11 Book 3 Chapter 7 (1/2)
This floor was different in that it had a long backstory. Over time it would slowly be uncovered, and as of now, Jason was the only one who knew everything. If nothing changed, that is. So far, though, there was no changes as far as Jason could see. It left him feeling confident.
Cable was the official leader of the resistance, while the unofficial leader was a woman named Fox. Cable was a scientist through and through- he knew nothing about leadership, strategy, or tactics. He was the leader because he was the strongest human currently alive. Even more so than Decker, who was a cyborg.
Before this world was taken over by robots, two miracles arrived almost simultaneously. The m-serum and artificial intelligence. The scientist who created A.I. has long since died, while the scientist at the forefront of genetic engineering was still alive. Cable. Unfortunately, the A.I. takeover was too sudden. Only a single dose of m-serum had been completed. To survive, Cable consumed it, attaining superhuman strength and agility.
The m-serum. This was Jason's main goal on this floor. If he could get Cable to make more, humanity's chance of survival would drastically increase.
Cable's voice broke Jason from his thoughts. ”Strange, this blood, besides being healthy, is completely normal. There's no changes to the structure of your D.N.A. at all.” He turned to Decker. ”You're certain this man fought a soldier by himself?”
”Absolutely.” Decker replied with folded arms.
Cable rubbed his chin. ”Hmm. It must be something else. Something I can't detect.”
”Uh, Cable?” Jason stepped forward. ”We have a magic skill that allows us to determine the strength of people.” Cable and Decker froze as Jason continued. ”Basically, you're the strongest human we've ever met. How is that possible?”
Shenlong gave Jason a glance. He wondered what Jason was up to.
Cable released a long sigh. ”Well, since you saved Decker, I suppose I can trust you.”
Cable spent the next few minutes explaining his research in genetic engineering and the creation of the m-serum. When he finished, Shenlong couldn't help but ask. ”Is it possible for anyone to consume this serum?”
”I know what you're asking.” Cable waved his hand dismissively. ”If I could create it willy-nilly, don't you think humanity would have won this war?”
Shenlong frowned. ”Then it's hopeless?”
Cable glanced over Jason's party before replying. ”Not exactly…”
Decker glared at Cable. ”You can't be thinking of sending them to the surface?”
Shenlong inspected the USB before storing it in his inventory. ”Where's the lab?”
Cable turned to Decker. ”Hand them your tablet, will you?”
”Fine.” Decker groaned and took out a thin tablet from his waist. ”This won't run out of power for a century, so don't worry about charging it.”
Decker explained how to use the map on the tablet. It was basically just an application on a device. No different from a modern day tablet outside the tower. The map showed the entire underground network, as well as a route towards Cable's laboratory.
”We'll set off immediately.” Shenlong stored the tablet and turned to leave.
”Ah, wait.” Cable ran over to a nearby desk and pulled out a keycard. ”You'll need this, otherwise the automated defense system will cause the lab to self-destruct.”
”Good to know.” Shenlong's eyebrow twitched as he took the keycard.
Cable glanced at Decker. ”Show them the armory and introduce them to the reputation system.”