Chapter 363: Genetic Research

Solomon had already informed Bayonetta of Odin's plans regarding Hela. It took considerable courage, but Solomon was not one to lack bravery.

Even so, when he told the witch, he couldn't help but tremble slightly, a nervousness even the Cheshire cat perched on his knee could sense. Despite this, no one could deny Solomon's courage.

Fortunately, Bayonetta was remarkably understanding. She was delighted to hear that Solomon had refused Odin's proposal.

"If you'd told me this even a moment later," Bayonetta teased with a playful smirk, "you'd be walking around with a few bullet holes."

Only Jeanne seemed genuinely concerned, pestering Solomon about Hela's location. She was determined to eliminate the woman outright to ensure their family life wouldn't be disrupted.

Though Jeanne continued to oppose Solomon and Bayonetta sleeping together, this didn't mean she wanted their family dynamic destroyed. Begrudgingly, she accepted Bayonetta's gratitude but refused to admit her actions were for the family. Instead, she shouted at Solomon, "This isn't for you—it's for Cereza!" in a predictably tsundere tone.

The homunculus maid couldn't understand the point of this family comedy, but it served as an opportunity for Solomon to climb back into Bayonetta's bed. To her, it seemed like some "sacred ritual." She couldn't comprehend why her master felt compelled to perform this ritual after the witch's teasing remarks, nor why even soundproofing spells couldn't fully block the witch's cries. However, she decided to request maintenance to ensure the functionality of her systems.

Unbeknownst to her, Solomon had long ensured her alchemical modules were fully operational. The alchemical skeleton was only meant to enhance the physical strength of the homunculus. From the moment of creation, the homunculus possessed all the functions of a human (except for reproduction).

Solomon had refrained from explaining this until he was certain of the homunculus's personality, fearing the chaotic influence of abyssal metal might compromise their reasoning. The cost of creating a trouble-free homunculus was far too high, given that it required dividing one's own life force.

Now, with the Philosopher's Stone, Solomon could mass-produce homunculi. Time had proven their reliability, and he was confident in entrusting the homunculus maid corps to Dana's leadership.

The alchemical skeleton, however, was not standard for all homunculi. As the stability of abyssal metal remained untested, Dana, being the first homunculus, was an exception.

Solomon planned to incorporate materials purchased from Vandazar Forge and Sephiroth City, founded by the Oscutur, mixed with a small amount of abyssal metal to enhance the homunculus army.

Maya Hansen stood dumbfounded before a row of massive glass tanks. Inside lay forged metal skeletons, while recruited druids inscribed runes onto the tanks. Solomon busily worked at a nearby table, holding a vial of crimson liquid. Maya had undergone introductory alchemical training under Solomon, so she recognized the liquid as a nutrient medium.

Her scientific education clashed with the magical processes before her, fueling her insatiable curiosity.

"Creating homunculi requires dividing the creator's life force. That's the price of magic—equivalent exchange is an eternal rule," Solomon explained, shoving a writhing bit of Aether back into its vial. He held up another vial containing a lighter red liquid. "So, I've substituted another material to bear the cost—the Philosopher's Stone. That's how it's done. This is Aether, the universal panacea that transmutes all things. I know you want to study it, Miss Hansen, but you're only allowed to examine this diluted version. Take a sip—it'll extend your life by at least 200 years. But don't even think about touching this crimson substance; it'll kill you."

"You promised me research materials, Solomon," Maya protested. "But all you brought back were samples of Asgardian blood and Dark Elf corpses!"

"Didn't I include Thor's blood?"

"That's nowhere near enough!" she fumed, practically jumping in frustration. "You said the homunculus army is your maid corps, and your combat troops don't need the Extremis virus. I have to find another approach for my research! I need your blood, saliva, hair, and genetic material."

"Don't be greedy, Miss Hansen," Solomon replied, handing her another vial containing several strands of gray fur. He explained their origin, and Maya's eyes widened in realization.

The vial contained hair from Odin's wolves, Geri and Freki, exceptionally long-lived beings. Solomon believed this would satisfy her research curiosity.

"It's not enough," she insisted. "If you want truly formidable enhanced warriors, only you and Thor could serve as genetic donors. I can incorporate specific traits you want during the modification process, but I can't do it with our current resources. And don't give me that look—I'm a virologist, not a geneticist. I can use retroviruses to embed specific genes into cells, but inducing functional cells to revert into pluripotent stem cells isn't my expertise. That's what Shinya Yamanaka's iPSC technology achieved in 2006. You should consider using it."

"So, you're saying I picked the wrong major?" Solomon quipped, setting down his vial of red liquid. "I think you can handle learning those techniques yourself—I'm sure it's within your capabilities. Academic specialization isn't a barrier for you. But fine, fine, put the gun down. I'll study genetics too. Still, I should remind you, Miss Hansen, our research teeters on the edge of ethical boundaries. If we don't cross that line, we might achieve nothing. But if we do…"

"I know. If you want to conduct embryonic modifications and create your own clone soldiers, I can provide the eggs. That way, you won't have to worry about ethical concerns."

"No, what I mean is that we need to abandon certain societal norms and adopt bolder methods," Solomon replied. "This is a world of magic. If I want to create tools, I'll merge magic and science, imbuing those tools with specific traits before assembling an army. But there's no rush. For now, humanity isn't in imminent peril. Focus on theoretical research for now."

"What makes you so confident?" she asked.

"My magic and my sword," Solomon replied, patting the hilt of his blade. "The sacred path of Kabash and the sword forged on Holy Terra are enough to face this terrifying universe. Soon, we'll face our first test. Once the homunculi are mature, I'll need you to order educational materials on computer science for them. We're about to undertake a large-scale operation—one that will secure the resources we need."

[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [www.p@treon.com/Mutter]

[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]