Chapter 26-27

Chapter 26: Cellular Warfare

Bruce turned his gaze toward the special ward behind the glass, where the medical team and targeted research group were methodically testing Maria's various data. They compared it with her family's medical history, her personal records, and her current state to develop specific treatment plans and reagent ratios. It seemed it would still take some time.

He continued, stretching out his left hand and bending his thumb to show four fingers, "Generally speaking, there are four main difficulties in treating cancer cells."

"First, the heterogeneity of cancer cells. If you liken it to a war, by the time cancer is detected, there are probably about a billion cancer cells in the patient's body. Suppose each cell is an enemy soldier. Are these soldiers all the same? Obviously not. Some carry knives, some guns, some drive tanks, some pilot fighter jets, and there are even undercover units and special forces. So, when our encircling troops, meaning the drugs, enter the body, there's always a portion that can't be targeted, becoming the ones that got away. Over time, these survivors can quickly multiply and grow into a large force, endlessly."

"Second, the metastasis of cancer cells. If it were just the first issue, the simplest solution would be to surgically remove the entire cancerous tissue. Unfortunately, this is only a temporary solution because the mobility of the cancerous army is very strong, constantly migrating. Moreover, they are extremely cunning, sending out small squads to transfer, like scout troops, which are impossible to track. Often, more than ten such lesions can be found in one patient, each different from the others."

"Third, cellular mutations. In the process of division, cells can undergo new mutations. The small squads sent out by the cancerous army continue to divide in new locations, and during this division process, new types of soldiers constantly emerge. This results in more and more varied types of soldiers in the lesions at different locations in the body."

"Finally, individual differences. Two people with the same stomach cancer might have completely different types of cancer cells. This means the same medication might be effective for person A but useless for person B."

After Bruce explained these four difficulties, Lisa and Ursula felt completely overwhelmed, growing even more fearful. No matter how much they pondered, they couldn't think of any good way to deal with these elusive, cunning, stubborn, and unpredictable cancer cells. They could only turn their hopeful gazes toward Bruce.

Lisa Marcos nearly hung herself on Bruce, blatantly ignoring how her soft chest was massaging him, and shaking his arm with an urgent voice pleaded, "Hurry, Bruce, tell us! What method has your brilliant mind found to counter this?"

Bruce shook his head helplessly, affectionately pinching her cute face, "First, I need to clarify that this idea isn't originally ours. As a rigorous scientific researcher, one must not diminish the contributions of predecessors. But speaking of the most significant breakthrough, I believe we can still be considered among the top."

He pointed to the special ward behind the glass, where the staff had just synthesized a light blue reagent and injected it into Maria's body via a syringe gun. The entire process seemed very concise, efficient, and somewhat ordinary. Without knowing the details, it would be hard to appreciate the cross-era technology behind it.

"This is our latest developed AC (anticancer) Type 1 anti-cancer reagent. Its original formula is fixed and requires researchers and the medical team to observe the cancer cells in the patient's body before making targeted adjustments to create the final receptor reagent. The basic principle of this reagent is to selectively activate a braking system, slowing down or even stopping the division of cancer cells in the patient's body, bringing the cells back to a dormant phase," Bruce explained, pointing at the researchers operating the syringe gun.

In fact, the idea of controlling cancer by slowing down cell division had existed for a long time, and many had already tried it at the genetic level, including methods like electric field therapy, but the results weren't significant. This was because they couldn't effectively target cancer cells for deceleration. However, the reagent Bruce provided to the lab, based on the devilish drug Talday, could slow down or even halt all cellular activities at the complete level. All they needed to do was target specific groups of cancer cells for modification, making their job much simpler. The gap between the two methods was more than just significant.

"But this can only control the cancer cells, not eliminate them, right?" Lisa Marcos understood now, her face showing a mix of emotions, hardly concealing her disappointment. It's human nature to always want more after obtaining relief, wishing for an immediate and permanent solution to the problem at hand.

"This is already a significant breakthrough. And I can assure you that this treatment method is painless and will ensure that Maria's condition won't worsen for a long period. Our team is fantastic, and they will prepare the most suitable AC reagent and immune-boosting drugs for Maria during this period. Then, she might have the chance to fully recover," Bruce replied, undisturbed by her disappointment, patiently offering explanations.

"Immune drugs?" Ursula, who had been intently watching the ward, turned her head with a hint of confusion and asked subconsciously.

"Oh! I get it now, you're a genius, Bruce!" Lisa, a bright student from New York University, quickly grasped the underlying principle and excitedly hugged Bruce, showering him with kisses.

"Hey! Kid, can someone explain this to me?" Ursula half-jokingly, half-seriously called out, her mood noticeably lifting at the prospect of her sister's potential recovery, even though she hadn't fully grasped the concept.

"Mom, don't you remember what Maria's primary physician, Dr. Sullivan, said? The human immune system is the best anti-cancer drug!" Lisa, joyful like a child, twirled around lightly, pulling Ursula and eagerly started to explain on behalf of Bruce.

Throughout the long process of evolution, to defend against external invasions, the human body has developed a set of defense weapons: special enzymes and proteins. If microbes and toxins breach the body's external defenses, these members of the immune system collaborate to launch a fierce attack—destroying the cell walls of microbes, driving chemical toxins out of the body, or directly engulfing and digesting them. Once the invaders are completely eliminated, the immune system begins to repair the damaged cells. And if some cells are too severely damaged, the immune system chooses to destroy them.

Chapter 27: Mysterious Emotions

"So you're saying there's still hope for Maria's treatment? Thank heavens! Thank God! Oh no... I mean... Thank you so much, Bruce!" Finally understanding the situation, Ursula excitedly embraced Lisa, tears and laughter mingling together, while Fowler comforted them nearby.

Bruce couldn't help but chuckle at this. The lady was thanking both him and God in her heart, an amusing thought indeed. But on second thought, what he had done so far had indeed been largely beneficial to humanity.

At that moment, the door to the observation room opened, and an elderly man in a white coat walked in excitedly. "Mr. Lee, the AC-1 reagent is working on the patient, her cancer cell activity has significantly decreased!"

"Robert, thank you for your hard work. Ursula, Lisa, allow me to introduce Dr. Robert Scott Trivers, the head of Spruill Laboratory. I think you should also thank him," Bruce said, shaking hands with the elderly man and introducing him to everyone.

"Oh, thank you so much, Doctor!" Ursula and Lisa, their faces still flushed with excitement, eagerly shook hands with Dr. Trivers.

"Uh, I'm quite humbled, the credit for this project's current achievements mainly goes to Mr. Lee," Robert Scott Trivers said, not daring to take too much credit with Bruce, the boss, around and quickly offered his modesty.

"Amazing, Bruce!" Lisa said, happily holding Bruce's hand. "You should share this breakthrough with the world; it could save countless patients! Maybe you'll even win the Nobel Prize!"

Standing by, Robert Scott Trivers couldn't help but beam with joy, nodding his head like a pounding drum, looking at Bruce with even more eager eyes. He was the first to propose making the project's progress public, and as the main person in charge of the project, his contribution was undeniable, and fame and fortune were naturally rolling in. He was the most eager to publicize the achievements of Spruill Laboratory, but he knew well that without Bruce's approval, it was impossible. So, he channeled this desire into motivation, pushing the project forward, and waited with hope for a bright future.

"My dear, I too hope to help more people. But you see, we still lack strong data support. A medical project related to patients' lives must be more prudent. Maria's case is an exception, and it's only a preliminary effect that needs further observation. Normally, we need more practical operations and cases to ensure that such success isn't accidental and that the trial has indeed achieved a breakthrough," Bruce explained calmly, turning his gaze to Robert Scott Trivers.

Although the head of the project was reluctant, he didn't dare contradict Bruce and could only nod his head with a forced smile. Lisa and Ursula, not particularly knowledgeable about these matters, easily accepted this explanation.

In fact, up to this point, the project could only be considered as controlling the condition and did not hold much promise for a cure. In Bruce's plans for Solar Corona company, he needed a more impactful, more disruptive result to make a splash, maximizing the company's momentum to truly achieve a stunning effect.

At least a complete cure for cancer would be necessary.

Moreover, they still couldn't guarantee the mass production and general adaptability of the reagent and immune drugs. There's a long way to go before truly entering the market, so there was no rush to maximize profits.

"My dear, it seems Maria's condition has stabilized a bit; maybe you can go in and accompany her for a while?" Bruce pointed to the ward behind the glass. Maria seemed to be waking up. Since it was a one-way mirror, they could see inside the lab, but those inside couldn't see the observation room.

Lisa and Ursula looked at Robert Scott Trivers, seemingly trusting the older man more, and he smiled and gave a positive response, "The patient should still prioritize rest, but a short interaction is fine."

The two women, overjoyed, thanked him again and then hurriedly left.

"Robert, be patient. You're the main person in charge of the project, and this achievement won't slip away. The only thing you need to focus on now is truly conquering cancer, only then can you hope for the highest honor," Bruce said, seemingly seeing through Robert Scott Trivers' excitement.

This made Robert Scott Trivers a bit embarrassed, but he quickly realized it was Bruce's promise and hint to him, and he was thrilled, "Don't worry, I have great confidence in our project, it will definitely be the greatest breakthrough!"

Bruce nodded and then turned his attention back to the lab, where Lisa and Ursula were happily talking to Maria. Seeing that the two had no intention of talking, Robert Scott Trivers immediately excused himself and left.

"Robert Scott Trivers is quite driven by gain, isn't that a concern?" Fowler looked at the closed door, voicing his concern.

"Having ambition is a good thing; it makes humans easier for us to control. Just have Marcus and his team keep a close eye. We need these capable and ambitious individuals," Bruce replied, a faint smile on his face as he watched the scene beyond the glass. "How are you adjusting to your new body?"

"This feeling... it's incredible! It's an unprecedented sense of power, a peerless strength. Thank you, my lord!" Fowler's face radiated fervor, filled with a bizarre intoxication. After undergoing the bloodline parasitism transformation, his body was constantly undergoing tremendous changes, and he could easily sense the immense power, far beyond ordinary humans, lurking within.

"Have Lisa and Ursula noticed your changes?" Bruce turned to look at Fowler.

"Lisa's okay; I'm usually busy with work, so we don't spend as much time together as before. Ursula seems a bit puzzled, but she hasn't thought much about it. I can handle it," Fowler reported respectfully, not daring to conceal a single thought. As the host of the parasitism, he could feel the vast and immense potential flowing through his veins, a clear indication of the unfathomable power of his master, Bruce.

"That's good. I'm quite fond of Lisa; it's best to let her and Ursula's situation unfold naturally," Bruce nodded, clearly referring to whether the two women should be transformed into demons.

"Thank you for your leniency, my lord. I will gradually guide them," Fowler was filled with gratitude. Unlike those whose original souls were erased to take over their bodies, even though his body and mind had undergone wonderful changes, his thoughts still primarily revolved around the original Fowler. His feelings for Lisa and Ursula had not faded and still occupied a very important place.

"Humans... their emotions are truly fascinating," Bruce sighed softly, his heart filled with surprise and appreciation. Even with his memories spanning countless years, he had never seen such a peculiar creature as humans. While they had given up evolving physical strength, their emotions and thoughts were extremely complex, often even overpowering the instinct to survive.

Although demons also have various emotions, compared to humans, they seem much simpler. The gap between the two is like that between two-dimensional and three-dimensional, not on the same level at all. For instance, the emotion of sadness that leads to crying is something he had never experienced.

"…I didn't expect you to have such a view on human emotions... You seem to value them highly?" Fowler asked, puzzled.

"What kind of view do you think I should have? Frivolous, weak emotions?" Bruce asked with an inquisitive tone. Fowler was undoubtedly the best subject for this discussion, having inherited the demon's great strength and bloodline, yet retaining human thoughts and emotions.

"From a personal standpoint, even though I'm still affected by these emotions, I've already mobilized myself, and I don't agree with many of these concepts," Fowler replied after a moment of contemplation. "Losing rationality often makes it easy to fall into danger. Survival is the top priority."

"What you say is not wrong, but humans often exhibit contradictions in speech and action. Even if they decide something in their hearts, they often act contrary to it. Interestingly enough, humans are peculiar creatures that can commit suicide."

Bruce nodded with interest. In his memory, he had never seen any creature take the bizarre action of ending its own life voluntarily, a creature that still managed to occupy the top of a planet's food chain, which is quite extraordinary.

"I've always believed that no species would have particularly useless traits. Perhaps what seems illogical, human emotions, are crucial elements that can't be obtained in the development of civilization. For example, curiosity has led to significant advancements in human technology. And on an individual level, there are numerous examples of individuals exerting strength beyond their usual limits under the influence of extreme emotions. So, I'm thinking, perhaps if used properly, the power of these emotions could be harnessed for our use."

This was also why Bruce began to consciously mimic human emotions, not entirely due to the influence of residual memories, but largely due to his curiosity about human emotions and psychology, a kind of experiment.

Why this world? Why humans? Demons continually appearing in human form, is it just a coincidence?

"Your wisdom is as vast as the ocean, my lord," Fowler said, utterly convinced. Although, to some extent, he was no longer human, without Bruce's extraordinary and extensive experiences, he still couldn't fully comprehend the intentions. But one thing he understood clearly was that Bruce was never one to act without purpose.

"The real vastness is this world itself."

Bruce sighed deeply, his gaze seeming to penetrate barriers, reflecting the outside world. Having lived for countless years, he no longer cared about the so-called good and evil or right and wrong. His sole pursuit was to explore the mysteries of life and the universe, to gain more fundamental power, and to conquer the known and the unknown.

After all, this world had completely changed...