24: Chapter 24 Technological Breakthrough

Two days later, the basic technology research and development was complete.

Wang Jie stood on the Training Ground, watching the soldiers test the new equipment.

The Conscripts' uniforms didn't look any different, but the system showed that their defense had increased by 20%. The Heavy Soldiers' armor was thicker, making them look like small tanks. The Snipers' Ghillie Suits had also changed, with added reflective coatings for better concealment.

Then there were the weapons.

The barrels of the Mosin-Nagants were slightly thicker, and the bullets' power had increased. The Heavy Soldiers' machine guns were loaded with new ammunition, providing stronger armor-piercing capabilities. The Snipers' rifles were equipped with new scopes, allowing for precise shots at greater distances.

"How are the test results?" Wang Jie asked the instructor beside him.

The instructor saluted. "Reporting to the Commander, the combat effectiveness of all units has increased by an average of about 30%. The new equipment is very effective."

Wang Jie nodded, very satisfied.

But what interested him more were the special technologies.

Gene Enhancement Serum.

It required ten thousand credits and three Mutation Cores.

He had them.

Wang Jie returned to the Battle Lab and found the Researcher.

"Research the Gene Enhancement Serum."

The Researcher paused for a moment. "Commander, this research will take six hours, and—there are risks."

Wang Jie frowned. "What risks?"

The Researcher pointed to the description on the screen. "The main component of the Gene Enhancement Serum is an active substance extracted from Mutation Cores. This substance can stimulate human potential, but it might also cause a rejection reaction. According to simulation data, the failure rate is about 15%. Those who fail—will die."

Wang Jie fell silent.

A 15% mortality rate.

In other words, for every ten people who undergo enhancement, one might die.

Was it worth it?

He thought for a while, then asked, "Can we do animal testing first?"

The Researcher shook his head. "There are no suitable animals. Besides, Mutation Cores are very precious, and we only have three."

Wang Jie pondered for a long time.

Then he made a decision.

"Research it," he said. "But don't use it on living people yet. Once the research is complete, we'll—let volunteers try it."

The Researcher saluted. "Yes, sir."

Six hours later, the research on the Gene Enhancement Serum was complete.

A Cultivation Tank filled with pale blue liquid appeared in the Battle Lab. Three Mutation Cores were placed into the Reactor, and after a complex transformation process, ten pale gold injections were produced.

Wang Jie held one of the injections up to the light.

The liquid glowed faintly in the syringe, as if it were alive.

"Commander," the Researcher said, "I suggest finding a volunteer for testing first. If it's successful, we can start mass production. If it fails—"

He didn't finish, but Wang Jie understood.

If it failed, it would prove this path was a dead end.

Wang Jie gathered all the soldiers and explained the situation.

"This serum has a 15% mortality rate," he said. "If successful, you will gain extraordinary physical capabilities. If it fails, you will die. I won't force anyone. Those who wish to volunteer, step forward."

The Training Ground was silent for a few seconds.

Then, one person stepped forward.

It was Heavy Soldier No. 23—the soldier who had saved Wang Jie's life in the supermarket.

Wang Jie looked at him, momentarily stunned.

"Are you sure?"

No. 23 nodded. "I'm sure. Commander, I want to become stronger. Only by becoming stronger can I better protect you and the base."

Wang Jie was silent for a few seconds.

Then he nodded. "Alright."

No. 23 walked into the Battle Lab and lay down in the Cultivation Tank. The Researcher injected a pale gold serum into his veins and then started the cultivation process.

The Cultivation Tank filled with pale blue liquid, and No. 23 floated inside with his eyes closed.

Wang Jie stood outside, watching the digital countdown.

Sixty minutes.

Second by second, time passed slowly.

At thirty minutes, No. 23's body began to twitch.

At forty minutes, his skin began to turn red, as if he had a fever.

At fifty minutes, he suddenly opened his eyes and let out a low growl.

Wang Jie's heart leaped into his throat.

Fifty-five minutes—

Fifty-eight minutes—

Sixty minutes.

The liquid in the Cultivation Tank drained, and No. 23 stepped out.

He was soaking wet, but his eyes were bright and his spirits were high.

Wang Jie looked at him. "How do you feel?"

No. 23 clenched his fist and then suddenly punched a metal pillar nearby.

The steel rod, as thick as a thumb, was bent by his punch.

Wang Jie was stunned.

No. 23 looked at his own hand and was also stunned.

"Commander," he said, "I feel—I feel like a different person."

The Researcher quickly performed a check-up on him.

The results showed: No. 23's strength had tripled, his speed had doubled, and his reaction speed had increased by 50%. Furthermore, he had gained a special ability—entering a "Berserk State" for a short period, which doubled his attack power again.

Success.

And there were no side effects.

Wang Jie looked at the remaining nine injections, a surge of immense hope rising in his heart.

This thing could mass-produce Super Soldiers.

He looked at the soldiers standing at the door.

Their eyes held longing, envy, and determination.

"Next," Wang Jie said. "Who's coming?"