Apex BioSystems was a renowned genetic research institute, recognized as the best in its field, with a track record of awakening millions of people across the entire UEC (Unified Earth Coalition). Summer was quickly led by the staff into a small pool filled with a strange green liquid. An oxygen mask was placed over his face, allowing him to breathe as the process commenced.
"Sir, please calm your mind and try to enter deep meditation. This liquid will stimulate your cells and DNA to awaken your Evolution gene," a woman in a white coat instructed, her voice steady and reassuring.
Following her advice, Summer tried to focus, letting his mind sink into a deep state of meditation as he submerged beneath the pool's surface. The liquid, thick and slightly slimy, began to penetrate his body at a microscopic level, drilling into his cells with a purpose.
As time passed, the liquid in the pool started to shrink, as if being absorbed into his body. But despite the visible changes in the pool, nothing seemed to happen within him. Frustration began to gnaw at Summer. He could feel the energy of the liquid being consumed by his body, but there was no sign of the awakening he had hoped for.
Only a third of the Gene Awakening Liquid remained in the pool. Where had all that energy gone? Summer forced himself to push deeper into meditation, desperate not to waste the precious resource.
"Who is it this time?" another male doctor in a white coat asked the woman as he entered the observation room.
"Just some businessman's son," she replied casually. "But the chances are slim. The report shows his entire ancestry were non-Evolvers."
"Then why bother? The result should be obvious. These genetic fluids only work for those with potential. Doesn't he know that?"
She chuckled. "Oh, he knows. But like all the other rebellious kids, his stubbornness has no bounds."
The man laughed as he observed Summer's condition through the glass. Both doctors were non-Evolvers themselves, having long accepted their fate.
Time ticked by, and the result was a total disappointment. There was no change in Summer's DNA, not even a trace of the lowest grade Evolution Gene.
"I'm sorry, sir. The result was negative," the woman in the white coat announced as Summer was brought out of the pool, now completely drained of its liquid.
"Oh..." Summer's heart sank to rock bottom. The realization hit him hard: not only had he failed, but the money—his father and uncle's hard-earned savings—was now gone, wasted on a futile attempt.
Seeing the disappointment etched on his face, the woman sighed and tried to offer some consolation. "Hey, at least you have a beautiful physique now, with almost zero impurities. Your physical improvement should have increased, even if only a little."
But Summer had no reaction whatsoever. What good was a pretty face if he lacked the strength to stand his ground as a man? Would he become just a decorative flower vase? The thought gnawed at him, the weight of his failure pressing down heavily.
He drove home like a lifeless shell, the weight of his failure pressing down on him. How could he possibly break the news to his parents and family? Would they be crushed with disappointment?
He felt a deep sorrow for letting them down. They had done everything they could to support him, while he, in his youthful arrogance, had disrespected them. Now, all their efforts, love, and sacrifices seemed wasted, and he could feel them starting to distance themselves from him.
But how could he give up now? His resolve, his principles, his passion—all would become a joke if he did. The promise he had made to his grandfather still lingered in his mind, a heavy burden he couldn't shake. Yet, how could he face his parents? The shame and guilt were suffocating. How could he ever look them in the eye again?
As he trudged towards his house in the evening, his gaze fell on the pendant hanging around his neck, a gift from his grandfather. With trembling hands, he opened it, using a drop of his blood to unlock the hidden compartment.
"Grandpa, I have no choice left now. It's as if this was predestined or something. I have to go there," he murmured, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and desperation.
Under the dim light of a lamppost, he unfolded the map stored inside the pendant. The place marked on the map was deep within the Primal Zone—an area unprotected and undiscovered by human civilization. It was a vast wild, untamed land, full of evolved beasts and monstrous mutants.
The place was incredibly dangerous, but for Geno Explorers, it was also a land of opportunity, almost like heaven—if they could survive it that is.
In this perilous zone, explorers could gather auxiliary genes and evolution essences from the crystallized Geno Cores left behind by the powerful creatures. These cores held the possibility for incredible gene abilities, if one was lucky enough to find them.
For common Evolvers without any backing, it was a profitable but deadly gamble. Summer knew that this was his last chance, a desperate shot at redemption. He had to go there, no matter the risk...
He quickly entered his house, bypassing the stringent genetic security systems. The mansion was eerily quiet, save for a few houseworkers going about their tasks. It dawned on him that his family was out for a gathering with Reena's boyfriend's family. He let out an involuntary sigh of relief, glad to have some privacy.
Without wasting any time, he accessed the Galactic Communication Network (GCN) and searched for an Evolver Crew available for an escort mission to the Primal Zone, located across the sea. He managed to book a crew for a total of 300,000 Federal Dollars—the remaining of his savings.
Summer then retrieved his weapon, a Gravity Spear gifted by his grandfather on his last birthday. The spear was a high-quality weapon capable of doubling its speed using gravitational force and was powered by a Genetic Crystal. It was both a symbol of his grandfather's support and a crucial tool for his journey.
He also took out the Dimensional Storage Bracelet, another gift from his grandfather. The bracelet had a capacity of 5 meters in diameter and was rechargeable, ideal for carrying weapons and supplies. As he placed the spear into the bracelet, it was swiftly engulfed by the dimensional space within.
Summer took a moment to check his preparations, ensuring everything was in order. Finally, he penned a brief letter on his desk, explaining his departure and the reasons behind it. It was a simple note, but it conveyed his regret and his resolve to pursue this last chance.
With a heavy heart, he set the letter down and prepared for the journey ahead.