4 Choosing a Path (2/2)

'' Hmm. And is there no way to circumvent that? ''

'' With unlimited access to research material on project GoWSS, there is a faint possibility. Why would Host want such measures. Should we start a mental activity scan to verify mental stability? ''

'' Ahh stop it. I'm not going crazy. I just wonder if there is way to acquire more lifespan from a kill. I don't want to kill so much just to get such measly time. I mean, 1 kill for a month, that's ridiculous. ''

'' Host will get more time from higher class enemies. ''

'' I still hope I don't ever cross paths with one though. I think we'll go check out the lab once more. Maybe we can find some clues on how to get more life without having to commit mass murder. ''

'' As Host wishes. ''

With that decided, he began climbing the mountain path. Reaching the end of the path, he wound up back at his starting point, in front of the colossal steel door. Entering back into the lab he walked back to the indicator sign on the wall. This time around, he looked at the sign carefully and found what he was looking for.

The room he was looking for was the research center. The sign indicated it was in the direction of his room. Walking past the open door he had come out from, he continued for 85 meters and got at an intersection. Following the signs and turning left, he soon got to his destination.

Opening the door and going in, he came before a large work table. Behind which was a computer. Siting in front of the screen, he powered it up. After hacking into the user account with the System's help, he started searching for files on Project GoWSS and soon found them. He let the System take over to take in the data, as it read way faster. A couple of minutes later, his focus came back, which meant the System was done analysing the data.

'' So, did you find anything worthwhile? '' He asked, hoping for a positive answer.

'' Research data was un-conclusive. Host's demand can not be answered as of now. There was nonetheless, information about a serum, kept here in the lab, that can boost nanite efficiency to process energy gained from genetic consumption. ''

'' So you're saying I'll gain more life from the same amount of gene material? ''

'' Affirmative. ''

'' How much exactly? ''

'' Calculations show 100% increase in energy gain. ''

Realizing he could double his lifespan gain, he immediately went for that option. He decided he would kill the least possible, as he was not a murderer. Even though he hated the Tamarains, there was no need to become a genocidal monster. Hate was not the option he wished to go with.

'' Where is the serum? '' He asked, wishing to acquire it as soon as possible. Staying in here was not a good idea. He felt it deep down that, this place was frequently scouted and that with the whole team he had taken out, it was only a matter of time before more came.

'' Files point to the serum being in the vault, down the hall to your left. ''

'' Onwards we go then. ''

He reached the vault pretty quickly, as it wasn't far from the lab. The vault door was a simple key pass system. He let the System hack it, knowing he couldn't do so himself. Once open he found the serum in a locked glass cabinet, with other such vials and devices. Not caring about the rest of them, he smashed the glass in and took out his object of desire, the nanite booster.

'' System, are there any risks with injecting myself with this. ''

'' Negative. There are no side effects. ''

He found out fast enough that, the System meant in the long-term. As soon as he pressed the injector, he felt like fire was pumping into his body. He fell to the ground, agonizing, as his body was burning up from the inside. Feeling the same weird tick in his brain, he became numb and fainted.

Waking up some time later, his innards still burning with pain, he sat down.

'' System, WHAT THE HECK MAN !!! ''

'' We do not understand the question. ''

'' OOHHH REALLY!! SO THAT WASN'T A SIDE EFFECT TO YOU?! WHAT WAS IT THEN?! ''

'' System meant no harmful effect to the body in the long-term. ''

'' DAMMIT MAN!! God I hate you. I must be cursed to have ended up with you in my head! ''

'' System detects no such signs in mind or body. ''

'' OHH Screw you!! Tell me, what changes did it make. ''

'' System has analysed body while Host was unconscious. We have calculated new lifespan. Previous lifespan was 8 months 1 week and 4 days. Lifespan now 1 year 4 months and 2 weeks. ''

'' Wait a minute. Where are the other 4 days or their double? ''

'' Host has expended them. ''

'' What? That can't be pos... WAIT, you're saying i was out for 4 days !? ''

'' Affirmative ''

'' DAMMIT ''

Getting up, he fast walked to get out of the lab. He had been here too long and was scared that a unit would soon come to find out why they had lost a squad here. As soon as he got outside, he rushed to the clearing where he had left the chariot with the jetpacks and the rifles. Reaching the clearing, he heard a ripping sound like never before. Lifting his eyes to where the sound came from, what he saw terrified him.

In the sky, there was a giant tear from which vessels kept appearing. The System went full nuclear, yelling in his head.

'' SYSTEM ON FULL ALERT!! SYSTEM FULL ALERT!! HOST IS TO LEAVE AREA IMMEDIATELY. THREAT LEVEL : IMMINENT DEATH! ''

Grabbing a jetpack and a rifle from the cart and abandoning the rest, he fled the scene.