This Game Is Too Real-Chapter 743 Alpha Protozoans

Blood Mountain Peak.

The Beast King in a white robe gazed down at the foot of the mountain, his lips slowly curving into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

An unsurprising outcome.

These old things had been degenerating for too long.

Clutching the relics of the Era of Prosperity, they indulged in dreams spun from the remnants of the old civilization, forgetting that this place was no longer the peaceful times before the battles but rather the bloodthirsty wasteland.

As long as they completely discarded their bottom line and all illusions, abandoning everything that could be forsaken, even facing the siege of the decaying old civilization, these youngsters were not without the strength to fight.

The Alliance was a nuisance, but that was all.

They hadn’t abandoned enough, nor were they brave enough.

At least not as much as him, who no longer behaved like a human.

Just then, a deep voice entered the sea of his consciousness, like a humming that seemed to come from deep within the earth.

"They have retreated."

The Beast King nodded slightly, responding in a very soft voice.

"I saw."

"They took the intelligence from the cave, I’m afraid my presence has been exposed," the dull voice said hesitantly, as if considering something.

The Beast King’s eyebrows lifted with interest.

"Are you scared?"

"No," the voice paused for a moment, then spoke slowly again, "but I smell a distasteful scent."

"’That guy’ is getting closer to us."

...

At noon, the Alpha Special Mobile Force issued a retreat order, pulling back the two middle squads that were fighting on Blood Mountain.

The Academy had deployed a total of 300 single-soldier drones, in the end, only 100 were pulled back. The loss of the 200 members of the Alpha Special Mobile Force was even more severe, less than half returned.

And even those who did return were mostly seriously infected.

These wounded were housed at the Front Line Second Hospital, observed and treated by the Alliance Biological Research Institute and the medical teams from the Science Committee.

The composition of the toxic substances and how they breached the Alpha Special Mobile Force’s single-soldier triple protection system also awaited further investigation and research.

While both the highest command of the Allied forces and the various armies outside the Academy had anticipated the outcomes of this first assault, the Academy’s performance in real combat still surprised everyone.

How should I put it?

It felt like a lot of thunder, but little rain.

"It seems those guys up north are nothing special after all."

Watching the Alpha Special Mobile Force withdraw from the front lines, General Babita of the Empire’s eyes showed a hint of disdain.

He suddenly felt his own men were competent.

Not long ago, Duke Garava, stationed in the City of Dawn, had expressed his dissatisfaction with their inaction at the front and urged them to focus more on the battlefield.

Perhaps they should do something to save face for His Majesty the Emperor.

Not only the Imperial officers but even General Lucien, who had recently revised his opinion about those guys, was taken aback by the Academy’s performance.

He didn’t expect that after all the flashy operations, they’d be beaten black and blue and flee from the front lines.

"...Perhaps I should reconsider my assessment of these guys."

Sitting in the airship’s bridge, legs crossed at the knee, Lucien had an intriguing expression on his face as he tore open an ice cream and stuffed it into his mouth.

Of course, there was also another possibility.

These slugs in the marsh were feigning weakness on purpose, portraying themselves as harmless to find an opportunity to fish in troubled waters.

After all, aside from themselves, no one really knew what they were truly thinking.

In fact, about this feigned weakness, it was Lucien who thought too much.

Regarding such an outcome, even the Academy itself was enraged.

For this battle, they made thorough and detailed preparations, yet they were defeated by a group of primitive men armed with stones and sticks—

At least, that’s how it seemed to Yang Kai.

"What the hell happened? With the most powerful equipment at your disposal, you couldn’t even defeat a bunch of mutants?"

Yang Kai, who unusually chose to land the research ship at the military base, found the person in charge of the Alpha Special Mobile Force and said in a scolding tone.

"I’m sorry we disappointed you."

The guy known as Alpha Zero bowed his head, seemingly seriously contemplating his errors, but Yang Kai couldn’t sense a bit of sincerity in his reflection.

Shaking his head, Yang Kai knew that scolding him was a waste of effort and ultimately did not trouble the guy further, waving him away.

After berating the commanders who had devised the battle plan, Yang Kai immediately sought out Chu Guang, who was inspecting the situation at the Front Line Second Hospital, and succinctly explained what had happened to the Alpha Special Mobile Force during the operation.

"...There appears to be a problem with the mutants on Ten Peaks Mountain; they exhibit traits during evolution that we have never seen before. Moreover, based on the samples collected by the front-line troops, we suspect that a lair is hidden deep within Blood Mountain."

After hearing Yang Kai’s summary, Chu Guang nodded.

"We’ve been thinking the same."

Upon hearing this, Yang Kai froze for a moment and stared at him suspiciously.

"How did you know that?"

Chu Guang: "A guess."

Yang Kai: "..."

Watching Yang Kai’s speechless expression, Chu Guang cleared his throat and continued.

"...These minor issues are not the focus; the key is how we now deal with this problem."

Yang Kai grew more serious.

"What’s your opinion?"

"My opinion is... to wait for the experts’ opinions."

As he spoke, Chu Guang looked toward the isolation ward with its doors tightly shut.

The members of the Alpha Special Mobile Force who had been pulled back from the front lines were all lying in there, some already awake but many still not. Heya was inside at the moment, gathering information, and the results were expected soon.

Meanwhile, in the ward, Heya wore a grave expression as she stared at the tablet in her hands.

This was an organic protein molecule she had never seen before, something akin to a virus, but smaller than any known virus, even less than 7 nanometers, with individuals averaging about 5 nanometers.

But that was not the most surprising aspect.

The most baffling thing was that inside this "nameless substance," besides the RNA storing genetic information, there existed a highly-folded, knob-shaped macromolecular structure that could store mechanical potential energy like a spring and release it to the tail by slowly rotating.

At the tail of the substance, there were at least four specially-shaped protein chains. They could do simple mechanical movements driven by the "spring," like the flagella of protozoans, thus allowing the substance to slowly diffuse from areas of low concentration to high concentration!

To make an inappropriate but vivid analogy, this thing was essentially a nanoscale missile! Normally residing within spores, one spore could carry 3 to 7 of these, which would be released once the spore burst, either voluntarily or upon impact.

The internal RNA is its "warhead," the folded large protein molecule is its engine, and the tail-end protein chains are its "propulsion system."

Besides drifting attached to particles, it could also actively complete the "migration" from particle A to particle B.

This characteristic was the most likely direct cause for the material’s ability to breach the filters of the Alpha Special Mobile Force’s gas masks.

After all, it is well known that gas masks containing materials like activated carbon primarily use static adsorption effects to filter "tiny particles carrying harmful substances," so it is not the case that the smaller the particle, the more difficult it is to filter.

According to experimental statistics, particles of 0.3 micrometers are the hardest to filter, hence many times, filtering efficiency is measured by "the filtration efficiency for particles of 0.3 micrometers," such as the meaning of N95, which is "filtering efficiency for 0.3-micrometer particles is above 95%."

Although the trait of "5nm in diameter" itself would not allow the substance to penetrate gas masks, combining it with "able to rely on intrinsic power for free migration" makes it a different story.

According to clinical experiments, these materials left behind a channel constructed of debris between the pores of the gas masks.

It seemed they could calculate the shortest path from the entry to the exit point, like slime fungus in a petri dish seeking food.

However, despite their similarity to viruses in form, this substance adopted an attack strategy on host cells quite different from that of most viruses.

Typical viruses, after injecting their nucleic acid into the host cell, usually use the host cell’s material to first synthesize the replicase and some inhibitory proteins necessary for its own replication, then synthesize the nucleic acid and structural proteins of the offspring virus. The end result is usually complete exhaustion of the host’s somatic cell followed by a horde of offspring to plague the next target.

These special substances, however, initiate a series of operations to insert their genetic material into the host cell’s genetic makeup, like HIV. Yet, their purpose is not self-replication but assimilation of the host, completely transforming the host cell into something else.

As for what specific transformation occurs, that is entirely random.

There are currently 97 observation cases, among which 17 have died, 10 have an exceptional immune system, and thus are unaffected, while the remaining 70 affected show varied traits, with even the site of mutation differing. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

For instance, some people’s nervous system activity suddenly increased by 200%, while others regressed to the cognitive level of an infant. Some even grew an extra finger out of their shoulder—which, relatively speaking, was a simpler issue to deal with; amputation would suffice.

As for more stubborn cases of tissue hyperplasia, such as re-growth after amputation or severe pathological changes in the existing limbs, other medical interventions were necessary.

Not only were the researchers of the Alliance amazed by this condition, but researchers from the Province of Yúnjiānxíng shared this simultaneous surprise, evident on their faces along with the hushed whispers shared with fellow researchers.

"Unbelievable..."

"Made entirely of proteins and nucleic acids, yet it shows the characteristics of life... Can this thing even be categorized as a virus?"

"I wouldn’t suggest using that term... I have never seen a virus that can exhibit characteristics of life without relying on living cells. Misleading terminology could disrupt our research with subjective bias."

"Whether its movement constitutes life activity is debatable, but I agree with your view. How about calling it Alpha Protozoans?"

"...I have no objection."

"Agreed."

Naming it using the code of the Alpha Special Mobile Force who brought it back in flesh seemed fitting.

...

After the brief discussion, the clinical analysis report was finally brought out from the laboratory.

Heya handed the report to Chu Guang, who was waiting at the laboratory entrance, and gave him a simplified overview that he could understand.

"...To sum up, the known characteristics of the Alpha Protozoans include high penetration strength and the ability to alter the genetic material of the infected host. According to our calculations, one would need a constitution attribute of at least 20 points to be completely immune to the infection."

"20-point constitution?" Yang Kai, standing next to Chu Guang, furrowed his brow and asked puzzledly, "What is that?"

Heya didn’t answer the question directly but instead turned her gaze to Chu Guang, her eyes asking if he wished to share the information.

This wasn’t something that needed to be kept secret.

Chu Guang explained succinctly.

"That’s an assessment index used by the Alliance; we’ve set the benchmark for various bodily functions at 5. So, a 20-point constitution means about four times the baseline for metabolism and immune system efficiency... Remember, though, this isn’t a very rigorous index; it’s just for reference."

However, a 20-point constitution being enough for complete immunity to the Alpha Protozoans...

Honestly, their offensive capability seemed somewhat weak.

Additionally, it was obvious that mutants’ constitution exceeded 20 points, as these individuals’ physical conditions started at level 20 to 30; thus, they could be immersed in an environment of Alpha Protozoans without any effect. However, there were still plenty of mutant varieties on Blood Mountain, and these mutants all had substantial combat power and regenerative abilities—it likely meant that Torch had found them another method for stable evolution.

Perhaps by gulping down a big mouthful of soup teeming with the protozoans.

After hearing Chu Guang’s explanation, Yang Kai grasped what a 20-point constitution entailed and nodded thoughtfully.

"I see."

Most of the Alpha Special Mobile Force were ordinary people, and as far as he knew, while they had equipped some prosthetics, they hadn’t undertaken the redundant task of further enhancing their immune systems.

Realizing this, his complexion couldn’t help but shift slightly.

Good lord...

Doesn’t this make them sitting ducks?!

Unaware of what was going through Yang Kai’s mind, Heya continued after seeing no further questions from the two.

"Additionally, regarding the origin tracing of the Alpha Protozoans, we suspect that they are a product of the Mutant Mucor Mother Nest. We’re not yet certain if their actions are under the control of the nest’s consciousness... Personally, though, I lean more toward the view that like spores, they are mostly an unconscious spread and their macro movements are not influenced by a unified consciousness."

She paused, then added,

"In order to facilitate research, we plan to also label the suspected mother nest in Blood Mountain as the Alpha Mother Nest and merge the study of the Alpha Protozoans with it."

"That’s up to you—whatever’s convenient," Chu Guang nodded without asking for the Academy’s opinion and quickly moved on to what concerned him most, "What about the virus’s communicability? Is there a risk of spreading?"

"At the moment, you don’t need to worry about that; after all, they are not true viruses and won’t replicate like viruses do. You can think of it as a warhead installed on a spore missile."

Feeling the analogy might not have been rigorous enough, Heya paused for a moment before adding,

"Of course, this is under the assumption that no new mutations appear, given that the mother nest itself evolves, not to mention that there’s a bunch of lunatics helping it."

Upon hearing the analogy with missiles and warheads, Chu Guang, who had been somewhat perplexed, immediately grasped the distinction between the Alpha Protozoans and the spores.

Clearly, such specialized reports required the interpretation of experts.

"What about the cure?"

Heya replied gravely,

"If it’s just a minor infection, the infected individual can eradicate it themselves by relying on their immune system after leaving the contaminated area. But if their immune system is overwhelmed and most of their stem cells are infiltrated, the infection will become irreversible. At that stage, the host will undergo visible mutations, and cells containing the original DNA will be the errors that need to be removed. Those diseased cells integrated with genetic material from the Alpha Protozoans become the new normal... That’s how you can roughly understand it."

"So... are those guys beyond saving?" Yang Kai looked at the door behind her with a complex expression, wondering what was on his mind.

"That’s not necessarily the case."

Heya’s expression was slightly hesitant as she glanced at the Academy researcher, then at Chu Guang, hesitating for a moment before continuing.

"According to our analysis, the biological prosthetic produced by Xiaoyu can act as a counter-poison. In theory, as long as the host retains even a tiny bit of original cells, it can use them as a template to create a mimicry replica to replace the mutated limbs. However, the mimic body will still have significant differences compared to the original body... So whether or not to use this treatment method, we still need to seek their own opinions."

Moreover, the use of Xiaoyu’s biological prosthetic was currently limited to within Shelter No. 404 for observational purposes of side effects and to control risks and prevent widespread societal controversy.

Whether it could be used outside of the Residents of Shelter No. 404 still required the approval of Chu Guang, the Manager of Shelter No. 404.

Understanding the question in Heya’s eyes, Chu Guang thought for a moment before speaking.

"I have no objections, but Xiaoyu’s biological prosthetic is still in the experimental phase, and all consequences must be borne by the experimenters themselves."

Before the formation of the Sticky Community, the contracting parties had already shared limited data on mucor research-related subjects. And because of the disclosure of related data, the Academy had a certain understanding of Xiaoyu’s characteristics; otherwise, they would not leave such a large Lair unattended.

Therefore, there was no issue of leaking secrets; the harmless treatment plan for mucor was the premise for the establishment of the Mucor Research Community and the reason its headquarters was set in Qingquan City.

Faced with the options thrown by Chu Guang, Yang Kai did not hesitate to agree after only a moment of thought.

"... We have no objections; as long as it can have a positive effect on the raid of Alpha Lair atop Blood Mountain, feel free to try it."

Making such a decision, he bore no psychological burden, after all, in the end, the survivors beneath the Science Committee were merely tools kept by the Academy to achieve their goals.

They never concealed this fact, and the survivors who joined the Alpha Special Mobile Force were already fully aware of their fate.

Knowing they had no chance of becoming researchers, they made the most rational choice early on, erasing the part about the self from their brain tissue, willingly sacrificing themselves to become "sub-entities" under the vast collective of the Alpha Special Mobile Force, exchanging for a more decent living standard for themselves and their families compared to a "hard sustenance."

It was merely a transaction, clear and straightforward in price.

And after becoming a member of the Alpha Special Mobile Force, their bodies no longer belonged to themselves. The will of the superiors was their will, and even if they died like Worker bees, they would have no complaints, at most showing instinctual fear of death, but no excessive complaints or hesitation.

However, Heya did not understand the internal affairs of the Academy and couldn’t help but hesitate over Yang Kai’s decisive decision.

In her understanding, they should at least seek the opinion of the patients and their families.

But seeing Chu Guang nod, she said no more.

After all, it was the outcome she hoped for, and it might not necessarily be a bad thing for the experiment-participating patients...

Chu Guang watched as Heya returned to the isolation ward and then turned to Yang Kai.

"As you’ve heard, the situation atop Blood Mountain is going to be tricky for your Alpha Special Mobile Force, and I guess you won’t prioritize Constitution in your selection criteria for the team," said Chu Guang.

Yang Kai’s eyebrows twitched as he coughed once and said.

"It’s not a problem; just replace the triple defense system with a full protection system, and as long as you don’t breathe in the outside air, that... Alpha Protozoans won’t infiltrate."

"Are you talking about carrying an oxygen cylinder?" said Chu Guang with a weird expression, "Won’t that be too cumbersome?"

And such a thing isn’t something you can immediately conjure from the front line; it takes time to transport equipment from the rear. If the Academy is not prepared with similar equipment, they still have the problem of equipment research and manufacturing to solve.

Chu Guang’s original intention was to hope someone else would attack the position on Blood Mountain. Whether it’s handed over to the Alliance or the Army, it would be better than letting the Alpha Special Mobile Force tough it out in an unfamiliar terrain and grind against the opponent with a "terrain penalty."

But Yang Kai had no intention of giving up.

If he backed down at this point, it would undoubtedly mean admitting the Academy’s inadequacy.

Even if the allies could understand their difficulties, it wouldn’t change the fact that the Academy’s prestige in Sticky Community was damaged.

And according to his knowledge, the Chief Technical Officer was very interested in Sticky Community, even not less than No.0 Shelter. In other words, this is not a minor issue that can be glossed over.

Rather than giving up, he would prefer to have the Alpha Special Mobile Force try again.

After all, those people were not his students; he didn’t even know their names. If they couldn’t take down that position despite their best efforts, it would be their own inadequacy, and it could not be blamed on him.

After weighing his options, Yang Kai suddenly looked up but uttered a sentence that even stunned Chu Guang.

"... If everyone is vaccinated with that biological prosthetic, doesn’t that mean there’s no risk of being infected by the Alpha Protozoans?"

"Theoretically... I don’t know," said Chu Guang, looking at him with a hint of astonishment, as if he were looking at a madman.

Even though players could resurrect, he had never encouraged players to try putting tentacles on themselves or anything like that. After all, those things aren’t without side effects; for example, the healed wounds would turn into Xiaoyu’s sub-entities, among other things.

Yet this guy didn’t care.

"Let’s try it, then!"

Looking towards the tightly closed doors of the isolation room, Yang Kai seemed to be comforting himself, saying indifferently.

"After all, they’ve got nothing left to lose."

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