2006
After more than two years of effort, John's research on gene transplantation technology was finally successful!
And John himself became the first beneficiary!
Of course, this didn't mean he had successfully transplanted an extra X-gene into himself. Instead, through his research, he achieved [X-Geneology LV5].
Level 3 X-Geneology allows mutants to condense their X-abilities into rule runes, while Level 5 X-Geneology enables John to control his own rule runes.
Like Ian, he could separate rule information from rule energy, then combine them with personal will to construct a more stable rule rune structure, giving the runes a certain degree of growth potential.
From this point on, John could also gradually perfect his rule runes by accumulating rule energy, thereby enhancing his X-abilities.
However, the true significance of John reaching Level 5 in X-Geneology lies elsewhere!
It lies in him completing the knowledge system of X-Geneology, creating a comprehensive framework from Level 1 to Level 5.
In the future, as long as students of the mutant academy followed the systematic learning process, they could raise their X-Geneology to Level 5. This would allow them to reconstruct their rule runes, granting these runes the potential for growth.
This was different from Ian's initial breakthrough to Level 5 X-Geneology. Ian's enhancement was greater and his breakthrough easier, so the standard he set only applied to himself.
After reconstructing his rule runes, John immediately tested the effects of independently perfecting them.
"Too slow. It would take decades before I see results!" John complained to Ian.
"I've told you this before! Why else would I agree to your research on gene transplantation technology?" Ian said with a laugh.
Decades is too long, so it could only serve as a fallback and not as the primary means for mutants to enhance their powers.
Otherwise, why would Ian pursue the highly risky gene transplantation technology?
Without lingering on this topic, Ian asked directly about the day's main subject: "Let's talk about the gene transplantation technology. Has it been fully successful?"
"Not entirely successful…" John deliberated for a moment before answering.
"The success rate of gene transplantation is still low, and even successful cases have severe side effects. What's successful is the X-gene transplantation technology!"
"Only X-genes can be transplanted?" Ian wasn't disappointed.
"Only fragments of compatible X-genes can be transplanted into individuals who already possess an X-gene," John explained briefly.
"Having an X-gene is a prerequisite for transplantation, whether the X-gene is activated or not. Only compatible fragments of X-genes can be transplanted; incompatible or ordinary genes cannot be transplanted."
"So many restrictions?" Ian frowned slightly.
"That's not all. Besides the genetic restrictions, the transplant recipient should ideally have stable rule runes," John added.
"However, if all restrictions are met, the success rate of X-gene transplantation can reach 100%."
Hearing this, Ian's frown finally eased.
Regardless of the restrictions, if the success rate could truly reach 100%, it was worth it!
"During my research on gene transplantation, I delved deeply into the structure of X-genes. I discovered…" John got into his element.
"Our X-genes can actually be divided into two parts. One part is the X-gene interface, similar to a slot; the other part is the functional gene, akin to an external device."
"Ordinary human genes are like all-in-one computers, whereas X-genes are more like external devices."
"This explains why the success rate of X-gene transplantation can reach 100%, while general gene transplantation remains low."
"Altering ordinary human genes without any cost likely falls under the domain of gods. Humans can, at most, modify the genes of embryos because embryos consist of just one cell."
"Anyway… back to the X-gene interface. This part is identical for all mutants, without any differences. The variations lie only in the functional gene portion."
"So X-gene transplantation involves modifying the functional gene, either by transplanting compatible gene fragments or altering existing ineffective fragments!"
"Can the ineffective fragments in an X-gene also be modified? Wouldn't that mean ordinary people could become mutants too?" Ian suddenly raised a question.
"It's indeed possible to modify the ineffective fragments of an X-gene, but the probability of an ordinary person becoming a mutant remains very low.
The X-gene interface isn't present in everyone. The probability of an ordinary person possessing an X-gene interface is less than 1 in 10,000.
Although this is much higher than the probability of awakening an X-gene, it's still extremely rare," John explained.
This explanation reminded Ian of X-Men: Days of Future Past. The Sentinels likely hunted potential mutants, most of whom were ordinary people with an X-gene interface.
These individuals had the X-gene interface, but their functional genes were ineffective fragments, making them unable to awaken. However, their descendants might have the potential to awaken X-genes.
Even if it's only 1 in 10,000, globally, there would be tens of thousands of such individuals—enough for the mutant population to grow.
Of course, Ian wouldn't blindly expand the number of mutants. Doing so would benefit neither himself nor the mutant population.
"Have you started experimenting with X-gene transplantation yet?" Ian asked again.
"Not yet. According to my simulations, transplanting new X-gene fragments would cause severe rule conflicts. Unstable rule runes would likely be unable to withstand such conflicts," John replied.
"So…?"
"I've instructed them to first study X-Geneology. After reconstructing their rule runes, they can attempt X-gene transplantation!"
"OK! I agree with your plan."
Ian could already imagine the cries of those young members of the New Star Team. Those kids had grown wild recently and hadn't attended class in a long time!
"How long until we see experimental results?" Ian asked again.
"With my organized X-Geneology knowledge system, some researchers should soon complete the reconstruction of their rule runes. But the most challenging part is finding compatible X-gene fragments," John explained.
"The first experimental subject will likely be Rogue. Her compatible X-gene fragment has already been identified, and her progress in X-Geneology is among the fastest!"
"Oh? Where was her compatible X-gene fragment found?" Ian asked curiously.
"There's a segment in Juggernaut's X-gene related to energy storage and usage that's compatible with Rogue's gene," John answered.
That makes sense!
As one of the lab's test subjects, Juggernaut's X-gene had been studied thoroughly.
Rogue's X-abilities are powerful, but her inability to store rule energy makes them seem lackluster. Addressing this shortcoming would greatly enhance her practicality.
"What about the others?" Ian continued.
John understood whom Ian was referring to and explained: "Beast-like X-genes are quite unique. We've tested related animal genes, but none are compatible.
Perhaps only beast-like genes can complement each other, which would require an extensive X-gene database."
Ian immediately made a decision: "Understood! Expanding the X-gene database will be the academy's primary task in the next phase!"
There is a (41) chapter of this novel available on Patreon: [patreon.com/Naruto11]. You can also find the link in the novel description if you'd like to copy it.