The Illuminum Serum – Humanity's Next Evolution
"But Dad, isn't this kind of dangerous?" Ted asked, his brows furrowed in concern.
"Nope, quite the opposite. It's actually very safe," his father assured him.
What followed was a long and detailed discussion about the Illuminum Serum, humanity's greatest scientific breakthrough.
The United Nations, now unofficially referred to as the Universal Government, had been fervently researching and experimenting with Illuminati material, a mysterious element discovered on Mars. Scientists believed it held the key to stabilizing humanity's future, an essential step in ensuring survival beyond Earth.
Over the years, both Martian settlers and those who remained on Earth had experienced minor genetic mutations. The aftermath of the Third World War had left Earth bathed in radioactive remnants, altering the physiology of its inhabitants. Though no catastrophic mutations had emerged, these subtle genetic shifts had become impossible to ignore.
The Birth of the Illuminum Serum
The Universal Government first developed a temporary serum, conducting extensive trials on animals before moving to human testing—initially on criminals, followed by soldiers, professional fighters, and eventually civilians.
To their astonishment, the serum passed every trial without side effects.
For years, humanity had relied on Animal Serum, a crude enhancement that granted individuals beast-like physical attributes but at an immense cost—severe mutations, irreversible body transformations, and even infertility. Despite these risks, it was still widely used, particularly in underground fighting leagues where strength mattered more than longevity.
But the Illuminum Serum changed everything.
Unlike its flawed predecessor, this serum was a biological marvel—a substance so advanced that it merged seamlessly with the human body. Upon injection directly into the spine, the serum activated, becoming a living entity within the bloodstream.
However, it was not sentient. It did not develop a mind of its own, as one might expect from watching too many sci-fi movies. Instead, it functioned as an extension of the host's biological system, recognizing the human body as its rightful domain.
Scientists classified it as a new type of blood cell, akin to RBCs, WBCs, and platelets, officially naming it IBC – Illuminum Blood Cells.
How Does the Serum Work?
At its core, the Illuminum Serum was akin to the Super Soldier Serum from comic books—but far superior due to its customizability and zero drawbacks.
It enhanced strength, speed, intelligence, endurance, and durability while also extending lifespan. However, its true potential lay in its various grades, each offering unique advantages based on the recipient's status and qualifications.
The Hierarchy of the Illuminum Serum
Grade 1 – The Free Serum (Civilians)
Effect: Enhances all bodily functions by 2 to 3 times, depending on individual fitness.
Availability: Free for all civilians.
Bonus: Significantly increases lifespan and overall health.
This was the baseline serum, accessible to every citizen. While it provided substantial enhancements, it was still limited compared to higher grades.
Grade 2 – The VIP Serum (Elite Access)
Effect: Enhances bodily functions by 4 times.
Cost: 100,000 Credits.
Bonus: Initiates minor genetic modifications, reversing aging effects and bonding with 50% of the body.
This tier was reserved for the wealthy and influential. While any civilian could theoretically afford it, they wouldn't qualify unless deemed worthy by the government. Some saw this as unfair, but as history had proven, life was never fair.
If Grade 1 made you Gotham's vigilante, then Grade 2 turned you into a super soldier.
But...
Grade 3 – The Military Serum (Elite Soldiers Only)
Effect: Enhances bodily functions by 5 times.
Availability: Restricted to high-ranking soldiers and individuals with exceptional military service.
Bonus: Bonds with 75% of the body, focusing on specific enhancements such as:
Increased bone density
Enhanced muscle flexibility
Armor-like skin that remains indistinguishable from normal human flesh but is nearly impenetrable
This serum was entirely controlled by the military, ensuring that only the strongest and most loyal had access to it.
And at last....
Grade 4 – The Superhuman Serum (The Pinnacle of Evolution)
Effect: Enhances bodily functions by 8 times.
Availability: Top-secret, limited to the most influential figures in the world.
Bonus: Bonds with 95% of the body, altering not only the physical but also the metaphysical capabilities of the user.
This was where science blurred into legend.
The IBC within Grade 4 users did not just enhance the body—it generated a new form of energy, first referred to as magic before being formally named Spirit Force.
Spirit Force was an entirely new frontier of power, allowing its wielders to perform feats beyond human comprehension.
Telepathy
Super-intelligence
Seamless synchronization with nanotech wrist implants, effectively granting a personal AI assistant integrated into the mind.
(Refer to chapter 1)
The exact conditions to obtain Grade 4 were unknown. It was only granted to individuals capable of shaping society itself—those whose influence determined the fate of nations.
To the Universal Government, a Grade 4 recipient was more than a person—they were a walking investment, a VVVIP asset.
Ted's Unexpected Reward ?
After processing all this information, Ted grinned. "This sounds… incredible. I think I should get one."
His father smirked, crossing his arms. "Well, that's the real surprise."
Ted raised an eyebrow.
"You, my son, get a Grade 2 Serum, thanks to your amazing dad." His father boasted with a proud grin, and honestly, he had every right to do so.