At night, Ethan was in his laboratory. The oil lamps cast a glow over the metal tables covered with instruments: forceps, scalpels, flasks, and labeled vials.
The news from the black iron mine had already been delivered. Eleven enemy cultivators had broken in through the eastern flank. Ten Vespers held them off to the end… and nine of them didn't return. The grenades worked, yes, but the cost was brutal. To Ethan, it wasn't just a number.
It was time to resume the research that had been pushed aside by urgency: Compound D.
On the table lay different samples from the preserved body of the giant black wolf. In the vial labeled "Sample 03-D. Posterior Lobe Marrow – Compound D," there was a portion of marrow, with a notable trace of Compound D. That section had been extracted from a femur, a bone which, due to its size and density, contained the highest concentration of the substance in its marrow.
The samples, which once glowed under AION's observation, had now lost part of their presence. Approximately 40% had vanished, as if it had evaporated. Predictable, after all. Post-mortem, the vitality contained in the compound would fade.
With a sigh, Ethan brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, revealing his glasses, as he observed the samples with a thoughtful expression.
In front of him, AION projected a holographic screen that unfolded before his eyes, displaying the model of a human body. Figures and graphs floated around it, adjusting precisely as Ethan configured the simulation.
The goal of his plan was clear: to integrate a small amount of Compound D into the human body.
"Compatibility simulation," Ethan ordered, his tone precise, while his eyes focused on the graphs adjusting to each new parameter he added.
"Conditions: injection of Compound D. Adult human body, standard physical level."
[Initializing process...]
The human figure in the simulation began to change rapidly. The crystalline substance of Compound D integrated into the circulatory system, flowing through the body and activating the first phases of the process.
[Phase 1: Increase in muscular strength and endurance. The figure transformed, its muscles expanding, gaining 300% more power. The tendons tensed like cables, as the body gained greater musculature.]
[Phase 2: Enhancement of speed and reflexes. The figure began to move at astonishing speeds. What were once slow and controlled movements turned into flashes—500% faster than normal speed. The muscles reacted almost instantly, with superhuman agility that surpassed the limits of possibility.]
[Phase 3: Sensory enhancement. The subject's senses intensified radically. The eyes began to focus on distant details, the ears perceived sounds at inaudible frequencies, and the nose detected scents kilometers away. Sensory information was processed at an incredible speed.]
[Phase 4: Accelerated regeneration. Surface wounds healed instantly. Skin repaired itself in seconds, and internal damage healed more quickly. The body regained vitality at an astonishing rate, renewing itself as if in a constant state of regeneration.]
But as the effects reached their peak, the graphics began to change. The indicators started showing signs of overload.
[Phase 5: Critical side effects. Nervous system overload. Extreme fatigue. The figure began to stagger, its muscles excessively tense, as if trying to keep up with the enhancements. The eyes lost focus, breathing became erratic, and the body seemed on the verge of collapse. Tremors took over the figure as the graphs showed a drastic drop in performance.]
[Phase 6: Post-process reaction. Temporary loss of physical capabilities. Muscle pain, dizziness, and disorientation. The figure collapsed, unable to remain upright. Though it had surpassed human limits, the body was now completely exhausted. The effects of the injection lasted only 10 minutes, and the side effects would leave the user vulnerable and weakened for a long period of time.]
[Full analysis: Compound D generates notable physical enhancements during the first 10 minutes, but the cost is high. The nervous system becomes overloaded, and the body suffers from extreme fatigue and nausea. It requires considerable recovery time. Not recommended for prolonged use or continuous combat.]
Ethan kept his eyes fixed on the holographic screen, watching as the data reflected the impressive advantages of Compound D: superhuman performance for the user. However, the side effects were too dangerous—an imminent threat to anyone who used it.
But it wasn't without gains. Through observation, Compound D seemed to overload the body only to vanish at the end, as if evaporating. This inexplicable dissipation intrigued him.
Ethan placed his hands beneath his chin, thoughtful. Previous data showed compatibility in the human body, but in the end, like a fleeting sigh, the compound would fade.
"Could it be because of the presence of Qi?" Ethan wondered, as his mind quickly analyzed the implications. In earlier tests, AION had discovered a possible interaction between Compound D and Qi—but if that were true, it would explain why the compound dissipated when entering a normal human body without Qi.
"I need to run more tests on this," Ethan thought as his fingers slid across the table's surface. "Preserving Compound D in the body is a promising path, but for now I need something immediate. With the current research, I could develop an agent that works like a stimulant dose."
A substance similar to adrenaline—but much more potent. Something that not only enhanced physical strength but also speed, endurance, sensory sharpness, and regenerative ability. In short, a full-spectrum boost for all human faculties, designed to elevate capabilities to superhuman levels.
Ethan paused, his mind calculating the next steps.
Over the following days, Ethan immersed himself completely in the study of Compound D. He tried to understand its limits, its behavior, its compatibility. However, the results were not encouraging. Despite his efforts, it became clear that a high dose of Compound D caused extreme overload in the body… followed by multisystem failure and near-instant death.
After multiple failed tests and a long process of fine-tuning, he managed to identify a functional dose: a fraction of the original compound—potent enough to produce noticeable effects but without crossing the lethal threshold.
He had found the most stable formula so far. Though it gave up the most spectacular benefits—such as drastic speed increases or advanced cellular regeneration—in exchange, it offered something realistic and safe.
The subject received a threefold increase in functional strength, accompanied by notable improvements in auditory and olfactory perception, as well as accelerated regeneration for minor wounds. It wasn't a miracle, but it was an effective boost. A solid first step.
Together with AION, he developed the first experimental prototype. It wasn't a final serum, but it was a preliminary version of a controlled human enhancement agent.
[Stabilized formula simulation, version 1] AION announced in its neutral voice. On the screen appeared a list of components, along with proportions, absorption rates, and estimated effects.
[PROTOTYPE FORMULA-1]
[Ginseng extract: Adaptogen known to enhance physical and mental endurance. Helps the body withstand the initial impact of Compound D.
Ocimum sanctum extract: Nervous system stabilizer. Reduces stress and anxiety caused by induced overload.
Ginger root extract: Natural stimulant. Improves circulation and accelerates thermogenesis, facilitating absorption and activation of Compound D. Contributes to overall performance.
Ethyl alcohol: Dissolves and stabilizes active compounds. Allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream.
Willow bark extract: Contains salicin, a natural pain reliever. Eases pain and discomfort caused by the compound's activation.]
Ethan carefully read through the data. The next step would be to test it… under real conditions.
In front of him, an amber liquid shimmered gently inside a vial, held in place by a metal stand atop the steel table. It was the D-Serum.