Chapter 47: Gene Splice Technology
"The history of Prime Warriors isn't long. In the beginning, these augmented warriors operated throughout the entire galaxy, but then a large-scale AI invasion occurred, leading to the corruption of many augmented warriors and causing catastrophic losses and social chaos."
"Rumor has it that even now, the mastermind behind the invasion hasn't been found, and some even say they've escaped this planet and established colonies on other worlds."
Rico lowered his voice slightly. "These are forbidden topics—I've only heard bits and pieces. Don't spread it around."
"The Prime Warrior augmentation program appeared suddenly. Nobody knows why humanity experienced such explosive technological growth."
Rico activated his wristwatch, projecting a 3D human anatomy model. He zoomed in, focusing the model on the human spine.
"Generally speaking, the human body has seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, and five lumbar vertebrae." Rico pointed his finger at the thoracic vertebrae in the 3D projection.
"The newly invented Prime enhancement serum can activate the energy within the human spine through injection, putting it in an awakened state. In this state, the human body can undergo modifications using high-intensity biotechnology and cybernetic technology!"
Rico gently touched the lowest thoracic vertebra, and the originally white vertebra turned a deep blue, pulsating as if it were alive.
"There are 12 thoracic vertebrae in total. Each vertebra represents an energy breakthrough, and 12 vertebrae represent 12 Prime levels. Once you break through the first level, you can become a Prime Warrior!"
As Rico spoke, starting from the lowest thoracic vertebra, all the thoracic vertebrae upwards turned a deep blue.
After all the thoracic vertebrae turned blue, the entire thoracic spine trembled, as if it might burst out of the body at any moment.
"So, a Prime Warrior corresponds to 12 levels. What happens after breaking through these 12 levels?" Mason asked, pointing to the cervical vertebrae above and the lumbar vertebrae below.
"Don't these two areas have corresponding enhancements?"
Rico made an exaggerated expression. "Don't think that breaking through 12 levels is easy. Each breakthrough requires corresponding physical attributes and mental endurance. The level of these two values determines whether a Prime Warrior chooses biological evolution or cybernetic augmentation."
"Generally speaking, if physical attributes are better, biological augmentation is chosen; if mental endurance is stronger, cybernetic augmentation is chosen."
"However, given current technology, Prime Warriors who choose biological augmentation are very rare—cybernetic augmentation is still the mainstream. After all, limited by human genetics, even with enhancement serums, the growth potential is much smaller than that of cybernetics."
"As for the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, have you been watching too many sci-fi movies? Where are there that many enhancements?" Rico retorted.
"...Then how strong is a Prime Warrior who reaches level 12?" Mason asked curiously.
Rico shook his head. "Prime Warriors are extremely rare. Many ordinary people have never even heard of them. Although I haven't seen one with my own eyes, my father told me he was fortunate enough to meet a Prime Warrior who'd reached the third level."
"According to my father, that warrior was unstoppable on the battlefield!"
"Although each level advancement improves various aspects of their abilities, the true strength of Prime Warriors lies in their gene-splice technology."
"Gene-splice technology? What's that?" Mason asked curiously.
"With each level advancement, a Prime Warrior can have the genes of a powerful creature spliced into one of their vertebrae, thereby enhancing their physical abilities and mental endurance."
"It's said that some mega-corporations even possess advanced technology capable of extracting the special abilities of these creatures, granting Prime Warriors incredible powers!"
"The Prime Warrior my father once witnessed could shoot a terrifyingly powerful energy beam from his augmented eyes. Combined with his cybernetic optics, the power was simply devastating!"
Mason listened, secretly astonished. He'd initially thought Rico's description of Prime Warriors was merely about increased speed and strength. But now it seemed that not only were their physical attributes monstrous, but the special abilities they gained made them even more formidable.
"Of course, this cutting-edge technology is controlled by a very small number of mega-corporations and governments. Unless you join them, ordinary people simply cannot access the correct formulas." At this point, Rico gave Mason a once-over.
"Brother, honestly, with your aptitude, you'll inevitably hit the first stage of the energy threshold sooner or later. Even if you max out all aspects of the first level, you absolutely won't be able to break through the energy lock without backing from a major corp."
"I'd advise you to determine your own path and then join a corporation that aligns with your evolutionary direction."
"This is a tech age—without technology, you're dead in the water!"
"Was that guy who just left already on the verge of advancement?" Mason didn't respond to Rico's question but instead changed the subject.
"You mean Donovan?" Rico said with a disdainful look.
"That guy's a trust-fund washout, but his old man runs a small tech company in the lower city. With his family's money, he's had his share of enhancement injections, but too much of that stuff will screw up his advancement."
"Later, his father sent him to our gym, hoping he could train properly here, hone his strength, and improve his control."
"If he'd followed his father's guidance and trained diligently for six months, he might've been able to stabilize the power surge within him, and even unlock his potential to reach the edge of advancement."
"It's a shame... he's too impatient and can't focus on proper training. I figure after today's embarrassment, he won't be showing his face here for a while."
"Given your current physical condition, I suggest you train properly, preferably finding a reputable instructor to teach you personally. As long as you don't take shortcuts, you should be able to reach the edge of advancement pretty soon!" Rico puffed out his chest, looking very confident.
Mason thought he looked exactly like a gym salesman from his previous life, but that was exactly why he came here. "Where's this reputable instructor?"
He looked around, pretending to search.
Rico adopted a modest look, as if Mason didn't recognize his talent. "Although my physical attributes haven't reached the critical threshold, they're not far off. If my mental endurance weren't so low, practically impossible to improve, I'd probably try to become a Prime Warrior too."
"After all, becoming a Prime Warrior means endless wealth, status, and... beautiful women!"
"Unfortunately, serums to improve mental endurance are way too expensive."
"But never mind that. I've practiced combat arts for years and have plenty of experience. Being your instructor shouldn't be a problem. What do you say?"
"Didn't you say that technology is controlled by mega-corporations? Then why should I learn from you? I could just join one!" Mason subtly probed.
"You should indeed join a major corp, but not now," Rico shook his head.
"All existing tech corporations, once you join, you're not allowed to leave for life!"
"Unless you're dead!"
Rico shrugged. "So, you need to choose very carefully."
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