Chapter 10: The First Signs Emerge

Back in the dormitory, He Xingzhou continued organizing his research materials. He intended to document the genetic and biological trait changes of the mutated black sea bream in a comparative sequence and establish a model of biological mutation—or rather, evolution—to serve as a warning.

He assigned numbers to the three mutated black sea breams and noticed that the manifestation of the alien genes differed among them.

Two of them exhibited slower gene mutations following exposure to nuclear radiation. However, the second mutated black sea bream’s gene mutation rate had accelerated by several hundredfold!

It seemed to have entered a mutation phase, undergoing new changes daily.

The quantum light brain reminded him, “When alien genes invade native planetary life forms, once they reach a certain threshold, this phenomenon occurs. Provided it obtains ample nutrition, it can evolve into a lower-level alien species within weeks or a few months.”

“So, the second black sea bream will fully mutate into an alien species in just a few weeks?” He Xingzhou asked.

“In theory, yes,” the quantum light brain replied.

He Xingzhou grew serious. According to the quantum light brain’s explanation, alien species vary in form but are undoubtedly fiercely aggressive creatures.

It was clear he needed to keep a close watch on this fish; it would be crucial biological evidence to support his theory of an alien crisis.

He immediately contacted the mutated organism research team and headed to the biological research building.

Upon arriving, two students were already waiting for him. Both were biology majors and members of the mutated organism research interest group.

“Senior, over here!” a junior female student called out from the shade, waving at him from afar.

He Xingzhou’s gaze was immediately drawn to a striking figure. Most captivating were her elegant legs—thighs shapely and full, calves slender and smooth, perfectly proportioned.

Her crisp canvas shoes paired with denim shorts and a white T-shirt highlighted her vibrant, sexy figure standing about 1.67 meters tall.

Her oval face bore delicate Chinese features: slender willow eyebrows, eyes bright like the moon, lips painted red, a straight, elegant nose, and mid-length hair curling slightly at the ends. Her beauty was undeniable, catching the eyes of passing students.

This was Jiang Chan, a freshman, two years younger than He Xingzhou. Upon learning he had built a nuclear reactor himself, she greatly admired him.

Standing beside Jiang Chan was Wu Rui, the research interest group leader, a senior. Though rugged in appearance, he was rigorously serious about academics.

“It’s hot, here’s some cold water,” Jiang Chan handed He Xingzhou a bottle of chilled mineral water, which he gratefully gulped down.

“How are my fish doing?” He Xingzhou inquired.

“They’re lively!” Jiang Chan replied with a puzzled look. “They’re active to an extreme. We’ve seen many mutated fish before, but these you brought are like biological motors—constantly restless and demanding food non-stop.”

“Yeah,” Wu Rui nodded. “We initially kept them together, but they started attacking and biting each other, so we had to separate them. Their appetite is enormous, and their size has far surpassed that of normal black sea bream!”

“An average adult black sea bream ranges from 120 to 300 millimeters in length and weighs between 125 to 1800 grams, with the largest reaching 3.5 to 4.0 kilograms. Yet these mutated fish are at least three times the size of ordinary black sea bream!”

“The second black sea bream has grown to five times the size—half a meter long. It’s absurd!”

The three chatted as they entered the laboratory building.

In the biological experimental pool, He Xingzhou saw his three research subjects.

The first and third black sea bream had doubled in size, but the second had mutated into what seemed like an entirely new species!

In the water, it resembled a dark monster, with two rows of sharp, serrated teeth and a disproportionately large head occupying a third of its body.

This indicated an increase in brain capacity. Its naturally strong dorsal fin had doubled in size, and signs of exoskeleton development were evident.

When it saw people, it fidgeted wildly, banging against the tank and even leaping out of the water. If not for the lab’s safety measures, it might have jumped right out!

Jiang Chan looked frightened and asked, “It’s turning more and more monstrous. Can we still keep it?”

“It is a monster!” He Xingzhou affirmed. “According to my predictions, black sea bream number two will continue mutating and become a full-fledged monster within weeks!”

“This is indeed the most severely mutated creature I’ve ever seen!” Wu Rui said, snapping photos of the fish. “Mutated organisms are increasingly common worldwide, but most mutations are minor. I’ve never seen one like this. Could it be because you exposed it to nuclear radiation?”

He Xingzhou nodded. “That likely played a role.”

“I think we should enclose this safety tank with an iron cage to prevent this monster from escaping and harming anyone.”

“I agree,” Wu Rui said seriously.

The lab had been applied for through the school and lacked advanced equipment; genetic testing was conducted at specialized school laboratories.

“And from now on, it must be fed plenty of food daily!” He Xingzhou stated.

“It’s growing so fast, and it eats whatever we give it!” Jiang Chan worried. “Won’t that accelerate its mutation?”

“It will,” He Xingzhou confirmed, causing concern in them both.

“I feel like this experiment is already beyond our control,” Wu Rui said. “Should we report this to the school?”

“No rush,” He Xingzhou said calmly. “In another week, I expect even stranger mutations. By then, my research paper will be finished.”

At this, Jiang Chan asked curiously, “Senior, according to your model, it will become some kind of alien monster? Is it really that extreme? If all mutated creatures changed like that, the world would be in chaos, like a biological apocalypse!”

“It is a biological apocalypse,” He Xingzhou did not hide his view. They would find out sooner or later.

“Without exaggeration, I believe this world will face a biochemical doomsday within decades. Mutated organisms will take over the planet, and without countermeasures, humanity will quickly perish.”

Wu Rui laughed. “Not exaggerating? How is that possible?”

“Even if this black sea bream doubled in size again, it would just be bigger. Even great white sharks or whales would be powerless against humans!”

“Where else could it mutate to? And besides, there are always exceptions of creatures that grow extraordinarily large.”

Jiang Chan pondered He Xingzhou’s words. “Though I find it unlikely, I don’t think Senior He is fearmongering.”

“I think you’re just blindly admiring him!” Wu Rui teased.

Jiang Chan blushed. “I’m just being objective. I read your genetic analysis, and it really is strange!”

He Xingzhou said, “Wait another week. According to my gene evolution model, in just one week, black sea bream number two will completely overturn your understanding!”