Chapter 11: Experiment 2

[MC POV]

In the second phase, I transformed into the Aliens I had collected for so long, one by one. They included:

1. Heatblast - Pyronite

2. Wildmutt - Vulpimancer

3. Diamondhead - Petrosapien

4. XLR8 - Kineceleran

5. Grey Matter - Galvan

6. Four Arms - Tetramand

7. Stinkfly - Lepidopterran

8. Ripjaws - Piscciss Volann

9. Upgrade - Galvanic Mechamorph

10. Havoc Beast

11. Wildvine- Florauna

I obtained Wildvine while attempting to hack into the Omnitrix. It seemed that I accidentally unlocked it.

There was also one final Alien - Ghostfreak, hailing from the Ectonurite species. It could be considered one of the most powerful and versatile Aliens that Ben had ever possessed. However, its side effects were too immense to control. Even I didn't dare to use it freely, so I had to reluctantly leave it behind.

I proceeded by extracting genetic samples from each Alien and utilizing the equipment in the training room to test their abilities.

"Alright, we're done, sir. Please proceed to the next step," BT announced. After speaking, he brought forward a device that resembled a massive battery, standing almost a meter tall.

Without hesitation, I placed my hand on the device and transferred all the absorbed energy from the Omnitrix into it. This machine was inspired by the Omnitrix but limited due to the lack of materials. Its primary function was to store my energy. Currently, I used it to preserve the Omnitrix's power.

With the task complete, I attached several sensory devices to my body, wore the charm of luck, and activated my abilities.

I attempted to transform into the extraterrestrial beings I had encountered before. The transformation process now demanded much more effort, and the results weren't as remarkable as I had hoped.

When I transformed into Four Arms, my skin turned a pale shade of red, my entire body bulked up with muscles, and I even grew one and a half times taller. However, no new appendages appeared, and the number of fingers and toes remained the same. The transformation had reached its limit.

My strength only increased tenfold compared to my normal self. A sword could leave a few superficial marks on my skin, It takes a bullet to leave a small wound on my skin. I reminisced about the sensation of transforming with the energy of the Omnitrix, urging my body to take that extra step of metamorphosis.

At that moment, the inscriptions on the lucky charm began to glow, and an unsettling feeling washed over me. It was as if something unfavorable would happen if I continued. Trusting in the charm, I came to a complete stop.

The other Alien forms yielded similar outcomes. When transforming into Heatblast, my body emitted a radiant light, as if there was a blazing fire beneath my skin. However, the flames I produced were much weaker than the original Heatblast's, and my control over them was rough and unrefined.

Grey Matter: Only the eyes underwent a transformation. They turned green, with rectangular pupils and horizontal eyelids. There was no physical enhancement, but intelligence was greatly enhanced. Processing speed, calculations, and reactions surpassed those of humans. Memory became incredibly sharp, and memories and knowledge I thought were forgotten were awakened once again.

Diamondhead: The body was covered in a layer of crystals, similar to when I absorbed matter. The hardness of the crystals on my skin remained the same. However, I couldn't create crystals from the ground or control them anymore. My overall Strength weakened compared to the original form.

...

After each transformation, the results remained unchanged, only a part of my body underwent the change. I knew I could do better than this, even though it was very difficult. But every time it happened, the pendant around my neck would shine, and an unsettling feeling would arise. I knew that part of it was the effect of luck. Whenever I made an important decision, the pendant influenced my intuition, also partly because my body was resisting these transformations.

Ending with the original aliens, I approached a Guardian and absorbed it. Rips appeared on my neck, forming a structure resembling gills. My teeth became sharp. My arms elongated and transformed into bat-like wings. From my throat, I released a stream of fiery energy. Absorbing part of the energy from the initial battery, my body continued to evolve and transformed into a new Guardian.

At that moment, BT's voice resonated once again: "Phase two is complete, Commander. You may stop now."

Following BT's words, I reverted back to my original state. Constantly shifting between different forms had put a tremendous strain on my body, and my spirits had become weary. A lingering unease filled my stomach due to the repeated adjustments. "Well, that's good. I'll go rest now. Don't wake me unless it's something important," I replied as I strode out of the room.

[POV ends]

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[3rd person POV]

After 10 hours of rest, Kevin woke up refreshed and clear-headed, but with a rumbling empty stomach. He called for BT and quickly headed to the cafeteria area to replenish his energy. BT accompanied him, reading out the report results.

"Here are the findings from the experiment. Firstly, you have the ability to temporarily copy the DNA and powers of other creatures by extracting their life energy. When you absorb the DNA of an alien being, you can store a copy of that DNA within your cells, allowing you to access the strength and abilities of that extraterrestrial being."

"However, this power comes with side effects. The process of integrating foreign DNA into your cells can trigger an immune response and cause DNA damage. This mechanism may be specific to alien DNA, as their genetic material is vastly different from your own."

"When you absorb the DNA of an alien, your immune system may recognize it as foreign and launch an attack, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. Additionally, the process of copying and integrating foreign DNA may not always be precise and error-free, leading to permanent mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, which can be harmful to your health."

"To protect itself from these risks, your body may have evolved to limit the amount of alien DNA that can be integrated into its cells. This mechanism could involve the activation of cellular checkpoints that monitor the amount of alien DNA in your cells and trigger a response to prevent excessive integration."

"When you absorb the DNA of an alien, your body may recognize it as foreign and activate this mechanism to limit the amount of DNA that can be integrated. As a result, you can only utilize a fraction of the alien's power, which is around 10% in this case, as your body is unable to fully integrate and harness the full extent of the absorbed power."

"Moreover, the mechanism that limits the integration of foreign DNA may also be responsible for expelling the absorbed DNA from your body over time unless you undergo significant mutations."

At this point, Kevin's eyes transformed into those of Greymatter, showing little emotion. He asked, "Is there any way to improve this issue?"

BT immediately replied:

"One way to enhance your DNA absorption power is to allow your body to become more accustomed to the alien biology you absorbs. This can be achieved through gradually exposing him to alien DNA, enabling your body to adapt and integrate the foreign genetic material more efficiently. Simultaneously, improving your physical and mental capabilities through training and practice would also be beneficial.

Another approach to increasing the percentage of power you can access is to enhance your body's compatibility with the absorbed DNA. For instance, you may need to explore methods to modify his own DNA or develop specialized equipment that aids in better integration and control of the absorbed powers."

"Omnitrix," Kevin spoke.

"That's correct, Commander," BT confirmed. "By infusing Omnitrix energy into the process of DNA absorption, your body can gain access to additional resources that assist the cells in integrating and utilizing the foreign DNA more effectively.

Moreover, Omnitrix energy enhances your body's ability to recognize and tolerate foreign DNA, reducing the risk of immune reactions, DNA damage, and cellular stress. This can be achieved by activating cellular pathways that promote DNA repair and reduce oxidative stress, safeguarding your cells from the adverse effects of integrating foreign DNA. That is why you are able to utilize 70-80% of an alien's abilities."

Lost in thought for a while, he asked again, "What if the absorbed DNA this time belongs to a human or a creature closely resembling a human?"

"It is possible that when you absorb the powers of another human, the effects may differ from when you absorb the DNA of an alien. Since human genetic material is more similar to your own DNA, it is possible that your body may not activate the mechanism that restricts the integration of foreign DNA, allowing you to fully integrate and utilize the powers of another human.

If that's the case, you may be able to harness a greater percentage of another human's powers, potentially even reaching 100%, depending on your ability to integrate the foreign genetic material into your own cells. Additionally, since human genetic material is more compatible with your own, it is possible that you can maintain and utilize the absorbed powers for a longer period, potentially even indefinitely," BT replied sincerely.

Hearing this, a dangerous glimmer sparkled in Kevin's eyes. If anyone familiar with him were to see it, they would understand that a hunt was about to take place, sooner or later.

[POV ends]

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Above is my effort to explain Kevin's powers and limitations, hoping everyone is satisfied. I am not a medical student, so I hope everyone can understand. I will post a chapter summarizing Kevin's abilities next week."