Reincarnated with the Country System

Chapter 85 Arcane Research Institute

Arcane Research Institute (ARI)

It is located a hundred kilometres away from the capital in a place surrounded by hills and dense forests.

The ARI spans a vast area, comprising several interconnected buildings that house various departments and laboratories. From an aerial view, the institute may appear to be an ordinary establishment. However, the main research centre is located below it, up to ten stories deep. This place is a special research institute in the empire where various new inventions are made.

The entire institute is primarily operated by the Magic Department and Imperial Special Security Department (ISSD).

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In the laboratory

The laboratory was a vast, open space filled with high-tech equipment. In one corner, a large table was cluttered with vials, syringes, and genetic samples, while another area was dedicated to arcane artefacts and ancient tomes.

Only two people were working in this huge laboratory. Because they lacked manpower.

Circe stood at the lab bench, her brow furrowed in concentration as she examined a series of genetic sequences on her computer display.

Next to her was Dr. Evelyn Carter, a geneticist. She wears a lab coat.

Dr. Evelyn, without looking up, said, "Chief, we need to focus on the genetic markers associated with muscle growth. The ACTN3 gene is crucial for our serum. If we can enhance its expression, we could significantly improve physical performance."

[The ACTN3 gene is a gene on chromosome 11 that provides instructions for making alpha-actinin-3, a protein in muscle fibres. The ACTN3 gene is associated with speed and power in athletic performance.]

Circe pauses, her gaze shifting from the screen to Evelyn. "And what about spirit enhancements? The essence of a soldier is not merely in their physical form but in their will and determination. We must also consider the magical enhancements that can bolster their resolve."

Evelyn sighs, her fingers still dancing over the keyboard. "I understand that, but we have to start with a solid scientific foundation. If we can't get the biology right, the magic won't have a stable vessel to enhance."

Circe nodded, her expression thoughtful. She moved closer to the table, examining the vials filled with shimmering liquids.

Circe turned to her workstation, pulling up a 3D model of the human genome. She gestured for Evelyn to join her.

Circe said, "Look here. If we splice in the modified gene sequence, we can create a prototype serum."

Evelyn nodded, "Okay, I'm going to get an animal for testing."

"No need. I can summon a creature from that. It will serve as a test subject, and I can imbue it with protective wards to ensure it survives the process."

Evelyn, " I like the idea, Chief."

As Circe began to use her spell, the air around them shimmered, and a faint glow illuminated the room. Evelyn watched in awe as a small, creature materialized—a fox-like being with shimmering fur and glowing eyes.

"This is a spirit fox. It's agile and resilient, perfect for our initial tests."

"Alright, let's get to work. I'll prepare the genetic modifications while you set the wards."

Evelyn worked diligently, her fingers over the keyboard as she prepared the genetic sequence. Circe, on the other hand, uses her magic to create protective wards around the fox.

Evelyn carefully mixed the genetic material with a glowing liquid that Circe had conjured, a potion infused with magical properties.

Evelyn approached the spirit fox, which sat calmly, its eyes glowing with curiosity. She took a deep breath, steadying her hands as she prepared the syringe. With a swift motion, she injected the serum into the creature. Almost immediately, the fox's body shimmered, and a wave of energy pulsed through the room. Circe raised her hands and used her magic to stabilize the creature.

Evelyn watched in awe as the spirit fox began to transform. Its muscles rippled, and its fur glowed brighter, reflecting the fusion of science and magic. The creature let out a soft yip, and for a moment, it seemed to hover above the ground.

"It's working! Look at the way it's responding!"

Evelyn was very happy because their long days of hard work had paid off.

"The energy is fluctuating. We need to stabilize it before it becomes too powerful."

As the transformation reached its peak, the fox suddenly collapsed, its body shimmering before it returned to its original form. Evelyn rushed to its side, checking for signs of life.

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"Chief, is it okay? Did we push it too far?"

Circe knelt beside her, placing a hand on the fox. A soft glow emanated from her palm, and the creature stirred, its eyes fluttering open.

"It's alive! But we need to analyze the results. The serum has enhanced its physical attributes, but we must determine the extent of the magical influence."

Evelyn quickly pulled up the data on her display, analyzing the readings. The results were promising, but they also revealed unexpected fluctuations in the creature's magical aura.

"The serum has increased its agility and strength, but there are spikes in its magical energy that we didn't anticipate. This could lead to instability."

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Scene change:

The nobles were brought to a high-class restaurant.

Duke Gorge looked at the food that was served, he knew that the restaurant they were in had everything they could want, as their driver had told them.

Duke Gorge was intrigued by the sweet smell that the waiter was serving.

Duke Gorge asks the waiter, "What is this dish, young man?"

With a cheerful demeanor, the waiter replied, "It's called sweet and sour beef, sir. Would you like to try it?"

Without hesitation, Duke Gorge responded, "Yes, please! And I'll have this dish as well."

The waiter nodded, "Certainly, sweet and sour beef and beef salpicao. Would you like a drink, sir?"

Duke Gorge suddenly smiled when he heard this, so he said with confidence: "I would like Pepsi."

The waiter's expression shifted slightly as he apologized, "I'm sorry, sir, but we only serve Coca-Cola here, as they are our partners."

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Duke Gorge quickly adjusted his order. "Very well, I'll have a Coca-Cola instead."

Meanwhile, the other nobles made their selections. Milana opted for fried chicken in fontina, while Sam chose crispy chicken thighs with cilantro and lime. Aqua decided on spicy pork adobo with mango sauce.

After the Lunch, the nobles went to the next meeting