Chapter 137: Vavilov 3826 Comprehensive Research Institute!
The longer the delay, the greater the likelihood that Arasaka Corporation would fall into Yorinobu Arasaka's hands. By then, even if Saburo were resurrected, it might be too late to make a difference.
Thus, Arasaka Hanako and AI Saburo pinned their hopes on cloning technology.
They aimed to use biotechnology's cloning project to create a new body capable of hosting Saburo's consciousness.
In exchange, Arasaka Corporation's top-secret Relic chip project would be shared with the biotech company.
"On the surface, Yorinobu Arasaka seems to be in charge of Arasaka Corporation, but in reality, Hanako is the one pulling the strings!"
"Looks like I need to help Yorinobu Arasaka get through this crisis."
Li Ang pondered deeply.
Arasaka Hanako was not just a representative of the old guard but also the head of Arasaka's technology lab. Core technologies like Soulkiller were directly under her control.
This was Hanako's trump card. She could leverage Soulkiller to collaborate with multiple companies and launch a coordinated assault against Yorinobu Arasaka, who stood isolated.
Behind Yorinobu Arasaka, there was only the LA Corporation.
But that was enough.
Since Arasaka Hanako intended to use cloning technology to regain an advantage, Li Ang's next step was to intercept this deal.
After all, while the biotech company wanted the Soulkiller technology, LA Corporation could offer them something comparable—or even better!
As for President Myers ...
In their recent conversation, she revealed significant progress in the biotech company's gene fusion project.
One of the test subjects had shown promising recovery and might become a prototype for market deployment.
Hearing this, Li Ang quickly understood what she was referring to—genetically enhanced super-soldiers incorporating animal genes.
At best, such enhancements would produce stronger-than-average soldiers, slightly improving New America's military power. But in future battlefields, the relevance of individual soldiers was likely to diminish.
AI-controlled robot armies or biomechanical cyber-monsters made of composite tissue would be far more efficient than human soldiers.
Unless genetic fusion could achieve the superhuman capabilities of Wolverine, Spider-Man, or the Hulk, it would remain a low-tier enhancement with limited combat effectiveness.
Through tonight's conversation, Li Ang had essentially pieced together the recent strategies of these companies.
The biotech company had launched two technological initiatives: cloning technology and gene fusion technology.
Arasaka Corporation, needing to clone a new body for AI Saburo, chose cloning technology. In return, they would share their Soulkiller project with the biotech company.
Meanwhile, military technology aimed to enhance individual combat effectiveness through gene fusion. The price? Test soldiers to serve as guinea pigs—and Li Ang's cooperation.
"After all that effort, these companies are exchanging trivial gains for equally trivial benefits."
Li Ang stopped worrying about their schemes and plans. Instead, he opened his system interface to check a new notification.
He had completed another mission, earning 10 lottery draws!
"Wheel of Fortune, activate!"
Li Ang watched the rapidly spinning prize wheel. This time, the 10-draw had no guaranteed rewards—it all came down to the luck of the draw. But Li Ang had always been the chosen one, destined to hit legendary prizes.
And this time was no exception!
[10-Draw Results]
1. Vavilov 3826 Comprehensive Research Institute (Legendary - Atomic Heart - Soviet Union)
2. Perfect Cloning Technology (Resident Evil - Umbrella Corporation)
3. Memory Eraser (Men in Black - MIB Division)
4. Seadragon-Class Battle Carrier (Avatar 2 - RDA Energy Corporation)
5. Dying Breath Assault Rifle (Borderlands - Dahl Corporation)
6. M2014 GAUSS Advanced Sniper Rifle (Crysis 2 - CA Corporation)
7. Genetically Modified Hippo-Pig (Okja - Miranda Corporation)
8. Dried Earthworm Snacks (The Wandering Earth - UEG Organization)
"Cloning technology from Resident Evil?!"
Li Ang was pleasantly surprised. It was exactly what he needed. With this technology, LA Corporation could advance many initiatives, such as creating a new body for Johnny Silverhand, rapidly cloning an army, or reintegrating wandering AIs into the human world.
Now, with this tech in hand, LA Corporation could catch up with the biotech company's core projects.
"A Memory Eraser? Is it the one from Men in Black?"
Li Ang chuckled. The gadgets in Men in Black were fascinating, and the Memory Eraser was especially unique.
This small device could delete, modify, or implant memories with the press of a button and a flash of light—efficient and convenient.
Most absurdly, it could even restore erased memories.
Such a tool would be invaluable for LA Corporation's agents!
The Seadragon-Class Battle Carrier was a decent addition. Although it couldn't compare to Arasaka's super warships in terms of functionality or performance, it added variety to LA Corporation's military assets.
The Dying Breath assault rifle, with its acid-laced toxin rounds that spread poisonous mist, was effective against biological enemies. However, against highly modified cyborgs, it was less effective than electromagnetic weapons.
The M2014 sniper rifle boasted impressive power, slightly surpassing the tsunami-grade sniper rifles in the cyberpunk world. For Li Ang, the difference between the two was negligible.
"Genetically modified hippo-pigs and dried earthworm snacks..."
"Are they suggesting I branch into the food industry?"
Li Ang laughed, shaking his head. He hadn't expected to draw the Wandering Earth's edible earthworm snacks or the massive hippo-pigs, which could grow up to 6 tons.
While the hippo-pigs could serve as meat products, they also made unique, large-scale pets for those willing to pay.
For Li Ang, though, their primary value lay in meat production.
Compared to synthetic insect protein, genuine pork from these animals would undoubtedly be a prized commodity.
"LA Corporation: Putting People First. Ensuring Everyone Eats Well."
With cockroach protein bars, dried earthworm snacks, and hippo-pigs, LA Corporation could open an entire food division.
Still, none of these prizes compared to the legendary Vavilov 3826 Comprehensive Research Institute!
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