His attention shifted toward the testing room. Unlike the main laboratory, that space had been built to keep the different experiments separated. The walls were covered with easy-to-clean white panels, while several metal tables were arranged neatly throughout the room.
Three large transparent containers rested on one of them. Inside each were five laboratory mice.
Fifteen subjects in total.
The animals moved normally, exploring the available space without paying attention to the sensors installed around their enclosures. Some drank water. Others remained still on the bedding. One of them stood on its hind legs, sniffing the air with curiosity.
Rilley walked forward calmly until he stopped in front of the containers.
The medical-assistance androids continued working around him. Their movements were precise and silent. Some organized the monitoring equipment, while others checked the environmental parameters of each module.
[Production of the first «Compound U1» vials completed.]
S.O.P.H.I.N.'s voice resonated throughout the room.
One of the medical androids approached Rilley while holding a small metal tray. Three transparent vials rested on its surface. Each contained a very pale blue liquid that seemed to emit a faint glow beneath the laboratory lighting.
Rilley picked up one of them and observed it for several seconds.
At first glance, it did not seem particularly different from any other compound developed within the laboratory. Yet that vial contained a direct derivative of two separate lines of research. A mixture that, only a few hours earlier, had not even existed as a complete formula.
The prototype from «Project Superhuman» provided the foundation capable of increasing physical performance. The regenerative serum reduced the deterioration caused by that increase. The «Ultra Plus Rays» had allowed the mixture to be reactivated and its components partially stabilized.
At least in theory, everything seemed correct, almost as though it were a perfect formula.
But Rilley understood very well that reality was far removed from simple calculations. Such projections could never be treated as exact references when biological organisms were involved.
Rilley returned the vial to the tray.
"Sophin, divide the first trial into three groups. Use a reduced concentration for the first, a standard concentration for the second, and an elevated concentration for the third."
[Order registered.]
The medical androids began to move. Each vial was carried toward a separate station to prepare the corresponding doses. The sensors activated one after another, projecting a series of readings onto the nearby screens: body temperature, heart rate, and muscular activity for each subject.
Rilley sat down in front of the main panel.
He did not expect perfect results. That would have been far too convenient.
Even a formula with a theoretical compatibility rate above ninety percent could conceal flaws that no simulation was capable of anticipating. In matters such as these, caution was not optional, much less something to be taken lightly.
[Initial parameters registered.]
[Beginning first application.]
The medical androids administered the compound to each subject. The procedure did not take long. Afterward, they returned to their positions and remained alert in front of the transparent modules.
For the first few seconds, nothing happened.
The mice continued moving with apparent normality. Some seemed slightly restless, but their reactions remained within reasonable parameters.
Rilley observed the screens without saying a word.
Little by little, the first variations began to appear.
Their heart rates increased. Their breathing accelerated slightly. Their muscles showed a more active response to external stimuli. Their body temperatures also began to rise.
The changes were moderate among the subjects in the first group, more evident in the second, and considerably greater among those that had received the highest concentration.
Rilley continued observing the data without looking away from the screen.
None of that was unexpected. It made perfect sense. If the organism was being forced to operate beyond its usual capabilities, the increase in energy consumption would inevitably manifest in one way or another.
The subjects in the first group began moving more quickly inside the container. They had become restless, perhaps anxious. The difference was not exaggerated, but it was evident when compared with their previous records.
Their steps suddenly became firmer, and their reactions faster.
One of the androids activated a series of mechanical obstacles inside the module. Small platforms began shifting irregularly, forcing the mice to adapt to the changing environment.
The five subjects responded immediately. They jumped over the obstacles and advanced with coordination superior to what they had normally displayed.
However, the improvement did not appear to be limited solely to their physical abilities.
After several runs, some of the mice began reacting differently. They no longer moved erratically when faced with the obstacles. Their movements appeared more precise, as though they were recognizing the patterns of the course more quickly and anticipating the movement of the platforms.
One of the subjects avoided a route it had attempted to use moments earlier and chose a different path without stopping to explore the area again. Another reacted to the movement of a platform before it had even finished shifting, changing direction with a speed it had not shown during the initial tests.
Rilley observed them more carefully. His interest intensified after seeing the effect in action.
"Sophin, analyze neurological activity and sensory response," he said without hesitation.
[A moderate increase in stimulus-processing speed has been detected, along with a temporary improvement in concentration and response capability.]
[The subjects' senses show increased sensitivity to environmental changes. A more efficient instinctive response to sudden stimuli has also been registered.]
"Could this be an increase in intelligence?"
[That cannot be confirmed. The results indicate greater mental clarity during the active period of the compound. The subjects process available information more efficiently, but insufficient data exists to determine any permanent improvement in cognitive capabilities.]
Rilley rested his hands on the desk.
That was extremely interesting.
«Compound U1» did not merely push the body beyond its ordinary performance. It also appeared to sharpen the senses, improve instinctive responses, and reduce part of the unnecessary noise within the mind, allowing the organism to react with greater precision to each stimulus.
Perhaps the subjects were not becoming more intelligent.
Perhaps they were simply managing their thoughts and mental processes more efficiently.
"We can continue. Increase the intensity slightly."
Attention shifted toward the second group.
Their results were much clearer. The mice moved at a considerably greater speed. Their bodies responded rapidly to each stimulus, while the sensors registered a significant increase in muscular activity.
One of them jumped toward an elevated platform and managed to cross a distance that would previously have been impossible for an animal of its size. Another accidentally collided with one of the inner walls of the container. However, it lost its balance for only a few moments before standing again and continuing forward.
The increase in temperature was also more evident. The animals consumed energy at a higher rate, and their metabolic activity continued to rise as the trial progressed.
[A general improvement in the physical response of the subjects in the second group has been detected.]
[No visible alterations in their physical structure have been observed.]
[Sensory sensitivity, reaction capability, and mental clarity remain above initial parameters.]
Rilley kept his gaze fixed on the animals.
But the third group still remained.
The androids activated the final module.
During the first few seconds, the five mice reacted similarly to the previous subjects. Their heart rates increased rapidly, and their movements became far more agile.
However, the change did not stop there.
Their physical activity continued to rise.
The animals began running through the container at a speed difficult to follow with the naked eye. Their bodies occasionally collided with the inner walls, but they recovered almost immediately.
One of them jumped toward a mobile platform and knocked it down from the force of the impact. Another attempted to continue running even after momentarily losing its balance.
New warnings appeared on the sensors.
The subjects' body temperatures continued rising. Their heart rates had exceeded the levels registered in the other two groups, and their energy reserves were beginning to decrease at a considerable rate.
Rilley narrowed his eyes.
"Sophin, give me a report."
[Progressive overload detected in the subjects from the third group.]
[Body temperature continues to rise. Heart rate has exceeded recommended parameters. Signs of metabolic exhaustion and minor muscular injuries have been registered.]
"Is the regenerative serum responding?"
[Positive response. Cellular deterioration has decreased compared with initial projections. However, the recovery rate does not fully compensate for the damage caused by continuous exertion.]
[Accelerated consumption of energy reserves has also been registered.]
One of the mice in the third group suddenly slowed down. Its hind legs gave way for an instant, sending it rolling across the floor of the container. The animal remained motionless for several seconds.
Shortly afterward, it attempted to stand again.
Rilley watched every movement carefully.
There were no signs of uncontrolled mutation. Nor could he see any visible deformation or grotesque alteration in its structure.
As far as he could tell, no unexpected problem had appeared.
Everything came down to something he already knew.
The body still possessed very clear limits.
«Compound U1» could push those limits forward, but that did not mean it could erase them entirely.
"Reduce the stimuli for the third group," he ordered.
[Order executed.]
The mobile platforms stopped immediately. The mice gradually began reducing their activity, although some still appeared restless. The sensors continued registering every reaction.
Rilley remained silent for several seconds before speaking.
"Give me a preliminary evaluation."
[The formula has shown a positive response in all fifteen subjects.]
[No visible mutations or immediate signs of cellular rejection have been detected.]
[The increase in physical performance is directly proportional to the concentration administered.]
[A temporary improvement in concentration, stimulus-processing speed, sensory sensitivity, and instinctive response has also been detected.]
[The reduced dosage generates moderate improvement without significant alterations during the observed period.]
[The standard dosage generates greater amplification, accompanied by a controlled increase in physical deterioration.]
[The elevated dosage causes progressive overload. The regenerative component partially reduces deterioration but cannot fully compensate for it.]
[An increase in body temperature and energy consumption proportional to the concentration administered has also been registered.]
Rilley leaned back in his seat and let out a sigh.
"So it works."
[That statement is correct within the observed parameters.]
"But it still isn't enough. We have room for improvement."
[That statement is also correct.]
A faint smile appeared on Rilley's face.
Possible practical applications for the compound began taking shape rapidly within his mind. It certainly had evident limitations, but obtaining a perfect formula would have been suspicious.
Nothing important could be built without first identifying its flaws.
The data already confirmed what mattered most.
«Compound U1» could increase the physical performance of an organism without causing a profound genetic transformation. It also temporarily improved perception, mental clarity, and reaction capability.
Its effects were certainly not unlimited, and the formula was not free of risks.
But the idea worked.
That was enough to begin.
Rilley examined the records related to the third group once again. Cellular regeneration could repair part of the damage caused by the exertion. However, it could not create the energy necessary to maintain that state.
The body consumed its own reserves at a rate far greater than normal. Even if he managed to reduce the physical injuries, he would still need to find a way to compensate for that exhaustion.
"Sophin, register all results. Keep the fifteen subjects under continuous observation. I want to know how long the effects persist, how the deterioration develops, and whether any delayed alterations appear."
[Order registered.]
"Prepare a second round of simulations using the data obtained. Prioritize the stability of the standard dosage and reduce the overload margin at elevated concentrations."
[Order registered.]
Rilley continued observing the screen for several seconds.
A possible solution began taking shape in his mind. He realized that he did not need to develop another complex formula.
At least, not to solve that particular problem.
"Sophin, use one of my chocolate formulas as a base. Design an energy bar with a high caloric concentration, divided into small portions and easy to carry. Add components intended to replenish part of the energy consumed during application of the compound."
[Order registered.]
"The supplement should be consumed before, during, and after using «Compound U1». Adjust the proportions as we obtain new data."
[Understood.]
That would not eliminate the problem entirely. Nor would it prevent the organism from eventually becoming exhausted after prolonged use.
But it would help reduce part of the cost and lessen the impact of the compound on the body.
The regenerative component would repair the physical damage. The energy bar, in turn, would provide part of the fuel necessary to sustain the process. Later adjustments would determine how far that combination could be pushed without destroying the body it was meant to strengthen.
Rilley observed the third group once more.
The mice were beginning to recover a more stable breathing rhythm. The subject that had fallen remained still beside one of the inner walls, but its movements no longer appeared erratic.
S.O.P.H.I.N. detected the direction of his gaze through the laboratory's monitoring systems and reported without requiring Rilley to say a word.
[Progressive recovery detected in the subjects from the third group. The registered injuries show signs of accelerated repair.]
"How long will they need to recover?"
[Insufficient data exists to establish an accurate projection. The observation period must be extended.]
Rilley did not respond.
That was reasonable.
He could not expect a first trial to answer every question.
His gaze shifted toward the side screens, where the records related to his own organism were still displayed. The reinforced regenerative serum continued acting within his body.
The exhaustion had not disappeared completely, but it had decreased considerably since he left the reclining chair. His skin no longer reacted in the same way to the laboratory's constant lighting, and the burning sensation in his eyes remained at a tolerable level.
"Sophin, give me the current status of the genetic-regression projection."
[The collected data remains insufficient to determine the exact duration of the stabilized state.]
[No additional anomalies have been detected in Dr. Glass' organism.]
[Genetic regression has not begun during the observed period.]
"Continue registering the changes."
[Order executed.]
Rilley then looked at the smartwatch on his wrist.
The agreed time for dinner was approaching.
For a brief moment, he considered remaining inside the laboratory. There were still far too many things to review. He could personally observe the development of the mice, adjust the simulations, and begin working on a new variant before the day ended.
But as tempting as the idea was, he had to set it aside with a regretful sigh.
He would leave S.O.P.H.I.N. in charge so it could continue gathering every piece of data even in his absence.
Rilley rose to his feet.
"Sophin, keep the observation protocol active. Notify me if any of the subjects shows a significant alteration."
[Understood, Dr. Glass.]
The medical androids continued working as Rilley left the testing room. None of them needed additional instructions. Some approached the containers to inspect the sensors, while others began organizing the equipment used during the procedure.
The door closed behind him.