The five male-oriented protocols bore names echoing ancient beasts:
- Tortoise Ascension Protocol (Compatibility Rate: 71%)
- Serpent Ascension Protocol (98%)
- Shadowstalker Protocol (82%)
- Ursa Major Protocol (91%)
- Thunderclaw Protocol (93%)
The female variants all scored below 50% compatibility.
"Compatibility rates are projections based on your physiology," the cyan-robed guide explained. "Final choices must align with real-world practice. Once committed, there’s no reset."
Ethan nodded. "Will these heal my leg?"
"All protocols enable limb regeneration. Your injury would vanish within days," the guide assured.
Tortoise Protocol Trial
Ethan activated the virtual tutorial. A holographic avatar began flowing through stances—slow, deliberate movements synced with rhythmic breathing.
First attempt:
His lungs burned by the fifth stance. By the tenth, his heartbeat thundered like a war drum. At the fifteenth, he coughed blood, collapsing.
SYSTEM ALERT: Physical Reset Initiated.
"Brutal," Ethan gasped, flexing restored limbs. "Worse than any combat drill."
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"Genetic recalibration is inherently volatile," the guide said. "Hence the virtual sandbox."
Sixth attempt:
Ethan’s nostrils flared, exhaling crimson mist, but he completed the sequence.
Achievement Unlocked: Tortoise Protocol – Novice Tier (1%)
His Combat Profile updated:
- Player: Ethan Gray
- Protocol: Tortoise Ascension (Novice 1%)
- Physical Index: 12 (Baseline: 5)
- Skills: None (Engage combat trials to unlock)
- Base Combat Rating: Pending
"Accelerated progression available," the guide prompted.
Ethan selected Auto-Optimize.
Projection:
- 39 Days: Physical Index 39 (Daily triple sessions)
- 1,051 Days: Peak Index 53 (Protocol mastery required for further growth)
His avatar morphed—broadened shoulders, tree-trunk legs. He hurled a pebble, watching it crater distant bedrock. Could my real body achieve this?
Comparative Trials
Ethan cycled through protocols, his form shifting with each:
- Shadowstalker Protocol: Lithe frame, 5-second 100m dash.
- Ursa Major Protocol: Hulking 6’5” build, boulders crushed bare-handed.
- Thunderclaw Protocol: Balanced musculature, spear strikes leaving sonic booms.
But the Serpent Protocol—98% compatibility—unlocked effortlessly. At peak simulation (982 days), Ethan’s spine rippled like fluid steel. A spear thrust carved a pentagram into canyon walls.
"Efficiency defines superiority," the guide remarked.
Final Analysis
- Tortoise: Durability (PI 53)
- Shadowstalker: Agility (PI 55)
- Ursa: Raw Power (PI 58)
- Thunderclaw: Balance (PI 60)
- Serpent: Elasticity/PI 63
Ethan reset to his baseline form, leg scar throbbing. "Serpent it is. For now."
Across the globe, billions mirrored his trials—each seeking their perfect evolutionary path.