Chapter 2: Genetic Manipulation

As realization dawned on Caleb about his newfound situation, his breathing increased slightly with the increased beating of his heart. 

"Prof..." The lady whose name Caleb did not know drew closer to him. She looked concerned as she attempted to help. "No... just stay there" Caleb uttered calmly as he tried to regulate his breathing. From where she was standing, it looked like he was having a hard time accepting reality.

However, while he may look like that, it was actually the opposite. As a big fan of novels and animes, what he was experiencing right now was excitement. Back on earth, as a brilliant biological sciences student who majored in genetics and found joy in leisure time watching and reading, this situation is one where he had imagined himself multiple times.

Though he was good-looking and had come across many girls who fancied him, he found no joy in socializing and making friends as it always felt so hollow to him. Friends were only friends when they needed something and coursemates only made up the class.

"I need some time to get my thoughts together. I can't seem to remember much right." Caleb informed the lady as she nodded in understanding. "I'll inform the headmaster about your condition. In the meantime, why don't you lie down and rest more? Maybe that will help bring up some memories." The lady said, turning around to leave. 

"Wait, tell me your name," Caleb asked, his curiosity getting the best of him. "Oh, I apologize. Normally, we'd have been chatting away leisurely. My name is Kathleen Walter, a professor just like you." Kathleen replied before making her way to the door. As soon as the door closed behind her, Caleb focused on what caught his attention moments after his situation dawned on him.

[...Initializing...]

[Stored data recollection]

[Analyzing...]

[User has extensive knowledge in genetics and related fields]

'Hoho... is this what I think it is?' Caleb moved back to the bed to focus on what the status window was displaying. He attempted to touch the window and it felt solid to his touch. The window panel was a shade of blue with white text. He waited patiently for the system to complete its analysis. 'Hmm, is it recalling my time on earth and what I learnt or something?' Caleb thought to himself while the analysis reached 100%

[Due to user's knowledge of genetics, awakened skill generated: Genetic Manipulation]

[Genetic Manipulation allows user to read, analyze, interpret and manipulate genetic data of individuals. Skill applies to user's genome. Genes can be edited, changed and rewritten]

Caleb read carefully the words displayed on his panel. He understood what the system was implying, 'Hmm...this is fascinating. An ability like this back on earth would have been heaven-defying. Imagine being able to read and manipulate a person's genome. Genetic disorders and diseases would have been eradicated.' 

[Warning: User must understand that not all genetic information can be manipulated]

This goes without saying. Changes to some genes can have drastic effects on a person. A single change in one nucleotide can result in a person making a gene product that becomes useless but is needed for an important life process. Mutations in genetic data result in a variety of disorders such as cancers on earth. Not to mention being able to manipulate the genome consciously. Without understanding what you are doing, you might end end killing someone or worse, yourself.

Caleb then focused on the rest of the panel. At the top left corner of the panel were three short lines arranged vertically. Clicking on this button showed his stats. What he saw however didn't come much as a surprise.

[Stats]

[Strength: 72/100]

[Speed: 88/100]

[Perception: 45/50]

[Mana: 500/500]

From the stats displayed, Caleb noticed that stamina and health were missing. He deduced the reason may be attributed to the fact that this wasn't a video game. 'Maybe these displayed stats are what can be manipulated at the genetic level. You can pretty much tell when you are getting tired or dying, so I guess that explains it. But I will still need to play around with it before making any strong conclusions.'

Caleb moved further into the bed to lie down and digest what had transpired. Closing his eyes, he recalled what his life had been like back on earth. At the age of 12 years, Caleb lost both his parents in a car accident, ironically also dying in the same manner. However, that incident made him into the introvert he was. He gradually began to distance himself from his friends at the time and shut himself in his books. Fortunately, his uncle catered for his education till he completed his first degree. From then on, Caleb has been on his own, finding a job shortly after completing college and making preparations to further his studies. 

He found his interest in genetics, pursued his PhD and eventually became a brilliant geneticist working for a large company, tackling problems in human diseases and disorders at the genetic level. His expertise had helped his former company develop treatment procedures that targeted genetic disorders. 'It seems my pursuit of genetics has become my golden spoon in this world.

'Speaking of this world, I have to start learning about everything there is to know. Luckily for me, I find myself in a school where there definitely will be a library. Also, it seems this body carries the same first name.'

As Caleb contemplated various scenarios, he made plans to also learn about everything Caleb Zane. Right now, all Caleb wants to do is rest and digest everything that has occurred today. 'I can find out more about myself and everything else tomorrow.'