Ayla's explanations were always concise and efficient.
This time, however, she didn't keep Luna waiting long.
Awakening from her latest hibernation, Luna was slightly disoriented by the short time that had passed: only five years.
"Confirmed completion?"
Compared to the previous decades-long projects, this was incredibly short.
Ayla, in a white qipao, pushed up her gold-rimmed glasses.
"Of course."
"I learned from all the information on the internet during Earth's era. My only limitation in the field of biology has been a lack of practical experience."
"I have used samples from 1838 Multi-eyed individuals for my research. While not a large number, the collected data is sufficient."
"The improved Ankh—25 reagent will be the primary gene-modifying agent. It will require additional supplementary treatments. Through twelve cycles, we will replace the body's hematopoietic stem cells, creating new cells and achieving a complete blood and gene replacement."
Ankh, in Ancient Egyptian, meant life.
It was a long-held human aspiration.
And now, it was about to be realized.
The name seemed to bridge ancient and modern times.
But Luna noticed something else.
Complete gene replacement.
She knew that even minor genetic alterations could result in an entirely new species.
For example, mice and humans share over 95% genetic similarity. Humans and an ordinary tree share over 40% genetic similarity.
Even a thousandth of a percent difference in genes could result in reproductive isolation.
If she became reproductively isolated from ordinary humans, would she still be considered human?
She had considered this, even back on Earth.
But she hadn't delved into it deeply then.
Because gene modification and genetic engineering were still distant prospects for humanity at that time.
Now, faced with this reality, she already knew the answer.
She was the last human. Humanity's continuation depended on her. She shouldn't cling to outdated ideas.
This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
But she couldn't abandon them entirely.
"Are there other ways to preserve the human genome?"
"With advanced biotechnology, wouldn't it be possible to cultivate a complete human embryo from human cells?"
Ayla nodded.
"Indeed."
"Earth was already making progress on this technology in 2010. Successful experimental results were achieved after 2023."
"By 2037, research had reached the final stages of testing."
"If you need to cultivate a human using human cells, I can do that right now."
As someone with limited knowledge of biotechnology, Luna was surprised that the technology was more readily available than she thought.
"Theoretically, I could recreate humanity now?"
"What kind?"
Ayla explained.
"Actually, Luna, you can consider this technology a form of cloning."
"Since Dolly the sheep was cloned in 1996, cloning technology has continuously advanced."
"While ethically controversial, cloning is widely used in the pet industry."
"If a pet dies, its owner can clone it at a veterinary clinic for a few hundred thousand dollars, receiving an almost identical pet."
"Recreating a human is naturally more complex, requiring the cultivation of sperm and eggs from ordinary cells."
"But this isn't particularly difficult, since all the cells in a human body originally derive from the fusion of a sperm and an egg. They are biologically undifferentiated."
In short.
It was relatively easy.
Luna took a deep breath.
"Then let's preserve this human genome for the future recreation of humanity."
Moments later, the bridge's door opened, revealing—a naked humanoid figure?
"What is that?"
Luna frowned at the sight.
"To recreate a human, sperm and eggs need to be cultivated from cells."
"Since you, Luna, have one of them, why not use your own?"
"This is a silicone-based humanoid robot I have created for you. It will assist in the collection process."
"This is to ensure the continuation of the human race."
Ayla spoke with utmost seriousness, as if this were a sacred mission.
But Luna flatly refused.
"Forget it. I'll collect it myself."
Although the robot looked almost indistinguishable from a human, she wasn't comfortable with it.
After saying this, Luna felt a barely perceptible hint of disappointment on Ayla's holographic face.
She wasn't sure if she was imagining it.
More importantly, this robot couldn't have been created so quickly; it must have been prepared in advance.
"Very well, Luna."
"Please complete the sample collection as soon as possible."
"Your gene modification surgery is prepared. Each treatment cycle will last one month, for a total of twelve cycles—one year."
"During this time, you cannot enter hibernation or travel. You must remain in bed."
"However, rest assured, I've automatically generated a vast library of novels and films for you. The only downside is you won't be able to enjoy food; you'll be sustained by nutrient fluids."
This was absolute torture for Luna.
Even if the nutrient fluids were flavored like juice or Coca-Cola, drinking them constantly would be unbearable.
But when faced with the choice between longevity and a year without food, Luna chose the former.
After making the preparations as instructed by Ayla, she went to the Hope's experimental section.
She rarely ever visited this place.
Unlike the other areas, which were filled with vibrant colors and contrasting light and shadow, this section was overwhelmingly white.
Pure, stark white. The walls were white, the floor was white, even the robots moving silently through the area were white. Any speck of dust would be jarringly obvious.
Through a glass viewport, Luna saw her operating table.
It was enormous.
More than twenty robotic arms were attached, each wielding different surgical instruments, creating a somewhat disturbing, almost menacing display.
"Don't worry, Luna. These robots have been tested extensively using Multi-eyed subjects. Absolute precision is guaranteed."
Ayla's 3D projection guided Luna, her demeanor unusually bright and cheerful.
But Luna felt anything but cheerful.
Humans, it seemed, had an innate fear of surgery ingrained deep within their genes.
However, she wasn't one to hesitate or procrastinate; when something needed doing, she did it.
Following Ayla's instructions, she donned a white surgical gown and lay on the operating table.
As a needle pierced her artery, her consciousness began to fade.