When faced with Wei Wei's question, Feng Qi already had an answer in mind.
Between the two rune transformation options, he could only choose one.
The Demon Dragon modification would purely enhance his physical strength, while the Shadowfiend modification would not only improve his physical attributes but also grant him stealth and concealment abilities. Although his combat style leaned more towards the brute strength offered by the Demon Dragon, after careful consideration, he decided that the Shadowfiend's abilities were better suited for this sacrifice route.
This time, in addition to opposing the Institute of Technological Research, he also needed to investigate the Future Research Institute. Functional abilities like stealth and concealment would prove to be more critical.
"Wei Wei-jie, I choose the Shadowfiend."
Hearing his decision, Wei Wei nodded with a smile.
"Without any innate abilities, your priority is self-preservation while gathering intelligence. As for taking on the Institute of Technological Research, that's up to Lü Yue and his team. I agree that the Shadowfiend is better suited to your needs."
"When will the modification begin?" Feng Qi asked curiously.
Wei Wei didn't answer immediately. Instead, she tapped a few buttons on a nearby machine. A moment later, the device produced a document, which she handed to him.
"Follow me to the Gene Division for an initial gene fluid injection. Then, adhere to the adaptive training schedule outlined in this plan. After a month, we'll evaluate your body's data. Only if your body meets the required strength threshold can we proceed with the next phase of the modification."
"Sounds troublesome," Feng Qi remarked.
"It's extremely troublesome," Wei Wei replied. "Although the data you provided is based on your own body's parameters, theory and practice often differ. Even if your body meets the requirements, there's still a post-modification adaptation period. You'll be at risk of life-threatening complications at any time."
"So, it's best if you apply for a three-month leave and stay here at the institute. That way, we can address any emergencies promptly."
After a moment of thought, Feng Qi nodded. "I'll do as you say. I'll return only after the rune transformation is complete."
Wei Wei nodded in approval.
"One more thing: the rune transformation process is going to be extremely painful. You'd better prepare yourself mentally."
Her words brought back memories of the biochemical modifications he endured in the sacrifice route. The pain he experienced back then flashed vividly in his mind. He responded with a faint smile. "As long as the results are worth it, I can endure the pain."
"Alright then, follow me. Let's begin the gene fluid injection."
Feng Qi nodded without hesitation and followed Wei Wei to another lab within the Gene Division.
While Wei Wei busied herself preparing the gene fluid, Feng Qi took out his phone and called Bai Fusheng.
After a brief wait, the call connected, and Bai Fusheng's voice, tinged with curiosity, came through.
"Ah Qi, aren't you at the Crimson Research Institute? What's the matter?"
"Shi-gong, I'd like to request some leave."
"No problem. How many days?" Bai Fusheng agreed readily.
"Three months," Feng Qi replied, pulling the phone slightly away from his ear.
As expected, Bai Fusheng's roar came immediately after:
"Three months? Why not three years? Do you think this academy is your personal playground? Take a few days if you need, but three months? Do you want my position as the principal while you're at it?"
After venting his frustration, Bai Fusheng finally calmed down. "Give me one good reason to approve this, or you can forget about it."
Feng Qi sighed inwardly. He knew he couldn't reveal that he was undergoing rune transformation. Bai Fusheng would likely storm into the Crimson Research Institute if he did. He had to come up with a plausible excuse.
In a light-hearted tone, he replied, "Shi-gong, here's the thing. I'm currently collaborating with the Crimson Research Institute to refine the Planting Deities in the Body concept. We might make a breakthrough soon. If all goes well, I might even earn the Human Contribution Gold Medal for this."
Hearing that Feng Qi was involved in serious research, Bai Fusheng fell silent. After a moment, he relented.
"Fine. I'll approve the leave. If you run into any trouble, let me know immediately. And make sure to earn that medal and bring some glory to my name."
"Of course."
After ending the call, Feng Qi dialed Lin Ran and Mu Qing to inform them that he was working on new research and wouldn't be returning to the academy for some time. With that done, he sat in the lab, waiting for Wei Wei's return.
Several hours later, Wei Wei arrived with a specially formulated gene fluid tailored to Feng Qi's body data.
The gene injection began.
Just as he remembered from the sacrifice route, as soon as the gene fluid entered his body, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion swept over him. He struggled to stay conscious for less than a minute before succumbing to sleep.
While he slept, his body began its transformation under the influence of the gene fluid
...
After completing the gene modification procedure, Feng Qi stayed at the Crimson Research Institute for the next several days.
During this time, he rigorously followed the training regimen outlined in the plan provided by Wei Wei. Each day, he trained intensely in the institute's gymnasium to adapt his body to the modifications.
His diet also underwent a transformation. Gone were the days of indulgence; now, he adhered strictly to the meal plan Wei Wei had devised, ensuring optimal nutritional support for his physical enhancements. Everything was aimed at improving his physical fitness to withstand the upcoming rune transformation.
Half a month flew by.
Inside the gym, Feng Qi was drenched in sweat as he pushed his body to its limits.
The combined effects of the gene fluid and his rigorous training were evident. His physique had undergone a significant transformation. His upper body, now exposed, revealed well-defined muscles, and his overall frame had become more balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
"Beep, beep, beep. Strength training complete. Proceed with recovery and adjustment," announced the gym's electronic voice system.
Hearing the prompt, Feng Qi set down the weights, enduring the soreness in his muscles as he walked toward the corner of the gym.
Standing before a nutrient pod, he pressed the activation button. The glass door slid open with a hiss. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.
With practiced ease, he connected the pod's soft tubes to his body and bit down on the breathing apparatus. As the green holographic display on the glass lit up, a scanning beam swept over his body, assessing his condition.
"Scan complete. Current status: extreme fatigue. Initiating repair and recovery."
As the automated voice spoke, a blue liquid began to rise from the bottom of the pod, quickly filling it.
Floating in the nutrient-rich liquid, Feng Qi closed his eyes, allowing the pod to work on rejuvenating his exhausted body.
This recovery process had become a daily routine for him over the past two weeks. Without it, the high-intensity training could have caused irreparable damage, jeopardizing the success of the upcoming rune enhancement.
Several hours later, the nutrient solution drained, and the pod door opened with a soft chime. Feng Qi stepped out, feeling reinvigorated and refreshed. The fatigue that had weighed on him was entirely gone.
His next stop was the Crimson cafeteria, where he had a nutritious lunch. Afterward, he returned to his room and booted up the computer connected to the Crimson Base database.
As of now, he had been granted top-tier access privileges within the Crimson Research Institute. This meant he could peruse all available data, including classified information.
Over the past few days, he had spent hours combing through these records, deepening his understanding of the Future Research Institute.
Much of the information he uncovered had not been included in Wei Wei's earlier messages. It became clear why Wei Wei had suspected that the Future Research Institute might be under the influence of domain forces.
The most suspicious figure was none other than the current director of the Future Research Institute, Li Xingchen.
Li Xingchen's life story was indeed inspirational on the surface. After being injured on the front lines and forced into early retirement, he didn't let despair consume him. Instead, he taught himself advanced sciences and worked his way into the Future Research Institute, eventually rising to the position of director.
However, as Feng Qi delved deeper into the records, glaring inconsistencies began to emerge.
The previous director of the Future Research Institute had strongly opposed Li Xingchen's promotion. Yet, this individual had mysteriously died, their cause of death officially listed as sudden cardiac arrest with no apparent reason.
This manner of death bore an uncanny resemblance to the assassination methods of the Institute of Technological Research.
Considering this, Feng Qi began to suspect that Li Xingchen's rapid rise to power might have been orchestrated by the Institute of Technological Research. If that were the case, then the Future Research Institute might already be under the control of domain forces backing the Institute of Technological Research.
There were further red flags. After assuming leadership, Li Xingchen initiated sweeping reforms within the Future Research Institute.
Wei Wei had previously mentioned in her messages that Li Xingchen recruited a large number of former frontline soldiers with domain experience, training them to replace the institute's original personnel.
In essence, Li Xingchen had established his own faction within the institute, eliminating obstacles and consolidating his authority.
This explained why the Future Research Institute, once the leading institution in Future City, had fallen behind the Institute of Technological Research in terms of technological advancements over the years.
All the evidence pointed to a deeply compromised Future Research Institute.
However, there was still one unresolved mystery: why did the Future Research Institute aid the Crimson Research Institute?
This paradox left Feng Qi with lingering doubts. Li Xingchen's motives remained murky, and his true allegiance was unclear.
Feng Qi decided that once his rune transformation was complete, he would begin building his forces. His first mission would be to investigate and challenge the four resource depots in Future City tied to the Institute of Technological Research.
After poring over the data for a while, Feng Qi glanced at the clock. Deciding it was time for a break, he left the Crimson Base.
His destination for the afternoon was Xincheng High School, where he planned to catch up with Old Wang.
More importantly, he intended to relay the information Old Wang had left for him in the previous timeline.
On this timeline, Old Wang's focus remained on deciphering The Flesh Sacrifice. Given Feng Qi's current highest-level clearance within the Crimson Research Institute, he encountered no obstacles while passing through the base's multiple layers of security checks.
By the time he arrived at the base's main gate, a magnetic suspension military vehicle was already waiting for him. Climbing in, he gave the driver his destination, and the vehicle sped off toward Xincheng High School.
By the time Feng Qi returned to the Crimson Base, night had fallen.
After washing up and changing clothes in his room, he headed straight to the training room, once again embarking on high-intensity training.
Earlier, during his trip back to the academy, he had confided his secrets to Old Wang.
As expected, Old Wang's reaction was exactly as he'd anticipated. Without hesitation, he decided to continue decoding the Flesh Sacrifice and promised to report to the Crimson Research Institute once he'd wrapped up his current work.
The seeds of future revelations about Lin Ran and Old Wang had been sown—left for another version of him to uncover in the Dream Realm. Meanwhile, his own task was to follow the predetermined path and persevere.
Sweat trickled down his forehead as he trained, yet the physical exhaustion didn't waver his determination. He diligently followed the broadcast instructions, completing each movement with precision...
One Month Later, Crimson Gene Division Testing Room
Feng Qi accepted the body assessment report from Wei Wei's hands, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"It looks like I'm ready for the rune enhancement experiment."
"Need a day to rest and recover?" Wei Wei asked with a teasing smile.
"No need. I'm ready anytime."
Seeing Feng Qi's calm expression, Wei Wei nodded with a grin.
"Since you're so eager, follow me. The materials and equipment have been prepped. We'll start now."
"Understood."
Feng Qi followed Wei Wei out of the testing room and into the core lab of the Gene Division.
After a brief wait, Wei Wei returned with a team of over ten researchers.
As Feng Qi was instructed to lie down on the modification apparatus, Wei Wei and the team busied themselves with preparations.
"Want anesthesia?" Wei Wei asked, her tone playful as she looked at Feng Qi, now strapped to the operating table.
"Will it affect the procedure?"
"Not at all."
"Then yes, please!" Feng Qi replied without hesitation. He had no intention of enduring unnecessary suffering—doing so wasn't a mark of strength but sheer stupidity.
"Don't get your hopes up too high," Wei Wei warned. "The rune implantation will forcefully reawaken your body mid-procedure, amplifying your sensory perception. It'll still hurt."
"No problem!" Feng Qi replied firmly.
"Good luck, then!" Wei Wei said, injecting a blue liquid into his arm.
Feng Qi's vision blurred, and moments later, he fell into unconsciousness.
When he regained consciousness, his entire body felt like it was being roasted alive. The searing pain made his muscles tremble uncontrollably.
"Why does it hurt so much?" he hissed through gritted teeth.
"This is just the beginning. Surely, you can endure a little pain?" Wei Wei's voice came from somewhere nearby.
"I'm not complaining about the pain," Feng Qi replied, his voice strained. "I can take it. Keep going!"
As Wei Wei had warned, the pain intensified. It felt like an ancient torture—thousands of cuts inflicted on every inch of his skin, each one unbearable.
The rune crystal embedded in his chest seemed to be the epicenter of this torment. It felt like countless ants gnawed at his flesh, the agony leaving him on the brink of suffocation.
Under normal circumstances, such overwhelming pain would push his body past its limits, forcing him into unconsciousness. However, his heightened sensory awareness kept him painfully lucid.
Amid the agony, he could distinctly feel the rune crystal melding with his body, becoming an extension of himself—a controllable part of his being.
The crystal began modifying his body, injecting energy into his cells while transforming his physiology. It was akin to creating an environment for itself to thrive—a brutal, destructive process that nearly obliterated the "environment" in the process.
Throughout this ordeal, Wei Wei periodically injected him with energy stabilizing fluid to help harmonize his body with the rune crystal. If the crystal injected too much energy and his body became overwhelmed, she would forcibly remove the crystal, allowing his body to recover before re-implanting it.
Each time the rune crystal was removed, Feng Qi would immediately pass out. When it was reinserted, he would be jolted awake, plunged back into a cycle of relentless torment.
The process stretched over an entire day, yet the rune enhancement was still incomplete.
By this point, Feng Qi was too drained to speak. Only one word echoed in his mind:
Pain.
But even as exhaustion threatened to claim him, he held on.
Wei Wei had emphasized the importance of willpower during rune enhancement. Those who broke mentally during the process often descended into madness or lost control shortly after the procedure.
Rune enhancement wasn't just about fusing the body with the rune crystal—it was also a battle of dominance, where the host had to tame the crystal through sheer determination.
Feng Qi clung to his inner resolve, using his willpower to endure the onslaught of pain and keep his mind intact.
He didn't know how much time had passed when Wei Wei's weary voice finally reached him:
"Well done, kid. You've broken the Crimson Research Institute's record for rune enhancement. Completed in one go."
Opening his eyes, Feng Qi stared at the glaring lights above, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Doesn't it usually take multiple sessions?"
"Not just multiple sessions—usually dozens. Most subjects need several breaks between procedures to avoid mental collapse. You, however, endured the entire process in one shot. I must say, your willpower is extraordinary."
Feng Qi: ...
Wei Wei removed her mask and leaned close, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"Not satisfied? Should I throw in a complimentary castration surgery to compensate you?"
Hearing this, Feng Qi raised an imaginary middle finger in his mind.