BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM - Chapter 887: Would it be worthwhile? (2)

[Each brain crystal power encapsulates a microcosmic ecosystem of mana flux that interacts with the host’s mana flow. Merging two powers isn’t simply intertwining strands; it’s akin to creating a new symphony from two distinct musical compositions. It needs a delicate balance of the tonal structure, and the arrangement must be done with surgical precision. ]

[The cost of DNA points hinges on a multifactorial algorithm that considers genetic compatibility, energetic sustainability, and the potential for latent ability amplification. This is further complicated by the need to keep genomic stability, as excessive strain can lead to an unscheduled apoptosis cascade, threatening the entire organism. ]

<Are you saying I might die? I could always die whenever I merged a power?>

[You could have died even when getting stat points. Why did you think I had to reduce the number of stats you gained when gaining neural links? I told you this already.]

<Right. >

[The problem here is that the DNA theories at play here are not simply Mendelian. We’re looking at mana-induced hypermutation potentials, epigenetic alterations due to mana exposure, and the possibility of mana imprinting at the quantum level. I can try to make things as you would like them to come out, but the result depends on many factors, essentially on what I find myself in front of. ]

<You could have simply said that. >

Somehow, Erik felt as if the system was smirking. <I could’ve, but now that I don’t need to talk to you like a robot, can I at least have a little bit of freedom?>

Erik didn’t reply to that.

<In essence, you don’t know what will come up, but you will try to make the powers as close as I want them? >

[Yes. That’s what I always did.]

Right. Erik already suspected that choosing the right brain crystal powers to combine has also influenced the outcome.

[There is one thing you are forgetting,] the biological supercomputer said.

<And what would that be? >

[You have a new power-one that you have never used.]

<Right, I can change brain crystal powers now. But how will that help me with this matter? >

[You may lose intelligence by sacrificing Hais’ brain crystal power, and that would make your clones start with a lower intelligence base. But you can, if you have enough DNA points, delete the Brain Crystal Powers’ flaws.]

Erik was shocked and pleasantly surprised to hear that. <Does this means I can make it so my clones get all my physical stats? >

[Yes, but you can do more than that. It’s only a theory, and I have yet to make all the calculations, but…]

<But what? > This time, it was June who asked that question. The biological supercomputer was a little frustrating. It was to the point that the clone preferred it when it talked to Erik, as it always did.

[I think there is a way for you to give the clones a brain crystal.]

Silence reigned in Erik’s and June’s minds. What the system said was akin to a revelation-a prophetic one at that.

If he could give the clones a brain crystal, it meant he wouldn’t have to avoid absorbing brain crystal powers anymore, as he could give them to his clones for them to use.

Only the clones created after he merged the brain crystal power with the cloning ability would have them, yet the possibility itself was great.

He could effectively have clones with multiple brain crystal powers; he wouldn’t even need to spend money to arm his soldiers.

<How confident are you to make that? >

[I’m pretty confident, but there’s a problem. You will have to sacrifice the astral wolf.] <What? Why?>

[It’s the astral wolf that gave me this idea. The astral wolf is a mana construct, but as you have seen, it can also create venom. This resulted from merging many mana-focused powers into one that was already deeply mana-focused. Somehow, all those merging made it so that the astral wolf developed a brain crystal, albeit a mana one; the venom is the beast’s power. ] The biological supercomputer paused and pondered once more. Erik was curious about the thoughts and intentions inside the cryptic AI, or whatever obscure entity it truly was. [The idea would be to modify the astral wolf and turn it into a sort of astral brain crystal. To merge it with the Chimeric Biometal Soldier brain crystal power, would give the new clones a sort of astral brain crystal. This should, in theory, work like the real one. Then you should change the resulting powers to allow the clones to get all your stats, and then you could merge whatever you want. ]

Erik ran a hand through his hair, a frown creasing his forehead. <Something’s nudging at the back of my mind, whispering that this brief experiment might come with a hefty price tag. >

<Yeah! You have been strangely optimistic, but you didn’t talk about the problems that may arise, > June said.

A pause, then a sound that resembled a human sigh filled the space in Erik’s mind. Erik stopped in his tracks, his frown deepening.

<Did you just sigh? >

[Yes. Is it weird?]

<Well, for starters, you’re an AI lodged in my brain. Since when do you express human actions

like sighing?>

[I’m just mimicking you. Would you prefer if I articulated my thoughts in binary code?]

<God! No! > Erik sighed. <It’s OK! >

The biological supercomputer smirked and resumed its explanation.

[The expenditure of DNA points will be high. I won’t deny that. I think you will barely be able to change both powers and give the clones the parallel will and the strength enhancer brain crystal power. But I think the result would be clones able to get brain crystal powers and make neural links, and they should also have higher strength and intelligence compared to you. But there are also some other risks.]

Erik’s face darkened. <Don’t beat around the bush for fuck’s sake! >

[Yes. There are high chances you are going to turn into an abomination.]