At this stage, humans can survive for a short time relying solely on pure ecological energy, but it cannot be sustained for long. After a while, essential human supplements are still needed, such as drinking water, breathing, food intake, etc., to maintain normal life activities. It is possible to form a microwave energy shield and emit energy attack waves of a certain power.

Reaching the final stage of the second-level fusion is marked by possessing an energy shield of a perfect body.

Level Three: Complete Fusion

The life form is completely transformed, and it can be said to be a new form of life. Lifespan is greatly extended, roughly able to live two to three thousand Earth years. Possesses powerful abilities, able to fly without relying on any flying tools.

Moreover, not only can one move at high speed within the atmosphere, but also has the ability to enter and exit outer space.

It is entirely possible to survive purely on ecological energy, without the limitations of the original human life form, and is almost unaffected by harsh environments. Normally, the appearance remains that of an ordinary human, but when transformed into combat mode, possesses combat power close to that of humanoid armored soldiers. However, most of the mysteries of complete fusion remain unknown and have not yet been fully deciphered.

Furthermore, original human traits disappear, genetic makeup is safely altered, and reproductive ability is lost.

The necessary conditions for completing the second-level fusion and beginning the third-level fusion are currently unknown. Moreover, the fusion process is extremely dangerous. The success rate from starting to completing the third-level fusion is less than three percent. That is to say, out of one hundred people who begin the third-level fusion, only three will survive and achieve final fusion.

Therefore, not everyone wants to attempt the third-level fusion. The nearly harsh physical requirements needed for the evolution of the bio-parasite deter most people. Although the final form of the third-level fusion of the bio-parasite is tempting, very few are willing to try.

The result of failing the third-level fusion is being devoured by the parasite itself, becoming a mindless humanoid lump of flesh, or collapsing into cellular fragments.

This stage is also called ‘gene fusion’, although there is still no definite conclusion as to what changes occur in the human body and whether it constitutes genetic mutation.

Level Four: Ultimate Fusion.

Research indicates that this should be the final combat form of a now-extinct creature from the future world. At present, only the Sigluna Time-Space Research Institute has announced the discovery of two people who have broken through this stage, but all circumstances remain unknown.

Chapter Two: The Number One Ancient Martial Arts Expert in the 416 Academic District

William Carter, John Thompson, Brian Cooper, and Lily Harris received bio-parasites that were not products of any of the three major suppliers, but rather the ‘VR-80’ developed by the most coveted of the four providers, the Sigluna Time-Space Research Institute.

The scientific research capability of the Sigluna Time-Space Research Institute is the strongest among all institutions. However, it does not engage in production, only publishing research results and then licensing them to manufacturers capable of production. Because of its focus on research and development, its product updates are much slower than the other three, resulting in a small market share. For this very reason, every product from the Sigluna Time-Space Research Institute is the best. Each distribution is also the smallest in quantity.

This year, because it is the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Sigluna Time-Space Research Institute, the commemorative release of the ‘VR-80’ is beyond doubt in terms of performance.

Among the four, the quickest to act was John Thompson. The ‘VR-80’ bio-parasite is slightly oval in shape, with six streamlined lines radiating from the center, dividing it into six equal parts. A round, crystal-like protrusion is the parasite’s intelligence core. John Thompson turned it over and pressed the unlock button on the back. Click! With a soft sound, the soft, nearly transparent main body of the parasite crawled out from the cracked shell. Upon sensing John Thompson, who was holding the shell, it began to extend along John Thompson’s hands. As the parasite began to fuse into John Thompson’s body, the pain was like the skin being torn apart. The process of fusing with a bio-parasite has always been extremely uncomfortable. After enduring for a moment, John Thompson still showed a pained expression, gritting his teeth to endure it.

Seeing that John Thompson had already started, William Carter, standing to the side, said to Brian Cooper, “Let’s not watch anymore, let’s start too. If we wait any longer, I won’t dare to do it!”

Just as some sharp-tongued people say: “The process of fusing with a bio-parasite is like a woman giving birth—it’s a painful but necessary ordeal.” Everyone who has undergone fusion remembers the experience vividly.

After the biological invasion from the fourth dimension, countries negotiated and issued a statement: humanity is facing a major crisis, possibly even the risk of extinction. The distribution of bio-parasites is a necessary measure. This statement was accepted by most countries, and all of humanity generally began to fuse with bio-parasites—not to strengthen military power, but to maximize people’s chances of survival in the face of danger. The goal was to ensure that humanity retained a final spark of vitality, so as not to be completely wiped out, and to guarantee the continuation of the species.

Seventeen-year-old youths, now capable of self-control, also bore this mission.

After receiving the operating instructions transmitted by the parasite, William Carter had the intelligence core perform neural stimulation. This kind of neural stimulation, similar to ancient acupuncture, could greatly alleviate the pain of the fusion process. William Carter admitted to himself that he did not have John Thompson’s endurance.