Chapter 105 - EVO

Chapter 105 - EVO

***Tirnanog, Mount Aerie***Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)

***Magnus***

I opened my eyes to the familiar scenery of a certain tropical island.

The sun hung low on the horizon next to the other island visible in the distance. A blue moon was touching the horizon to its left, creating a surreal and alien picture. A weak breeze came in from the sea, bringing the salty smell of the ocean with it.

Gaia had a favourite setting for meeting with us, but she was changing things up bit by bit. By now, I had a hard time comparing this dream with the island resort from my memories.

Astra moved closer to me from my right and poked her index finger into my cheek.

When I didn't react, she swirled it around tentatively.

What are you doing? I asked.

Aw, I was just checking whether you are lucid or not. She clicked her tongue. Next time, I have to fall asleep faster.

I raised an eyebrow and turned to face her. What would you have done if I had been asleep?

She smirked. I still have to get back at you for groping me that one time.

I mockingly bowed to her. Feel free to grope anywhere you like, any time. I spread my hands and hugged her, grabbing her ass and lifting her so she was level with me.

Astra rolled her eyes and blew a raspberry while she held onto my shoulders. Theres no fun in it if you are so nonchalant about it.

I shrugged. It's not like we have something to hide.

A shrill, joyous shriek and laughter from inside the bungalow drew our attention.

Astra extracted herself from my grasp and went to open the sliding door leading into the house.

Inside, we found Gaia on the floor, playing with Isaac among a mountain of children's toys. The whole room looked like a childrens toy store, spoiling the child rotten. Though, currently Isaac was having the time of his life with a set of building blocks which he was assembling into a quite intricate ship.

Isaac? I asked, bewildered by the boy's presence in the dream.

Isn't he such a delightful child? Gaia asked and pulled at Isaac's cheek. You love your aunty Gaia dont you?

Mom! Dad! Isaac wasn't so easily swayed once he saw us. He got his feet and ran over, slamming into Astra's legs with a tackle hug. A moment later, he remembered to show off his ship and ran back to get it.

There he goes. Gaia sighed and got up. Fickle is the heart of a child.

I wanted to ask about this Zacharias fellow, Astra commented while grasping empty air. He was so strong. There was nothing I could do. The whole time it felt like he was toying with me.

I nodded. I hate to admit it, but it was no different for me. Are you sure we are on the right path Gaia?

The avatar snorted. You cant expect to compete with a genetically optimized super-soldier. Not yet at least. To that end, I want to optimize your ability to store energy. Your physiques are already pretty good at creating and handling power on the principle of an electromagnetic charge. Your muscles are essentially highly effective supercapacitors. Unfortunately, your body size is limited and with it the amount of power you can store. We cant put a fusion reactor in there, so the only solution is optimization and an external aide.

I frowned. Why would our body size be limited? I mean, I wouldnt want to turn into some monster, but some of the mutations people have are so far out of the box for me becoming a little bigger doesnt sound like an impossible feat.

You are already larger than an average human. There is simply a point at which size is more of an inconvenience than helpful. Once again, the avatar wagged a finger at me. Besides, I already spent a lot of effort on optimizing all those chemical and biological processes inside you. I dont want to turn my creations into beasts. The Gestalt already tried to go big with the Neanderthals and it didnt work out. No, what I am aiming for with you is augmentation. Something which you already discovered to some extent on your own. You will travel to the large lake which is fed by the sanguine river, south of Hochberg. In there lives a creature which is called a thunder eel. It will provide your next evolution.

Gaia continued to explain how she intended to use the thunder eels extraordinary ability to store power via electrochemical processes. Lastly, she dropped a hint about how a certain lightning-elks core might be used and adapted as a transportable power backpack.

The idea of controlling the biomechanical features of Tirnanogs creatures intrigued me. Given time and finding the right cores, Astra and I could build and improve upon our armour, making it a part of us.

The only thing holding us back so far was the problematic nature of finding out how to control cores. Getting a working prototype wouldnt be easy, but the concept had limitless potential.

Sadly, I wasnt exactly enthused about hunting down a thunder eel. According to Gaia, a Hochberg elder had taken the mutation some centuries ago and used the resulting mutation to great effect. The creature wasnt widely known, since it lived only in the deepest parts of the lake which meant we had to go for a swim.

A dangerous affair, but possible thanks to us being able to breathe underwater.

***Tirnanog, Steppes***

***Mary***

I yawned and blinked, looking up at the starry night sky. Beneath me, the drakes back moved sinuously as it propelled itself forward at maximum speed. The drake rider I was flying with reached once more for my shoulder and pinched it.

Ancient Mary? I think we found them! The voice would have been hard to understand if not for one of my mutations enhancing my hearing.

I reached up and unbuckled the harness I had strapped myself down with so I wouldnt fall off while I slept. Then I got up and turned around while holding onto one of Splits back spikes. Split was one of the largest females we could find for the mission. While male drakes were generally fast on short distances, the females could outpace them when it came to endurance. Hence, the task force relied on females to hunt down the Thich who had abducted Gurney.

Are you sure? I asked. It would be bad to strike some random patrol. If they have a means of communication, they could warn others in the area and destroy our chances of finding the target.

We cant guarantee it, the rider admitted. Its too dark to tell for certain. But one of the sensors assured us that the number of ships is correct. She also reported some damage which matches with the escaped vessels. I believe it is the best shot we can get. The drakes are tired, but right now we might be able to make a run for it if we attack. Another day of flying and we wont be able to make a clean getaway for sure.

I drew in a deep breath through my nose and slowly let it out while the wind pelted against my face.

Three days of non-stop flying had worn out the task force. If we decided to attack and it turned out to be a random patrol it might be all for nought. On the other hand, coming across a group of Thich airships in the dark was a unique chance. We might be able to take them with minimal losses compared to when they saw us coming during the day.

In the end, I could only trust the rider who knew the drakes best. If he said a clean escape would be impossible with further searching, then the choice was clear.

I gave the order. Commence.