Arcane: Twin Cities Mechanic

Chapter 418: CHAPTER 418 - Gene Enhancement Surgery



The materials for the gene enhancement surgery were similar to those used in previous procedures, with the main component still being nanobots. 

However, unlike the earlier gene repair surgery performed on Kai'Sa, this enhancement surgery was far more complex. It required not only disrupting the genetic chain but also reorganizing it based on specific needs. 

Given Li Lin's current technological capabilities, unlocking superhuman abilities at will was beyond his reach. That level of technology, known as [Gene Chain Unlocking], required expertise at Level 80. 

For now, his efforts were focused on further enhancing his body and adding advanced genetic traits, such as super strength, super intelligence, and super agility. 

[Super strength] would directly improve physical power and muscle strength.

[Super agility] included not just physical speed but also the accompanying neural reaction time.

[Super intelligence] offered brainpower enhancements that would elevate Li Lin's mind to the computational prowess of his upgraded quantum AI system—far exceeding any modern Earth-based computer. 

With this, Li Lin could control the 200-meter-tall mech [Gaboga] more efficiently using his neural link device, without needing the AI's auxiliary calculations. His solo operation would be significantly more seamless. 

These were only a few aspects of the benefits from advanced genetic traits. Additional modifications could include: 

[Environmental Adaptation: Resilience against extreme environments, such as sub-zero conditions in the Freljord.]

[Selective Inheritance: The ability to pass optimal genes to future generations.]

[Gene Sequence Stability: A significant reduction in the risk of genetic breakdown. ]

For Li Lin, with his current physical condition and technology, these additional modifications were unnecessary. 

He also considered upgrading his already unlocked "Iron Body" ability to deliver even greater effects: 

- Immunity to all physical attacks. 

- Reduction of magical effects by a significant percentage. 

- The ability to toggle this capability on and off at will, though it would consume more energy. 

After careful thought, Li Lin decided this was a worthwhile enhancement. 

Although he had the protection of his nanobot combat suit, there could always be unforeseen circumstances where the suit's nanomaterial couldn't be replenished—just as Tony Stark faced challenges with his nano-armor in [Avengers: Endgame]. 

Not being fond of mechanical body modifications, Li Lin valued improving his body's natural defenses. The additional energy consumption could be offset by genetically engineered high-calorie foods or direct injections of [Shimmer Serum], so it wasn't a significant concern. 

Having finalized his decision, Li Lin had his AI scan and upload his complete body data to the system terminal. A holographic projection of the data appeared before him as he began reviewing it: 

[Name: Li Lin]

[Biological Age: Young Adult] 

[Height: 186 cm]

[Weight: 112 kg] 

[Average Strength: 22–31 tons] 

[Average Speed: 87 km/h] 

[Maximum Speed (Estimated): 99–106 km/h] 

[Maximum Vertical Leap (Estimated): 10–15 meters] 

[Special Abilities: Phase-Two Body Enhancement, Iron Body] 

This was the first time Li Lin had seen his physical data scanned by the AI, and it left him stunned. 

The "Phase-Two Body Enhancement" encompassed various metrics, such as enhanced healing, superhuman endurance, agility, mental resilience, and pain tolerance, all leagues beyond ordinary humans. 

He realized just how far his body had come. 

Since injecting the "Active Enhancer" serum for Phase-Two Body Enhancement, Li Lin had completely shed his previously lean frame. He now resembled a muscular figure as imposing as Jayce, but without losing aesthetic balance. 

Detailed metrics revealed even more: his resting heart rate was far higher than average, skyrocketing during intense physical activity. His body fat percentage had dropped to a mere 5%. 

Even after the Phase-One Enhancement through the "Gene Fortification Serum," Li Lin's physical attributes already surpassed Captain America, Steve Rogers. Phase-Two had left him far behind. 

Yet, despite all this, his combat power, as evaluated by the system, was only rated at 90—far from the immeasurable heights he aimed to reach. 

Scrutinizing the holographic display, Li Lin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. After a moment, he extended his right hand, pinching the air to summon a virtual stylus. 

For the next few hours, he focused intently on zooming in on specific projected body parts, even down to the ultra-cellular level. Using the stylus, he carefully made annotations, supported by his [Data Mind] ability and the AI's analyses, to recalibrate his genetic structure. 

By the time he finished, four or five hours had passed. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and the mental strain from such high-precision genetic editing left him physically exhausted. 

Wiping away the sweat, Li Lin injected himself with a dose of Shimmer Serum to refresh his mind. He then instructed the AI to conduct a test on a lab mouse in a sterile explosion-proof chamber, replicating the genetic modifications. 

After all, this was his own body and involved fundamental genetic changes. Even with the quantum AI's near-perfect accuracy, there was no room for error.

The AI-controlled robotic arm swiftly injected a genetically reinforced Stage-Two white mouse with a stabilizing agent to prevent gene collapse, followed by a sedative. Another mechanical arm then administered a dose of nanobots into the mouse.

During the gene modification process, it was crucial to maintain consciousness to significantly reduce the likelihood of critical errors. This approach was the same one Li Lin had employed when helping Kai'Sa remove the Void's living shell.

Anesthetic was out of the question—or rather, even if used, it would be ineffective. The only option was a sedative to prevent the subject from struggling and causing accidental complications.

As the mouse's agonized squeals gradually subsided, Li Lin was surprised to see its stats on the system's projection panel skyrocketing. In just a few seconds, the data had more than doubled.

Eventually, the stats plateaued at roughly three times the original value, with a slight but steady upward trend thereafter.

And this was without incorporating any "Advanced Traits" enhancements, which could further augment its strength, intelligence, agility, and other attributes.

[Specimen No. 114: Post-Stage-Two Enhancement gene modification was highly successful. Comprehensive physical strength increased by approximately 387%.]

"The improvement is significantly greater than the jump from Stage One to Stage Two enhancement. If we add the 'Advanced Traits' evolution…"

Li Lin knew the outcomes for humans and mice might differ due to their varying physical constitutions. However, based on the AI's calculations, his own body was projected to achieve at least a threefold improvement.

After a moment of contemplation, he stepped decisively toward the operating table. "Neutralize the mouse, then start the procedure on me."

Removing his clothing, Li Lin revealed a muscular physique before lying flat on the surgical table.

[Should I secure the restraints for you?]

"Do it—to prevent any accidents."

[Understood. One moment…]

As reinforced restraints tightened around his wrists, forearms, biceps, waist, thighs, calves, and ankles, Li Lin felt a rare sense of nervous anticipation.

[Master, I will now administer the gene stabilizing agent and sedative. Please prepare yourself.]

Li Lin took a deep breath, completely relaxing his body while temporarily deactivating his "Iron Body" superpower.

Moments later, a faint prickling sensation on his neck signaled the injection of two concentrated drugs—each tailored to his formidable physique, as standard doses would have been insufficient.

Soon, his body felt utterly powerless, though his mind remained lucid.

[Master, I will now inject the nanobot gene editors. Please prepare yourself.]

The AI gave him a brief pause to adjust before directing several robotic arms toward his neck, arms, abdomen, and legs.

In just a second, sharp needles pierced his skin, delivering the nanobots into his system. 

The nanobots surged through his body, guided by the AI, swiftly reaching their designated sites for gene editing.

Suddenly, a wave of excruciating pain washed over him, immobilizing his body. The sensation tore through his nerves, spreading to his brain like wildfire.

Unable to move, Li Lin clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and endured the ordeal in silence. Beads of cold sweat poured from his skin like a broken faucet, while bulging veins threatened to break through his flesh. Yet he resisted the urge to cry out.

[Please hold on a little longer, Master!] 

The AI's voice carried a rare note of urgency as it administered another concentrated dose of sedative.

To Li Lin, each second dragged on like a century, though only a few moments had passed in real time. The nanobots were disassembling his genetic sequences and reorganizing them according to the programmed plan.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity compressed into a single minute, the searing pain began to recede like an ebbing tide. 

What followed was a sharper mental clarity and a surge of vitality coursing through his entire being. Even his perception of time seemed to slow.

This overwhelming sensation of strength and heightened awareness, however, came with side effects—his body needed time to adjust to its newfound power.

[The procedure was a success, Master!]

[Your baseline physical stats have increased by approximately 355%!]

(End of Chapter)

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