Chapter 104 Gene



The research pod, despite its fancy name, resembled a simple, large white barrel. Instead of an intricate, futuristic design with multiple complex components seamlessly integrated, it appeared to be a singular piece crafted through 3D printing technology beyond human comprehension. A small floating display appeared on one side, providing the necessary information and interface for operation.

Alex walked towards it and opened the lid. The research pod was filled with a slimy liquid that adjusted volume according to the object that was being placed inside. 

Based on his knowledge, Alex understood that the slimy liquid within the research pod could break down the objects placed inside, acting as a solvent. Once broken down, the liquid would then be transported through a network of tiny tubes that covered the interior of the research pod. These tubes facilitated the testing and analysis of the dissolved substances.

Some might be wondering why Alex was so hesitant about analysing tier-4 seeds and materials through the research pod. Now, you know the answer. 

As explained, the substances placed inside the pod would be completely broken down, rendering the use of expensive seeds and materials a futile endeavour. Engaging the research pod in such a manner would essentially transform it into a bottomless pit, devouring money without yielding substantial results.

Despite his wealth, Alex had numerous plans and ambitions for the money he had acquired. Therefore, he couldn't afford to squander it in such a manner just yet.

Taking out the jar containing purple flesh from the inventory, Alex carefully looked at it. The flesh looked alive like it was just removed from an alive animal. But, it was not a living entity, Alex knew that. Because he couldn't place live creatures inside the inventory of the interdimensional farm. 

Curiously, Alex pondered over the nature of the mysterious object, gently shaking the glass jar that contained the purple flesh. As he did so, the flesh released a peculiar purple blood-like substance, swirling within the confines of the jar.

The thought crossed his mind: "Was the elder consuming this strange entity?" The scent emanating from the jar assaulted his senses, causing a wave of nausea to wash over him. Reacting swiftly, Alex promptly disposed of the flesh, tossing it into the research pod.

The moment Alex closed the lid, the research pod lit up and the lid began spinning slowly. It was decomposing the purple flesh. 

It took over an hour of real-world time for the analysis of the purple flesh to begin. A new notification directed Alex's attention towards it.

[Analysis in progress]

[A highly mutated DNA structure found. Unable to extract morphological or genetic characteristics from the DNA strain.]

[Unable to identify the organism.]

[Tryign to construct genetic relationship map. Unable to find verifiable relationships.]

[Checking the feasibility of the DNA structure.]

[Impossible to be formed naturally.]

[Trying energy composition analysis. Mana presence found.]

[Conclusion: Synthetic scrambled DNA structure that was being held together by mana.]

[Creating custom test scenarios.]

[Analysing with custom test scenarios.]

[Conclusion: Shows parasitism when in contact with biological material of another organism. Shows mutagenic property. Show the ability to recombine genetic information in favourable conditions. Shows immense ability to synthesise mana. Shows immense tensile strength and durability. Shows immense ability to regenerate. 

Grading the lifeform according to the performance in the custom test scenario. 

A life grade of 1.5 stars is given. 

1 star is a celestial-body bound life like the host(Alex/Meru)

2 stars will be given to life forms that can do interplanetary travel with just their bare body. ]

The revelations left Alex in a state of astonishment and apprehension, as the nature and potential of the organism remained shrouded in mystery.

However, he quickly realised the origin of the purple flesh. The life grade as mentioned by the farm notification spoke about the possibility of the creature to survive interplanetary travel through space. And there was only one organism he knew of that survived such a journey and appeared in the central continent. 

As you might have thought, it was the demon sealed in the north. Its origins were not a mystery. Everyone knew that it came from the sky. It's normal for the farm to not recognise the genetic composition of the demon. After all, its being was formed by consuming different animals and their genetic material. 

The demon could steal genetic information from other organisms and evolve itself. By doing it, it gains dominance over the planet and its echo system, humans included. That was the plan of the demon, fortunately for Alex, it failed to do so on this planet. 

After taking a moment to think, Alex carefully looked at the jars placed before him. There were twenty more jars each containing a lump of purple flesh. What should he do with it? Alex tried to find the answer.

'Were they the thing used to strengthen the warriors? Was it the thing that made the warriors rampage and turn into monsters?' 

Alex could finally see the similarities between the thing inside the bodies of the warriors who turned into monsters and the thing he was looking at. 

The purple flesh has a large amount of mana. It seems like it can be grafted onto the human body to use it as an energy source. The other ability of the purple flesh and its immense vitality together might help it survive peacefully inside the human body until it was activated.

Usually, when a new organ is implanted into the human body, the immune system will reject it and try to destroy it. But it seems like that was not happening with the purple flesh. 

It could not only survive interspecies organ exchange, but it could also modify itself and its host DNA to camouflage itself. 

Although it increased the strength of the host in the process, it was just a temporary side effect according to Alex. With time, it will consume its host and turn into a monster, or when the host loses control over his mind, the purple flesh would show its parasitic nature to take over the host. 

'How did they make it? Did the evil organisation acquire genetic material from the demon sealed in the north? If so? When?'

'They might have gotten samples before the demon was sealed. Why did they steal the blue gem from the ice phoenix tribe? Was it to get more, purer samples? Fuck. If that is the case, wouldn't that mean they are developing something crazier than the monsters?' 

"Sigh!" Alex sighed. 

The more he delved into understanding the properties of the purple flesh, the more confused he became. 

A sense of interconnectedness permeated Alex's thoughts as he recognised the intricate web of events unfolding around him. He understood that everything held a purpose, each piece of the puzzle fitting together to form a comprehensive picture. Although complete understanding eluded him at the moment, he remained unfazed by the prospect of missing information. Alex possessed the confidence that, given sufficient time, he would unravel the intricacies and grasp the elusive truths lying just beyond his reach.

Nonetheless, his mind was consumed by a wild idea: finding a purpose for the purple flesh. Despite its unfortunate side effect of transforming those who were grafted with it into monstrous beings, he couldn't bear to let it go unused.

After all, in the right hands, it possessed an immensely destructive power.

When the evil organisation launched city-wide attacks, they harnessed the power of the purple flesh by merging it with a colossal beast. Unlike humans who rejected the intrusion of the purple flesh, these creatures fused with it, becoming immensely formidable. Upon their release into the city, they rampaged without restraint.

These monstrous beings were akin to earth-shattering bombs, leaving Alex awestruck by their devastating capabilities.

Driven by a daring plan, he devised a scheme to turn their tactics against them. He intended to confront the evil organisation with colossal beasts of his own.

[Ding] As his thoughts continued to churn, a new notification from the interdimensional farm appeared before Alex.

[New feature, Gene Upgrade available.] 

Alex held his breath as he read the notification. Below it, more notifications appeared. 

[Gene Upgrade can be used on all animals or plants present inside the interdimensional farm.]

[Mana gene unlocked]

'It seems like the farm extracted some information from the sample purple flesh. Maybe it was used to determine the gene related to mana/energy. If so, I need to put more attention toward the gene upgrade feature.' Alex's thoughts didn't end as he saw the next notification.

[To apply Gene Upgrade on life forms outside the interdimensional farm, please bind it as a pet. You can bind one pet currently.] 

'Fuck! Too awesome. I was waiting to bind a strong creature as my pet. But it seems like I don't need to wait. I can always upgrade it later.'

His lips curled as Alex looked at the vast field before him. His mood brightened as he saw his life improve right in front of him. The new feature was a great addition to his abilities. 

Now, he needs to find a way to grow even stronger. He had to break away from the limitations of tier 3.