Evolto casually caught the punch thrown at him by the Shocker cyborg in front of him, felt and measured its strength, then grabbed the modified fighter and swung him like a weapon, hurling him sideways and knocking down four or five other Shocker fighters rushing toward him.
"Is this really the level of enhanced combatants Shocker manufactured? Is this the extent of the technology Foundation X granted you? Such defective junk… I'm a little disappointed."
While fighting a large group of Shocker cyborgs, Evolto still had the composure to evaluate them, more like a cat toying with mice rather than an actual battle, even teasing them with a playful tone.
"No stronger combatants available?" Evolto shot the head off a beast-type cyborg with one bullet and mocked, "If this is all Shocker can produce, I'll wipe them out soon.
I won't complain about not having enough fun, but if the Foundation's technology only results in this worthless trash, then you'd better pray you don't disappoint them.
Otherwise, Foundation X might reconsider whether to continue funding Shocker.
If you don't want to be eliminated from the game—Stop hiding your trump cards. Hurry up and show me something worth testing."
A massive stream of data flashed in Dr. Zola's eyes as he analyzed every aspect of Evolto's combat capability.
"Overwhelming power, speed, and defense compared to my cyborgs… Blood Stalk? Is this the true technological capability of the Foundation? How was this armor created?"
"Dr. Zola, isn't No. 1 almost finished? Regular modified fighters clearly pose no threat to this intruder, Blood Stalk. We should deploy No. 1.
Consider it a live combat trial."
Pierce's voice came from the screen, suggesting as he watched the battle turn against them.
"It's our only choice. Although No. 1 isn't completely finished yet, we have no stronger forces in the base.
And a real battle is necessary to collect final data and complete the last adjustments."Dr. Zola nodded, connected to the internal network, and activated the deepest laboratory, awakening his greatest creation—"Number One."
By the time Dr. Zola initiated the awakening, the battle had already ended in a crushing fashion.
These Shocker combatants, normally considered enhanced prototypes, could not break through Evolto's Blood Stalk armor. Their speed and strength were utterly overwhelmed.
Even though they outnumbered him dozens to one, the result was completely one-sided—Evolto alone crushed them. In just a few minutes, nearly one hundred modified fighters lay defeated.
"If Shocker wants continued support from the Foundation, then prove your worth. Otherwise, the Foundation might choose a different partner."
Evolto rested his rifle over his shoulder, the glowing visor of his helmet staring directly at the camera.
"Please wait a moment. I have already awakened Shocker's latest bio-mechanical modification—No. 1. I believe it won't disappoint you. Please wait patiently."
Dr. Zola spoke through the base broadcast. He absolutely did not want to lose the advanced tech support of Foundation X.
"All right. I'll wait a few minutes."
Evolto leaned casually against a wall.
A few minutes later, he heard footsteps echoing from the corridor—each step landing like a heavy machine hitting the ground, with several seconds between each step.
The sound grew closer until a 1.9-meter-tall man with a stern face and dead mechanical eyes appeared. With one leap from twenty meters away, he landed right before Evolto.
"This is No. 1, a super soldier combining Shocker's most advanced biological and mechanical modification technologies," Dr. Zola introduced proudly, like unveiling a prized masterpiece.
"No. 1, huh?"
Evolto smiled beneath his helmet—though Zola naturally couldn't see it.
"Come."
With Zola's command, No. 1 began transforming. A mercury-like stream of nanometal surged from within his body, covering him completely. His skin, muscles, and bones twisted and mutated into chitinous insect-like armor.
The nanometal fused with the transformed muscle and bone, forming a full armor suit—muscle patterns seamlessly blended with metallic plating, creating an eerie, powerful beauty that united life and machinery.
Transformation complete, No. 1 said nothing. He lunged forward like a meteor, throwing a punch that tore the air toward Evolto.
Evolto calmly met the attack head-on, choosing to block directly.
Fist and palm collided with an explosive sonic boom, sending shockwaves through the narrow space. The corpses on the ground were flung into the air by the blast.
Although Evolto still blocked the blow without much effort, the ground beneath his feet sank 4–5 centimeters and he took one step back.
No. 1 didn't pause—his insect-like compound eyes flashed, and he launched a flurry of punches. Various advanced martial arts techniques flowed seamlessly, attacking from every angle.
Evolto grew slightly serious, placing his rifle at his waist and using only his bare hands.
As they clashed, the metallic walls were punched full of holes and dents, the reinforced concrete floor shattered like a spiderweb, debris flying.
No. 1's strikes were powerful enough to flip a main battle tank.
Yet every attack was effortlessly blocked by Evolto.
Seeing No. 1 unable to gain any advantage, Dr. Zola issued a final command. No. 1 leapt upward, gathering all biological and mechanical power into his right leg. The limb emitted a dazzling glow from the overflowing energy as he launched a flying kick.
Evolto also stood firm. Nebula energy surged around his right fist, shrouded in swirling mist, and he punched directly into the incoming kick.
The collision twisted the surrounding air, erupting in blinding light.
They struggled for a moment, but Evolto ultimately overpowered him, punching No. 1 straight into the metal wall, embedding him deeply and leaving a giant human-shaped dent.
Hanging from the wall, No. 1 looked miserable—the armor on his right leg shattered like cracked porcelain, blood-like fluid pouring out.
But his self-repair was incredibly strong. He tore himself free, and inside the broken armor the muscle tissue wriggled and rapidly regenerated. Within half a minute he was fully restored.
Evolto simply watched with amusement, not pursuing the attack.
"Not bad. That's more like it. Worth the technology the Foundation provided."
Evolto commented, as if reviewing a product he had purchased.
"No. 1 integrates nanotechnology with bio-gene enhancement. The combination grants unprecedented regeneration."
Dr. Zola said proudly.
Evolto stroked his chin. "That'll be enough for today. I had fun. We'll be in contact again.
One warning—don't overestimate yourselves and test the Foundation's patience. Next time, the one sent may not be as polite as I am."
Nebula gas burst from Evolto, forming two enormous serpent-shaped semi-energy cobras. They shot toward No. 1 at high speed. In the cramped space, he couldn't dodge—after a few punches, the serpents wrapped him tightly.
Evolto teleported beside him and delivered one heavy punch to his head, nebula energy penetrating inside.
No. 1 immediately collapsed, losing all control.
"What happened? No. 1 has lost control!"
In the conference room, although Dr. Zola's mechanical body showed no expression, the jittering sparks in his eyes clearly revealed shock.
"The control chip is stored in his head—physical impact alone cannot disable it!
By my design, the head armor must be destroyed before the chip can be affected!"
"I'm taking No. 1 with me. Consider it a small price for today.
Ciao."
Evolto slung No. 1 over his shoulder, waved casually like saying goodbye to a friend, and blew apart the monitor with a single shot.
"Send personnel to the scene immediately!"
With the camera destroyed, Dr. Zola ordered investigation.
"What is the Consortium's purpose for taking No. 1? Do they want us to manufacture super-soldiers for them?"
"No, judging from the battle, the performance of the Blood Stalk suit is far superior to No. 1."
"Did they break into our base, walk through unchallenged, and take our top creation merely to demonstrate their power and intimidate us?"
The Hydra leaders discussed through the screens.
"Will losing No. 1 affect your future research progress?"
Pierce asked Dr. Zola.
"It's fine. I already recorded all battle data. It won't hinder future modifications."
Zola shook his head, eyes flashing.
"We need even greater enhancements. No. 1 is not enough—not nearly enough."
He thought silently.
End of Chapter