This Game is Too Real

  Chapter 744 Alpha Protozoa

   Peak of Blood Mountain.

  The beast king in a white robe looked at the foot of the mountain, and the corner of his mouth gradually turned into a faint smile.

   No unexpected results.

   These old things have been corrupted for too long.

  They embraced the relics of the prosperous era, immersed in the dream woven by the relics of the old civilization, but forgot that this is not the pre-war period where singing and dancing was peaceful, but a wasteland that drank blood.

  As long as the bottom line and fantasy are completely discarded, and everything that can be discarded is discarded, even in the face of the encirclement and suppression of the decayed old civilization, the young people are not without strength.

   Alliances are trouble, but that's about it.

  They haven't given up enough, they haven't been brave enough.

   At least not as good as myself who is not a human being.

   At this moment, a deep voice came into his sea of ​​consciousness, like a buzzing from the depths of the earth.

   "Those people retreated."

   Beastmaster nodded, and responded with a very soft voice.

   "I see it."

   "They took away the information in the cave, and my existence may be exposed." There was a hint of hesitation in that dull voice, as if he was worried about something.

  The Beastmaster slightly raised his eyebrows with great interest.

   "Are you scared?"

   "No," the voice paused for a while, then said slowly, "but I smell an unpleasant smell."

   "'That guy' is getting closer and closer to us."

  …

   At 12:00 noon, the Alpha Task Force issued an order to retreat, and withdrew the two squadrons that were fighting on the Blood Mountain.

  The college invested 300 individual drones back and forth, but only 100 were withdrawn in the end. The loss of the 200 Alpha Task Force members was even more severe, with less than half of them withdrawn.

   And even those who were withdrawn were mostly seriously infected.

  These wounded were placed in the No. 2 Front Hospital, where they were observed and treated by the Union Institute of Biology and a medical team from the Scientific Committee.

  The composition of the toxic substance and how it broke through the three-defense system of the Alpha Task Force's individual soldiers still needs further investigation and research.

  Although both the supreme command of the coalition forces and the armies outside the academy had already expected the outcome of this initial battle, the performance of the academy in actual combat still exceeded everyone's expectations.

how to say?

  It feels a little thunderous and rainy.

   "It seems that the guys in the north are nothing more than that."

   Watching the Alpha Task Force that had withdrawn from the front line, General Babita from the Empire had a look of contempt in his eyes.

  He suddenly felt that his people were doing well again.

   Not long ago, the Duke of Galava stationed in Dawn City expressed dissatisfaction with their inaction on the front line and urged them to put more energy on the battlefield.

   Maybe they should do something to win some face for His Majesty the Emperor.

   Not only the officers of the empire were surprised by the performance of the academy, but even General Lium, who had just changed his view of those guys.

   Unexpectedly, this group of guys fled from the front line after being beaten in disgrace by the opponent after a fancy operation.

   "...Maybe I should reconsider my evaluation of these guys."

  Sitting on the bridge of the airship, with his legs crossed on his knees, Lium, with an intriguing expression on his face, tore open an ice cream and stuffed it into his mouth.

  Of course, another possibility is not ruled out.

   These slugs in the swamp are deliberately showing weakness, in order to show that they are harmless to humans and animals, so that they can find opportunities to fish in troubled waters.

   After all, except for themselves, no one knows what they really have in mind.

  Actually, Leum thought too much about deliberately showing weakness.

   Regarding such a result, even the academy itself was furious.

  For this battle, they made full and careful preparations, but they lost to a group of primitive people who fought with stones and sticks—

   At least in Yang Kai's view.

   "What did you do, with the strongest equipment, you can't even defeat a group of mutants?"

   Rarely landed the scientific research ship at the Weifu military base, Yang Kai found the head of the Alpha Mobile Task Force and said in a reprimanding voice.

   "Sorry to disappoint you."

  The guy named Alpha Zero lowered his head, as if he was seriously reflecting on his mistakes, but Yang Kai could not feel the sincerity of reflection from him.

   Shaking his head, Yang Kai knew that scolding him would be a waste of effort, so he finally stopped embarrassing this guy and waved him away.

  After reprimanding the commander who made the battle plan, he immediately found Chu Guang who was inspecting the Second Hospital of the Weifu Military Base, and briefly described the situation encountered by the Alpha Task Force during the operation.

"...the mutants on Mount Ten Peaks are a bit problematic. They have evolved characteristics that we have never seen before. Not only that, but according to the samples taken by the frontline troops, we suspect that there is a monster hidden deep in the Blood Mountain. brood."

   After listening to Yang Kai's statement, Chu Guang nodded.

   "We thought so too."

  Yang Kai was taken aback when he heard the words, and stared at him suspiciously.

   "How do you know?"

  Chu Guang: "Guess."

  Yang Kai: "..."

  Looking at the speechless Yang Kai, Chu Guang coughed lightly and continued.

  “…These trivial issues are not the point, the key is how we deal with this problem now.”

  Yang Kai's expression gradually became serious.

   "What is your opinion?"

   "My opinion is ... waiting for an expert opinion."

   As he spoke, Chu Guang turned his attention to the isolation ward with the door closed.

  The members of the Alpha Task Force who had been withdrawn from the front line were all lying there, some of them had awakened, but many people had not yet awakened. Heya is currently investigating the situation inside, and I believe there will be results after a while.

   At the same time, Heya, who was standing in the ward, stared at the tablet in her hand with a solemn expression.

   This is an organic protein molecule that she has never seen before. It is like a virus, but it is smaller than known viruses, even less than 7 nanometers, and the average individual is about 5 nanometers.

   And this is not the most surprising.

The most incredible thing is that in addition to the RNA storing genetic information, this "unnamed substance" also has a highly folded knob-shaped macromolecular structure, which can store mechanical potential energy like a clockwork, and through slow rotation It releases to the tail.

   And at the tail of the substance, there are at least four protein chains with special shapes. Like the flagella of protozoa, they can perform simple mechanical movements driven by "clockwork", thereby pushing the substance to slowly diffuse from the high-concentration area to the low-concentration area!

   To make an inappropriate but vivid metaphor, this thing is like a nano-scale missile! It usually resides in spores, and one spore can carry 3 to 7 pieces of this stuff, and the spores will be released after active or passive rupture.

  The internal RNA is its "warhead", the folded macromolecular protein is its engine, and the tail protein chain is its "propeller".

  In addition to drifting attached to particles, it can also complete the "migration" from particle a to particle b in an active way.

   And this characteristic is most likely the most direct reason why the substance can break through the gas masks of the Alpha Task Force.

   After all, it is well known that gas masks containing activated carbon and other substances mainly use the electrostatic adsorption effect to filter "tiny particles carrying harmful substances", so it is not that the smaller the particles, the more difficult it is to filter.

According to experimental statistics, particles of 0.3 microns are the most difficult to filter, so in many cases, "filtering efficiency of particles of 0.3 microns" is used as an index to measure the filtering effect. For example, N95 means "filtering of particles of 0.3 microns". Efficiency reaches over 95%.

  Although the characteristic of "5nm diameter" itself is not enough to allow the substance to penetrate the gas mask, but it is not good to say that it can rely on endogenous power to complete free migration if it is added.

   According to the performance in clinical experiments, these substances left a channel of debris between the pores of the gas mask.

   They seem to be able to calculate the shortest path from entrance to exit, like slime molds looking for food in a petri dish.

   But the strange thing is that although this thing is very similar to a virus in shape, it is completely different from most viruses in its attack strategy against the host.

  After the general virus injects nucleic acid into the host cell, it usually uses the material of the host cell to first synthesize the replicase and some inhibitory proteins necessary for its own replication, and then synthesize the nucleic acid and structural protein of the progeny virus. The final result is usually to completely drain the body cells of the host, and then a group of disciples and grandchildren go to harm the next target.

   But these special substances write their own genetic material into the genetic material of the host cell through a series of operations, just like the HIV virus.

  However, their purpose of doing this is not to replicate themselves, but to assimilate the host and completely transform the host's cells into another appearance.

   As for the specific transformation, it is a completely random event.

  Currently, there are 97 observation cases, 17 of which have died, 10 cases have superior immune level and are therefore unaffected, and the remaining 70 cases are affected with different manifestations and even different locations of lesions.

  For example, the activity of some nervous systems suddenly increased by 200%, while some people's minds degenerated to the level of infants. There are also people who have grown a finger from the shoulder - but this is easier to solve, as long as the amputation is enough.

  As for the more stubborn tissue hyperplasia, such as amputated and regrown limbs, or simply serious lesions in the original limbs, other medical methods must be used.

   Not only the researchers of the alliance were amazed by this situation, but also the researchers from the province of clouds, all with the same surprise on their faces, whispering to other researchers beside them.

   "Unbelievable..."

   "It is completely composed of protein and nucleic acid, but it also shows the characteristics of life activities... Can this thing be regarded as a virus?"

   "I don't recommend using this name... I have never seen a virus that can show the characteristics of life without the help of living cells. Misleading naming will interfere with our research by subjective cognition."

   "Whether that kind of movement can be counted as life activity is still debatable, but I agree with you, alpha protozoan...how is this called?"

"…I have no opinion."

   "Agreed."

   This thing was brought back by the human flesh of the Alpha Task Force, so there is nothing wrong with naming it after their code name.

  …

  After the short discussion, the clinical analysis report was finally taken out of the laboratory.

  Heya handed the report to Chu Guang who was waiting at the door of the laboratory, and briefly described the content of the report in terms he could understand.

  "...To sum up, it is known that the alpha protozoa has a high degree of penetration and can tamper with the genetic material of the infected person. According to the calculation results, at least the physical attribute must reach at least 20 points to be completely exempt from infection."

   "20 points of physique?" Yang Kai who was standing next to Chu Guang frowned and asked incomprehensibly, "What is that?"

  Did not answer this question directly, He Ya cast her eyes on Chu Guang, and asked him if he wanted to disclose.

  There is nothing to hide about this kind of thing.

  Chu Guang said concisely.

"It's the alliance's physical examination index. We set the benchmark value of various physical functions to 5. A physical fitness of 20 points probably means that it is about 4 times the benchmark metabolism and immune system efficiency... By the way, this is not a very strict index. , for reference only."

   Only 20 points of constitution can completely exempt the influence of alpha protozoa...

   The offensive ability of this thing is a bit weak to be honest.

  In addition, the physique of the mutants obviously exceeds 20 points. Those guys' physical fitness starts at the 20th or 30th level, so even if they are soaked in the environment of the alpha protozoa, it will not affect them. However, there are still a large number of mutant mutants on the Blood Mountain, and these mutants have extremely strong combat and recovery capabilities. Presumably, the Torch helped them find another way to evolve stably.

  For example, taking a big gulp of soup soaked in protozoa or something.

  After listening to Chu Guang's explanation, Yang Kai probably understood what a 20-point constitution meant, and nodded thoughtfully.

"I see."

  Most of the mobile teams of the Alpha Task Force were ordinary people. As far as he knew, although those guys were equipped with some prosthetic bodies, they did not strengthen the immune system any more.

   Realizing this, his expression couldn't help changing slightly.

   Good guy...

   Isn't this being restrained to death? !

   Didn't know what Yang Kai was thinking, He Ya saw that the two had no doubts, so she continued.

"In addition, we speculate that the alpha protozoa is the product of the mother nest of the mutant slime mold. It is not sure whether their actions are controlled by the mother nest consciousness...but I personally prefer to think that they are as many as spores It is unconscious diffusion, and actions on a macro scale are not affected by a unified consciousness."

   Paused, she continued.

   "For the convenience of research, we intend to name the suspected brood in Blood Mountain as the Alpha Brood, and combine the Alpha Protozoa project with it."

"It's up to you, it's just as convenient as it is." Chu Guang nodded without asking the college's opinion, and then asked the question he was most concerned about, "How is this virus transmissible? Is there a risk of spreading? "

   "Don't worry about this for the time being. They are not real viruses after all, and they don't replicate themselves like viruses. You can understand them as bullets installed on the small missile called spore."

   It seemed that this statement was not rigorous enough, so Heya added another sentence after a pause.

   "Of course, the premise is that there are no new mutations. After all, the brood will evolve by itself, not to mention that there are a group of lunatics helping it."

  Hearing the analogy between the missile and the missile head, Chu Guang, who was still a little confused, immediately understood the difference between the alpha protozoa and the spore.

   Sure enough, this kind of professional report has to be interpreted by professionals.

   "What about the cure?"

   Heya said solemnly.

"If the infection is only mild, the infected person can rely on their own immunity to clear it after leaving the infected area. But once the immune system is compromised and most stem cells are eroded, the infection will become irreversible. .To that extent, the host will undergo macroscopically visible mutations, and the normal cells carrying the original DNA are the errors that need to be eliminated, while the diseased cells fused with the genetic material of the alpha protozoa become normal...you can roughly say so understand."

   "That is to say... those guys are completely hopeless?" Yang Kai looked at the door behind her with a complicated expression, wondering what he was thinking.

   "You can't say that either."

  He Ya's expression was slightly hesitant, she glanced at the researcher of the academy, then at Chu Guang, hesitated for a moment and continued.

"According to our analysis, the biological prosthetic body produced by Xiaoyu can play the role of attacking poison with fire. In theory, as long as there is a little primitive cell in the host, it can use this as a blueprint to create a corresponding mimic copy to replace the diseased limb. However, compared with the original body, the simulated body will still have a big difference...so whether to use this kind of treatment, we have to ask for their own opinions."

   Moreover, Xiaoyu's biological prosthesis is currently only used in a small area inside Vault 404. On the one hand, it is to facilitate the observation of side effects, and on the other hand, it is to control risks and prevent widespread social controversy.

  Whether it is used in places other than the residents of No. 404 Refuge requires the approval of Chu Guang himself, who is the manager of No. 404 Refuge.

   After understanding the inquiry in Heya's eyes, Chu Guang said after thinking for a moment.

   "I have no objection, but Xiaoyu's biological prosthesis is still in the experimental stage, and all the consequences can only be borne by the experimenter himself."

  Before the establishment of the sticky community, the contracting parties have already conducted limited data exchange on topics related to slime mold research. And because of the disclosure of relevant data, the academy also has some understanding of Xiaoyu's characteristics, otherwise it would be impossible to leave such a large brood alone.

   Therefore, there is no problem of leaking or not leaking secrets. The slime mold harmless treatment plan itself is the prerequisite for the slime mold research community to be established and headquartered in Qingquan City.

   Facing the options presented by Chu Guang, Yang Kai thought for a moment before agreeing without hesitation.

   "...We have no objections here, as long as it can have a positive effect on the attack on the Alpha brood on the blood mountain, it's fine to try."

   To make this kind of decision, he doesn't need to bear any psychological burden. After all, the survivors under the Science Committee are just tools for the college to achieve its goals.

  They have never concealed this, and those survivors who joined the Alpha Task Force have long been aware of their fate.

Knowing that they had no chance to become researchers, they made the most rational choice. They deleted the part of the brain tissue related to themselves very early, and voluntarily dedicated themselves to become the "sub-entity" under the huge collection of the Alpha Task Force. In exchange for a more decent standard of living for yourself and your family compared to "hardships".

   This is just a sale, and the price is clearly marked.

And after becoming a member of the Alpha Task Force, their bodies no longer belong to them, and the will of their superiors is their will. Even if they die like worker bees, they will not have any complaints. Biological instinctive fear, but not too much complaint and hesitation.

  However, Heya didn't know the inside story of the academy, so she couldn't help feeling a little hesitant about Yang Kai's decisive decision.

  In her understanding, at least the opinions of patients and their families should be consulted.

   But seeing Chu Guang nodding, she didn't say anything else.

  After all, this is what she expected, and it may not be a bad thing for the patients who participated in the experiment...

  Watching Heya back to the isolation ward, Chu Guang looked at Yang Kai.

   "You have also heard that the situation on Blood Mountain will be very difficult for your Alpha Task Force. I guess you will not take physical fitness as an important assessment criterion when selecting members."

  Yang Kai twitched his brows, coughed and said.

   "It's not difficult. Just replace the three-defense system with a full-defense system. As long as you don't inhale the outside air, you won't be infiltrated by that... Alpha protozoa."

   "You mean to bring an oxygen cylinder?" Chu Guang said with a strange expression, "Won't that be too bloated?"

   And this thing can't be transformed from the front line immediately if you want it. It will also take time to transport the equipment from the rear. And if the college has not prepared similar equipment at all, it has to solve the problem of equipment research and development and production.

  Chu Guang's original intention was to change someone to attack the position of Blood Mountain. Whether it is handed over to the alliance or the legion, it is better than letting the Alpha Task Force mobile team face the "terrain penalty" and smash their opponents in places they are not good at.

  However, Yang Kai has no intention of giving up at all.

   If he shrinks back at this time, it will undoubtedly mean that he admits the failure of the academy.

  Even if the friendly army can understand their difficulties, it will not change the fact that the academy's prestige in the cohesion body has been damaged.

   According to his understanding, Mr. Chief Technology Officer pays a lot of attention to cohesion, not even lower than Vault 0. In other words, this is not a small problem that can be fooled around.

   Rather than give up, he would rather let Task Force Alpha try again.

Anyway, those people are not his students, and he doesn't even know what their names are. If these guys try their best and can't get down that position in the end, it's also a problem of their lack of ability, and I can't blame myself body.

  After some weighing, Yang Kai suddenly lifted up, but uttered a sentence that even stunned Chu Guang.

   "... If all the staff are vaccinated with that biological prosthesis, will there be no problem of being infected by the alpha protozoa?"

   "Theoretically... I don't know." Chu Guang looked at him in a little astonishment, like looking at a lunatic.

  Even if the player can be resurrected, he never encouraged the players to try to install a tentacle or something. After all, that thing is not without side effects, such as the healed wound will become Xiaoyu's fruiting body and so on.

   But this guy doesn't care.

   "Then give it a try!"

  Looking at the isolation ward with the closed door, Yang Kai said indifferently as if comforting himself.

   "They have nothing to lose anyway."

  (end of this chapter)