Chapter 16: The Blueprint for Evolution

Evan sat in his private laboratory, surrounded by stacks of research documents, experimental notes, and genetic samples. The air smelled of sterilized metal and chemicals, the hum of cooling systems providing a monotonous backdrop to his thoughts.

His gaze settled on a series of biological models projected onto printed charts pinned to the wall. Each one represented a failed attempt at surpassing the natural limitations of the human body.

For weeks, he had been refining his understanding of genetic saturation—the biological threshold preventing further enhancements without severe consequences. His Passive Evolution System had allowed him to develop beyond human constraints, but it did not solve the underlying issue: his body was approaching its natural limit. Any further mutations could lead to genetic instability, organ failure, or outright rejection.

He exhaled slowly. There was no way around it—he needed a new approach.

Rejecting Artificial Enhancements

Evan had already analyzed the failures of artificial augmentation, including government-funded enhancement programs like the Super Soldier Serum.

Their flaws were obvious:

Instability: Every attempt to force superhuman abilities onto a normal human resulted in genetic rejection or rapid cellular deterioration.

Impermanence: Even the few successes required frequent re-administration to maintain their effects.

Physical Degradation: Test subjects who survived enhancement often suffered from irreversible mutations, neurological disorders, or complete system failure after prolonged exposure.

These methods were outdated, dependent on brute-force biological engineering rather than true evolution.

Evan had no interest in becoming an unstable experiment. He sought permanence—an ability to grow and evolve naturally without external intervention.

Which meant there was only one viable source left:

Mutant DNA – The Key to True Evolution

Unlike artificial augmentations, mutant genes were naturally stable. Unlike genetically modified superhumans, mutants were born with abilities inherently embedded into their DNA. Their enhancements were not imposed—they were innate.

If he could decode the genetic foundation of mutant evolution, he could build a system where his body didn't just adapt, but continued refining itself indefinitely.

He grabbed a notepad and began outlining the requirements:

Essential Traits for a Self-Sustaining Evolutionary System:

Adaptive Evolution (Foundation): Must allow his body to react and adjust to threats instantly. Regeneration Factor (Stabilizer): Must prevent genetic damage from rapid evolution. Metabolic Control (Regulator): Must ensure energy efficiency, avoiding burnout or overload.

These weren't just enhancements; they were core biological components necessary for long-term survival. If he could integrate them, he would no longer be limited by genetic saturation.

Step One: Acquiring Viable Mutant DNA

The first challenge was obtaining high-quality, viable genetic samples. Standard tissue samples were useless—he needed live, genetically active material to extract the precise sequences required for modification.

Using his underground contacts, he put together a three-phase acquisition plan:

Black Market Genome Trade – Certain illegal research groups specialized in trafficking mutant genetic samples. Most were contaminated, degraded, or poorly extracted, but there was a chance of finding usable material. Government Classified Projects – Secret research facilities had experimented on mutants for decades. If he could access their archives, he could retrieve high-purity DNA samples from past experiments. Direct Extraction from Live Test Subjects – The most dangerous but effective method. If necessary, he would orchestrate targeted retrieval operations to ensure the samples met his standards.

Each option carried risks, but the reward outweighed the dangers. If he succeeded, he wouldn't just surpass mutants—he would redefine the meaning of evolution itself.

Step Two: Refining the Genetic Code

Even if he acquired mutant DNA, he couldn't simply inject it into himself. Random gene splicing was a guaranteed way to trigger cellular rejection and mutation failures.

Instead, he needed to filter and refine each sequence, isolating only the traits that enhanced biological efficiency.

This involved:

Identifying unstable genetic markers and removing potential mutations. Constructing a stable viral vector that allowed his body to integrate the new traits smoothly. Simulating long-term mutation compatibility before actual integration.

The key was selective evolution—taking the best traits and discarding everything else. The end result would be a biological system that continuously refined itself, ensuring perfect adaptation without unintended consequences.

Step Three: Preparing for Integration

Once he finalized the genetic framework, the last step would be testing the modified DNA on a controlled subject. He wouldn't risk direct integration until he was 100% certain the process was stable.

This would require:

A private testing facility with full biological containment. Controlled mutation trials on lesser subjects. Data monitoring for any potential side effects.

Only once the framework was proven successful would he consider injecting it into himself.

Evan leaned back in his chair, staring at the compiled research notes in front of him.

He had dismissed Super Soldier Serums as relics of the past. He had cracked the foundation of mutant genetic efficiency. He had mapped out how to collect, refine, and integrate enhanced DNA.

Now, all that remained was execution.

His body had reached its limit, but that would change soon. Because limits were meant to be broken.