Promoted to Slave
I became a slave. Nera got promoted. Well, if we're being precise, there's no such thing as a promotion system in the lab. In this underground facility, there are only two categories: the doctor and the slaves. But even so, I'll say it. Nera got promoted. From a useless parasite who did nothing, I earned the status of research assistant! In other words, I can now legally mess with the doctor's ampoules. No more waiting around under his watchful eye for my doses. I just pretend to help with the research and siphon them off one by one! It's like leaving a cat in charge of the fish.
One problem, though. Dr. Licht's gaze has gotten a bit weird. I thought his interest in me was fading, but now he keeps shooting me these meaningful looks. To be exact, he sneaks glances at me. My heightened senses catch every one of his movements perfectly. What makes it even more irritating is that I can tell something's changed in him, but he never actually talks to me about it. I'd rather he ignored me outright or showed his emotions plainly—his lurking around the edges like this is driving me nuts. Anyone would think he's preparing a love letter for his crush's locker. Hm, a love letter from the doctor... just imagining it is horrifying.
Under those meaningful stares from the doctor, the strengthening of the rock lump wrapped up successfully. Phew, time to make a quick escape and snag some ampoules.
Stealing ampoules, I said—but to be precise, it's a bit different. I'm secretly diverting the ones that are now useless. The doctor has piles of ampoules stacked up in the lab right now. He administers only the most carefully selected ones to the rock lump. The rest, the worthless ones, he discards without mercy. And now that I'm participating in the research, I've been put in charge of that disposal.
Heh heh... what a shame to throw these away. I could just eat them all myself. Man, I'm such a greedy one. Still getting doses and yet hoarding more inside me like this. Just how far do I plan to grow?!
Oh, the reason I still get doses is simple. The doctor just can't let go of his obsession. My reactions are minimal (on the surface), but not zero. Each dose nudges my activation index up just a tiny bit. Right now, my visible activation index is a whopping 1.5 stage. That's average virus carrier level. Pump someone full of suppressants and antivirals willy-nilly, and they might hold onto their human shape at this stage. Heck, they might even miraculously get cured!
Oh, and for reference, this world does have a vaccine. It's not perfect prevention, though—just mild suppression of virus growth. Basically, it buys time to administer suppressants and antivirals. But the moment you hit 2.0 stage, all treatments become meaningless. Drugs can't stop the virus anymore. They just prolong the inevitable a little. Anyone who reaches this point is destined to become a cadaver!
Anyway, the doctor's obsession didn't let up. A guy this fixated isn't popular, you know. Well, from my foggy perspective, his fixation was all good for me. Pretending to help with research lets me secure the ampoules I need, just like now. Whether they go into the incinerator or my mouth... no one knows anymore. Call it Schrödinger's ampoule.
Another perk: The doctor thinks I have superhuman insight, but really, it's just the recipes. He won't even notice if I deliberately mess up combinations to stunt the rock lump's growth. Why would I make his pet Guardian (rock lump) too strong when it's destined to turn on him someday? No way I'm doing the doctor any favors. I just beef it up enough for me to farm later. That's all he deserves. Heck, I'm practically protecting his position for him!
Truth is, the doctor never planned to listen to the hardliners from the start. It's like they're having different dreams. The hardliners see him as a researcher dedicated to humanity, flaws and all. But the doctor? He just wants to study the virus. So when they try to control him, he rebels. That's the early game story.
The rebel doctor puts forward the "Seed of Calamity"—me! But I'm not brainwashed by him, and I have no intention of being. Right now, the rock lump seems the most likely bet, doesn't it? I get that this is reality, not a game, but given the doctor's personality, turning the Central Sector upside down is just a matter of time.
Ah, I can't wait. The moment he sets off for the wider world with his grand dreams, I'll smash the rock lump to pieces and toy with him... it'll feel amazing. He might even burst into tears like a kid from the shock. Heh heh heh. I'm no hardcore veteran, but twenty years of knowledge lets me secure this much advantage. If I'm sending him off, I can't let him go easy—that'd hurt me. Payback for my past life and this one. Even the score.
Another five years passed. The rock lump became a terrifying monster at a full 5.0 stage. Just one stage up? Sure, but activation indexes aren't linear. Each stage jump is at least dozens of times stronger—not just a 1% virus concentration bump. Virus density equals cadaver power! Now, no one can dismiss the rock lump as a proper cadaver anymore.
This mother's proud of your growth, kid. Technically, the doctor birthed it, and I just meddled on the side. But you got this strong thanks to me, right?
Oh yeah, I finally became the beautiful girl I'd longed for. These days, my life's joy is admiring my own face. What can I say? Even after fifteen years in this body, it still feels unreal. Every mirror glance makes me go, "Eh, is this really me?" Height: 150cm. Breasts: decent enough. Face: stunningly beautiful. Slightly curved eyes, plump cheeks, perky nose! Cute yet pretty. Especially those red irises that draw you in.
But... I don't like it one bit. No, this wasn't what I wanted. I just wanted to chill with a cute girl character in a healing game. Playing as myself here feels off. Thank god I didn't go full roleplay with purple skin or an orc body... but it still lacks realism. Feels like I'm borrowing someone else's body! As a kid, I could've brushed it off as cute. Now? It's so adorable and lovable, it startles me every time.
And this body is too short. No way I'm stuck at this height until 20 in real life, right? It'll grow, for sure. I'm the ultimate beautiful girl creature! Obviously shooting up to 170cm or so.
Right, my activation index? 2.5 stage. Up a whole stage! At 2.5, it's just super strength. A normal person at this level could probably lift a car easy. But against outdoor cadavers? Pathetically weak. Enough to scrape by without instant death, maybe.
Enforcers with the Star Adaptation Procedure start at around 3.0 baseline. As an experimental subject, I'm a total write-off now. The doctor seems to have given up completely—no more doses. But I still siphon ampoules, and I've proven my usefulness, so no disposal for me. With the rock lump hitting 5.0, no experimental value left anyway.
Just... his obsession shifted elsewhere. Lately, when I help with research, he stares right through me. Like he's savoring something tasty, or still pissed. He's definitely plotting, but won't say a word...
"Nera."
Whoa, didn't expect him to talk to me out of nowhere.
"Yes."
"Go outside."
Excuse me? Suddenly? I get that you're not thrilled with me, but why outside now? No way... is he ditching me? Can't think of any other reason. He wouldn't grant me freedom.
"Don't just stand there. Get ready quickly."
Yes, yes. Always rushing for no reason.
We really went outside. From my perspective, the doctor's "let's go outside" sounded like coaxing a kid with "I'll buy you pork cutlet." No way he's doing this for my sake. He's definitely hiding sinister intentions!
Didn't want to go, but stepping out... the sense of liberation hits different. This is the Central Sector's true face? Overwhelming scale. I thought humanity was scraping by in one measly city, but I can't even see the walls encircling it. This is like a small nation—maybe the biggest among them. Going back to the lab now feels like a downgrade. Hm, shouldn't have come. Now I'll crave freedom even more. You never forget your first taste. Sigh, pull yourself together. The longer the wait, the sweeter the payoff. High risk, high reward! I want to snap his neck and bolt right now... but endure!
As I wrestle my urges, the doctor arrives at a huge building. Our destination? Flashy. Neon signs everywhere—who'd think cyberpunk if they saw this?
"Welcome, Director Licht of the Licht Research Lab. Is this young lady with you... applying for the inspector exam today?"
Hey, what did you just call me? Wanna die? There's a line!
Daughter?!
"She's not my daughter. Just a child I'm temporarily protecting."
Whoa, doctor's face is scary. Looks ready to kill. For real. But hilarious. Why hate me? I should be the one hating you. What's not to love about this cute, lovable, competent girl?! Ungrateful jerk.
"I... I'm sorry for the offense. Please head to the exam room right away."
Inspector exam, huh? So that's why outside. Kinda absurd. Hey doc, I have insight, sure, but exams are different! Don't you need to study? It's basically public slave labor! I want a free life! Not dates with cadavers outside. Why am I suffering this humiliation?!
While I vent internally, we reach the exam room.
"When does the exam end?"
"Average is about two hours."
"Impossible to finish before then?"
"Uh... it is possible. Solve all the problems, get proctor approval, and you can leave anytime."
"Good. I'll be back in thirty minutes."
"Uh... yes, understood."
Guide's eyes are weird. He doesn't get what the doctor's saying either! Doc, it's a two-hour exam. Finish in thirty? Why say that while staring at me? Argh... still glaring.
"Yes."
Fine. I'm "brainwashed," so play along. Botch it casually. He didn't say pass, right? I'm a genius? Scribble randomly, out in thirty. Time to show 'em—this body's prowess will shock the world, the doctor, the guide!
Sat down, exam started soon after. Saw the questions and panicked. Not paper—computer-based, instant results.
But... I know all this? PV Virus traits, cadaver mutations from infection, how to handle them. Helping the doctor, especially PV data... he didn't throw me to the wolves without reason.
Hm... still not right. Doc, you think glancing at files means memorizing? I did (nothing else to do), but normals don't absorb unknown info like that. Wait, sounding arrogant? I fought cadavers in-game, memorized guides pre-isekai. Base knowledge, just added lines.
Now I see why two hours: overwhelming questions. Like "You're trash. Don't know this? Die outside." Fair. Weak body? Smart head it is.
But do I have to ace this? Inspectors are enforcer-lite. For those with Star Adaptation but weak immunity/power. Mostly under 3.0 stage. Inspectors/enforcers? Soldiers. Superhumans vs. monster cadavers. Special forces.
Why me? Military? I'm 15! Exam open to minors, but passing means state meat shield. Under 3.0? Can't survive outside! Who takes this? Suicidal? "Sacrifice your heart!" and they rush in.
And I lack Star Adaptation! I'm a whole other species! How'd he con them? No one stops a 15-year-old girl?! Ugh, luck about to explode. Argh, five minutes gone thinking nonsense.
Sigh... what if I skip all? They'd notice something's off, duh. Doc might realize brainwashing broke. He thinks I'm a genius, so it'd look like disobedience. Eh, whatever. I wanna get stronger, so play along. In relationships, the desperate one loses. Life's bitter.