[Time Warp Hyperdrive]
[Universal Calendar Time: 23:00:02. 11, 23, 934,552]
[Local Time: 07:23:59. 11, 24, 934,552]
[Time Sync Energy: 99%]
[Estimated Limits: 495,000 KG]
[Destination: United Solar Nations Headquarters (Active)]
[Can teleport non-living beings through space and time…]
After thousands of years, genetic engineering advanced so much that anyone can actively evolve by consuming supplements, getting physical surgery, and a whole lot more. Brimming with energy, anyone can choose a path to strengthen themselves.
This so-called strengthening is dubbed as Genetics Power Structure.
For stage 1, the body is tempered, refined, and morphed to accommodate external energy.
First, the core, then the rest of the torso, the limbs, then the head. Once everything is refined, genetic modification is installed for the body to grow a second heart. This second heart works the same as the original, but instead of pumping blood, it pumps energy. Aging stops occurring at this point.
Even with the advancement of technology, this remained to be the reason why energy crystals became the true universal currency. Some called it evolution, some called it cultivation, some called it ascension. But, in essence, it's changing into something capable of using external energy as their own.
For stage 2, the body develops a new kind of vessels similar to blood vessels. Instead of blood, energy flows through the veins.
Once the energy vessels are formed, next are parts that can be used to shoot the energy. This is basically weaponizing one's body.
Jack himself grew a port-like organ where a gun can use his own energy to shoot. Carmen has exhaust like organs in his hand to boost his punches. This step is incredibly personal, as everyone has a different style.
Afterward is conversion, vitality is transformed and tied to energy. This, in turn, makes these people have a lifespan for as long as they have energy.
The next two steps require purification and personalization. The energy absorbed so far has been generated from the sun, fusion, fission, and other things that produce energy crystals. The person needs to purify the absorbed energy so it could adequately fuse with one's vitality and make it his own. External energy becomes internal.
Because of this, just like blood, energy will be produced inside the body. The need for sleep, breathing, eating, and other things stop being necessary. In the end, these actions only serve you to provide energy, if the body can produce its own energy, there's no point in doing so.
At stage 3, the physical body is further reformed into a more flexible weapon. The need for specialized organs is gone as the ability to manually change the body is achieved. Afterward, energy is reformed. Energy becomes akin to an arm where one can use it freely.
Lastly, convergence. Once the body and the energy is reformed, it is akin to having two bodies in one mind. This step makes it so that there's no difference between the two and would work as one.
Stage 4, the current limit of a type-2 civilization, is dubbed as resonance. Using the energy in your body, one can manipulate the energy around them.
It could be described as "Sci-Fi breaking through to Fantasy."
With this, one can gather solar energy and turn it into a fireball. With enough energy, one can raise the tides and drown planets altogether.
These things are possible with technology too, but it requires technology too complicated or too enormous comparable to the moon. But just by being a stage 4 being, one is akin to a god, manipulating nature itself.
"Captain.," Connor shouted but was cut off by Jack.
"I understand. For now, let's resume operations and gather energy crystal. Ignore all safety precautions. It seems like there's a chance for us." Jack ordered.
The vagueness of the two confused others. "Everyone here is intelligent, spill it, bitch," they can only scream in their hearts. There really was no point if they bicker, might as well do it since they have nothing better.
And with that, everyone resumed their work, acting like nothing is happening and everything is fine.
——
The White Space.
In front of Jack are three separate screens, one shows Zhenin's vision, one shows Mengsk's, and the last one shows Ninzhe's.
Deep in thought, Jack had a pondering look on his face. To his left is a floating flame staring confusedly at the screens.
"I know it isn't my place to ask, but… What are your plans?" Hjuutza chimed in.
"You really don't need to know any of that. Right now, what I want you to do is study Nova," Jack paused for a second and continued. "Her current state is miraculous, to say the least. Unlike Ninzhe, whom I can still extract memories from, besides her love for his father, there's nothing else."
"So… how should we deal with this?" Hjuutza asked.
"Just take care of her for now. Tell me if something happens."
"A…alright." Hjuutza nodded and left.
Jack smiled as he looked at Hjuutza, floating away. Jack can see how fast Hjuutza changed over seven days. A few more days of observation, and he can finally conclude his hypothesis.
Still, it's not the most important thing right now.
After he disappeared from the library, the twins hugged it out, saying they missed each other. Mengsk had a fatherly smile as he watched the twins with calm in his heart.
After letting their feelings out, the trio decided to leave the library.
Then, Jack finally acted.
[Get Stronger]
[Starting today, you will be cultivating according to the instructions in the manual I'll be sending in our head. Follow it down to the dot and evolve.]
[Mission Requirements: Reach stage 1 - level 1 by the week.]
[Mission Item: 1TW Crystal/Day]
[Mission Rewards: Instructions for Stage 1 - Level 2]
[Punishment: To be abandoned.]
The trio received the message and was surprised. They looked at each other with fervor and began to read the manual in their heads. Once they finished reading, fascination visible on their faces.
Immediately after, they brought out the energy crystal, sat down in the library, and began to cultivate.
Jack nodded. The library was currently the best place to cultivate as it is quiet, and no one really comes. With a swing of his hands, the screens quietly shrunk and disappeared.
He cupped his hand as colorless energy surged out. In the middle of the empty space, a piece of land started to form.
It was a small island around 50 square km. Floating like an inverted pyramid. Slowly from the low tip, a translucent barrier began to form covering the entire island in a sphere.
After the atmosphere was created, Jack snapped his fingers, and a golden sun appeared on top of the island. If one were to look at it from the island, it'd look like how the Sun is like when seen from Earth.
With another snap, the sun began to move, orbiting the floating island by itself.
With a smile on his face, Jack's translucent figure solidified. At that moment, he regained his flesh. His body, during his time on the black mirror project, is back. Equipped with a yellow vest over a black collared shirt, black pants with a belt holster, and silver accents. His current look is the very definition of cyberpunk.
Every step he took inside the island brought life. Vegetation spread as different types of trees grew. With a look, the ground cracked and formed a river. With his every breath, atmosphere formed.
Once he reached the center, he summoned a stone pillar. Then another six surrounding the large pillar in the center.
Jack whistled, and six flames came over. It was the soul of his crew. He then coordinated the souls to sit on their own pillars. Once the souls were seated, the pillars began to glow except for the middle pillar the exuded colorless energy, each pillar had a third of blue, a third of silver, and a third of gold. Once the pillars were settled, another 36 pillars were erected, surrounding the smaller pillars.
Looking at his creation, Jack felt glad.
Opening the three screens, he nodded.
After his creation, four days had passed, and the three went to the Koroy's mansion, Mengsk's home.
"Time to begin the second phase," whispered Jack.