The Mech Touch novel Chapter 107

The contents of the vial turned out to be a freshly synthesized gene boost elixir, tailored to his physique. The conspiracy theories were definitely true. Those in power controlled a method of manipulating a person’s genes and improve their attributes.

The secret did not affect him as much as others, as he already enjoyed something similar from the candies the System handed out. He patiently listened to Master Olson’s recording as she extensively warned him of all the ways he could end up dead if he did anything improper.

"The M-21 is an entry-level gene boost designed to reconstruct your body and pave the way for future injections. The M-series elixirs are particularly suited for scientists and engineers. The first dose has a pronounced effect on your intelligence. Due to their extreme effects, it is recommended that you ingest a premium nutrient pack before you proceed with the injection."

Ves ordered a household bot to retrieve a nutrient pack from Arkon’s mess hall. After chewing up the mushy bar of essential nutrients, his belly quickly became bloated. Only starving people ate an entire nutrient pack without processing.

Without further ado, he placed the business end of the injector against his arm and pressed the button.

"Guhgugh!"

The elixir burned through his veins and travelled up his arm before spreading out. The fluid somehow engulfed his entire body in seconds. His flesh and bones shook with excitement as the fluid washed over them simultaneously. His brain received special emphasis as up to thirty percent of the gene boost made their way up.

A few indeterminate minutes went by as Ves collapsed to the floor. While his body suffered through the pangs of rebirth, the empty injector silently disintegrated into dust, which slowly broke down into smaller particles that was swept away by the ship’s ventilation.

After Ves finally recovered, half an hour had already gone by. His bloated stomach had turned into an empty pit. He could certainly grab another bite. Eager to see how he progressed, Ves called up his Status.

[Status]

Name: Ves Larkinson

Profession: Apprentice Mech Designer _{fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓}

Specializations: None

Design Points: 815

Attributes

Strength: 0.8

Dexterity: 0.7

Endurance: 0.8

Intelligence: 1.3

Creativity: 1

Concentration: 1.7

Neural Aptitude: F

Skills

[Assembly]: Apprentice - [3D Printer Proficiency II] [Assembler Proficiency II]

[Business]: Apprentice

[Computer Science]: Incompetent

[Electrical Engineering]: Novice

[Mathematics]: Incompetent

[Mechanics]: Journeyman - [Jury Rigging II] [Speed Tuning III]

[Metallurgy]: Journeyman - [Alloy Compression I]

[Metaphysics]: Incompetent

[Physics]: Novice - [Lightweight Armor Optimization I] [Mediumweight Armor Optimization III]

Abilities

[Superpublish]: Available. Can be activated once a year.

Evaluation: An apprentice who has taken a step in the true world of mech design.

His status hadn’t changed much. Most of his rewards for completing his mission went towards upgrading his privileges. It was as if the System stole all the benefits and left him with a pittance.

Regarding his attributes, the M-21 gene boost certainly made a difference, though it was not as big as he thought. Both his strength, endurance and intelligence received a small 0.1 bump. Ves could imagine that anyone might faint at the sight. As someone who already ate a couple of candies, he merely noted the bump and wondered what it would take to get the next injection.

"Something like this should still be out of reach. The Clifford Society should have more information."

After taking a brief sonic shower, he dressed himself exited his bathroom and walked over to the full-sized mirror next to his closet. The shower’s drying program even styled his dark brown hair into a neatly combed look.

The cut of his suit fit him like a glove. These antigrav clothes came with the most perfect measuring systems. It even adjusted to his changed physique without having to lift a finger.

"Wow, that gene boost sure brushed up my appearance." Ves stated admiringly. Even the System didn’t offer cosmetic boosts from its Store, at least to his knowledge.

The gene boost’s physique enhancement not only strengthened his muscles, but also smoothed out his physical features. His skin lost all of its blemishes and his face appeared more symmetrical. Though he’d never be called handsome, at least he distanced himself from the skinny nerd look.

"Should I grow a beard?"

No matter the era, facial hair always gave men a dignified look if properly groomed. Even if Ves knew little about styling, he could borrow his ship’s amazing styling program to groom a sophisticated beard.

The Barracuda’s extensive automation was her biggest selling point. Ves was determined to keep this ship in his possession. No matter how much money he had to throw in this money pit, the ship’s ease of use allowed him to maintain her without involving too many outsiders.

"She’s a good means of escape if anything happens."

In a galaxy full of tension, no planet was safe. Even a quiet and boring state such as the Bright Republic had to face a lot of threats.

The ship ascended into the skies. Ves bid farewell to Leemar-2 as the Barracuda effortlessly escaped the planet’s gravity well. The archipelagos claimed by the Leemar Institute of Technology slowly faced underneath the clouds and haze of the planet’s atmosphere.

For the next few hours, Ves observed the navigator bot as it efficiently slipped past the crowded traffic near Leemar-2’s orbit. It frequently sent automated requests to the system’s traffic control and received updates on its assigned routes that led it to the edge of the star system.

As a small and nimble corvette, the Barracuda only required half a day to travel from the inner system to the very edge. Surprisingly, the system’s security force approved his departure after only a cursory scan. Their inspectors hadn’t even boarded the ship.

"Looks like flaunting my status as an apprentice is quite useful."

The FTL drive transitioned into a different dimension without problem. The Barracuda was on its way. Feeling a bit uncertain, Ves summoned up the diagnostics of the ship. While he couldn’t understand the details, the operating system detected no anomalies. His ship wasn’t about to explode.

"Now that I’ve got some free time on my hand, I might as well take a look at the Clifford Society."

Technically, Master Olson was merely a guest professor at Leemar. Despite the short duration of her stay, she made several agreements with Leemar that smoothed over the rights and privileges of her apprentices and disciples.

Thus, when he returned to his stateroom and visited the Society’s virtual portal, the room’s projection came to life. A vivid world came into existence. Highly advanced projectors and other systems simulated a very realistic environment full of sights, sounds and smells.

Like a god observing his worshippers, Ves stood on a cloud that overlooked a vast and sparsely populated mountain range. A few moments later, another person warped into view.

"Ah, welcome. I was expecting you." The middle-aged man. "Are you enjoying your new ship? We’ve added a couple of extras once we’ve learned you’ve received this prize."

The man wore sophisticated antigrav clothes in a much more elaborate style. Custom jewels adorned his suit jacket in an intricate geometric pattern. An emblem of a fist enclosing a blue rose was pasted onto his chest. Ves recognized it as Master’s Olson personal Master Mark, an exclusive symbol assigned by the MTA to mark her designs.

"Are you my senior?"

"That’s right. I am Horatio Veclan. I am Carmin’s oldest apprentice and one of her personal assistants. I am in charge with keeping track of her subordinates and managing their needs."

Horatio gestured with his hands, throwing his virtual contact details to Ves. "Contact me if you have any questions. You don’t want to bother Carmin with a trivial issue. She takes quite a dim view to idiots who waste her time."

Only someone close to Master Olson could have the guts to call her by her first name. Ves decided it didn’t hurt to get acquainted with Horatio.

"Can you introduce me to the Clifford Society?"

"Why certainly! That’s why I’m here. If you will follow me, we will descend and tour the virtual facilities. There are a lot of hidden gems down there if you know where to look."

Through certain gestures, Ves learned how to descend his virtual body. He followed Horatio downwards. He was looking forward to what this exclusive society of mech designers offered.