Chapter 744: Alpha Protozoa

Chapter 744: Alpha Protozoa

The summit of Blood Mountain.

The Beast King, cloaked in a white robe, gazed down at the mountain's foot, a faint, phantom smile gradually curling the corners of his mouth.

An entirely predictable outcome.

Those old relics had been decadent for far too long.

Clinging to the remnants of the Era of Prosperity, they immersed themselves in beautiful dreams woven by the artifacts of an old civilization, forgetting that this was no longer the song-filled, dance-replete pre-war era, but a savage wasteland of blood and raw meat.

As long as one completely abandoned bottom lines and illusions, discarding everything that could be discarded, then even when facing the encirclement and suppression of a decaying old civilization, the youth among them would not lack the strength to wage a war.

The Alliance was a nuisance, but nothing more than that.

They had not discarded enough, nor were they brave enough.

At least, not compared to him, who had forsaken his very humanity.

Just then, a low voice drifted into the sea of his consciousness, like a hum rising from the deepest depths of the earth.

"Those people have retreated."

The Beast King gave a slight nod, replying in a barely audible whisper.

"I saw."

"They took the intelligence from the cave; I fear my existence has been exposed." That dull voice carried a hint of hesitation, as though harboring some misgiving.

The Beast King raised an eyebrow with mild amusement.

"Are you afraid?"

"No," the voice paused for a long moment before speaking slowly again, "but I smell a repulsive scent."

"'That fellow' is getting closer and closer to us."

...

At 12 o'clock noon, the Alpha Mobile Task Force issued the retreat order, pulling back the two squadrons currently fighting on Blood Mountain.

The Academy had deployed three hundred single-soldier drones before and after, yet only one hundred were ultimately withdrawn. The two hundred Alpha Mobile Task Force members suffered even more devastating losses, with less than half returning.

And even among those who did make it back, most were severely infected.

These wounded were settled in the Frontline Second Hospital, observed and treated by the medical teams from the Alliance Biological Research Institute and the Scientific Committee.

As for the composition of the toxic substance and how it managed to breach the individual CBRN defense systems of the Alpha Mobile Task Force, that remained a matter for further investigation and study.

Although both the supreme command of the coalition forces and the various armies outside the Academy had long anticipated the outcome of this initial assault, the Academy's performance in actual combat still caught everyone off guard.

How to put it?

It felt a bit like loud thunder but little rain.

"It seems those fellows from the north are nothing special after all."

Watching the Alpha Mobile Task Force retreat from the front line, General Babita from the Empire held a sliver of contempt in his eyes.

He suddenly felt his own people were capable again.

Not long ago, Duke Garava, stationed in Dawn City, had expressed dissatisfaction with their lack of achievement on the front lines, urging them to focus more energy on the battlefield.

Perhaps they should do something to win back some dignity for His Majesty the Emperor.

Those dumbfounded by the Academy's performance were not just the imperial officers, but even General Lium, who had only recently changed his view on those fellows.

He had not expected that after all their flashy, intricate maneuvers, they would end up beaten black and blue by the opposition, fleeing from the front lines.

"...Perhaps I should reconsider my evaluation of these guys."

Sitting in the bridge of the airship with his legs crossed over his knees, Lium wore an intriguing expression on his face as he tore open an ice cream bar and stuffed it into his mouth.

Of course, another possibility could not be ruled out.

Those slugs from the swampland might be intentionally feigning weakness to appear harmless, waiting for an opportunity to fish in troubled waters.

After all, except for themselves, no one knew what calculations they truly harbored in their hearts.

In truth, regarding the point of feigning weakness, Lium was overthinking it.

As for this outcome, even the Academy itself was utterly furious.

They had made thorough and meticulous preparations for this campaign, only to lose to a pack of primitives fighting with stones and sticks—

At least, that was how it appeared to Yang Kai.

"What is wrong with you people? Armed with the most powerful equipment, and you can't even take down a horde of mutants?"

In a rare move, having landed the research vessel at the Weifu Military Base, Yang Kai tracked down the head of the Alpha Mobile Task Force and spoke in a rebuking tone.

"I am sorry to have disappointed you."

The fellow named Alpha Zero hung his head, looking as though he were earnestly reflecting on his mistakes, yet Yang Kai could not sense a shred of genuine remorse from him.

Shaking his head, Yang Kai knew that scolding him was a waste of breath; ultimately, he stopped making things difficult for the fellow and dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

After reprimanding the commander who drew up the operational plan, he immediately sought out Chu Guang, who was inspecting the Second Hospital of the Weifu Military Base, and concisely recounted the situation encountered by the Alpha Mobile Task Force during the operation.

"...The mutants on the Ten Peaks Mountains are a bit unusual; the characteristics they display in their evolution are things we have never seen before. Not only that, based on the samples extracted from the scene by the frontline units, we suspect a broodmother's nest is hidden deep within Blood Mountain."

After listening to Yang Kai's statement, Chu Guang nodded.

"We thought so too."

Yang Kai froze upon hearing this, staring at him with a couple of suspicious glances.

"How did you know?"

Chu Guang: "A guess."

Yang Kai: "..."

Looking at the speechless Yang Kai, Chu Guang cleared his throat slightly and continued.

"...These minor details are not the focus; the key is how we handle this problem now."

Yang Kai's expression gradually grew serious.

"What is your opinion?"

"My opinion is... to wait for the experts' opinion."

As he spoke, Chu Guang cast his gaze toward the tightly shut doors of the nearby isolation ward.

The members of the Alpha Mobile Task Force who had retreated from the front line lay inside; some had already regained consciousness, but many others had yet to wake. Heya was currently inside assessing the situation, and he believed there would be results in just a little while.

At the exact same time, Heya stood inside the ward with a grave expression, staring at the tablet in her hands.

This was an organic protein molecule she had never seen before; it behaved like a virus, yet it was smaller than any known virus, measuring under 7 nanometers, with an average individual size of around 5 nanometers.

And that was not the most astonishing part.

The most inconceivable thing was that inside this "unnamed substance," apart from the RNA storing genetic information, there existed a highly folded, knob-like macromolecular structure capable of storing mechanical potential energy like a clockwork spring and releasing it to the tail through a slow rotation.

And at the tail of this substance, there were at least four uniquely shaped protein chains. Driven by the "clockwork," they could perform simple mechanical movements like the flagella of protozoa, thereby propelling the substance to diffuse slowly from regions of high concentration to low concentration!

To make an inappropriate but sufficiently vivid comparison, this thing was practically like a nano-scale missile! It usually nested inside spores, with a single spore capable of carrying 3 to 7 of these objects, which would be released once the spore ruptured, whether actively or passively.

The RNA within served as its "warhead," the folded macromolecular protein acted as its engine, and the protein chain at its tail was its "propeller."

Beyond merely drifting along on particles, it possessed an active means of "migration," charting its own course from particle A to particle B.

And this very attribute was highly likely the most direct reason the substance could breach the gas masks of the Alpha Task Force.

After all, it was common knowledge that gas masks containing activated carbon and similar materials primarily utilized electrostatic adsorption to filter out "minute particles carrying harmful substances"; thus, it was not a rule that smaller particles were inherently harder to filter.

According to experimental statistics, particles measuring 0.3 microns were the most difficult to filter, which was why "filtration efficiency for 0.3-micron particles" was frequently employed as the benchmark for filtration effectiveness—N95, for instance, signified a filtration efficiency of over 95% for 0.3-micron particles.

While the trait of having a "5nm diameter" was not enough on its own to allow the substance to penetrate a gas mask, everything changed when it was coupled with the ability to "migrate freely relying on endogenous power."

Based on its performance in clinical experiments, these substances left behind a corridor constructed of detritus within the pores of the gas masks.

They seemed capable of calculating the shortest path from inlet to outlet, much like slime molds seeking out food in a petri dish.

Yet, strangely enough, though this entity was remarkably similar to a virus in form, its offensive strategy against a host was entirely distinct from that of most viruses.

A typical virus, after injecting its nucleic acid into a host cell, usually exploited the host cell's materials to first synthesize the replicases and inhibitory proteins essential for its own replication, followed by the nucleic acids and structural proteins for its progeny. The ultimate outcome was generally the complete draining of the host's somatic cells, after which a horde of descendants would move on to ravage the next target.

These unique substances, however, employed a series of maneuvers to write their own genetic material into the genetic material of the host cell, much like the HIV virus.

Yet their purpose in doing so was not self-replication, but rather the assimilation of the host, completely reshaping the host's cells into an entirely different form.

As for what specific form they would be reshaped into, that was a matter of absolute randomness.

Currently, there were 97 observed cases: 17 had already perished, 10 possessed exceptional immune levels and remained unaffected, while the remaining 70 affected cases exhibited entirely different phenotypic traits, with even the sites of pathological changes varying wildly.

For instance, the nervous system activity of some suddenly increased by 200%, while the intellect of others regressed to that of an infant. Another individual even grew a segment of a finger from their shoulder—though this sort of manifestation was relatively easy to handle, requiring nothing more than amputation.

As for more stubborn tissue hyperplasia—such as limbs growing back after being amputated, or existing limbs undergoing severe pathological changes—other medical interventions had to be deployed.

It was not just the researchers of the Alliance who marveled at this phenomenon; those from the Cloud Province shared the same uncoordinated yet collective astonishment, their faces painted with identical surprise as they exchanged hushed whispers with the colleagues beside them.

"Unbelievable..."

"Composed entirely of proteins and nucleic acids, yet exhibiting the characteristics of life activities... can this thing even be considered a virus?"

"I wouldn't advise using that term... I've never seen a virus display life characteristics without the aid of living cells. A misleading name will only allow our research to be compromised by subjective perceptions."

"Whether that movement can be counted as a life activity is still open to debate, but I agree with your point. The Alpha Protozoan... how does that sound?"

"...No objections from me."

"Agreed."

This entity had been brought back by the flesh and blood of the Alpha Task Force, so naming it after their codename carried no fault.

...

After a brief discussion, the clinical analysis report was finally brought out from the laboratory.

Heya handed the report to Chu Guang, who was waiting at the laboratory door, and provided a brief overview of its contents in terms he could easily grasp.

"...In summary, it is currently known that the Alpha Protozoan possesses high-intensity permeability and will tamper with the genetic material of the infected. According to the calculations, one must have a Physique attribute of at least 20 points to completely evade infection."

"20 points of Physique?" Standing beside Chu Guang, Yang Kai frowned and asked in confusion, "What is that?"

Rather than answering the question directly, Heya shifted her gaze to Chu Guang, her eyes silently asking whether she should disclose this.

There was really nothing to hide about such matters.

Chu Guang spoke succinctly.

"It's a health metric used by the Alliance. We set the baseline value for various bodily functions at 5. A Physique of 20 points roughly translates to about four times the baseline metabolism and immune system efficiency... Mind you, it's not a rigorously precise metric, just a reference point."

But if a Physique of 20 points could completely nullify the effects of the Alpha Protozoan...

To be honest, this thing's offensive capability felt a bit lacking.

Furthermore, mutants clearly possessed a Physique far exceeding 20 points; those fellows started with physical attributes around level twenty or thirty, meaning they remained unaffected even when soaked in an environment teeming with Alpha Protozoans. Yet, a vast number of mutant variants still existed on the Blood Mountain, and these variants possessed tremendous combat power and regenerative capabilities, suggesting that the Torch had likely found some other method for stable evolution.

Like downing a massive gulp of broth steeped in protozoans, perhaps.

Upon hearing Chu Guang's explanation, Yang Kai gained a rough understanding of what 20 points of Physique meant and nodded thoughtfully.

"I see."

Most members of the Alpha Task Force were ordinary humans. From what he gathered, though those fellows were equipped with some cybernetic implants, they had never gone out of their way to superfluously reinforce their immune systems.

Realizing this, his expression couldn't help but shift slightly.

Good grief...

Doesn't this mean they are completely countered?!

Oblivious to the thoughts swirling in Yang Kai's mind, Heya saw that neither of them had any further questions and continued.

"Additionally, regarding the origin of the Alpha Protozoan, we surmise that it is a product of a mutant slime mold hivemind. It is currently uncertain whether their actions are governed by the hivemind's consciousness... though I personally lean toward the belief that, like spores, they are mostly diffusing mindlessly, and their macroscopic movements are not influenced by a unified consciousness."

Pausing for a moment, she went on.

"For the convenience of our research, we intend to name the suspected hivemind residing in the Blood Mountain the Alpha Hivemind, merging the Alpha Protozoan project with it for combined study."

"Do as you see fit, whatever is most convenient," Chu Guang nodded, bypassing any consultation with the Academy, and immediately asked the question of greatest concern to him, "What about the transmissibility of this virus? Is there a risk of it spreading?"

"There's no need to worry about that for the time being. After all, they aren't true viruses and do not replicate themselves as viruses do. You can think of them as warheads mounted on the miniature missiles that are spores."

Feeling that this analogy might lack scientific rigor, Heya paused for a brief moment before appending another sentence.

"Of course, that is assuming no new mutations arise. After all, the hivemind itself is capable of self-evolution, not to mention there is a group of madmen assisting it."

Hearing the analogy of missiles and warheads, Chu Guang, whose mind had been somewhat clouded with confusion, instantly grasped the distinction between the Alpha Protozoan and the spores.

As expected, professional reports required professional interpretation.

"And the cure?"

Heya's expression grew solemn as she spoke.

"In cases of mild infection, once the infected individual leaves the contaminated area, their own immune system can clear it out. However, if the immune system is breached and the majority of stem cells are compromised, the infection becomes irreversible. At that stage, the host will undergo macroscopically visible mutations, where the normal cells bearing the original DNA are viewed as errors to be purged, while the diseased cells fused with the Alpha Protozoan's genetic material are treated as normal... you can understand it roughly that way."

"Which means... those fellows are completely beyond saving?" Yang Kai gazed at the door behind her with a complex expression, his mind lost in inscrutable thoughts.

"That is not entirely true."

A flicker of hesitation crossed Heya's face. She glanced at the Academy researcher, then at Chu Guang, and after a brief pause, continued.

"According to our analysis, the biological cybernetics produced by Xiao Yu are capable of fighting fire with fire. In theory, as long as a fraction of original cells remains within the host, it can use them as a blueprint to manufacture corresponding mimetic replicas to replace the diseased limbs. However, there will still be considerable differences between the mimetic body and the original... so as to whether we should employ this method of treatment, we must still seek their personal consent."

Furthermore, Xiao Yu's biological cybernetics were currently being used only on a small scale within Vault 404, partly to facilitate the observation of side effects, and partly to manage risks and prevent widespread social controversy.

Whether it could be applied outside the residents of Vault 404 required the explicit approval of Chu Guang himself, as the administrator of Vault 404.

Reading the inquiry in Heya's eyes, Chu Guang pondered for a brief moment before speaking.

"I have no objections, but Xiao Yu's biological cybernetics are still in the experimental phase, and any consequences that arise must be borne by the test subjects themselves."

Prior to the formation of the Slime Mold Community, the contracting parties had already engaged in limited data sharing regarding slime mold research topics. Because of the public disclosure of this data, the Academy possessed an understanding of Xiao Yu's characteristics; otherwise, they would never have left such a massive hivemind unattended.

Therefore, there was no issue of leaking secrets; the harmless treatment protocol for slime mold was the very prerequisite for the establishment of the Slime Mold Research Community and the placement of its headquarters in Qingquan City.

Faced with the option presented by Chu Guang, Yang Kai pondered for only a brief moment before agreeing without the slightest hesitation.

"...We have no objections on our side. As long as it serves a positive purpose in conquering the Alpha Hivemind on the Blood Mountain, feel free to try."

In making such a decision, he bore absolutely no psychological burden. After all, when boiled down to the core, the survivors under the Science Committee were merely tools kept by the Academy to achieve its ends.

They had never made any effort to conceal this fact, and those survivors who joined the Alpha Task Force had long been reconciled to their own fates.

Knowing they had no chance of becoming researchers, they made the most rational choice—early on, they deleted the part of their brain tissue that held their sense of self, voluntarily dedicating themselves to becoming "sub-entities" under the vast collective of the Alpha Task Force, exchanging for themselves and their families a standard of living more dignified than mere "hardscrabble survival."

This was nothing more than a transaction, and one with a clear price tag.

Once they became members of the Alpha Task Force, their bodies no longer belonged to them; the will of their superiors became their own. Even if they died like worker bees, they would harbor no complaints. At most, they might show the instinctual fear of a living creature in the moment of death, but there would be little grumbling or hesitation.

Yet Heya, unaware of the Academy's inner workings, felt a flicker of hesitation at Yang Kai's resolute decision.

In her understanding, at the very least, the opinions of the patients and their families should be sought.

But seeing Chu Guang nod, she said no more.

After all, this was also the outcome she had hoped for, and for those patients participating in the experiment, it might not be such a bad thing...

Watching Heya return to the isolation ward, Chu Guang turned to Yang Kai.

"You heard that too. The situation on Blood Mountain will be tough for your Alpha Task Force. I suspect that when you select your members, physical fitness isn't a major criterion."

Yang Kai's brow twitched, and he cleared his throat before speaking.

"That's not a difficult problem. Just replace the CBRN system with a full protective suit. As long as they don't inhale outside air, they won't be infiltrated by that... Alpha Protozoan."

"You mean bringing an oxygen tank?" Chu Guang said with a strange expression. "Wouldn't that be too cumbersome?"

Moreover, this wasn't something that could be conjured up from the front lines on a whim; transporting equipment from the rear also took time. And if the Academy hadn't prepared such gear at all, they'd have to solve the problems of research, development, and production.

Chu Guang's original intention was to have someone else attack the Blood Mountain position—whether the Alliance or the Legion—rather than forcing the Alpha Task Force to fight against a "terrain penalty" in an area where they were at a disadvantage.

But Yang Kai showed no sign of giving up.

If he backed down now, it would undoubtedly mean admitting the Academy's inadequacy.

Even if the allied forces could understand their predicament, it wouldn't change the fact that the Academy's prestige within the Conclave would be damaged.

And from what he knew, the Chief Technology Officer placed great importance on the Conclave—no less than on Vault Zero. In other words, this was no trivial matter to be glossed over.

Rather than abandon the effort, he would rather let the Alpha Task Force try again.

After all, those people weren't his students; he didn't even know their names. If they ultimately exhausted themselves and still couldn't take that position, it would be a matter of their own inadequacy, and no blame could fall on him.

After weighing the options, Yang Kai suddenly looked up and uttered a sentence that left even Chu Guang stunned.

"...If everyone were inoculated with that biological prosthesis, wouldn't the problem of being infected by the Alpha Protozoan be eliminated?"

"Theoretically... I don't know." Chu Guang looked at him with slight astonishment, as if regarding a madman.

Even though players could respawn, he had never encouraged them all to try installing something like a tentacle, because that thing wasn't without side effects—for instance, healed wounds could turn into Little Feather's sub-entities, and so on.

But this man didn't seem to care.

"Then let's give it a try!"

Turning his gaze to the isolation ward with its tightly shut door, Yang Kai spoke with an air of self-consolation, his expression indifferent.

"After all, they have nothing left to lose."