Chapter 15: Breaking the Barrier

Evan sat in his private research lab, scanning through the data collected over the past few weeks. His biological evolution had reached a saturation point, and if he continued pushing his limits recklessly, it could result in genetic collapse—a fate he wasn't willing to risk.

He needed a solution.

The answer lay in expanding his genetic adaptability beyond natural constraints, but existing biological enhancement methods weren't sufficient. To take the next step, he required cutting-edge materials, rare biological components, and classified military-grade biotechnology.

With Mercer Biotech's public launch imminent, he had the perfect cover to acquire everything he needed under the radar.

The Acquisition of Evolutionary Materials

Evan's first move was to secure rare biological components—tissue samples, advanced synthetic gene sequences, and enhancement serums that had never been publicly disclosed.

Using his underground black market contacts, he orchestrated the acquisition of:

High-grade cellular cultures from secret military projects

Tissue samples from test subjects exposed to experimental enhancement serums

Advanced neurological growth factors used in intelligence augmentation trials

Illegally classified stem-cell research data from abandoned government projects

His deep-web transactions ensured his identity remained untraceable. No direct involvement, no paper trails. Mercer Biotech had no official connection to these acquisitions—everything was routed through disposable intermediaries and shell corporations.

With these materials in hand, Evan could finally begin modifying his genetic research, looking for ways to bypass his body's current evolutionary limits.

But while his private experiments were progressing, Mercer Biotech was about to change the medical industry forever.

The highly anticipated public product launch of Mercer Biotech's first commercialized medicine took place in one of the most exclusive medical conferences in the world, attended by top pharmaceutical executives, medical researchers, and high-ranking government officials.

Amelia took center stage, standing before a packed hall of some of the most powerful individuals in the world. The air was thick with anticipation, and reporters were already broadcasting live as she stepped up to the podium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a turning point in medical history," she began, her voice smooth and commanding. "For decades, we have fought against diseases—spending billions on research, creating treatments that only slow symptoms rather than cure them. That changes today."

She gestured to the massive screen behind her, where the two revolutionary medicines were displayed.

1. Vitalis-R (Entry-Level Version) – Cost: $500 per Monthly Treatment SetEffect: Treats over 98% of known diseases over the course of a one-month cycle.Application: Patients need to take a prescribed set for an entire month for the full effect.Target Market: Middle-class consumers, corporate health plans, and large-scale healthcare systems.2. Vitalis-P (Premium Version) – Cost: $5,000 per Weekly TreatmentEffect: Same disease elimination, but condensed into one week instead of a month.Application: Requires only seven days of treatment for full recovery.Target Market: High-net-worth individuals, government officials, and elite healthcare providers.

A murmur spread through the audience as doctors, investors, and policymakers absorbed the information.

An older man in a tailored suit—a high-ranking pharmaceutical executive—raised his hand.

"How do we know this isn't just another overhyped drug? The medical field is full of so-called 'miracle cures' that never work as advertised."

Amelia smirked. "That's exactly why Mercer Biotech operates differently. We don't just claim results—we prove them."

She turned to the side of the stage, where a large containment chamber was wheeled in. Inside was a lab rat infected with an advanced-stage degenerative disease, something previously thought to be incurable.

"In this chamber is a subject suffering from neurodegenerative tissue decay. Untreatable by modern medicine. With a single dose of Vitalis-P, we will show you the future."

A robotic arm injected the serum, and within minutes, the rat's atrophied muscles began regenerating. Brain scans displayed rapid neural reconstruction, and in less than ten minutes, the disease was completely eradicated.

The audience erupted into chaos.

Reporters shouted over each other, cameras flashing as corporate investors immediately started making calls. Some pharmaceutical executives paled, realizing this was the end of their monopolized medical industries.

Amelia let them process what they had seen before delivering the final blow.

"This treatment is not a prototype. It is ready for global distribution. We are already negotiating with major governments, elite hospitals, and world health organizations to ensure that Vitalis-R and Vitalis-P become the new medical standard."

She smiled, watching the world scramble to keep up with Mercer Biotech.

While Amelia managed the public relations and corporate negotiations, Evan received a high-priority request from the U.S. government.

A group of military officials, high-ranking defense contractors, and intelligence officers requested a private meeting.

Evan met them in a discreet location, away from Mercer Biotech's headquarters.

General Thomas Reynolds, an experienced Pentagon official, spoke first.

"We've been monitoring your company's developments," Reynolds said, his tone professional but firm. "What you've done with Vitalis is remarkable, but it raises questions."

Evan leaned back, feigning mild interest. "Questions?"

Reynolds slid a classified file across the table.

Inside were government intelligence reports on Mercer Biotech's meteoric rise, flagged with concern.

"For decades, the government has invested billions into the medical industry, yet in a matter of months, you've developed something we didn't think possible."

A younger intelligence officer added, "There are factions within the government who believe your research is… unnatural."

Evan smiled faintly. "Unnatural? Or just beyond your understanding?"

Silence.

Reynolds cleared his throat. "Regardless, Mercer Biotech has gained the attention of high-level national security agencies. Some view you as a threat… others see an opportunity."

Evan gestured for him to continue.

The general exhaled, then revealed the real reason for this meeting.

"For years, we've been pursuing the creation of enhanced humans. The Super Soldier Serum project was one of our greatest failures. We've never been able to make it stable. But Mercer Biotech…"

He locked eyes with Evan.

"We believe you can make it work."

Evan remained silent, flipping through the declassified reports.

This was exactly what he needed—military-grade research, failed prototypes, and experimental biological enhancement formulas.

He placed the file down and looked at Reynolds.

"What do you need from me?"

"Six months," Reynolds said. "You'll have full access to every classified enhancement project we've ever attempted. In return, we expect tangible results."

Evan extended his hand.

"Then we have a deal."

As the officials left, Evan's mind was already working through the possibilities.

With government resources, classified biological samples, and military-grade research, he was now one step closer to breaking through his genetic barriers.

His body was evolving. His mind was sharper than ever.

But he was still not enough.

He needed more.

And now, he had everything required to make it happen.