Chapter 660: Immortality
Inside the highly isolated sterile laboratory, cold white light poured over the central dissection table. The corpse of the Predator lay there quietly, its dark skin and metallic armor reflecting an eerie gleam under the lights. The air was thick with the unique scent of disinfectant mixed with alien blood—a sweet, metallic stench.
Ryo stood before the main control console, his slender fingers swiping rapidly across the optical screen, pulling up real-time data. Dr. Grace stood beside him, her gaze darting between the dissection table and the display monitor. Her face wore a complex expression, a mixture of scientific curiosity and physical discomfort.
"Begin recording," Ryo's voice rang out calmly within the lab. Pulling on sterile gloves, he picked up a laser scalpel and made a precise incision into the alien creature's chest cavity. The entire procedure was rigorous and meticulous, every single movement perfectly captured by the high-precision sensors surrounding them.
As the dissection went deeper, more secrets concerning this alien hunter were unveiled.
"Muscle fiber density is more than five times that of a human," Ryo stated as he operated. "An unknown metallic crystal composite has been detected within the skeletal structure, which explains its astonishing impact resistance."
Grace leaned in closer to observe, unable to hold back her awe. "This biological structure... it completely transcends the evolutionary path of Earth's biology."
However, as the research delved into the cellular level, an even more staggering discovery gradually surfaced.
When the complete data from the genetic sequencing and telomere analysis appeared on the main screen, Grace involuntarily drew in a sharp breath, gripping the console just to steady her trembling frame.
Ryo's gaze swept calmly over the data streaming across the screen. His voice was steady. "Based on a comprehensive analysis of cellular division cycle markers and telomere stability, the natural physiological lifespan of this biological specimen is conservatively estimated to be over one thousand Earth years. More importantly, its cells are capable of maintaining an active, youthful state throughout such a vast span of time. This characteristic is entirely unprecedented in any known non-dormant higher lifeform."
"One thousand years... and one thousand years at absolute peak physical condition?" Grace's voice trembled with shock. "This completely overturns all existing biological understanding. Even the Na'vi here on Pandora have lifespans that fall far short of that number."
This discovery naturally steered their research focus toward the mechanism maintaining such an incredible lifespan.
Ryo shifted his attention to the blood sample glowing with a faint, eerie green luminescence.
Over the next seventy-two hours, he and Grace engaged in intensive experimental work.
First, they used high-speed centrifugation to separate the cellular components from the liquid matrix of the blood sample. Subsequently, utilizing a high-performance liquid chromatograph for precise separation, a specific fluorescent peak among countless components caught their attention.
The substance corresponding to this peak emitted a distinct emerald green luster under ultraviolet light and possessed exceptionally stable chemical properties.
"This is the component," Ryo noted, looking at the peak value on the chromatogram and lightly tapping the screen.
They collected this component via preparative chromatography, then employed mass spectrometry to determine its approximate molecular weight range.
The following steps were even more precise. They utilized isoelectric focusing electrophoresis to further purify the substance based on differences in its electrical charge properties. During this process, Grace noticed that the substance formed a unique crystalline structure under specific pH conditions, providing a vital clue for subsequent research.
After multiple layers of separation and purification, what they ultimately obtained was a clear liquid emitting a pale green fluorescence. Under an electron microscope, regularly distributed nanoscale structural units could be observed, spontaneously assembling into stable complexes.
"We succeeded." Ryo placed the final product sample into the analyzer. "This complex is precisely constructed from a variety of biological macromolecules. Its core is an undocumented enzyme system, surrounded by a complex network of signaling molecules."
"I have provisionally named it Yautja Prime," Ryo said, pulling up an analysis report on the main screen. "Experiments indicate that this substance can almost perfectly reverse the process of cellular aging."
Grace read the data carefully, her eyes widening. "It can not only clear out senescent cells but also repair genetic damage... this is an absolute subversion of modern biology!"
Ryo brought up a detailed quantitative report and ran a series of complex calculations. A moment later, he looked up, his gaze razor-sharp. "Conservatively estimating, the Yautja Prime extracted from this single corpse is sufficient to extend a standard human's physiological prime by at least two hundred years."
"Two hundred years..." Grace muttered the number repeatedly, before suddenly snapping to high alert. "Wait, if this substance truly possesses such an effect, that means..."
"It means every single individual of the Predator race is a walking elixir of immortality," Ryo finished her thought, his eyes profoundly deep. "And it also means we may have just kicked a hornet's nest."
He pulled up another set of data. "Remember that final signal it sent before dying? I re-analyzed its encoding structure. That was not a simple death knell; it was a standard hunting coordinate beacon. In Predator culture, this signal means two things: first, marking a territory worthy of the hunt, and second, summoning their kin to fight for honor."
Grace's face instantly went pale. "Are you saying... more of them are coming here?"
"It is almost a certainty." Ryo closed the data panel. "Furthermore, according to the memory fragments of Celtic, the Predators have always demanded blood for blood. The death of a young warrior is more than enough to trigger a hunting crusade."
He walked over to the observation window, looking out at the Pandoran night. "The RDA's armed forces already struggle to handle the Na'vi. Facing a hunting party of Predators equipped with advanced gear and cunning tactics, they have absolutely zero chance of winning. As for the Na'vi... even with the help of Eywa, they will find it incredibly difficult to fend off hunters from the stars."
Grace clenched her hands nervously. "We have to warn them..."
"Warn them?" Ryo shook his head slightly. "Quaritch will only see this as an opportunity to acquire more alien technology, while the Na'vi will view it as just another Sky Person conspiracy."
He turned to face Grace, his tone grave. "This discovery must be kept strictly confidential. Before we are fully prepared to counter them, any leaked information could trigger widespread panic, or even accelerate the Predators' retaliation."
"But you don't look worried at all," Grace acutely noted the composed demeanor beneath Ryo's calm exterior.
"Worrying does not solve problems," a barely perceptible curve touched the corners of Ryo's mouth. "If the Predators want to come, let them come. I simply need to ensure that when the hunters arrive, they will find the prey here to be far more dangerous than they imagined."
His gaze fell once more upon the corpse on the dissection table, a calculating glint flashing in his eyes. To Ryo, the impending threat was not merely a crisis, but an opportunity—an opportunity to acquire more alien technological samples, perhaps even capturing a complete Predator starship.
"Continue the analytical work," Ryo issued his next directive. "Focus the research on their sensory ranges and combat paradigms. Since we have guests coming, we must be prepared to entertain them."
Looking at Ryo's back, Grace suddenly realized that hiding within this seemingly mild-mannered scientist was a nature far more dangerous than any alien hunter. On this planet brimming with unknowns, the line between hunter and prey was quietly blurring.
What specific defensive measures do you think Ryo will prioritize to prepare for the incoming Predator hunting party?