Chapter 360: Genetic Tournament (VI)
Just like before, Dimento and Cain assembled the Vector with remarkable efficiency. Their combined work was near perfect, reaching a standard that even a Peak 4-Star Saint Genetic Coder might not achieve. However, neither grew complacent. They had merely replicated the Vector from the initial test, and if that was the pinnacle of their achievement, they would be relegated to third place.
Dimento glanced at Cain, the weight of their task evident in his gaze. Cain returned the look with a nod, signaling his readiness. Together, they began weaving the Genetic Chain, molecule by molecule. This intricate process was reminiscent of assembling a puzzle, but one with trillions of pieces and no reference image.
Each segment of the chain needed to be compatible with the next. A single error, even at a microscopic level, could lead to undesirable mutations or, worse, the complete failure of the Wave Virus. The chamber’s atmosphere grew tense as all eyes turned to the teams representing the Third Imperial Prince, Second Imperial Princess, and Fourth Imperial Prince.
It was a contest between these three for the coveted first place, and each team displayed an astounding level of skill and concentration.
Hours seemed to blur into minutes and minutes into seconds. The teams were so engrossed that the external world seemed to vanish. Occasionally, Severin would interject, warning of instabilities that Cain or Dimento would promptly address.
The collaboration between Cain and Dimento was palpable. They functioned seamlessly, enhancing each other’s strengths and mitigating their weaknesses. The Genetic Chain evolved as time passed, increasing in intricacy and purpose.
Cain had been harnessing The Flow throughout, and his proficiency in Genetic Coding continued to rise. Suddenly, he detected a minor fluctuation in a segment crafted by Dimento. It was a deviation so slight that even a 4-Star Saint Genetic Coder might overlook it. Yet, with The Flow’s enhancement, it was evident to him. Swiftly, he corrected the sequence, returning the chain to its intended structure.
Dimento shot Cain a brief look as he adjusted his work. There was no resentment, only a quiet nod of appreciation. Then, with sharpened focus, he resumed coding. The pair continued in harmony, finalizing the Genetic Chain, integrating it into the Vector, and ultimately completing the Wave Virus.
As they finished, Cain’s awareness expanded, noting that the Third Imperial Prince’s team, led by Salaman, had already achieved their goal. They were the quickest, with Cain’s team trailing in second. The team representing the Second Imperial Princess, under Marlon White’s guidance, was still in progress.
Exhausted, Cain refrained from observing further, simply closing his eyes for some much-needed rest. Hours passed, and gradually, all teams concluded their tasks.