Priam
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Chapter 173: Awesomeness is in my Genes
🕑 Added 2024-01-13 18:11:05 +0000 UTCI had to be careful when writing this chapter to avoid talking nonsense! I hope my hours of research were sufficient, but if you see any mistakes, feel free to point them out!
By the way, I posted a survey yesterday for the future name of Sphinx. Two are almost tied, so don't hesitate to vote if you haven't already.
Enjoy!
*
Blueberry deftly flipped the trout in the stone container, ensuring it soaked in the marinade. The preparation had been intricate, calling for maple syrup and berry juice, graciously provided by Priam, along with a rhizome powder. Louis had assisted in gathering the ingredients, the old man developing an unexpected passion for gardening. According to him, every human needed to handle the soil at some point before returning to it.
The bear didn't necessarily share the old man's patience or philosophy, but he had to admit that the ingredients from Elysium tantalized his appetite. The scent of maple syrup was divine, and the berry juice… at the thought, Blueberry licked his lips. He had always been fond of berries.
A delightful aroma wafted to his nostrils, signaling that the cooking was perfect. Without hesitation, Blueberry removed the container from the fire and sat beside the flames. Even in this position, his head towered nearly three meters high. The flames were comparatively small, but he enjoyed watching them. As a wild beast, he had always feared fire. Appreciating this spectacle reaffirmed that he had become more than a mere animal.
Satisfied, he delicately used one of his claws to extract a fillet from the trout. He brought the piece to his mouth and closed his eyes.
As his mouth sealed shut, the bear's ears trembled, and he began swaying back and forth, on the verge of singing. The simple bare necessities…
His taste buds vibrated under the delight and the myriad sensations emanating from the fillet. The maple syrup exploded in his mouth, bringing caramelized and floral notes that mingled with the berry juice. Its tangy taste blended with the rhizome – a kind of ginger – he had used. Their alliance created a piquant and spicy flavor, both warm and refreshing.
Finally, the fish melted in his mouth, releasing its aromas and pulsing a wave of aether throughout the bear's body.
VIT +2
Lvl Up: [Delicate Palate] lvl 38
PERC +2
DEXT +1
Lvl Up: [Retronasal Olfaction] lvl 32
PERC +1
DEXT +2
Lvl Up: [Ambrosia Cooking] lvl 7
VIVA +4
DEXT +2
MEM +3
It was the best dish the bear had ever eaten, and the System seemed to agree. His epic skill [Ambrosia Cooking] allowed him to boost attributes by preparing a feast, and it was the first time he had gained two attributes points.
He leaned towards the rest of the trout, determined to relish the second, still-warm fillet, when he caught a strange smell. The scent of a hungry person.
Blueberry focused before smiling.
"There's a second piece left," he announced.
Silence answered him, and he shrugged. "Oh well, if nobody wants it, I'll take it."
"Wait!"
The bear smiled. A shadow dancing in the flickering flames grew into a human form. Suddenly, the dark shades of the silhouette dissipated to reveal Jasmine.
The young woman approached Blueberry before sitting next to him. The first time she had done this, he had been surprised because she didn't smell of fear. Most people worried about the proximity of a beast capable of decapitating them with a single move, but not Jasmine.
The assassin had explained that the only item that had accompanied her during her childhood was a plush creature resembling him. For that reason, she felt at ease in the company of the bear, and the feeling had become mutual. There was a contained wildness in the young woman that appealed to Blueberry. For someone who had grown up in an ecumenopolis, Jasmine was remarkably untamed.
"I thought I managed to erase my scent. How did you find me this time?" she asked, blowing on the trout fillet.
"My new Title, [Bonfire Cook], lets me sense people who crave my food. It gives me some clues about their preferred flavor, and I can deduce their identity."
"Your trout's aroma fills the entire clearing; I can't be the only one hungry," observed Jasmine.
Blueberry was well aware of that. He could feel the eyes of the hoplites building barricades behind him.
"You're the only one I'm willing to share with."
The young woman raised an eyebrow. "You, wanting to share food? Just admit you plan to ask Priam for more ingredients, claiming I ate everything."
Blueberry didn't like lying and decided to remain silent. Nevertheless, he crossed his arms in protest.
"By the way, a suspicious individual is also hungry," he whispered. For a being of his size, he could sometimes be very discreet.
With closed eyes, Jasmine was too focused on her food to respond.
"There's a young woman who also dreams of sinking her teeth into this trout fillet, and she's right at the edge of Log-a-rhythm's domain," Blueberry continued, seeing that Jasmine wasn't taking the bait.
"What?!" Jasmine opened her eyes, quickly swallowed, and turned to Blueberry. "Are you sure? How do you know it's a young woman?"
The bear smiled, seeing that his information intrigued Jasmine.
"My Title indicates that her current tastes are slightly modified because she's in her ovulation period. It only applies to female bears, so I assume it's a woman?"
Jasmine shook her head. "I'm not sure that applies to all living species, but whatever. It must be Eve avoiding the base. That's why I couldn't locate her since yesterday!"
Jasmine groaned before shrugging and biting into the fish again. The sound she made while savoring her meal would have made Rose blush.
Blueberry took it as a compliment.
"Why do you dislike Eve?" he asked as Jasmine licked the bottom of the stone bowl.
"... I distrust all rivals," Jasmine answered after surveying the surroundings.
"You don't distrust Priam or Kazuki."
"Kazuki is an honorable warrior as long as you don't cross his limits. I pity the fool who will lay a hand on his wife. Priam is a dreamer, eyes set on the stars and the Zenith. I've made the mistake of forcing him to avert his gaze, and I won't do it again."
"And Eve?"
"I can't fully figure her out, but my female instinct tells me she's an arriviste. Just look at her build. Deception, secrecy, illusion... How can you trust that kind of woman?"
"You hide in the shadows," Blueberry pointed out.
Jasmine shot him a dark look. "I conceal my presence before slashing my target's throat. It's swift and straightforward. Occasionally, I charm them to lower their guard. You should worry when I'm invisible, not when I'm here. Since she arrived, I have spent half my days making sure I'm not in an illusion."
Blueberry shrugged; he had nothing to hide. Unless Eve threatened the trout population in the river near Log-a-rhythm, he had no concern about her.
"And Priam?"
Jasmine tensed imperceptibly. "What about Priam?"
"He doesn't like her. I can sense it. Not at the smell level – he masters that with Micro. But he doesn't care about her."
"He spends all his time trying to upgrade his race."
Jasmine tried to steer the conversation away, and Blueberry accepted.
"I thought he could borrow equipment from the hoplites?"
"He did, but even so... It's complicated," sighed Jasmine.
*
"Bordel de putain de merde," Priam roared, resisting the urge to tear apart the hoplite mecha. The armor was a scientific marvel in its own right, a creation of hoplite scientists aiming to equip their warriors for any conceivable situation.
One such situation was the presence of ionizing radiation in Elysium, capable of damaging the hoplites' DNA. Cancer would have affected the soldiers' performance. Worse still, if the mission was to last several years, they were supposed to be able to reproduce between themselves. However, ionizing bombardment could reduce the ability of cells to replicate DNA properly.
A hoplite child with a genetic anomaly would have created a number of problems during the mission. To deal with this situation, the mechas were equipped with - among other things - a medical unit designed to analyze and treat the cells and everything they contained. It was a recent addition, and one that Kazuki's mecha lacked.
Upon discovering this, Priam had almost danced for joy. Two days later, his hopes were dashed.
In the beginning, things went well. His add-on had quickly absorbed the hoplite literature on genetics. Thanks to his mental attributes and [Eidetic Memory], Priam had become a savant on the subject, engaging in riveting discussions with one of the hoplites serving as a medical expert. The presence of a geneticist wasn't a coincidence. All Titan-class hoplites were required to wear multiple hats: architect, physician, psychologist, physicist, mechanic, programmer, and more, boosting the mission's chances of success.
According to the expert, hoplites had spent centuries refining their genome, successfully crafting a Tier 1 race: the Titan class. The hoplite serum Priam had ingested before the Reunion was proof of their progress.
With his System's help, Priam had spent a day compiling available data and theorizing a method to elevate his race. Initially, the challenge seemed complex but not insurmountable. The first step was gathering genetic data from the three Tier 1 races: High Human, Royal Empyrean, and MKX Arkanian.
Priam had begun with his own genetic material. The mecha had used a synthetic graphene-based substrate to create nanometer-sized holes. Submerged in a conductive liquid, traversed by an electric current, the substrate allowed DNA strands to pass through. Different strands altered the electric current in various ways, and measuring these disturbances enabled the sequencing of the entire DNA.
His genome had been compiled by the mecha's AI. While [Priam's System] could have handled it, it would have taken considerable time. Despite the exceptional algorithmic structure of his system, it remained limited by Priam's mental attributes.
As DNA comprised four bases, corresponding to two bits, and a High Human being an evolved human, Priam's DNA contained over six billion base pairs, nearly thirteen billion bits, or 1.6 GB.
The mecha's AI, running on a quantum computer, the compilation was as quick as its interpretation was disappointing. Even as a High Human, Priam's DNA contained some redundant or non-functional elements, like an average human. During the Tier up of his race, the System had removed faulty genes and added useful ones, but left Priam with no user manual.
Therefore, Priam had a perfect map of his DNA but didn't understand the purpose of specific genes. Understanding them was crucial if he wished to acquire Empyrean or Arkanian genes in his DNA.
Attempting to modify his DNA without comprehension was like blindly replacing car parts. Swapping an engine for a windshield wiper was tedious, but when it came to his own body, it was worse.
Fortunately, he could use his Potential to obtain information on each of his genes. This laborious and repetitive task was well-suited to his add-on.
[Genome Analyzed: 37%]
POT -152
A complete genome analysis would take two days, a short duration considering that before the apocalypse, humanity hadn't come close to analyzing the entire human genome.
Overcoming this difficulty, Priam had smiled before starting to compile the genomes of Jasmine and Myuri. Their genetic code was relatively close to that of a human, raising Priam's hope of selecting interesting genes.
The real difficulty arose later. To test the feasibility of his theory, Priam had attempted to modify one of the DNA sequences in one of his cells. The hoplite mecha had used a molecular scissor to introduce a local modification to the genome.
Priam's cell had promptly crushed the tool.
After about ten unsuccessful attempts, Priam had left his internal world to find the medic.
"Is there a problem?"
"The genetic scissor is ineffective on my cells."
"Hmm, you too?"
"Me too?"
"We brought one of our latest genetic enhancement serums to the Heart," the hoplite revealed, referring to Kazuki. "It proved ineffective. My theory is that beyond a certain threshold of constitution, the System is compelled to modify the aetheric code of cells to increase their resistance. Genetic scissors clash with this passive constitution."
Having surpassed five hundred constitution points, Priam and Kazuki were beyond the reach of mundane methods.
"Couldn't Kazuki disable his own immunity with Micro II?" At this stage, the Supremacy was supposed to manipulate vitality for faster healing. The medic had shook his head.
"It's too 'deep' for this stage. His words."
"... Damn. I guess I'll try another method."
Hoplite technology had advanced to the point where it could use nanobots, manipulated viruses, and even quantum resonance to modify the genome. Priam had tested each method one after another until they were exhausted.
None worked. A wall had just appeared a few meters from the finish line. Even if his add-on succeeded in merging the three Tier 1 races to create a perfect genome, potentially leading to a Tier 2 race, it was pointless if Priam couldn't change his own race.
"Bordel de putain de merde !"
Priam exited the mech, wearing a dark expression. He needed this race change, and he needed it fast. Every skill level-up brought him closer to a seventh Tribulation and thus his death.
Reaching the riverbank, Priam knelt before plunging his head into the cold water. The shock woke him, partially dispelling his pessimism. There had to be a solution.
"Got a problem?"
Hearing his rival's voice, Priam almost grimaced. He wasn't in the mood for pretense. If only I could crush her head against my knee, it would take my mind off things...
"My constitution is too high for hoplite methods to modify my genome," Priam revealed, rising.
"Oh. Can't you create a skill to deal with that?"
"As a last resort, maybe. But it would likely be an Epic or Legendary skill. The attributes it gives might trigger a seventh Tribulation. Of course, I could ask someone to create that skill, but it would cost a lot of Potential without knowledge."
Elysium reduced the cost, but most people had very little Potential. Priam only had plenty thanks to his Achievements. Similarly, not everyone had a system and a perfect memory to become an expert in genetics in a single day.
Eve nodded. "The hoplite medic could, but I forb..." She glanced over her shoulder before furrowing her brow. "I advise you against calling him. I don’t trust him."
Priam almost burst out laughing. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
"I'll find a solution," Priam replied. "What did you want?"
"It's starting."
Priam checked the timer before grimacing.
"May luck be with us..."
Event: Necromoon
The Necromoon returns for vengeance.
Competing with one of the Seven Great Concepts for dominion over 'Soul,' their clash promises collateral damage.
The dead awaken.
The night stretches on.
Terror has a name.
The crimson twilight begins.
—
An event appears in your zone!
Within it, you must abide by the event's rules.
Feats are optional but earn points for exchangeable rewards.
To exit the event, leave the zone.
Rule (Tier 0):
Resist the Necromoon's corruption.
Feats:
Survive until the end of the event.
Survive the Necro hordes.
Kill the Necromoon's envoys.
???
Reward:
Access to the Sun Shop (1 point).
Good luck!
As soon as the announcement ended, night fell and cold came. At its zenith, the Necromoon pulsed, generating a ripple. A crimson wave ravaged the sky, erasing stars and covering the cosmos in an unfathomable darkness film. Visually, the firmament remained black, but Priam knew a barrier now enveloped a portion of the world. Escaping wouldn't be easy.
Before he could worry further, the crimson wave hit the protection around the clearing, shattering it. The next moment, it struck Priam, knocking him to the ground. Apart from the physical shock, he felt an unpleasant substance streaming over his skin. Oil?
Lvl Up: [Necromoon Resistance] lvl 5
VIT +3
WILL +3
META(END) +3
"Fuck." The substance dried quickly as an intense cold seeped through him. Priam got up to survey the clearing. Kazuki and Eve were the only ones in sight. It was agreed that the rest of the base would stay in Log-a-rhythm at the event's beginning, and everyone listened.
Priam dispelled his misty garment and created a cloak of flames. The fire cleansed his skin, and he sighed in relief, feeling the malevolent influence and the frost recede.
Suddenly, his instincts shivered. In the dark crimson night, without the camouflage of Log-a-rhythm, his flames were visible from afar. He met Eve's gaze and swallowed at the sight of fear in her eyes. Less than two seconds after their appearance, Priam deactivated his flames. Too late.
The forest trembled under distant howls.
Event: Necromoon
First wave:
A horde masses near Log-a-rhythm.
Defend your territory.
Reward:
200 points
*
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 420
Constitution 794
Agility 446
Vitality 684 (+4)
Perception 654
MENTAL:
Vivacity 383
Dexterity 475
Memory 218
Willpower 836 (+4)
Charisma 499
META:
Meta-affinity 408
Meta-focus 326
Meta-endurance 260 (+4)
Meta-perception 201
Meta-chance 230
Meta-authority 15
Potential: 3278 (-149)
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: PRIMED.
[Tribulation]: Six Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 170 days 1 hours 43 minutes 7 seconds.
Comments
PriÀm
True, but right now he's a few attribute points away from a seventh Tribulation and therefore death. He therefore needs to avoid death before upgrading his race to Tier 2.
Lijwent
If two days passed, didn't he waste a death by not dying? He could get free resistance by dying in his sun for example
Baconwargod
Huh? There wasn’t a fight this chapter nor was any of this related to those instincts.
Jonas
Thanks for the great chapter
Lukas Buchhardt
Thanks for the chapter. Can’t wait to see Priam challenge his tribulations 🙌🏻
Amazon Shopper
priam feels to be getting more emotional as of late. like, more emotional then a teenage girl who's parents refuse to let them to a make-up store. are his mental stats regressing? He seems to be developing poor fight/flight instincts-even though he should have the dragon part for that
Timy Binker
Thanks for the chapter!
PriÀm
Omg I was tired... Thanks, corrected!
Bakerbob
I'm still wondering if Eve deserve a gruesome death, simple death, enslavement to sphinx once saved or crippling in some way. Maybe find if a rival god needs a sacrifice for incentive to mess with Sumstreh.
Andrew
Thank you!
LIMBO
Blueberry liking berries… as a bear… you don’t say…
Derze
Priam, my boy. you fucked up. literally lighting a fire to point where u are.lol
Dungeonborn
Maybe he doesn’t consider it as he doesn’t want to waste his merits for this onetime solution
Disclancer
Having so much fun! :)))
Disclancer
Only half way through, but I'll forget, by genetic scissors do you mean restriction enzymes? I'm leaning heavily on my decade old genetic degree and 4/5th off an abandoned medical degree with this chapter. Gene sequencing sounds like it's come a long way, gone are the days off good old Sanger sequencing. I would also suggest that priam seems have skipped the importance off epigenetics on how genes actually function in situ
bcd051
Did you mean Delicate Palate instead of Delicate Palace?
_mori
Doesn’t Priam have the medic title? I think it’s merit allowed him to operate on anyone so long as he had their consent? Why doesn’t that work on his own cell?
Baconwargod
Interesting excited for the upcoming fight.
