Chapter 56: "Approaching" "Genes"

The development process of the Tyrants was similar to RDA's Avatar program, but thanks to advanced biotechnology and comprehensive data support, the development cycle for the Tyrants was shortened to about six months.

Alexia's team first selected two soldiers from the ARS regiment who were relatively compatible with the Veronica Virus. They then took tissue samples from these two soldiers.

Next, they used improved cloning techniques to cultivate T-virus-infected clone embryos. The subsequent procedures were similar to those used for creating the Hellhounds, but the resources required were more than a hundred times greater.

On June 7, 1995, the two fully developed Tyrants successfully emerged from their cloning chambers.

The following two months were spent on fine-tuning, particularly ensuring that the consciousness transfer operation between the two soldiers, who would serve as the pilots, and their Tyrant bodies was 100% safe.

Drawing from the experience gained in the Reborn Soldier Project, the Tyrants also supported "part" replacements, and the need for brain programming was eliminated.

Through the simulated security operation, Samuel Young could confirm that Atlas's Tyrants were far superior to the Tyrants from "Resident Evil." The pilots perfectly resolved the issue of "autonomous consciousness," enabling them to control weapons and carry out complex tasks.

If one had to evaluate their drawbacks, the main disadvantage was their enormous size, which made them difficult to conceal and prone to being exposed as targets. Their defense was also far inferior to the ceramic composite armor of main battle tanks. However, they were still an excellent choice for future use in maintaining security or as heavily armored infantry support units.

In terms of cost, excluding labor, a single Tyrant required equipment, drugs, and materials costing "only" between 6.1 million to 6.3 million USD, making it much cheaper than the Reborn Soldiers. Combined with a production cycle of less than five months, the Tyrants were actually very suitable for large-scale production as bio-weapons.

At this moment, Alexia, having received praise and recognition from Samuel Young, was beaming with joy.

"Ahem." She cleared her throat lightly, quickly composing her expression, and turned her gaze to the simulated town outside the observation window, saying:

"The emergence of the T-virus and Veronica Virus has solidified the company's bio-weapon projects and has also revealed more possibilities for the Progenitor Virus.

Although you once said there's no rush to start a new super-soldier program, I couldn't resist conducting several viral experiments using your clone in my spare time. The data we obtained is... quite interesting."

"Interesting?" Samuel Young turned slightly towards her, waiting for a more detailed explanation.

"Yes." Alexia nodded and continued, "Boss, your clone is also just a shell without any consciousness, but it has a unique trait—it can't maintain stability for long before it collapses, decays, and eventually dies.

Moreover, the clone has an immune system nearly as robust as your original body, making it difficult for the virus to breach its defenses. So, I had to intervene artificially, and as a result, I successfully obtained more mutant strains.

One of these strains, derived from the Veronica Virus, retained its gentle characteristics while also possessing the ability to slowly enhance biological functions and repair defects. And most importantly, the originally stringent compatibility conditions gradually aligned... with your genetic compatibility." At this point, Alexia's tone grew more serious:

"Boss, I think we're getting closer to what you mentioned as the 'gene seed.' Additionally, I noticed that the new super-soldier project you referred to will require multiple surgical modifications.

So, while analyzing RDA's Avatar project, I isolated the carbon fiber skeletal data. Once we officially start the new super-soldier program, we'll have a good starting point and direction for skeletal modifications.

What remains are the specialized modifications for the heart, lungs, ears, eyes, and other aspects. Without fundamentally altering or mutating the human genetic blueprint, perhaps we can obtain detailed data, or even materials, from biological samples from other universes."

After hearing Alexia's report, Samuel Young's expression didn't change much on the surface, but inside, he felt a complex mix of emotions—mostly gratitude, with a tinge of guilt. 

Atlas's ability to produce Reborn Soldiers and control bio-weapons like Hellhounds and Tyrants was largely due to Alexia's efforts.

At the same time, the rapid expansion of Atlas's influence and the growing demands had placed immense pressure on Alexia and the entire bioengineering department.

After a brief silence, Samuel Young spoke sincerely, "You've all worked hard. As I've said before, having you and your team is a blessing for Atlas. As the department head, if you have any needs, just let me know, and I'll do my best to accommodate them."

"Oh, what needs could I possibly have? Maybe just some extra research funding each year? Or perhaps the boss could personally chip in a few times more for the year-end bonus?" Alexia joked nonchalantly, but then her tone shifted slightly, and she smiled, saying, "But if I think carefully, I do have a special request. Could you hand-sign the paper copies of the biological department's project approvals?"

"Hand-sign them?" Samuel Young immediately sensed her real intentions but still agreed readily, "No problem. Anything else?"

"Ahem... that's all." Alexia waved her hand dismissively and changed the subject, saying, "The virus activity in this batch of Hellhounds is still too strong and can infect the enemy. My team and I will adjust them further to ensure this product is ready for the company's forces as soon as possible.

As for the temporary stabilization of Compound No. 5 and the inhibitor research, we'll have to wait for the new interns the company is sending to help out. We're short-staffed at the moment."

"Understood." Samuel Young had no objections to this. After another brief silence, he asked, "If the Tyrants were to be deployed in combat immediately, how long would you need for further adjustments and preparations?"

"How long?" Alexia answered without hesitation, "Judging by the current feedback data, the Tyrants are already combat-ready. Why do you ask?"

"Excellent. Then have your team prepare the Tyrants as soon as possible because there will be a live combat test soon."

With that, Samuel Young turned and left the observation room.

After the automatic doors opened and closed, Alexia returned to the center of the room and raised her voice, "You all heard the boss's orders. Compile and review all the data to ensure Tyrants 001 and 002 are in peak condition!"

—

At the same time, outside the observation room, in an underground corridor lined with virtual landscape windows on both sides, Samuel Young was walking towards the elevator, giving instructions to the three original sons following him:

"Once Dr. Ashford has completed the adjustments to the Tyrants, I will have them transported to the Enyo for an orbital strike mission. Saint Gilles, you will also board the Enyo to be on standby."

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