Chapter Sixteen: courting disaster on the rooftop

In the original storyline of Infinite Dawn, the blue light emitted by the extraterrestrials of the Sky Cataclysm possesses a unique ability... namely, the power to unlock genetic locks.

Well, not exactly—it should be said that it only assists in unlocking genetic locks. If one were to claim that the protagonist of Sky Cataclysm, after being bathed in the blue light, could kill aliens bare-handed because of unlocking the genetic lock, that would apply only to him. Other humans exposed to the blue light, even if they somehow resist the aliens’ hypnosis, do not exhibit any such change.

In the original plot, many from North Ice Continent, such as Chu Hao, J, and others, were also exposed to the blue light. However, only Chu Hao successfully unlocked the genetic lock.

Chu Hao’s rebel faction possessed a hypnosis technique originally created to resist psychic control. By sheer accident, it became an incomplete method for unlocking genetic locks. When Jenny fought him, she initially mistook this technique for a genetic lock unlock method, but later the misunderstanding was cleared up.

Yet after Chu Hao was exposed to the blue light, he managed to unlock the genetic lock successfully...

Hence, Chen Mo reasonably speculated that the aliens’ blue light technique is essentially an incomplete genetic lock unlocking technology, and the rebel faction’s hypnosis technique is also a form of genetic lock unlocking method.

If the two were combined, it could become a complete genetic lock unlocking technology!

“But that’s just your speculation, isn’t it?”

The group ascended to the rooftop, gazing at the blue meteor descending from the sky. Chu Hao didn’t turn around but asked Chen Mo.

“Yes, speculation, but worth trying. After all, this might be a technology capable of unlocking genetic locks. Even in the infinite world of storylines, it’s rare to find such methods.”

“Oh, are there other types of genetic lock unlocking methods?”

“Exactly. For example, the T-virus from Resident Evil is a technology that can unlock genetic locks. However, simply injecting the raw virus causes malignant mutations. Only those with enough knowledge and wisdom can refine it into a true unlocking drug... It’s unclear whether the blue light combined with your faction’s hypnosis technique would become a genuine unlocking technology, or if further refinement and experimentation are necessary…”

“Is the genetic lock very powerful?” Chu Hao asked again.

“Of course,” Chen Mo replied without hesitation. “Unlocking a genetic lock can allow a couch potato who never exercises to defeat several unarmed special forces soldiers. With some talent, one could easily take down a dozen or more.”

“But the greatest benefit of the genetic lock is its enhancement of the extraordinary. If you already possess first-tier combat power, unlocking a first-tier lock can even instantly kill a conventional first-tier extraordinary of the same level…”

Chen Mo fell silent because the blue light spheres were rapidly descending toward them.

He took handcuffs from his waist and secured himself to the railing to prevent being irresistibly drawn toward the blue light. Others followed suit, chaining themselves to the railing. Only Chu Hao remained unmoved, wearing sunglasses and standing in the center, staring directly at the approaching blue light sphere.

“Everyone, please protect yourselves. If I lose control and walk toward the blue light, I need you to pull me back or snap me out of it. If it goes beyond control, Chen Mo, please destroy this alien immediately.”

After saying this, Chu Hao removed his sunglasses.

With a roar, the blue light sphere descended before them. Even with sunglasses on and only using peripheral vision, everyone felt involuntarily tense... and uncontrollably excited.

The blue light was gentle, imbued with a certain warmth that made it seem harmless, even tempting to look at... But those familiar with the original story knew it was a trap and dared not look.

The blonde woman turned her head away completely, crouching and burying her face in her knees like an ostrich. The others watched the blue light with their periphery. Jenny also wanted to look away like the blonde woman, but seeing everyone else’s actions, she held on and glanced at the blue light with her peripheral vision...

Even just watching it from the corner of one’s eye caused an instinctive shudder. Chu Hao, who had taken off his sunglasses to look straight at the blue light sphere, suddenly appeared dazed. The tiny blood vessels around his face bulged, his expression twisted with pain, and his body convulsed repeatedly.

Chu Hao had undergone countless special trainings. For something to cause him such agony was truly terrifying.

In a flash—from the moment the blue light descended and Chu Hao removed his sunglasses until the light vanished—only about ten seconds passed. When the blue light disappeared, Chu Hao collapsed to the ground, twitching like a stranded fish.

“Hmm, the blue light exposure is over. Time to go back.”

While everyone watched Chu Hao with fearful expressions, Chen Mo had already freed himself from the handcuffs and hoisted Chu Hao onto his back, heading toward the safe house.

Thankfully, with the pills Han Li provided—effective even for mortals—Chen Mo’s physical strength had more than doubled. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to carry such a heavy man with ease.

Unfortunately, with Han Li’s current technology, this was the best pill he could produce. It wasn’t that better pills couldn’t be made; it was just that those pills either required long-term use to take effect or were only suitable for cultivators. Mortals often couldn’t digest them and might even suffer fatal consequences.

Chen Mo didn’t mind. Once back in the main realm, there would be no shortage of ways to increase his strength.

Seeing Chen Mo carrying Chu Hao back, the others quickly freed themselves and followed.

Back at the safe house, Chu Hao’s convulsions and trembling subsided. Chen Mo produced a concentrated glucose drink from his item space and handed it to him.

Chen Mo joked, “Weak after just one exposure, pathetic. Here, have some energy drink!”

Chu Hao retorted, “If you’re so capable, why don’t you take a look? Besides, this doesn’t even look like an energy drink... but thanks anyway.”

He took the small bottle, tilted his head back, and gulped it down. His clothes were soaked with sweat; his body felt drained as if he had just run a marathon, lacking even the strength to speak.

“This looks like the symptoms of unlocking a genetic lock,” Jenny said anxiously from the side.

“Will he be okay...?”

“He should be,” Chen Mo replied. “The danger of unlocking a genetic lock lies in the toxins produced within the body, which cause genetic collapse. Ordinary people in the non-magical world who unlock their genetic locks have a ninety-nine percent chance of dying outright. The remaining few suffer severe aftereffects.”

“However, Chu Hao’s physique is exceptional. Based on the original Sky Cataclysm protagonist’s experience, this genetic collapse lasts for several days before seriously affecting the body. If things get worse, we’ll have Ares examine him. I also have some healing pills here that we can use if necessary.”