090 GENSYN INDUSTRIES
"Private purchase, Division 3 clearance," Zairgid replied, holding up a black card. The machine blinked green, and the glass gate slid open.
The lobby was quiet, too quiet.
The air smelled faintly of antiseptic and ionized metal. Transparent elevators moved along the walls like bubbles in slow motion. Behind a crystalline counter stood two clerks in silver coats, their expressions neutral—almost artificial.
"We're here for Genomic Elixirs," Zairgid said.
"Please specify the category," one of them replied in a smooth, synthetic tone.
"Strength enhancement—Series G, batch 3A. We want the concentrated strain."
The clerk's pupils flickered as if running calculations. "That formula is restricted to licensed combat professionals or research institutions."
Damen leaned closer. "We're with the Superheroes Intelligence Agency Training Division. You can check my badge," he said before showing his SIA badge.
A moment of silence. Then the wall behind them opened, revealing a hidden corridor glowing in sterile white.
"This way, gentlemen."
They followed her down the passage.
Frosted glass walls displayed sealed tanks filled with floating biological masses — organs, limbs, even half-formed alien creatures suspended in nutrient gel.
Damen slowed his pace, feeling a twinge of unease.
"What are these?" he asked quietly.
"Prototype synth-organisms," the clerk replied without turning. "Failed genome fusions with alien sub-specie genes."
"Fusion…with humans?" Damen gasped in horror.
Zairgid nudged him with an elbow. "Don't look too hard. They say some of those things used to be volunteers."
"Seriously?" Damen asked.
Zairgid laughed. "These are probably just props to make the place appear more scientific… it's the common corridor for heaven's sake…. Why would they put alien experiments there as display."
"You've got a point", Damen added.
They approached a secured counter where a black vial awaited them. The vial shimmered faintly with metallic light—liquid power condensed into molecular precision.
"A vial of GenSyn Strength Elixir, Series G, concentrated strain," the clerk said. "One million aur."
Damen transferred the funds without a word.
The clerk handed over the case. "Do note, sir, side effects may include rapid muscle decay, bone density instability, or temporary loss of consciousness. GenSyn assumes no responsibility for genetic anomalies."
Damen was cautious. Before taking the elixir, he scanned the vial with his identification app.
Name: GenSyn Strength Elixir, Series G
Description: A next-generation strength-enhancing formulation designed to promote accelerated growth of meta-strength.
Side effects: Manageable.
The information calmed him.
The details matched what he had expected—there was no hidden risks, or deceptive labeling. According to his Identify scan, the elixir was safe for use.
Damen smiled with approval.
Zairgid laughed lightly. "Yeah, yeah. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger."
"There is one more thing," the clerk added. "We require a blood sample before administering the elixir."
Zairgid frowned. "What do you mean administering? We have to take it here?"
"These are controlled substances," the clerk replied. "We must confirm personal compatibility. It's company policy."
Damen nodded. "Fine. It doesn't matter where I take the jab."
A door slid open behind the counter, and a nurse stepped out—tall, curvy, and eerily perfect.
For a moment, Zairgid blinked in disbelief, until he noticed that her eyes weren't seated properly in her sockets—they floated slightly above, tethered by thin optical threads.
"Holy crap," he muttered. "I'm never flirting with a nurse again."
Damen sat down as the android nurse approached. Her movements were precise, her tone devoid of emotion. A thin needle extended from her wrist, drawing a small sample of his blood.
Moments later, a screen lit up, confirming compatibility.
Without a word, she prepared the injection and administered the elixir into his arm. The fluid burned cold as it coursed through his veins, a sharp contrast to the sterile air around him.
When it was done, the nurse retracted her instruments and gestured toward the exit. "You may leave now."
They walked back through the corridor.
As Damen passed the glass tanks again, something flickered at the edge of his vision. One of the half-formed creatures twitched—its warped eyelids peeled back, and for an instant, a single milky eye stared directly at him.
He said nothing. It was probably his imagination or… side effects of the elixir. But deep down, he felt it again—
power always came with a cost.
Suddenly, a sharp sting pierced Damen's forehead. His vision blurred and his knees gave out before Zairgid caught him just in time.
"Hey—Damen! You alright?" Zairgid shouted, but Damen couldn't answer.
His body convulsed once, then went limp in his arms.
The clerk stepped out from behind the counter, her expression unchanged. "There's nothing to worry about. It's one of the documented side effects of the elixir. Please, bring him into our infirmary for observation."
Two nurses appeared almost instantly, pushing a levitating stretcher.
Without a word, they lifted Damen's body onto it and guided it down a white corridor. The doors sealed behind them with a hiss.
Zairgid started forward. "Wait—I'm coming with him."
"I'm afraid that's not permitted," the clerk said calmly, blocking his path. "Our medical facilities are restricted. Do not worry—we have the best care in Melrose City for such cases. Your friend is in good hands."
Zairgid clenched his fists but hesitated.
He knew she was right—no regular hospital could handle a reaction to GenSyn's elixirs. Whatever was happening to Damen, only this facility could stabilize it.
Reluctantly, he turned away. The clerk's polite smile didn't fade until he was gone.
As Zairgid walked back through the silent lobby and out into the neon-lit streets, a chill ran down his spine.
He couldn't shake the feeling that leaving Damen there had been a mistake.
-----
Damen woke to the rhythmic hum of machines. His body felt heavy, wrapped in cords and sensors that blinked in steady pulses of green and amber. An IV line fed into his wrist, cold fluid threading through his veins.
"Where… the hell am I?" he muttered, blinking at the sterile white ceiling.
A calm voice answered from behind the partition. "You're in the emergency wing of GenSyn's medical facility," a woman said, stepping into view.
She wore a white coat with the GenSyn insignia pinned neatly at her collar. Her expression was composed, her smile professional.
"My name is Dr. Stacy Qiltera," she introduced herself. "I'm in charge of your case."
Damen's memory stirred—he remembered the injection, the burning sensation, then darkness.
"Right… the Strength Elixir. I was affected by the side effects," he thought. "GenSyn must've brought me here for observation."
He didn't protest why he was brought here but asked, "Why am I still here? Can I leave now?" he asked.