The fluorescence in the laboratory was still bright, the faint hum of operating equipment intertwined with Lumina's electronic prompt tone, and the air was filled with a faint mixture of nutrient supplements and disinfectant. The initial success of the first group of cell fusion experiments did not make everyone relax——on Nora's energy detector, the signal of Marcus's reconnaissance team was slowly approaching, having narrowed down to the 5-kilometer range of the laboratory. The load of the electromagnetic shielding device continued to rise, and the signal curve on the screen fluctuated slightly from time to time; Elias still stood guard in front of the central console, the blue light of his fingertips intertwined with the gene sequence on the screen. He was optimizing the fusion parameters of brain wave-guided symbiotic factors according to the experimental report generated by Lumina.
The blue light between his brows beat steadily, and the precision brought by the 50% brain domain awakening allowed him to easily catch the subtle deviations of each set of data. After a period of practical exploration, he had become more and more proficient in controlling his awakening ability. The moment his fingertips slid across the virtual panel, he could issue three sets of experimental instructions simultaneously without repeated verification, and the efficiency was several times higher than before.
"Liam, the serum and sterile consumables needed for cell culture are about to run out, and there is less than one-third of the gene modification reagent left." Clara's voice came from the cell culture room, clearly reaching everyone's ears through the internal communication system. She had just completed the pretreatment of the second group of somatic cell samples, took off her sterile gloves, fine beads of sweat oozed from her forehead, and faint symbiotic energy fluctuations remained on her fingertips.
"Without new consumables, the subsequent fusion tests cannot continue. Even if the parameters are optimized, batch verification cannot be carried out, let alone the completion of our own symbiotic adaptation transformation——after all, our current experiment still needs a large number of normal somatic cell samples for comparison to ensure the safety of 'genetic editing + symbiosis technology'."
Elias's fingertips paused, his gaze swept over the consumable inventory data on the screen, his brows frowned slightly, and the blue light between his brows flickered imperceptibly. He did not speak immediately, but transmitted an instruction to Lumina through brain waves: [Call up the coordinates of available supply points around the laboratory, screen locations that avoid Marcus's investigation range and are likely to have scientific research consumables, and simultaneously analyze the travel risk level].
In just two seconds, Lumina's electronic prompt tone sounded accurately without the slightest delay——this was the new "brain wave linkage AI" function after Elias's 50% brain domain awakening. Without voice communication, he could transmit precise instructions to Lumina only through the energy fluctuations of brain neurons, with an instruction recognition accuracy of 100%.
"Within 15 kilometers around, only one abandoned town has the remaining scientific research supply point and small medical station from that year, 12 kilometers away from the laboratory. Currently, Marcus's reconnaissance team's investigation range is concentrated in the northeast direction of the laboratory. The town is located in the southwest direction, temporarily in a safe area, and the risk level is assessed as low."
Lumina's virtual figure appeared on one side of the console. The blue light around her was softer and brighter than in Chapter 46. With her function restored to 60%, the delicacy of her virtual light and shadow was greatly improved, and she could even simulate slight facial changes. "I have synchronously called up the historical data of the town. The supply point mainly stored cell culture consumables, basic reagents and simple medical equipment back then, and it is very likely that we can find the serum and sterile consumables we need; the medical station may have a small amount of auxiliary materials related to nerve repair, which can supplement the subsequent experiments."
Elias nodded slightly, his gaze turned to the communication screen, and Clara's figure clearly appeared in the picture. There was still a trace of tiredness in her eyes, but they still shone with a firm light. "Elena, please make a trip."
His voice was gentle but steady with unquestionable determination. With a light tap of his fingertips, he synchronized the coordinates and route of the town's supply point to Clara. "This is the specific location of the supply point. Lumina has checked it, and it is temporarily safe, but you still need to be careful. Carry a miniature energy detector and a self-defense device with you. Once you detect abnormal energy fluctuations, evacuate immediately and don't linger——consumables can be found again, but your safety is the most important thing."
Looking at Elias's concerned eyes on the screen, Clara smiled gently and nodded slightly: "I understand, Liam, don't worry. I will retrieve the consumables as soon as possible without delaying the experimental progress. I will also pay attention to the surrounding situation at all times and never put myself in danger.
You also need to be careful in the laboratory. Marcus's men have been approaching. Don't ignore the peripheral safety monitoring because of the experimental investment." She paused, her gaze swept over Nora on the other side of the screen, and added: "Nora, please pay more attention to the load of the electromagnetic shielding device and the peripheral signals. Once there is an abnormality, notify Liam and me immediately."
"Don't worry, Elena, leave it to me." Nora's voice was steady and powerful. She was sitting in front of the security monitoring platform, tapping the keyboard quickly with her fingertips, and the monitoring screen and signal curve on the screen kept switching. "I have lowered the warning threshold of the electromagnetic shielding device. Once Marcus's signal approaches the 4-kilometer range, the system will immediately issue an alarm. At the same time, I will synchronously monitor your travel route to ensure that you can return safely."
After a simple reminder, Clara changed into a light combat uniform suitable for movement, carried the miniature energy detector and self-defense device close to her body, stored the coordinates and route synchronized by Lumina into a portable terminal, and then turned around and left the laboratory. Watching Clara's figure disappear outside the automatic door, Elias's gaze lingered for a long time, and the blue light between his brows flickered slightly. He transmitted an instruction to Lumina through brain waves: [Real-time monitor Elena's position and surrounding energy fluctuations, report to me every 3 minutes. Once an abnormality occurs, immediately start emergency communication, and at the same time link the symbiotic necklace on me to send an early warning signal].
"Instruction received, executing now." Lumina's electronic prompt tone was gentle but firm. "I have synchronized the linkage between Elena's portable terminal and your symbiotic necklace, the emergency communication channel has been opened, and the early warning can be activated at any time. Currently, Elena has reached 1 kilometer outside the laboratory, the surrounding energy fluctuations are normal, and no abnormal signals have been found."
After hearing Lumina's report, Elias slowly withdrew his gaze and refocused on the experiment. At this time, Nora had completed the optimization of peripheral safety monitoring and also walked to the central console. Her gaze fell on the experimental data on the screen, and her tone was full of expectation: "Liam, since Clara has set off, why don't we take this gap to promote the next step of the fusion experiment——in Chapter 46, we have achieved the initial combination of normal cells and symbiotic factors. Now can we try to improve the fusion efficiency, further strengthen cell tolerance, and lay the foundation for the subsequent physical enhancement experiments of ourselves?"
Elias nodded slightly, his fingertips slid quickly on the virtual panel, bringing up the experimental data of Chapter 46 and the optimization suggestions generated by Lumina. The blue light between his brows became more and more stable——the ability of 50% brain domain awakening was fully mobilized, and his brain was like a supercomputer running at high speed, processing multiple sets of experimental data at the same time, predicting possible risks in the experiment, and the accuracy of data processing had been improved to 90%.
"You're right, Nora." His voice was low and powerful, with confidence in his tone. "We will start the next experiment now, focusing on optimizing the fusion path of brain wave-guided symbiotic factors, improving the fusion efficiency, and at the same time strengthening the tolerance of cells to symbiotic energy, striving to make the fusion efficiency of normal cells and symbiotic factors exceed 80% and the tolerance increase by more than 50%."
As soon as the words fell, Elias closed his eyes, concentrated, and transmitted precise experimental instructions to Lumina through brain waves: [Start the cell fusion experiment cabin, call up the second group of pretreated normal somatic cell samples, adjust the injection speed of symbiotic factors to 0.5ml/min, set the brain wave guidance frequency to 1.2Hz, synchronously monitor the changes of gene sequences during cell fusion, mark abnormal data in real time, and immediately pause the experiment and start the emergency repair procedure once gene rejection occurs]. Throughout the process, he did not say a word, all instructions were accurately transmitted through brain waves, and Lumina responded extremely quickly, starting the relevant equipment almost the moment the instruction transmission was completed.
Nora stood aside, her gaze firmly fixed on the experimental data and cell fusion simulation screen on the screen, her eyes full of amazement. On the screen, normal somatic cells and symbiotic factors slowly fused under the guidance of brain waves, the shape of the cells gradually changed, the gene sequence showed stable fluctuations, and no obvious abnormalities appeared. "It's amazing, Liam." Nora couldn't help but said softly. "Your current control over brain waves has reached the extreme, and Lumina's response speed is getting faster and faster. Your linkage is just like a whole——in this way, the efficiency of our experiment can be improved by at least double."
Elias did not open his eyes, but only nodded slightly, and the blue light between his brows still beat steadily. He could clearly perceive the changes of each cell, and could also grasp the progress of the experiment in real time through Lumina's feedback. "This is due to the 50% brain domain awakening and the optimization of Lumina's functions."
His voice was low and calm. "After the brain's control over symbiotic energy is improved, I can transmit brain wave instructions more accurately. After Lumina's function is restored to 60%, she can not only respond to instructions quickly, but also independently predict experimental risks and mark data loopholes, which is equivalent to my 'second brain', helping me share a lot of data analysis work and allowing me to concentrate on controlling the overall situation of the experiment."
At this time, Lumina's electronic prompt tone sounded again, with a hint of joy: "The experiment is progressing smoothly. The fusion efficiency of normal somatic cells and symbiotic factors has reached 78%, and cell tolerance has increased by 48%, only one step away from the expected goal. No gene rejection reaction has been found, and the gene sequence fluctuation is stable. The subsequent fusion process has been simulated synchronously.
It is expected that this experiment can be completed in 15 minutes, achieving the goal of fusion efficiency exceeding 80% and tolerance increasing by 50%. At the same time, it is monitored that Elias's brain wave state is stable, no signs of excessive fatigue, and energy consumption is within the normal range."
Hearing this news, a relieved smile appeared on Nora's face, and Elias also slowly opened his eyes, with a hint of joy in his eyes. His fingertips slid gently on the panel to check the real-time details of the experiment. "Very good, Lumina, keep the current parameters, closely monitor cell changes, and adjust immediately if any abnormalities occur."
After transmitting the instruction through brain waves, he turned to Nora, his tone a little relaxed. "It seems that our experiment will soon achieve a new breakthrough. When Clara retrieves the consumables, we can carry out batch verification and lay a solid foundation for the subsequent physical enhancement experiments."
Just then, Clara's voice came through the emergency communication channel, with a hint of heaviness and distress: "Liam, Nora, I have arrived at the abandoned town and am on my way to the supply point, but... in the corner of the town, I found a poor child with brain damage, who looks only five or six years old, lying on the bed and unable to move independently. His family said that the child suffered brain damage due to an accident, and the family cannot afford the expensive treatment costs, so they can only stay in bed at home to rest, and even the most basic nutritional supplements are difficult to guarantee."
Elias's fingertips paused instantly, the joy in his eyes was instantly replaced by distress, and the blue light between his brows dimmed slightly. He could imagine the child's situation, and could also feel Clara's current mood——Clara was kind-hearted and could never bear such suffering, especially an innocent child. "Elena, don't worry first." His voice was gentle but powerful, trying to soothe Clara's emotions. "First go to the supply point to retrieve the consumables we need, then go to see the child, and learn more about his condition, such as the specific location and degree of brain damage, and whether there are relevant inspection reports. We may... be able to help him."
"Really? Liam, can we really help him?" A glimmer of hope instantly ignited in Clara's voice, and her tone became eager. "I just took a look. The child is conscious, but he can't move independently, and his speech is slurred. His family is almost in despair. If our symbiosis technology can really help him, I am willing to spend a little more time and energy."
"We can try." Elias's tone was firm. He turned to the experimental data on the screen and transmitted an instruction to Lumina through brain waves: [Synchronously simulate the feasibility of applying symbiosis technology to brain injury repair, and design a simple symbiotic auxiliary device based on the current experimental data to stimulate the child's brain nerves and help him recover his ability to move independently.
It is required to have a simple structure, easy operation, suitable for home use, and at the same time check the potential safety hazards in the design process]. "Our current 'genetic editing + symbiosis technology' can already improve the tolerance of normal cells. As long as we design a simple symbiotic auxiliary device that converts weak symbiotic energy into nerve repair signals to stimulate the child's damaged brain nerves, we may be able to help him recover some functions. Lumina's function has now been restored to 60%, which can assist us in designing this device, simulating the operation effect of the device, checking design loopholes, and ensuring the safety of the device."
Nora also nodded, her tone full of approval: "Liam is right, we can try. On the one hand, this is a good thing that can help an innocent child get rid of suffering; on the other hand, this can also be a practical verification of our experiment. By helping the child, we can collect more application data of symbiosis technology, providing more references for the subsequent physical enhancement experiments of ourselves, killing two birds with one stone."
"Great! Thank you, Liam, Nora!" Clara's voice was full of joy and gratitude. "I will go to the supply point to retrieve the consumables now, then immediately go to learn the detailed condition of the child, synchronize the relevant information to you, and we will work together to help this child!"
"Be careful, Elena." Elias's voice was still gentle. "After retrieving the consumables, don't stay too long, return to the laboratory as soon as possible, and we will design the auxiliary device together."
After ending the communication, Elias refocused on the experiment and the design of the auxiliary device. At this time, Lumina's virtual figure flickered again, and the electronic prompt tone sounded: "The preliminary design idea of the simple symbiotic auxiliary device has been generated. The core adopts a miniature symbiotic energy converter, which can convert symbiotic factors into gentle nerve repair signals, fitting the energy demand of the child's brain injury site. The structure is simple, no complex operation is required, and it is suitable for home use; the operation effect of the device has been simulated synchronously, 2 structural stress loopholes have been initially identified, and optimization and adjustment are in progress. At the same time, the experiment is about to be completed. The fusion efficiency of normal somatic cells and symbiotic factors has reached 81%, and cell tolerance has increased by 52%. The experimental goal has been achieved, and there are no abnormal data."
Elias nodded slightly, his fingertips slid quickly on the panel to check the design drawings and optimization progress of the auxiliary device. The blue light between his brows beat steadily, and the precision brought by the 50% brain domain awakening allowed him to instantly catch the subtle loopholes in the design drawings. He transmitted optimization instructions to Lumina through brain waves: [Replace the material of the miniature symbiotic energy converter with flexible biomaterials to avoid stimulating the child's skin; adjust the energy output threshold, control the maximum output power within a safe range, prevent secondary damage to the child's brain caused by excessive energy, and simulate the operation effect again after optimization].
Nora stood aside, looking at the continuously optimized design drawings and experimental data on the screen, her tone full of admiration: "Liam, your ability is really getting stronger and stronger. You can not only accurately control the experiment, but also quickly optimize the device design. With Lumina's cooperation, our efficiency is really too high. I believe it won't be long before we can complete the design of the auxiliary device and help the child recover his health."
A gentle smile appeared on Elias's lips, and his gaze turned to Clara's real-time position on the screen——she had arrived at the supply point, was collecting the required consumables, and the surrounding energy fluctuations were normal. "This is not my credit alone, but the efforts of our entire team." His voice was low and gentle. "Elena's kindness, your calmness, and Lumina's precise cooperation are all indispensable. We not only need to complete the experiment and destroy Victor's conspiracy, but also do our best to help those innocent people. This is the true meaning of our research on symbiosis technology."
At this time, the hidden communication equipment of the laboratory suddenly made a faint current sound, and the originally blurred news broadcast fragment became clear, and the complete sound spread throughout the laboratory: "Dear audience, in the early morning of today, a major breakthrough has been made in global nerve repair technology. The relevant research team announced that they have successfully developed a new type of nerve repair reagent, which can effectively improve the nerve function of patients with brain damage.
But at the same time, authoritative experts suspect that the core idea of this technology has been stolen by illegal research teams. At present, the relevant departments have intervened in the investigation, reminding all sectors to be vigilant against the irregular operations of illegal research teams, to avoid the abuse of technology and pose a threat to human safety."
After the news broadcast ended, the laboratory fell into silence instantly, and the atmosphere became solemn. Elias's brows frowned tightly, the blue light between his brows flickered slightly, and a hint of vigilance and solemnity flashed in his eyes; Nora's face also became serious, her fingertips tapped the keyboard quickly, calling up the relevant information of the nerve repair technology mentioned in the news, trying to find the connection with Victor's research; Lumina's virtual figure also became serious, synchronously analyzing the news content and extracting key information.
"Something's wrong, Liam." Nora was the first to break the silence, her tone full of solemnity. "This news is too strange. Just when we started the research and development of symbiosis technology to assist children with brain damage, it was announced that a breakthrough has been made in nerve repair technology, and it also mentioned that illegal research teams stole the technology——could this be a smokescreen deliberately released by Victor?"
Elias nodded slightly, his tone with a firm judgment: "It's very possible what you said, Nora." He called up the key information analyzed by Lumina through brain waves, and the comparison data between the nerve repair technology mentioned in the news and Victor's research appeared on the screen instantly. "Lumina has analyzed the core idea of the nerve repair technology mentioned in the news, which has a high homology with our current 'genetic editing + symbiosis technology', and even has an amazing similarity with the nerve enhancement module in Victor's cross-species research. I suspect that Victor is also coveting the nerve repair technology. He has probably stolen the relevant core ideas and wants to combine it with the cross-species puppet research to create stronger and more uncontrollable puppets. This news is deliberately released by him to confuse the public, cover up his illegal research, and even possibly imply us——he has already detected our research and wants to put pressure on us to make us passive."
"Moreover, the broadcast of this news also means that the risk of our identity exposure has further increased." Nora's tone was more solemn. She brought up the energy monitoring data on the screen. "Marcus's reconnaissance team has approached the 4.5-kilometer range of the laboratory. Although they have not locked the specific location, their investigation range is constantly narrowing. Coupled with the foreshadowing of this news, Victor is likely to increase the investigation efforts, even lead the team himself. Our time is becoming more and more urgent."
Lumina's electronic prompt tone also sounded, with a hint of warning: "It has been synchronously monitored that the signal of Marcus's reconnaissance team has abnormal fluctuations, suspected of adjusting the investigation direction and moving towards the abandoned town. It is very likely that they have detected Elena's energy fluctuations, or received a new instruction from Victor, increasing the investigation efforts in the southwest direction.
At the same time, the optimization of the simple symbiotic auxiliary device has been completed, the simulated operation effect is good, no potential safety hazards, and the production can be started at any time. The required materials can use the remaining consumables in the laboratory and the new consumables retrieved by Clara, without additional purchase."
Elias's fingertips clenched tightly, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, and the blue light between his brows became brighter and brighter. He transmitted an instruction to Lumina through brain waves: [Real-time monitor the movement of Marcus's reconnaissance team, report to me every 1 minute. Once they approach the 3-kilometer range of the abandoned town, immediately issue an early warning to Elena, reminding her to speed up and return to the laboratory as soon as possible; at the same time, sort out the production process and required materials of the simple symbiotic auxiliary device, make preparations for production, and once Elena comes back, we will immediately start production].
At this time, Clara's voice came through the communication channel again: "Liam, I have retrieved all the required consumables, and am on my way to the child's home, ready to learn his detailed condition, and then immediately return to the laboratory. By the way, just now near the supply point, I seem to have seen several unfamiliar figures with strange movements. I don't know if they are Marcus's men. I have speeded up and will return as soon as possible."
"Elena, speed up. Marcus's men have moved towards the abandoned town, 4 kilometers away from the town. You are in great danger now. Don't stay. After learning the general condition of the child, evacuate immediately and prioritize your own safety!" Elias's voice was a little eager, and he transmitted a supplementary instruction to Lumina through brain waves: [Immediately link Elena's portable terminal, plan the optimal evacuation route for her, avoid the investigation range of Marcus's reconnaissance team, and at the same time start the backup energy of the emergency self-defense device to ensure that she can evacuate smoothly].
"I understand, Liam, I will be as fast as possible!" Clara's voice was a little urgent, and then the communication signal became weak, obviously accelerating to evacuate.
Elias stared closely at Clara's real-time position on the screen, the blue light between his brows flickered slightly, and his heart was full of worry, but he still kept calm, constantly transmitting instructions to Lumina through brain waves, adjusting the evacuation route, and monitoring Marcus's movements. Nora, on the other hand, quickly sorted out the experimental data and the production materials of the auxiliary device, made all preparations, and waited for Clara to return.
In the laboratory, the equipment was still running, and the experimental data stayed at the optimal state of "fusion efficiency 81% and tolerance increase 52%". The design drawing of the simple symbiotic auxiliary device had been optimized. The sense of crisis brought by the news broadcast, the pressure of Marcus's approach, and the potential safety hazard of Clara were intertwined, putting the entire team in a tense atmosphere. Elias's 50% brain domain awakening ability was being exerted to the extreme. He monitored Clara's safety and Marcus's movements, while planning the subsequent experiment and auxiliary device production. The multi-threaded processing ability of the brain was fully exercised.
Meanwhile, in Victor's main laboratory, he was watching the news broadcast on the screen, a cold smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. His fingertips tapped lightly on the console, where the movements of Marcus' reconnaissance team and the approximate location of Elias' team were displayed simultaneously.
"Elias, my child," Victor's voice was low and icy, laced with an eerie anticipation. "You truly haven't disappointed me. You've not only successfully awakened 50% of your brain capacity, but also uncovered the core direction of gene editing + symbiosis technology—and you even intend to use it to help others. So naive, so ridiculous."