Beneath the military hospital, in the third subterranean level, sat the genetic research lab.

Dr. Spencer, having carefully read the report on his tablet, turned to Max with a sigh. "Your gene warrior squad, twelve strong, yet only three, including you, remain standing after just a day. The others are either recuperating in medical pods or still in their hospital beds, recovering. I'm torn between praising your bravery and deeming you all foolhardy risk-takers."

Max responded with a genuine smile, "Isn't facing the forefront and undertaking the most dangerous missions the very essence of our duty as a gene warrior squad?"

Pointing to Sky next to Max, the doctor asked, "And is this his duty too? How could you justify taking a student from the military preparatory class on such perilous missions?"

Max defended his decision, "But Sky's performance is on par with that of an experienced gene warrior. I see infinite potential in him. He's destined to be more than just an elite soldier; he might even become an Awakener."

Dr. Spencer, brandishing his tablet, replied, "Are you suggesting I'm unaware? His gene fusion rate skyrocketed by 7% in just half a day. The data alone speaks volumes of his immense potential. But consider his injuries; a mere 10 centimeters further, and we'd be talking about a pierced heart. Our enhanced genetics can't mend a heart that's been impaled."

"I firmly believe that real combat is the fastest way to elevate one's gene fusion rate. Just look at the 7% increase today," Max said, his voice fading as Dr. Spencer's expression grew darker.

Dr. Spencer glared at Max before turning to Sky, "I've told you time and again about your extraordinary genetic potential. Your role right now is to assist in our research and find your supernatural abilities. You've already achieved a 49% primary enhancement fusion. Now it's time for your H-type serum injection. Afterward, stay home and come here daily for check-ups."

Sky quickly agreed, bid farewell to Max, and obediently followed the doctor.

After the injection and being monitored for a full hour with various instruments, Sky's day finally came to an end. When he returned, he found Arachne sitting quietly in a corner of Dr. Spencer's office, a box of cookies on her lap.

Dr. Spencer, absorbed in his computer screen, without looking up, said, "I gave Arachne my last box of cookies because I thought she might be hungry. She insisted on waiting for you to share them."

Only then did Sky realize the hunger gnawing at his stomach. The day's stress, compounded with the recent injection, had obscured his body's needs until now.

Arachne, holding out a cookie for him, beckoned. Sky quickly joined her, and together, they began to eagerly devour the contents of the cookie box.

In that pivotal moment, Spencer faced Arachne and began, "Arachne, having known your father, we share a sort of professional camaraderie. Considering your current plight, I feel compelled to extend my help. The war's tide isn't in our favor, and our lab staff are soon relocating to the capital. I've secured three additional spots – for you, Sky, and Sky's brother. This grants you the opportunity to accompany us to the capital. Once we arrive, I'll sort out your subsequent living arrangements." For a moment, Sky and Arachne stood dumbfounded, at a loss for words in their astonishment.

Spencer, then turning back, waved them off with a reminder, "Move along now, I'm swamped. Sky, remember to drop by daily and brace yourself – we're likely to depart within the next three days." Grasping Arachne's hand, Sky guided her to the exit, where they both sincerely expressed their gratitude to Dr. Spencer before parting ways.

Their homeward route passed the temporary refugee dispatch center, triggering Sky's recollection of Miller's morning advice: they could seek assistance from the head of refugee coordination. Upon their arrival, Miller's expression creased with concern. "Sky, you're back?" he questioned.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Reviving memories of Miller as a reliable ally, Sky gave a brief rundown of the day's events, outlining their current situation. After pondering for a moment, Miller nodded affirmatively. "Relocating to the capital could be fortuitous for you," he remarked, retrieving some documents from the shelf and promptly filling them out. "Here, take these extra supplies – food, water, and a sleeping bag for the girl, and I'll prepare some military-grade compressed food for you to collect tomorrow. While the lab team might provide enough resources, having additional supplies for emergencies is prudent." Sky, with a grateful nod, felt a surge of warmth in his heart. In these times of resource scarcity, such assistance was exceedingly rare.

Before long, Sky departed with a hefty load of supplies. Due to their large size, he had to embrace them with both arms.

Stepping away from the center, Sky suddenly remembered Arachne's vision issue. Turning back, he noticed that she was following closely, unguided. "Arachne, I thought you were blind?" he queried in curiosity. Arachne softly responded, "My vision isn't entirely gone. I can detect light changes and perceive vague shapes. My other senses have compensated for my visual impairment since childhood. Don't worry, I can keep up, just not too quickly." Reflecting on the syringe entrusted to Arachne by Duncan, Sky sensed there was something extraordinary about her. With a thoughtful pause, he slowed his pace, continuing to lead her home.

Standing at the doorway of his quaint home, Sky lingered momentarily, placing down his items and meticulously fastening his new coat, a recent provision from Dr. Spencer, covering the bandaged wound on his left shoulder. His uniform from the preparatory class was a relic of a past battle, leaving this freshly provided coat as his current shield.

After ensuring he bore no visible injuries or oddities, he opened the door and called inside, "Raimondo, need your help with some stuff."

Raimondo approached with evident concern. "Sky, you've been away for ages. I was getting worried. Who's this with you?"

Spotting a few refugees casting curious glances, Sky introduced, "This is Arachne, newly arranged to stay with us due to a lack of space elsewhere. She'll be squeezing in with us for three days." Handing Raimondo the food and water, he added, "These are her rations for the next few days. Store them for now, I've got to make her a sleeping spot."

With a friendly nod to Arachne, Raimondo took the supplies while Sky grabbed a sleeping bag, leading the girl into his room and gently closing the door.

Upon entering, Sky immediately set to work, swiftly clearing away the clutter to lay down the sleeping bag.

"Our place is somewhat disordered, don't mind it. I'll get it straightened out later with Raimondo," Sky said, searching for a rope and blanket to fashion a makeshift curtain for privacy. He felt the necessity of offering Arachne a personal space in their shared room.

Arachne, silently observing, spoke up, "There's no need to go to such lengths. We'll be moving on in three days. I can't see well, so the current setup is fine." She hesitated, then softly added, "Sky, your thoughtfulness is rare in this war-torn world. Not many are like you."

Sky, momentarily taken aback by his transmigrator's habits and thoughts, reminded himself to be more mindful in the future. He smoothly changed the subject, "Oh, is that so? Haha, Raimondo here is the true caretaker, though his snoring is quite the auditory challenge. Hope you're ready for his nightly concerts."

"It's not quite that dramatic," Raimondo interjected, entering the room having finished his task, only to exclaim in shock, "Sky, you're injured! What happened?"

Sky, now without his coat, revealed his bandaged wound and the blood-stained cotton. An injury that would have confined an ordinary person to bed for weeks, but his enhanced genetics were already working wonders.

He signaled for silence, motioning Raimondo to shut the door.

In the privacy of their room, Sky had Raimondo and Arachne take a seat as he recounted the day's events and briefly introduced Arachne's situation. Raimondo, overwhelmed by the flood of information, was left in a daze.

Noticing his brother's confused state, Sky waved his hand before his eyes, "Hey, snap out of it. We're heading to the main city in three days. Any thoughts?"

"Ah, right, the main city," Raimondo finally collected his thoughts, his face brightening before showing a tinge of concern. "But what about the refugees? And this house? It's what our father left us."

"Don't worry about it," Sky reassured, patting his shoulder. "I've already spoken with Miller. He'll take care of things. We'll come back and sort it out after the war."

Raimondo's worry subsided, and he turned to Arachne with a sympathetic expression, "I'm sorry for your loss. As Sky said, you're now part of our family. We're here to keep you safe."

Arachne, with a faint smile, quietly replied, "Thank you, both of you. I really am grateful."

"We're family now, formalities aren't necessary," Sky concluded, "In three days, we head to the main city."