The lights in the central square dimmed, and a holographic projection rose behind Duran, showcasing the complex double helix structure of DNA. Erica noticed that certain base pairs glowed an unusual red, unlike any genetic markers she had seen in her research.

"Each of you carries within you the greatest discovery I've made in the past twenty years—the key to evolution." Duran's voice echoed through the square, each syllable striking Erica's eardrums. "These optimized gene sequences will enable humans to break through existing physiological limits."

The projection switched to a set of comparative data charts. On the left were the various indicators of an average human, while on the right were the predicted values for the "new human": life expectancy extended to 150 years, IQs generally exceeding 180, and immune systems resistant to 98.7% of known pathogens. "But genes are just the foundation," Duran continued, making a magnifying gesture with his hands. The holographic image transformed into a network of interconnected neural networks. "The real breakthrough lies in the quantum entanglement effect between you." Countless points of light flowed through the neural networks, forming a complex topological structure. "When a population with a specific genetic sequence exceeds 144 individuals, it will form a natural quantum computing matrix. That's why I need you—my 157 perfect samples—to gather here."

Erica gasped. Her recent gene splicing research happened to involve quantum coherence in nerve cells. Had Duran been monitoring her work? She subconsciously touched the chip at the back of her neck, suddenly realizing the other uses of this implant besides identification.

"Starting tomorrow, you will undergo systematic neural link training." Duran opened his arms as if to embrace everyone present. "In three years, when we have completed the network with the quantum satellite in orbit, you will become the first living supercomputer in human history."

Applause rang out in the square, but Erica noticed that several older "brothers and sisters" in the front row exchanged wary glances. One of the Asian men wearing glasses even gave a barely perceptible shake of his head—according to the number tag, he was number 38.

After Duran's speech, the crowd dispersed in an orderly manner. Erica was about to leave when a service robot slid in front of her, a cup of steaming liquid on a tray.

"Number 103, your customized nutritional supplement," the robot said in a sweet, female voice. "Formulated according to your genetic metabolic profile."

Erica took the cup. The liquid within exuded a faint scent of jasmine—another favorite of her mother's. But she only pretended to take a sip, pouring most of it into the hidden container on her sleeve while no one was paying attention. Here, anything that enters the body is cause for concern.

Back in her room, Erica immediately examined the blue syringe her mother had hidden under the bed. A quantum scan revealed it to be a neural blocker specifically designed to target the HS gene sequence. The chip contained a diagram of the entire dungeon and a strange set of coordinates marked "Area B7 - Archive Room." She had just saved this information into her encrypted memory when the access control system suddenly buzzed. Erica quickly hid the evidence and turned around to find the bespectacled No. 38 standing at the door.

"Lian Wu," he introduced himself briefly, his voice extremely low. "Biophysics Department. Can we talk? Before you're fully assimilated?"

Erica eyed him warily. "About what?"

Lian didn't answer, but handed her a biochip. "Your mother was the lead geneticist for the HS project, right? Take a look at this."

The chip, inserted into the terminal, displayed a shocking set of medical records. Over the past five years, eleven genetic children had died from brain death during neural link experiments. The final report was marked with the cold-blooded annotation "Costs within expected range," and the signature was Duran's electronic seal. "He calls us children, but we're just experiments." Ryan pointed to a recurring coordinate in the data. "Tomorrow, find a chance to visit Area B7 and see what happens to the 'failed'."

Erica was about to ask further when footsteps sounded in the hallway. Ryan quickly retracted the chip and pretended to discuss work assignments.

"Number 38, you're not in your designated area." Kate appeared at the door, two security guards standing behind her. "Curfew is almost here."

Ryan nodded obediently and left, but as they passed, his fingers gently touched Erica's wrist—a micro-storage device slipped silently into her sleeve.

Kate's eyes flickered between them. "Number 103, your neurocompatibility assessment is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8:00. Make sure you get enough rest." Her tone was gentle, but her eyes were cold. "Father is looking forward to your performance."

After the door closed, Erica examined the micro-storage device Ryan had left behind. Inside was a three-dimensional map of the dungeon. Eleven red dots were scattered throughout Area B7, each with a name and number next to it. At the top was a line of small text: "They are still breathing, but no longer alive - See Level 7 for processor array coordinates."

She looked out the window at the underground city. Artificial moonlight shone on the immaculate buildings, making everything appear peaceful and orderly. But beneath this beautiful surface, how many soul-depleted bodies lay hidden?

--

The next morning, Erica was awakened by a soft, synthesized voice: "Number 103, neural adaptation assessment begins in one hour. Please proceed to Lab 7."

She donned the white uniform provided by the system and hid her mother's neuroblocker in a secret compartment on her sleeve. Her reflection in the mirror was pale, with a faint shadow under her eyes—she had been up all night, repeatedly studying the information Ryan had provided and the clues her mother had left behind.

Lab 7, located in the east wing of the research area, required three genetic verification checkpoints. At the final door, Erica felt a sharp sting in the chip on the back of her neck, as if something was forcibly reading the data. She clenched her teeth to prevent herself from screaming. "Gene sequence 103 verified," a robotic female voice announced. "Welcome to the core research area."

The interior of the laboratory resembled a high-tech temple: a circular neural link device at its center, surrounded by dozens of holographic workstations. Several technicians in white robes were adjusting the equipment. Seeing Erica enter, one of them stepped forward.

"I'm Tyler Song, number 49," the young man said with a smile. "Neural interface expert. Today, I'll be conducting your initial assessment."

The assessment began routinely—cognitive tests, neural reaction speed measurements, and a genetic stability scan. Erica deliberately performed mediocrely on the quantum coherence test, neither too outstanding to attract attention nor so poor as to require "special enhancement."

"The basic data is good," Tyler noted, recording the results. "Now we need to test your neural quantum state compatibility. Please lie down on the platform."

The ring device slowly descended, and dozens of microsensors were trained on Erica's head. She resisted the urge to flee, her fingers stealthily reaching for the blocker in her sleeve. "It's just a non-invasive scan," Taylor reassured her. "Phase one won't use a physical interface."

The scanning beam enveloped her head. Erica felt a strange humming echo in her brain, as if countless tiny voices were whispering. Suddenly, a shrill alarm blared from the main console.

"Abnormal readings!" a technician shouted. "Her neural quantum state is interfering with the system!"

Tyler stared at the data screen in surprise. "That's impossible... unless..." He turned to Erica, his eyes suddenly complicated. "You carry the HS original genetic sequence?"

Before Erica could reply, the lab door slid open. Duran himself walked in, followed by Kate and four heavily armed security guards. "I knew you'd be the special one." Duran's voice held a certain morbid amusement. "What did your mother leave you, Erica?"

Erica's heartbeat quickened, but she remained calm. "I don't understand you, sir."

"Stop pretending." Duran gestured, and two security guards immediately stepped forward, grasping her shoulders. "Scans show your neural quantum field has been artificially suppressed. Only a blocker developed by the Primarch can do that."

Kate stepped forward and expertly searched Erica's clothes, quickly finding the empty syringe. "It's been used," she reported, a hint of emotion in her voice that Erica couldn't decipher.

Duran's expression darkened. "Take her to Area B7. Perhaps seeing the consequences firsthand will make her realize the futility of resistance."

Erica was escorted through a series of descending tunnels. The air grew colder, and the bioluminescent material on the walls dimmed. Finally, they stopped in front of a heavy metal door with a sign reading "Bioprocessing Area - Authorized Personnel Only." The door opened, and the sight that greeted her made Erica's blood nearly freeze—eleven incubators arrayed in a dimly lit room, each containing a young body. Their heads were connected to a dense network of neural tubes, their chests still rising and falling faintly.

The label on the nearest pod read "92 - Neural Link Excessive - Basic Vital Signs Retained." Through the murky fluid, Erica recognized the face from the video—Marcus Young. His eyes were half-open, a faint stream of data still flickering in his pupils.

"Their brains are used as biological processors," Duran explained calmly, as if discussing the weather. "Quantum computing requires living neural tissue as a medium. Their sacrifice has advanced human technology by at least fifty years."

"This is murder!" Erica finally cried out, her voice echoing through the empty laboratory. "No, this is resource recovery," Duran corrected. "Number 92 voluntarily signed the risk agreement, just like all of you." He turned to Kate, "Prepare for the neural link surgery. Since Number 103 has already come into contact with the Primarch, we need to directly access her memories."

Kate nodded, but Erica noticed a slight tremor in her fingers. As the security guard wheeled Erica toward the operating table, a shrill alarm suddenly rang out in the hallway.

"The East Airlock has been illegally opened!" a robotic female voice warned over the PA. "Unauthorized personnel trespassing!"

Amid the chaos, Ryan Wu appeared in the doorway, a flashing device in his hand. "Let her go, Duran!" he shouted, "or I'll detonate the quantum bomb and destroy all your bioprocessors!"

For the first time, a crack appeared on Duran's face. "You can't build that thing..."

"The Primarch gave me the blueprints," Ryan sneered. "She's seen this coming."

Taking advantage of Duran's moment of distraction, Erica yanked free and sprinted for the nearest exit. Ryan grabbed her arm. "This way! To the East Wing airlock!"

They sprinted down the winding corridor, the footsteps of security personnel and Duran's furious roar echoing behind them. Ryan's quantum ray of light created a series of twisting energy fields behind them, temporarily blocking their pursuers.

"Why help me?" Erica asked breathlessly.

"Because your mother saved my life," Ryan replied tersely. "Now it's my turn to save her daughter."

They reached a secluded corner of the East Wing, and Ryan pressed several hidden control nodes on the wall. A door disguised as a wall slid open, revealing a narrow passage behind it. "This maintenance passage leads to the airlock. Go find Number 11, who—"

A humming gun interrupted Ryan's words. He fell stiffly, revealing Kate behind him, weapon raised. Her expression was unusually complex, a mixture of cold determination and a deep sense of conflict.

"Run!" Ryan shouted before losing consciousness. Erica turned and rushed into the passage. Kate's pistol fired again, but the energy beam grazed her shoulder and pierced the wall. The passage closed automatically behind her, temporarily blocking the pursuers.

At the end of the dark passage was a rusty metal door. Erica pushed it open with all her might and found herself in a small airlock. The control panel on the wall had been vandalized, but the emergency manual release was still functioning.

As she struggled to turn the pressure valve, a crashing sound echoed from the passage behind her—the pursuers were about to break through. At the last moment, the airlock door hissed open, and Erica fell into the space behind it, only to be caught by a pair of strong hands.

"Number 103?" a hoarse male voice asked. "I'm Elijah Cohen, number 11. Ryan contacted me."

Erica looked up and saw a gaunt face—Elijah Cohen, the former quantum physicist who had been "killed" in a laboratory explosion five years earlier. His left eye had been replaced by a prosthetic eye that glowed an eerie blue. "Welcome to the resistance." Elijah handed her a genetic lock cracker. "Now, let's go shut down that damn quantum network."