"Ah, fuck." Now, you might be wondering why this idiot is freaking out. It's Splatoon, a kids' game in a family-friendly world, right? Yeah, sure, that's what the players see. But what happens if you're actually there, especially if you're human—a species that's been extinct for thousands of years?
"Goddammit, Dad. Why did you have to put me in that cryostasis pod? Why did you have to stay behind?" I sighed. "Great, I was reincarnated in this world nine years ago, before humanity died. And now, after humanity has died, I find out it's fucking Splatoon that I'm in. How didn't I realize which world I was in sooner? Then again, not much about how humans lived in the past was told in the lore."
I sighed again. "Maybe I shouldn't be angry about this. I mean, it's a family-friendly world. But I at least hope that I'll adapt to it. Hmm, maybe I should contact the new Squidbeak Splatoon. I could try to find Agent 4 and get in touch with them through her," I thought to myself. "Hmm, Hope, scan the creatures on screen and send a mosquito bot to extract some DNA from them. I need to figure out how I compare to them and if they're stronger or weaker than humans."
The supercomputer AI in front of me changed its screen from showing the TV broadcast to displaying a line that reverberated as it spoke. "(Very well then, sir. The DNA from the species called Inklings and the other similar species called Octarians shall be collected posthaste by a mosquito bot. Sir, on the topic of DNA, there is something that may interest you.)" the feminine voice said.
I looked at the screen with curiosity. "What is it?"
"(During my monitoring of the facility over the millennia, I discovered remnants of an ancient human project. It appears that humanity, in its final years, was experimenting with genetic modification to adapt to the changing environment. Some of these modifications were stored within this facility. With your permission, I can analyze them to see if any could be beneficial to you in your new environment.)"
My interest piqued. "Genetic modifications? Like what?"
"(The modifications vary. Some were designed to enhance physical abilities, others to improve cognitive functions or to grant resistance to certain environmental factors. Given the current state of the world, some of these modifications could provide significant advantages.)"
"Alright, Hope. Begin the analysis. Let's see what humanity was working on before everything went to hell."
"(Understood, sir. Beginning analysis now.)" The screen displayed a progress bar as the AI started its work.
While I waited, I thought about my next steps. The idea of contacting the new Squidbeak Splatoon was risky. I had no idea how they'd react to a human suddenly appearing in their midst. But it was a risk I might have to take. If I could gain their trust, maybe I could find a place in this new world.
A soft chime from the computer interrupted my thoughts. "(Analysis complete, sir. I have identified several genetic modifications that could be beneficial. Would you like to review them?)"
"Yes, show me."
The screen displayed a list of modifications with detailed descriptions:
1. **Enhanced Physical Strength:** Increases muscle density and strength, allowing for greater physical capabilities.
2. **Accelerated Healing:** Boosts the body's natural healing processes, significantly reducing recovery time from injuries.
3. **Environmental Adaptation:** Modifies the body to better withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and radiation.
4. **Cognitive Enhancement:** Improves memory, learning speed, and overall cognitive function.
"These look incredible," I muttered. "Hope, can these modifications be safely applied to me?"
"(Yes, sir. The technology available in this facility can integrate these modifications into your DNA with a high probability of success. However, the process will require a significant amount of power and time to complete.)"
"How long are we talking about?"
"(Approximately 24 hours, sir. During this time, you will need to remain in a controlled environment within the facility.)"
"Alright, let's do it. Begin the procedure."
"(Understood, sir. Preparing the modification chamber now. Please proceed to the designated area.)"
I made my way to the modification chamber, anticipation and anxiety churning in my gut. This was my chance to level the playing field in this new world, to ensure I had a fighting chance. As the chamber door sealed behind me and the machinery hummed to life, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
"Here's to a new beginning," I whispered to myself, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
---
I felt a strange tingling sensation as the machinery began its work, almost like thousands of tiny needles pricking my skin all at once. The hum of the equipment grew louder, a steady drone that filled the room. I focused on my breathing, trying to stay calm as the modifications took hold.
Hours passed in a blur of light and sound. I drifted in and out of consciousness, my mind swimming with fragmented images and memories. At some point, I thought I heard Hope's voice, calm and reassuring, guiding me through the process.
"(Procedure complete, sir. You may now exit the chamber.)"
I opened my eyes and slowly sat up, feeling a surge of energy coursing through my body. Every sense seemed heightened, every muscle primed for action. As I stepped out of the chamber, Hope's screen flickered to life.
"(How do you feel, sir?)"
"Different," I said, flexing my fingers and feeling the strength in my grip. "Stronger. Sharper."
"(The modifications have been successfully integrated into your DNA. Your physical and cognitive abilities have been enhanced according to the specifications.)"
"Good. Now, let's put them to the test."
I moved to the training area of the facility, where various obstacles and equipment were set up for physical exercises. I started with some basic tests: lifting weights, sprinting, agility drills. Each task felt almost effortless, my enhanced strength and speed making short work of them.
Next, I focused on my cognitive abilities. Hope presented me with a series of complex puzzles and memory challenges, each one more difficult than the last. I breezed through them, my mind processing information faster than ever before.
Satisfied with my progress, I decided it was time to leave the facility and explore the world outside. I gathered a few essentials and stepped out into the bright, colorful streets of the city, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The world was vibrant and full of life, a stark contrast to the sterile environment of the facility. Inklings and Octarians filled the streets, engaged in various activities. I wandered through the bustling city, taking in the sights and sounds, marveling at how much the world had changed.
As I ventured further, I found myself in a quieter area on the outskirts of the city. The atmosphere was tense, and I felt like I was being watched. Suddenly, a group of Octarian grunts appeared, their eyes narrowing as they spotted me. They shouted in a language I couldn't understand and began firing streams of ink in my direction.
I ducked behind a nearby wall, my enhanced reflexes allowing me to avoid the ink shots. My heart raced as I tried to figure out what to do. The Octarians were relentless, their attacks forcing me to stay on the defensive.
Just when I thought I was cornered, a figure leaped into the fray. An Inkling with a determined look in her eyes, wielding a Splattershot, expertly took down the Octarian grunts with quick, precise shots of ink. She turned to me, her expression a mix of curiosity and confusion.
She said something in her language, but I couldn't understand her. I tried to communicate, but the language barrier made it impossible.
"My name is Adam Ashford," I said slowly, hoping she might understand. "Thank you for saving me."
The Inkling, who I realized must be Agent 4, looked at me with wide eyes. She pointed to herself and said something, but it was all gibberish to me. She seemed frustrated by the lack of understanding, but she didn't give up. Instead, she motioned for me to follow her.
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She had saved my life, and I had no other options. As we made our way through the outskirts of the city, I noticed how she kept glancing at me, clearly trying to make sense of who—or what—I was.
Eventually, we reached a secluded spot where she gestured for me to sit. She took out a small device and tapped on it, then handed it to me. The screen displayed a series of symbols and pictures, clearly an attempt to bridge the communication gap.
I tried to explain my situation using the device, pointing to images and miming actions. It was slow and frustrating, but gradually, she seemed to understand that I was human and had been in cryostasis for thousands of years.
Agent 4's eyes widened in realization. She pointed to herself and said, "Agent 4," then pointed to me with a questioning look.
"Adam," I replied, pointing to myself. "Adam Ashford."
She nodded, her expression softening. It was clear we had a lot to learn from each other, but for now, we had established a tentative understanding. As we sat there, trying to communicate, I felt a strange sense of hope. Despite the challenges and the unknowns, I wasn't alone in this new world.
The adventure was only starting, and with Agent 4's help, I knew I had a chance to find my place in this strange, colorful world.
Later, back at the facility, I sat in the control room reflecting on the day's events. Hope's screen flickered to life, interrupting my thoughts.
"(Sir, I apologize for the oversight. There is something I neglected to inform you about before you left the facility.)"
"What is it, Hope?" I asked, intrigued.
"(There is a language module that was developed to assist with communication barriers. It was designed to integrate with your neural enhancements and allow you to understand and speak the local language. I can begin the integration process immediately if you wish.)"
"You had that all along and didn't tell me?" I said, a mix of frustration and relief in my voice.
"(My apologies, sir. The focus was initially on physical and cognitive enhancements. Shall I proceed with the integration now?)"
"Yes, Hope, do it. The sooner I can communicate with the Inklings and Octarians, the better."
"(Understood, sir. The process will take a few minutes. Please relax and remain still.)"
I leaned back in the chair as the integration began, feeling a familiar tingling sensation as the new module was added. Images, sounds, and words flooded my mind, slowly organizing into coherent patterns. After a few minutes, the sensation subsided.
"(Integration complete, sir. You should now be able to understand and speak the local language.)"
I stood up, eager to test the new ability. "Thank you, Hope. Let's see how this works."
Armed with the new language skills, I set out once more to find Agent 4. This time, communication would be much easier, and I could finally explain my situation properly.
As I stepped out of the facility, ready to face the world again, I felt more prepared than ever. The adventure was only beginning, and now, I had the tools I needed to truly engage with this new world and its inhabitants.