Dr. Brown, the head of science and genetic engineering at the EDGE corporation, found himself in the midst of a challenging day. The success of project [Cockroach] was pivotal, as failure would result in the forfeiture of all his hard work and qualifications. A persistent blue screen buzzed in his head, his cybernetic eyes and brain implants tirelessly sifting through an immense amount of data. Meanwhile, his hands swiftly manipulated holographic screens with a speed that appeared inhuman.
Humanity had entered a golden age of technology with the emergence of shifters, beings of unimaginable power capable of reshaping reality at their every whim. However, these entities proved to be hostile soul-hunters, utilizing powers fueled by souls—something that humans possessed in abundance.
The arrival of the shifters provided humanity with a shared adversary, prompting them to unite and usher in an era of prosperity previously deemed impossible. However, this age of unity was fleeting, as human nature prevailed even in the face of potential extinction from extraterrestrial foes. Dr. Brown and numerous others now stood as the last line of defense against the shifters, with hopes pinned on project [Cockroach] to alter the course of events.
Project [Cockroach] was initiated with the goal of transforming one of the most tenacious and adaptable species known to humanity—the cockroach—into the ultimate survivor and predator. Dr. Brown aspired to create an intelligent creature with the capacity to think, adapt, and evolve. Such a formidable being had the potential to bring about the downfall of the shifters, serving as the epitome of a merciless killing machine.
Dr. Brown achieved some success with Compound X, the pivotal substance destined to be the lifeblood of Project [Cockroach]. Without it, none of Dr. Brown's ambitious goals could be realized. Derived from the blood of deceased shifters, Compound X held the power to influence reality when mixed properly and in the right proportions. In the right hands, it had the potential to accomplish anything theoretically. Dr. Brown aimed to be the first to showcase the practical applications of Compound X through Project [Cockroach].
Today felt like the day, Dr. Brown could sense it. After years of arduous effort and countless sleepless nights, everything might finally pay off. With a mental flick, all the buzzing holographic screens vanished, and the real world returned to his cybernetic sight. The laboratory around him appeared as a familiar white void, a space he had grown accustomed to after dedicating so much of his life to his work. Below him floated a small glass cage with metal edges, within which resided a regular cockroach of the Megaloblatta longipennis species.
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With palpable trepidation, Dr. Brown delicately retrieved a small, vivid green capsule from his lab coat, placing it atop the glass cage. The transparent barrier responded with a momentary ripple, akin to disturbed water, as the capsule gracefully descended into it. The capsule landed directly on the dormant cockroach, erupting into a vibrant green smoke that swiftly enveloped the entire cage.
A mere second later, the cockroach was illuminated by a vivid green glow, its silhouette undulating and contorting within the green smoke. It underwent a transformative change that promised to elevate it to another level, altering its essence forever. Gradually, the ethereal green smoke dissipated, absorbed by the body of the cockroach as it underwent profound genetic transformations. Base instincts were meticulously rewritten, and entire segments of genes were systematically replaced, imbuing it with heightened efficiency in killing, thinking, and adapting to a myriad of situations.
As the gas fully cleared from the cage, Dr. Brown was confronted with a sight that sent a shiver down his spine. Peering at him from the enclosure was a colossal five-inch cockroach, standing resolutely on its last legs. The creature regarded him with eyes that cycled through expressions of assessment, curiosity, and rage. Dr. Brown couldn't explain how he discerned these emotions, but he just knew. The cockroach's compound eyes now gleamed with a dreadful intelligence. It advanced toward the cage's edge, numerous legs pressing firmly against the glass as it locked eyes with him intently.
Dr. Brown stood awkwardly in place, beads of sweat trickling down his neck as he pondered the next course of action. The project was an unquestionable success, a monumental one at that—perhaps even a bit too monumental. The challenge now lay in how he navigated the aftermath; his fate might hinge on his decisions. Despite the logical understanding that the cockroach should remain confined within the cage, an inexplicable sense of danger lingered. Dr. Brown felt an unexplained intimidation, urging him to tread cautiously with his newfound creation.
The cockroach, now displaying a heightened level of intelligence, observed Dr. Brown closely. In an effort to convey that he meant no harm, Dr. Brown took a calculated step—he held up his hands, a universal gesture of surrender. It was a silent plea, hoping that the newly intelligent creature would understand his intentions.
His hopes were shattered when the creature, instead of understanding the gesture, began relentlessly smashing its head against the glass cage. The enclosure rippled as it absorbed the force. Dr. Brown didn't hesitate; with a swift mental command, he activated emergency protocols and swiftly exited the room. His almost fully cybernetic body propelled him with inhuman speed, leaving the chaotic scene behind.
Seconds later, the room bathed in an ominous red light as the emergency protocols sprang into action. Small pipes emerged from the perfectly uniform floor, releasing gas into the room. The cage containing the cockroach shattered and floated away, permitting the gas to envelop the creature. Initially, it thrashed about, appearing to be in pain upon contact with the gas. However, it quickly overcame the discomfort, taking to the sky to evade the encroaching waves of toxic gas gradually filling the room.
The cockroach, already in mid-flight, encountered yet another unforeseen development. Mini turrets extended from the ceiling, promptly locking onto its position. After a brief moment, a flash of light followed, marking the instantaneous discharge of the turrets. The once-intelligent cockroach ceased to exist, its existence abruptly terminated by the precision strikes of the mini turrets.