moment.
Caesar was among them, his face dark as he racked his brains for a way to sabotage Reddy's announcement.
After waiting for a long time, Reddy still hadn't appeared.
The researchers couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
Caesar seized the opportunity to stir trouble, "See? He's a fraud. He can't produce artificial Devil Fruits!"
Others began to waver.
At that moment, Beal and the others, who had gone to look for Reddy, returned to the lab with strange expressions.
"Dr. Reddy said artificial Devil Fruits aren't important enough for him to care about, so he asked us to announce the results."
Beal's statement sent shockwaves through the crowd.
Artificial Devil Fruits weren't important enough for Dr. Reddy?
Then what kind of research project could possibly capture his attention?
Caesar was internally furious, wishing he could bite Reddy to death. This guy was too infuriating.
Ignoring the reactions of the others, Beal and the others methodically began preparations.
Borsalino rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
Before long, everything was ready.
Beal and the others arranged for only one test subject.
This move surprised the other researchers.
Such confidence!
Weren't they afraid the experiment might fail?
While failed experiments were commonplace for them, a failure here would undoubtedly damage Dr. Reddy's reputation.
Everyone held their breath as Beal injected a dose into the test subject.
"Ah!"
The test subject screamed and collapsed, curling up like a shrimp in unbearable pain. The sight made the other researchers pale slightly.
Caesar laughed inwardly.
So you said my artificial Devil Fruits had severe side effects. Yours are no different, huh?
Let's see how you explain this away now!
The test subject's screams lasted nearly two minutes.
Then, before everyone's eyes, the subject began to mutate.
Their body grew taller, dense fur sprouted on their skin, their teeth elongated and sharpened, and their hands and feet began to take on beast-like characteristics.
In a short time, a panting werewolf stood before the crowd.
Borsalino glanced at the exhausted werewolf and silently left the lab, pulling out a Den Den Mushi.
The call connected.
Borsalino scratched his head and said, "Dr. Reddy really did create artificial Devil Fruits."
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