Logan led Hiruzen through the east section of the academy, where the high-tech science division was located. The air here felt different—colder, sterile, like the entire area was under a constant state of refinement and experimentation. As they approached a sleek building with reinforced glass walls and intricate security panels, Logan smirked.

  Logan: "Alright, pay attention, because this is gonna be a long one."

  Hiruzen: Sighs "Another lecture? Just get on with it already."

  Logan chuckled as he swiped his keycard, and the doors slid open with a mechanical hiss. Inside, the lab was a marvel of technology—floating holographic screens displayed streams of genetic data, mechanical arms worked on vials of glowing liquid, and researchers in white coats whispered among themselves as they passed by.

  Logan: "This is where the real magic happens. You saw what amplification did for Rika, but modification? Modification is for those who were born with nothing."

  He led Hiruzen to a large monitor and tapped a few buttons, bringing up a detailed diagram of a human body with a diamond-shaped mark on its arm.

  Logan: "Modification was designed for non-powered individuals—people who weren’t lucky enough to be born with abilities. The process involves injecting a specialized serum that permanently alters their physical capabilities. But don’t get it twisted—it’s not the same as giving them powers."

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  Hiruzen: Raises an eyebrow "Hold on… So you're basically injecting regular people with random bits of other people's blood just to give them powers? That’s messed up on so many levels."

  Logan rolled his eyes.

  Logan: "No, no, no. Powers? No. Enhanced abilities? Yes. If we injected them with raw, unfiltered blood from power users, their bodies would reject it violently—blood clotting, cellular breakdown, a slow and excruciating death. Why? Because they lack the genetic marker that allows people like you and me to wield abilities without tearing ourselves apart."

  Hiruzen’s expression darkened.

  Hiruzen: "So if a normal guy got injected with Kai’s blood, he’d just… burn from the inside out?"

  Logan: Nods "Exactly. So we don’t do that. Instead, we break the blood down into its most basic components and refine it into a safe, stable serum. This grants enhanced strength, speed, reflexes—basically making them a low-tier superhuman. It won’t turn them into level 1 monsters, but it lets them keep up with powered individuals on a good day."

  Hiruzen crossed his arms.

  Hiruzen: "And I’m guessing there are levels to this, like Amplification?"

  Logan: "Nope. Modification is a one-time process. Once the serum takes effect, that’s it. At best, a modified human can reach low level 2, and at worst, they peak around high level 3. Unlike power users, they won’t get stronger naturally. They have to rely on physical training and technology to bridge the gap."

  Hiruzen processed this, but something still didn’t sit right.

  Hiruzen: "You said 'at best.' So… is there a way for a normal person to break past those limits?"

  Logan's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with something between excitement and secrecy.

  Logan: "Ah… Now that is a dangerous question. And the answer is yes. Gene Modification."

  Hiruzen’s body tensed slightly.

  Hiruzen: "Gene mods?"

  Logan: "Let’s just say… There are ways to rewrite the very code of life itself. But a freshman like you has no business learning about that just yet. Maybe if you hit level 0 one day, we’ll have that talk."

  Hiruzen narrowed his eyes.

  Hiruzen: "Gene mods, huh? That sounds like something Skyzen might be involved in..."

  Before he could push further, Logan clapped his hands together.

  Logan: "Anyway! Enough science talk. You’ve got places to be. Let’s get you to the north section so you can meet your dorm leader. Trust me, you’ll want to make a good first impression."

  Hiruzen glanced at the holograms one last time before following Logan out of the lab, his mind racing with new questions.

  End Chapter