Chapter 6 Part 3: The Resource Hunt
The hum of the nano-lab filled the air as Adrian activated his newly completed hybrid nano-exoskeleton. Each segment of the suit glinted with metallic iridescence, designed not just for protection but to amplify his six-species genes by a factor of a thousand. The dung beetle's lifting capacity, the spider's agility, the tadigrade's extreme resilience, the immortal jellyfish's regeneration, the elephant's endurance, and the sixth species—the Black Manner—were all integrated into the system with flawless synchronization. The AI system pulsed softly beside him, projecting metrics in holographic form.
Strength potential: 1.4×10^8 kg
Regeneration rate: 1.2×10^6 baseline human
Reflexes: 2.5×10^6 human
Stealth and camouflage efficiency: 100% perfect integration
Adaptive intelligence: 1,000× human baseline
Adrian flexed his augmented limbs. The micro-nano exoskeleton was capable of reactive evolution, instantly adapting to environmental stressors, damage, and external threats. Its sleek design allowed maximum mobility while serving as an interface between his body and the system's calculations.
The Federation had authorized a two-day resource-gathering exercise. Though officially a test of skill, Adrian knew it was also a chance to secretly gather materials for future hybrid gene modules. He glanced at the AI display, which highlighted rare, exotic, and highly unstable biological resources: genetically enhanced dung beetles capable of lifting thousands of tons, tadigrade variants from arid planets, immortal jellyfish capable of rapid regeneration, venomous arachnids with adaptive webbing, elephants from genetically engineered plains biomes, and the elusive Black Manner—a species so rare its venom alone could paralyze an entire settlement within seconds.
Packing his minimal supplies, Adrian's first thought was efficiency. He activated the stealth camouflage mode, his body folding into the environment like a shadow, the Black Manner gene harmonizing seamlessly with the exoskeleton. Each step was calculated. Every movement optimized. He recalled his past life memories and his otaku curiosity, letting him analyze his surroundings like a game level, searching for weaknesses in terrain and creature behavior.
Step One: The Arboreal Hunt
Adrian leapt into the dense canopy of the floating forest biome. Spider genes enhanced his sensory perception: vibration detection, visual spectrum expansion, and silk micro-fiber creation. The system calculated the maximum load for his exoskeleton, the tensile strength of the fibers, and the energy expenditure per maneuver. He silently approached a cluster of enhanced dung beetles, each weighing nearly a thousand kilograms due to hybrid evolution. Using a micro-manipulation appendage built into the exoskeleton, he immobilized them without alerting the rest of the hive.
Load absorption: 2.1×10^8 kg
Mobility: 0.99 perfect camouflage in arboreal terrain
The AI prompted: "Resource collected. Efficiency: 98.7%. Remaining collection targets: 4 species." Adrian smirked. Not bad for day one.
Step Two: The Aquatic Retrieval
Next was the aquatic biome. Immortal jellyfish and tadigrade genes were critical here. He crafted a temporary submersible extension from his suit's nanomaterials, allowing him to navigate high-pressure aquatic environments. He located genetically modified immortal jellyfish specimens in the simulated abyssal depths. Their bodies shimmered, and he synchronized with their regenerative cellular properties, absorbing energy for future use.
The AI calculated: Energy assimilation: 3.2×10^6 kcal. Regeneration synergy: 1.2×10^6 baseline human. Adrian couldn't help but chuckle. "Imagine telling anyone I just swam with immortal jellyfish and survived without even a scratch."
Step Three: Predator Encounter
The forest cleared, revealing a plains biome. Here roamed an alpha-tier hybrid African bush elephant. His previous training had taught him patience, observation, and exploitation of environmental patterns. Adrian crouched behind a boulder, waiting for the right moment to extract gene samples. Using stealth and predictive intelligence from the Black Manner gene, he approached silently, observing the creature's movement patterns.
Suddenly, the elephant sensed him. Its eyes flared, and it charged. Adrian activated the full exoskeleton strength, combining dung beetle lifting potential with the elephant's power. He sidestepped, countered, and projected a nanofiber net to immobilize the creature temporarily. With micro-syringes, he harvested the critical DNA strands for hybrid gene integration.
Strength and agility synergy: 1.8×10^8 kg lifting capacity
Energy expenditure efficiency: 97.6%
The encounter left him exhilarated. This is the thrill of survival, the joy of polymathic experimentation… the perfect blend of science and instinct.
Step Four: Black Manner Acquisition
The final and most dangerous task was acquiring the sixth species, the Black Manner. The species was infamous for its lethality, capable of multiple forms of paralysis and potent venom. The AI analyzed environmental conditions, wind patterns, predator movements, and the most effective approach to prevent fatal exposure.
Adrian approached the lair, using camouflage and stealth, the Black Manner gene harmonizing his presence with the surroundings. He observed the creature's adaptive hunting behavior and venom composition, calculating safe points for extraction. Using his nanobot appendages, he carefully extracted venom samples and dormant genetic cells without triggering the creature's defense mechanism.
Venom acquisition efficiency: 99.9%
Paralysis resistance: 1.0×10^7 baseline human
As he completed the task, the AI warned: "Warning: resource scarcity critical. Immediate extraction required to prevent loss." Adrian activated the teleportation nanobridge to leave the biome.
Step Five: Analysis and Synthesis
Back in the lab, Adrian began the synthesis process. Every genetic sample was analyzed, purified, and integrated into his hybrid module. The exoskeleton was reconfigured to incorporate adaptive evolution algorithms, reactive nanomaterials, and energy-efficient support for all six species abilities.
Strength: 1.45×10^8 kg
Regeneration: 1.2×10^6 baseline human
Reflexes: 2.5×10^6 human
Camouflage and stealth: perfect, multi-biome integration
Adaptive intelligence: 1,000× human baseline
He flexed and tested every function, running simulations of combat, environmental survival, and monster encounters. Every ability was multiplied a thousand times over, and each move was optimized for maximum efficiency.
Adrian paused, a wry smile crossing his face. "Two days until the tournament, and I've got every edge I need… but that top ten list? That's going to be fun."
The camera-like hologram of the cadet tournament arena flickered. Adrian's system ran predictive models of the upcoming matches. Every competitor's gene path, combat style, and probable strategies were logged. He realized one undeniable truth: survival would demand more than brute strength. Strategy, innovation, and rapid adaptation were key—and he now had the tools, the intelligence, and the genes to test them fully.
The two-day resource hunt was complete, but the real challenge was only beginning. A storm of anticipation and tension gripped Adrian. Beyond the cadet tournament, the Federation's secret tests, and the hidden survival trials, the universe itself seemed poised to demand his full potential. And Adrian? He was ready.