BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

"Well… At least things are going well for once."

After leaving the forest, Erik arrived at Mister Fox's farm to resume his usual work. The day at the farm was uneventful, except for Mister Fox hiring five additional workers for the fields.

With Erik's abilities enhancing the farm's productivity, Mister Fox was now able to expand his land, purchasing adjacent plots to augment his income.

Despite the growing workload, Erik knew Mister Fox would rely on his unique skills until at least the end of August. This reliance meant Mister Fox could recoup the investment he had made in expanding his farmland.

Post farm work, Erik returned to school for training with fellow students and to complete his daily quest. The training regimen was as intense as ever, but Erik's improved strength allowed him to endure it. After completing his training, he made a quick trip to the train station and then headed home.

Once inside his apartment, Erik collapsed onto his couch, welcoming the brief respite. "What a day."

Despite feeling exhausted, he knew that his day was far from over and there were still tasks to complete before he could rest.

"System, show me the status screen," Erik said out loud, ready to review his progress and plan his next steps.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Host Information]

NAME: Erik Romano

AGE:16

POWER LEVEL: 37

SYSTEM LEVEL: 9

EXPERIENCE: 1724/ 2116

DNA POINTS: 90

HEALTH: 540 / 540

MANA: 470 / 470

{Attributes}

STRENGTH: 17

INTELLIGENCE: 15

DEXTERITY: 14

ENERGY: 22

Available Attributes points: 0

{Powers}

[Biological Super Computer Powers]

-Brain Crystal Manipulation

Brain Crystal Power Extraction (Allows the absorption of the brain crystal, making the host able to gain the power contained within. Notice: the DNA must be changed in order to allow the body to use the power. See DNA extraction.)

- (LOCKED)

- (LOCKED)

- (LOCKED)

- Brain Crystal Power Strengthening (Allows the gaining of the energy attribute points)

-DNA Manipulation

DNA Extraction (Allows the absorption of foreign DNA, making the host able to replicate it inside his own body. Notice: Changing the DNA is a slow process unless more DNA points are provided, and it is required to use of new brain crystal powers.)

- (LOCKED)

- (LOCKED)

- (LOCKED)

DNA Strengthening (Allows the gaining of the Strength, Intelligence, and Dexterity attribute points)

-Analysis (Gives the host information about his surroundings, plants, creatures, and ores.)

-Brain Information Injector (It allows the injection of information directly to the brain. Based on touch)

-Device Manipulation (Allows the Host to manipulate electrical and mana-driven devices. Based on touch)

[Host's Powers]

PLANT GROWING: Eσ2E-RANKED (Allows the host to make Plants Grow Faster)

SHARPENING: Eσ1D-RANKED (Makes Everything sharper according to the quantity of mana imbued into the item or body part.)

POISONOUS MANA QUILLS: Eσ1E-RANKED (Create Mana Venomous spikes from the user's back. The amount of toxicity and the spike's length depends on the mana used.)

VENOMOUS MANA DARTS: Eσ2E-RANKED (This ability enables the user to create and project mana darts infused with potent toxins. The effectiveness and lethality of these darts are directly proportional to the amount of mana channeled into their creation.)

SHAPESHIFTING: Eσ1A-RANKED (This skill allows the user to transform their physical form into that of other creatures. The prerequisite for each transformation is the prior absorption of its specific DNA, unlocking the ability to assume its form.)

BONE MANIPULATION: Eσ1E-RANKED (This power grants the user the capacity to control and change their skeletal structure. It includes the ability to enhance the density, size, and form of the bones, as well as to sharpen them for defensive or offensive purposes.)

{Skills}

Kyokar hand-to-hand style (BEGINNER) (A military fighting style developed in Frant)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Erik reviewed his stats and noticed a significant improvement since the month began. Thanks to his new strength, he became able to fight more without relying on his brain crystal power. He was catching up, learning the ropes of combat that he had missed during his childhood when others were already honing their skills.

What he needed now was to enhance his training speed and accuracy. These improvements would benefit all his powers, especially his sharpening ability. Officially, his second power was the Sharpening one, and that meant he was expected to develop combat skills around it.

Fortunately, the system was there to assist him. Erik contemplated learning a weapon-based fighting style. Swords seemed like a practical choice, yet the allure of spears was tempting too. Given his ability to sharpen, mastering a weapon felt like a strategic move.

However, Erik didn't want only to use the sharpening power when he was alone. Though, using a weapon could be his public way of fighting.

Time, however, was a constraint. His schedule was already packed, and he worried about neglecting neural link training. To balance multiple powers was challenging in this regard.

With the system's injection power and his enhanced dexterity, Erik was confident he could replicate any fighting move with greater ease, reducing his training load.

"Let's go with sword fighting for now. With Orson's power, I can make a pretty decent one relatively easy. It's a versatile weapon, not too burdensome in narrow spaces, but long enough to stay at a relatively safe distance."

He thought about it for some time.

"Yes, let's proceed with this. System, connect to my computer and inject a sword fighting technique. Find something that suits my current skill level and can be easily learned."

[UNDERSTOOD. CONNECTING TO: ERIK ROMANO'S COMPUTER. SEARCHING FOR SUITABLE SWORD TECHNIQUES. TECHNIQUE FOUND. INITIATING INJECTION PROCESS.]

Erik clutched his head as a searing pain coursed through it, an experience far beyond any typical headache. This sensation was the distinct mark of the biological supercomputer transferring data directly into his brain.

Around him, the room seemed to swirl, a vivid testament to the influx of information. The data was the "Whispering Willow Technique," a sword fighting style known for its elegance and precision, favoring finesse over raw power or showiness.

As the intricate details of the Whispering Willow Technique imprinted onto his consciousness, Erik felt the pain amplify. The nuanced stances, the precise strikes, each aspect of the technique was meticulously encoded into his very essence.

Erik shut his eyes, focusing on his breathing to mitigate the overwhelming sensation. In his mind, he visualized the data transforming into practical knowledge. He envisioned executing each maneuver of the Whispering Willow Technique, each movement triggering a sharp spike of pain.

As the process approached its end, the pain escalated to an almost unbearable level, threatening to overwhelm his senses.

Then, just as it had surged, the pain vanished. Erik's eyes snapped open, his breathing ragged. The Whispering Willow Technique was now an intrinsic part of him, integrated into his repertoire.

"Well, now I understand the 'how,'" he said to himself. "But mastering it is another challenge." He already had commitments to perfect the Kyokar hand-to-hand style; adding another discipline seemed daunting. "Yet every skill gained is a step forward. Now, onto the next task at hand."

Erik prepared to unlock the Lomalin's brain crystal power, aware that the process would be time-consuming. He asked, "System, how long will it take to absorb the Lomalin's brain crystal power?"

[ANSWER: TO ABSORB THE LOMALIN'S BRAIN CRYSTAL POWER, A DURATION OF TWO HOURS AND THIRTY MINUTES IS NECESSARY. SHALL WE INITIATE THE PROCEDURE? A TOTAL OF 50 DNA POINTS WILL BE NEEDED FOR THE EXTRACTION.]

"Go ahead, use the required points and begin the extraction process," Erik said.

[UNDERSTOOD. PREPARATIONS COMPLETE. DNA POINTS DEDUCTED. INITIATING EXTRACTION. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE HOST LIES DOWN ON A BED.]

Erik braced himself as he lay down, feeling a mana surge within him. The sensation was akin to a fierce inferno blazing through his veins, consuming everything in its wake. Then, a familiar warmth spread, emanating from his core and branching out to his limbs, infiltrating every inch of his body before dissipating into the air.

"Thankfully, this part isn't painful," Erik mused, feeling a slight dizziness and blurred vision take over. His eyelids grew heavy, and he succumbed to unconsciousness.

When the allotted time elapsed, Erik awoke. While he didn't notice any immediate physical changes, he knew that a profound transformation had taken place within his brain crystal.

"Ah… If only this could be instantaneous," he said once he saw the clock. He lost two hours and a half to do this.

After unlocking his new power, Erik channeled mana through his brain crystal, guided by the instincts that had emerged with this newfound ability. Soon, what seemed like bones made of pure mana sprouted from his skin, forming an armor-like structure around him.

This power Erik had just accessed was a remarkable defensive mechanism. It not only provided protection but also altered his physical appearance, making it impossible to recognize him by his body shape. The bone-like mana even obscured his face, rendering him unidentifiable.

However, the power was classified as E-ranked, showing a substantial mana consumption rate. This meant that Erik could not maintain the armor for extended periods.

"Well, it's better than nothing... Now, time to focus on those neural links."

Erik positioned himself on his couch, adopting the lotus position that facilitated deep meditation and focus. As he closed his eyes, the external world faded away, and he began the process of channeling mana.

The surrounding room grew still, the only sound being the faint hum of the city outside. Erik's mind delved into the depths of his consciousness, seeking the elusive neural links he aimed to form. These links, crucial for enhancing his powers, were like intricate puzzles, demanding patience and precision to connect.

As time slipped by, Erik's focus never wavered. He visualized the mana flowing through his body, envisioning it as a radiant stream of energy, seeking pathways to form new connections.

Though progress was slow and no new neural link was established that night, Erik could sense he was on the cusp of a breakthrough. Each meditation session brought him closer to his goal, like a sculptor chipping away at marble to reveal the form within.

He acknowledged the night's efforts and opened his eyes. The room seemed different now, as if his intense focus had altered his perception of his surroundings. He felt a sense of accomplishment, despite the lack of tangible results, knowing that each attempt brought him nearer to unlocking new potentials within himself.

He glanced at his watch and noticed there was still some time left in his day. Deciding to use this extra time effectively, Erik moved to his computer to check the latest news.

[ARMOR AND WEAPONS INFUSED WITH BRAIN CRYSTAL POWERS?]

<What…? >

[EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS FROM ETRIUM: ELARA "STEELHAND" WINSTON HAS PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED HERS AND HER GROUP BREAKTHROUGH IN INFUSING BRAIN CRYSTAL POWERS INTO ARMORS AND WEAPONS. DETAILS ON THE PROCESS REMAIN UNCLEAR, BUT THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE OFFICIAL THROUGH THE BLACKSMITH'S DESIGNATED CHANNELS.

STEELHAND INDICATES THAT THEY WILL SOON BE ABLE TO PRODUCE FUNCTIONAL ARMOR AND WEAPONS WITH INTEGRATED BRAIN CRYSTAL ABILITIES. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS FOR HUMANITY ARE VAST. COULD THIS LEAD TO A TRANSFORMATION IN COMBAT STRATEGIES? WILL THIS INNOVATION RENDER THAID ATTACKS LESS THREATENING? HOW SOON WILL THESE ENHANCED EQUIPMENTS BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC?

- JOURNALIST VICTORIA CARROLL, JUNE 17th, 3040.]

"Armor and weapons infused with brain crystal powers?"

Given he got the system, he had an open-minded view of the matter. Yet, he still asked the biological supercomputer if that was possible. "System, is such integration workable?"

[ANSWER: INTEGRATING BRAIN CRYSTAL POWERS WITH PHYSICAL OBJECTS IS FEASIBLE THROUGH MANIPULATION OF MANA.]

Erik dived deeper into his search for information on this groundbreaking technology, his excitement palpable.

The thought of wielding or wearing equipment enhanced by brain crystal powers was good, as he could use multiple powers, blaming it on his equipment.

Besides, he wondered if he could buy them to do something he was thinking about for quite a while. He imagined the possibilities, but was also scared to know what that would mean for society in Frant, and for the nation itself.

It could be good, as one's birth brain crystal power could become irrelevant, or it could be bad, as it would further divide the rift between wealthy and poor.

Such advancements could revolutionize his plans, possibly even aiding his desire to explore beyond his current borders. Erik clung to the hope that this technology would soon be a reality.