The morning light in the forest penetrated the ventilation ducts of the hidden laboratory, refracting into tiny blue lights that intertwined with the fluorescence of the central console in the laboratory, dispelling the tension and fatigue left over from last night. Last night, Lumina's weak call still lingered in Elias (Liam)'s mind—that familiar symbiotic energy fluctuation was the afterglow of the symbiotic resonance,Like an accurate data stream, it continued to echo with the blue light between his brows, keeping him awake all night without the slightest tiredness.
The 50% brain domain awakening was subtly reshaping his brain function, and also making the symbiotic link between him and Lumina closer and closer. At this time, he was sitting in front of the console, his fingertips hovering above the virtual touch panel, glowing with a light blue halo homologous to the symbiotic necklace. His gaze was sharp and focused, and he exuded a calm aura completely different from the past. The confusion and fragility that occasionally appeared in the past had long been replaced by the firmness and sharpness after awakening.
"Liam, your brain wave fluctuation is extremely stable. The link efficiency between symbiotic energy and brain neurons has increased to 92%, and the brain domain awakening degree has been officially locked at 50%the previously incomplete awakening state, an increase of 10 percentage points from the initial awakening degreethe previously incomplete awakening state with an increase of 10 percentage points."
Lumina's virtual figure slowly emerged above the console. The blue light around her was brighter and more stable than last night—the resonance last night had allowed her to completely get rid of the weak induction state, with her function restored to 50%. The virtual light and shadow between her brows became more delicate, and her tone was more vivid, losing the mechanical sense of the past. "
Notably, the expected brain overload did not occur during this awakening——when you resonated symbiotically with me last night, the symbiotic energy had already penetrated your entire body texture, quietly repairing and strengthening the tolerance of your somatic cells, which is equivalent to completing a gentle physical adaptation upgrade, just enough to bear the energy load brought by the 50% awakening, perfectly avoiding the risk of 'physical lag and brain overload'. At present, I have synchronously analyzed the changes in your brain function and unlocked two core awakening abilities: rapid knowledge learning and precise data analysis.
The brain's information processing speed has increased by 3 times compared with before, enabling instant integration of fragmented data and extraction of key information, and complex gene sequence comparison can be completed without manual calculation; at the same time, at the physical level, cell activity has increased by 40%, and the symbiotic energy bearing threshold has also increased synchronously, which just matches the progress of brain domain awakening, and there will be no fatigue and fainting problems as before.
More importantly, during the symbiotic resonance last night, my energy has penetrated your somatic cells synchronously, quietly strengthening physical tolerance, which is just suitable for the energy load of 50% awakening, avoiding the risk of 'physical lag and brain overload'."
Elias nodded slightly, touching the panel gently with his fingertips. Rows of complex cross-species gene sequences unfolded on the screen in an instant. The dense base pairs and symbiotic factor markers were as obscure as a heavenly book in the eyes of ordinary people, but in his eyes, they were like clear codes.
Every data loophole and every set of abnormal pairings could be captured instantly. He clenched his fists subconsciously and could clearly feel the power surging in his body——the tightness of his muscles became softer, and his limbs were light but full of tenacity, which was the intuitive feeling after the symbiotic energy strengthened his body. He clenched his fists subconsciously and could clearly feel the power surging in his body—the tightness of his muscles became softer, and his limbs were light but full of tenacity, which was the intuitive feedback of the symbiotic energy strengthening his body last night. "I can clearly feel this dual dual change, Lumina."
His voice was low and powerful, his gaze never leaving the screen, and his fingertips slid gently, completing the comparison of three sets of gene sequences in an instant. "Not only is the brain running extremely smoothly, but the body is also much lighter, without the slightest sense of heaviness or overload discomfort. Not only is the brain running extremely smoothly, but the body is also much lighter, without the slightest sense of heaviness or overload discomfort. The basic data that used to take hours to sort out can now be mastered in just a few minutes, and I can even predict the logical deviations in Victor's research——his cross-species gene fusion experiment deliberately ignored the compatibility threshold between symbiotic factors and human cells, which is also the core reason why his experimental subjects frequently experience gene collapse."
A soft sound of footsteps came from behind. Clara (Elena) walked over with two cups of warm nutrient supplements. She had changed her combat uniform into a light protective suit for the laboratory, her long hair tied up, revealing her smooth forehead, and the tenderness and concern in her eyes were undisguised.
She gently put a cup of nutrient supplement beside Elias, her gaze fell on the gene sequence on the screen, then turned to the blue light beating between his brows, her tone full of relief and distress: "You have been sitting here all night, Liam. I can feel that your energy fluctuation has become stronger, and I can also see the firmness in your eyes——fortunately, Lumina's symbiotic energy helped you adapt your body in advance, otherwise, with 50% brain domain awakening, your body would not be able to bear it at all. But you also need to rest. Even with the assistance of symbiotic energy, long-term high-load operation of the brain and body will still cause hidden losses."
Elias raised his head, looked at Clara's gentle face, and a warm current surged in his heart. He gently held her hand with his fingertips, and the symbiotic energy in his palm slowly passed over, with a comforting power. "I'm fine, Elena." A gentle smile appeared on his lips, and the sharpness in his eyes softened instantly. "
This state after awakening is amazing. It's like the brain has activated a dormant area. Not only is there no sense of tiredness, but it's also full of strength. Moreover, we don't have much time to rest. Victor's conspiracy is closing in step by step, and Marcus must be searching for our traces everywhere. We must quickly grasp the loopholes in his research and find a breakthrough for counterattack."
Clara nodded, held his hand tightly, and looked at him firmly: "I understand, Liam. I have sorted out all the research data retrieved earlier, including Victor's cross-species experiment logs, symbiotic factor extraction data, and some experimental manuscripts left by your father, all of which have been synchronously uploaded to the central control system for you to call at any time."
She paused, her fingertips gently brushing the gene sequence on the screen, her tone full of expectation: "You just said that Victor ignored the compatibility threshold between symbiotic factors and human cells. Then can we start from here and combine genetic editing technology with symbiosis technology? It can not only make up for the loopholes in Victor's research, but also unlock new possibilities of symbiosis technology and solve the problem of physical bearing of symbiotic power——in this way, we can not only improve our own combat effectiveness, but also take the lead in stopping Victor's conspiracy to create cross-species puppets."
A glimmer of light flashed in Elias's eyes. Clara's words exactly coincided with the research idea taking shape in his mind. "You thought of the same thing as me, Elena." There was a hint of surprise in his tone, and his fingertips slid quickly on the screen to bring up two sets of comparison data. "This is Victor's experimental data, and this is the optimization plan I simulated based on my father's manuscripts and combined with my own symbiotic energy fluctuations——we can use genetic editing technology to accurately modify the gene sequence of human cells, enhance the tolerance of cells to symbiotic factors, and at the same time activate the symbiotic receptors in cells, allowing symbiotic energy to integrate into the human body more smoothly, achieving a dual breakthrough of 'gene modification + symbiotic empowerment' and completely solving the problem of physical bearing."
"Perfect, Liam!" Clara couldn't help but exclaim softly, her eyes full of admiration. "This idea not only fits our existing research foundation, but also can accurately attack the loopholes in Victor's research, and can also give full play to the advantages of your 50% brain domain awakening to quickly complete data simulation and experimental design. I am willing to assist you, responsible for the cultivation and pretreatment of cell samples, ensuring that each group of experimental samples meets the standards and preparing for the subsequent fusion test."
"Count me in too." Nora's voice came from the laboratory door. She was wearing a light combat uniform, holding a portable energy detector in her hand. Her face was still calm and capable, but there was a hint of imperceptible relief in her eyes. "
I have completed the energy investigation within 10 kilometers around the laboratory. No trace of Marcus has been found for the time being, but several weak abnormal electromagnetic signals have been detected, suspected to be Victor's reconnaissance robots. I have activated the electromagnetic shielding device to completely hide the laboratory's energy signals, and at the same time reinforced the peripheral defense barrier to ensure that our research will not be interfered by the outside world."
She walked to the console, her gaze swept over the research plan on the screen, and said firmly: "I am responsible for the laboratory's security alert and energy supply monitoring, and at the same time assist Lumina in data screening and loophole investigation. Lumina's function has been restored to 50%. Although she cannot fully control all experimental equipment, she already has sufficient capabilities in data processing and signal monitoring. We can complement each other and fully cooperate with you to promote the experiment, Liam."
Elias looked at his firm partners around him, felt the warmth of Clara's palm, the trust in Nora's eyes, and the firm energy signal transmitted by Lumina through brain waves, and his belief in his heart became more and more firm.
He took a deep breath, the blue light between his brows became more stable, and his fingertips tapped quickly on the console to officially launch the experimental plan: "Okay! Now, we officially launch the 'genetic editing + symbiosis technology' fusion experiment, divide our work and cooperate, and each do our own duties! Elena, go to the cell culture room, extract somatic cell samples from the three of us, perform gene pretreatment, focus on modifying the symbiotic receptor genes in the cells, and ensure the activity and compatibility of the samples; Nora, activate the first-level security alert of the laboratory, monitor the surrounding electromagnetic signals and energy fluctuations in real time, report to me every 10 minutes, and at the same time assist Lumina in screening Victor's research data and extracting useful experimental parameters; Lumina, you are responsible for synchronously simulating the experimental process, predicting possible risks in the experiment, optimizing the experimental steps, and using your data processing ability to complete the precise comparison and analysis of gene sequences, providing us with real-time experimental guidance."
"Received, Liam!" Clara and Nora responded in unison and immediately turned to take action. Clara quickly walked to the cell culture room. The automatic door of the laboratory slowly opened. Inside, there were neatly arranged advanced cell incubators and gene extractors. Each piece of equipment emitted a faint metallic luster, full of a sense of technology under the reflection of blue light. She put on a sterile protective suit and gloves skillfully, took out the somatic cell extraction tool, accurately extracted somatic cell samples from the three of them according to Elias's requirements, put them into the incubator for pretreatment, slid her fingertips quickly on the control panel, set the culture temperature, humidity and gene modification parameters, her eyes focused and serious——she knew that this was a key step for them to fight against Victor, and there could be no mistakes in every operation.
Nora walked to the laboratory's security monitoring platform and activated the first-level security alert system. The holographic projection screen instantly displayed the real-time monitoring screen within 10 kilometers around the laboratory, and every corner was clearly visible. The data curves of electromagnetic signals and energy fluctuations jumped in real time on the screen, glowing with a faint green light. She connected the portable energy detector to the central control system, tapped the keyboard quickly with her fingertips, and set the signal warning threshold. Once an abnormal signal was detected, the system would immediately issue an alarm. At the same time, she assisted Lumina in screening Victor's research data. The dense data on the screen scrolled quickly. Lumina's virtual figure flickered quickly on one side of the screen, constantly marking useful experimental parameters and eliminating invalid data. The two cooperated tacitly and efficiently.
Elias stayed in front of the central console, devoting himself wholeheartedly to experimental design and data simulation. His 50% brain domain awakening ability was fully activated, and his brain was like a supercomputer running at high speed, processing multiple sets of experimental data at the same time and predicting every possible risk in the experiment. His fingertips slid quickly on the virtual touch panel, and rows of complex experimental codes and groups of accurate experimental parameters were quickly input. The simulation process of gene modification and symbiotic factor fusion was displayed in real time on the screen. Every change of each cell and every fluctuation of each group of data could be instantly captured, analyzed and optimized by him.
"Liam, the gene pretreatment of the first group of somatic cell samples has been completed. The success rate of symbiotic receptor gene modification is 98%, and the sample activity is maintained above 95%, which meets the experimental requirements and can carry out the next step of symbiotic factor fusion test." Clara's voice came through the laboratory's internal communication system, with a hint of joy in her tone. "At the same time, I found that your father's manuscript records a special method for activating symbiotic factors. Using brain wave energy to guide symbiotic factors can improve fusion efficiency and reduce gene rejection. You can try it."
"Received, Elena, very good!" There was a hint of approval in Elias's tone. With a light tap of his fingertips, the screen instantly switched to the real-time picture of the cell culture room. Looking at the lively cell samples in the incubator, a trace of relief flashed in his eyes. "Lumina, immediately simulate the fusion process of symbiotic factors guided by brain wave energy, optimize the guidance parameters according to my current brain wave frequency, ensure the stability of the fusion process, and avoid gene collapse."
"Simulating now, Liam." Lumina's voice responded synchronously, her virtual figure flickered slightly, and complex brain wave frequency curves and symbiotic factor guidance paths appeared on the screen. "The guidance parameters have been optimized according to your brain wave frequency. The brain wave energy output threshold is set to 30%, and the guidance speed is 0.8Hz per minute, which can effectively avoid brain wave overload, and at the same time improve the fusion efficiency of symbiotic factors and modified cells.
The expected fusion success rate can reach more than 85%. In addition, when screening Victor's research data, I found a set of abnormal energy fluctuation data, which is highly similar to the energy characteristics of psionic crystals. It is suspected that Victor has found the approximate range of psionic crystals and is conducting preliminary energy detection."
Elias's fingertips paused instantly, and a trace of solemnity flashed in his eyes——the psionic crystal was another key clue left by his father, and also the core target of Victor's conspiracy. Once Victor found the psionic crystal first and absorbed the energy in it, the consequences would be unimaginable. "
Pay close attention to this set of abnormal data, Lumina. Fully analyze the position information in the data, lock Victor's detection range, and report to me in a timely manner." His tone became serious. "In addition, speed up the simulation speed and complete the parameter optimization of brain wave guided fusion as soon as possible. We must complete the experiment as soon as possible and improve our own strength to find the psionic crystal first and stop Victor's conspiracy."
"Received, Liam."
At this time, Nora's voice came, with a hint of vigilance: "Liam, a weak energy fluctuation has been detected on the periphery of the laboratory, suspected to be Marcus's reconnaissance team, which is slowly approaching, 8 kilometers away from the laboratory. I have activated the peripheral hidden defense mechanism, interfered with their detection signals, and have not exposed the laboratory's location for the time being, but their investigation range is constantly narrowing. It is estimated that it will not be long before they lock the approximate direction here."
Elias took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down——the 50% brain domain awakening allowed him to better control his emotions. Even in the face of a crisis, he could keep a clear mind and quickly formulate a response strategy. "Don't panic, Nora." His tone was calm and firm. "Continue to activate the electromagnetic shielding, strengthen the peripheral defense, and pay close attention to their movements. Once they enter the 5-kilometer range of the laboratory, report to me immediately. At the same time, speed up the investigation to see if they have mastered the relevant clues of the laboratory, or if they are a team sent by Victor to cooperate in the investigation of the psionic crystal."
"Understood, Liam."
Clara also said through the communication system: "Liam, I have prepared the pretreatment of the second group of somatic cell samples and can cooperate with you in the symbiotic factor fusion test at any time. Don't worry, I will speed up to ensure that the experimental progress is not affected, and I will also pay attention to the laboratory's safety. Once there is an abnormality, I will immediately assist Nora in defense."
Elias looked at his busy partners on the screen, felt the tacit understanding and firmness between the team, and a sense of power surged in his heart. He focused his attention on the experiment again, the blue light on his fingertips became brighter and brighter, and the brain wave energy was slowly output according to the parameters optimized by Lumina, which was accurately connected to the symbiotic factor guidance device in the cell culture room through the conduction of the symbiotic necklace. On the screen, the modified somatic cells and symbiotic factors were slowly fusing, the activity of the cells remained stable, the gene rejection reaction was effectively inhibited, and the fusion progress was far beyond expectations——this was their first breakthrough, and also the light of hope for them to fight against Victor.
"Liam, the fusion test has achieved initial success! The fusion success rate of the first group of samples reached 88%, far exceeding expectations, the cell activity remained at 92%, the compatibility between symbiotic factors and modified cells was good, and no gene collapse occurred!" Lumina's voice was full of joy, her virtual figure shook slightly on the screen. "All experimental data have been recorded synchronously, and an experimental report has been generated for you to optimize the experimental plan later. In addition, there has been new progress in analyzing Victor's abnormal energy data. His psionic crystal detection range has been initially locked, located 20 kilometers southwest of the laboratory, overlapping with an abandoned scientific research base——that base is the place where your father worked back then, suspected to hide key clues of the psionic crystal."
A trace of shock and relief flashed in Elias's eyes——the abandoned scientific research base where his father worked back then actually hid clues of the psionic crystal, which was undoubtedly a major breakthrough. But at the same time, the vigilance in his heart became stronger and stronger: Victor had locked the detection range, Marcus's reconnaissance team was constantly approaching, and their time was becoming more and more urgent. Moreover, he vaguely felt that the abandoned scientific research base not only hid clues of the psionic crystal, but also might hide the fragments of his erased memories, and the real reason why his father left him and fought against Victor back then.
At this moment, the hidden communication equipment of the laboratory suddenly made a faint current sound, and a blurred news broadcast window popped up on the screen. The signal was intermittent, and only sporadic words could be heard: "...A major breakthrough has been made in nerve repair technology... Suspected illegal research teams are involved in technology theft... Relevant experts call for strengthened supervision... Be vigilant about the potential risks of cross-species experiments..."
The news broadcast suddenly stopped, and the screen returned to normal, but the atmosphere in the laboratory suddenly became solemn. Elias, Clara, and Nora looked at each other, and all saw vigilance and worry in each other's eyes——the major breakthrough in nerve repair technology was by no means accidental, and it was probably related to Victor's research. The so-called "illegal research teams involved in technology theft" was likely a smokescreen deliberately released by Victor to cover up his conspiracy, and it might even be implying their team, wanting to throw dirty water on them and put them in a greater crisis.
Elias clenched his fists, the blue light between his brows flickered slightly, his 50% brain domain awakening ability was fully operational, and his brain was quickly sorting out all clues: Marcus's reconnaissance team approaching, Victor locking the psionic crystal detection range, the breakthrough news of nerve repair technology, the abandoned scientific research base where his father worked back then... All clues were intertwined, pointing to a larger and more hidden conspiracy, and they were stepping into the center of this conspiracy step by step, every step was like walking on thin ice.
"Everyone get ready." Elias's voice was firm and powerful, spreading throughout the laboratory through the communication system. "Marcus's reconnaissance team will approach soon, and Victor is also fully searching for the psionic crystal. Our experiment cannot stop. We must speed up the progress and complete the 'genetic editing + symbiosis technology' fusion experiment as soon as possible to improve our own strength. At the same time, Lumina, continue to analyze the relevant information of the abandoned scientific research base and lock the specific clues of the psionic crystal; Nora, strengthen the security alert and pay close attention to Marcus's movements; Elena, speed up the fusion test of cell samples, sort out the experimental data, and prepare for the subsequent experimental optimization."
"Received!"
The laboratory returned to a busy and orderly atmosphere again. The advanced experimental equipment kept running, making a slight hum. The data stream on the screen scrolled quickly, and the blue light and fluorescence intertwined, outlining a sci-fi battle scene. Elias sat in front of the console, looking firmly at the experimental data and clues on the screen, and silently vowed in his heart: no matter how many dangers are ahead, no matter how hidden Victor's conspiracy is, he will lead the team to uncover all the truth step by step, find the psionic crystal, destroy Victor's conspiracy, complete his father's unfinished wish, protect his partners around him, and protect this world that is about to be swallowed by darkness.
What he didn't notice was that in the corner of the laboratory, an inconspicuous metal fragment was glowing with a faint red light. It was a miniature locator deployed by Marcus's reconnaissance team. Although the signal was weakened by the electromagnetic shielding device, it was still slowly transmitting the approximate location of the laboratory to the outside world; at the same time, in Victor's main laboratory, Victor was looking at the psionic crystal detection data on the screen, a cold smile appeared on his lips, he tapped the console gently with his fingertips, and issued a new instruction——a contest around psionic crystals, genetic technology and identity secrets was about to be fully upgraded, and the side plot of Clara going out to purchase and encountering a brain-damaged child later was also quietly foreshadowed in this dangerous atmosphere.