Once Asher confirmed his suspicions, he asked a different question.

"XiPi, how strong are enhanced humans compared to regular humans?" Asher asked.

"That is a vague question, User! But generally, adult baseline humans have biological and mental activities of 10. This is not about fitness, but life level. On the other hand, Enhanced Humans have a higher starting point and limit and are overall better. As for the specifics, it depends on which enhancement they used." XiPi answered.

"There are several types?" Asher raised an eyebrow.

"Of course! Not all genetic enhancements are equal. As of 2120, there are 3 enhancement types available to everyone, from beggars, billionaires, politicians, the military, and the elite worldwide.

As of 2110, the General Enhancement is provided for free worldwide and is considered part of the welfare in almost all nations. Biological Activity increases to 15, meaning 50% physically more able than baseline humans on average, and its primary function is to help public health and eliminate most diseases. It is also the cure for many genetic diseases, including leukemia, Tay-Sachs, Down syndrome, and more. However, it has a minor side effect of turning the irises amber-colored, but most consider it beautiful. About 90% of the population has this enhancement as of 2120 medical records, and all legal workplaces would never accept a worker without it.

Premium Enhancement is no longer subsidized and is only affordable by high earners. However, it is worth it! Not only is their Biological Activity 20, meaning they are twice as strong as regular humans, but their Mental Activity improves to 15, making them 50% more intelligent on average. In addition to curing common mental disorders, those with this enhancement require only 6 hours of rest, and either naturally or through stimulants, can potentially unlock the potential of the human body, such as achieving Bullet Time, Ambidexterity, Strength Burst, Reactive Skin, Fast Regeneration, and other such abilities. However, these abilities cause severe strain on the body and mind, and cannot be used without limit. Also, the treatment gives the hair a slight platinum-greenish tint, but many find it attractive. Only 10% of the population has this enhancement, and many elite professions require it, especially in elite police and military units.

Last, but not least, there is the Ascended Enhancement, which only became available to the general public as of 2120. However, it is so costly that only the most affluent and wealthy elites can afford it, and only about 100,000 worldwide have it. The most obvious benefit is that it improves Biological and Mental Activity to 30! It gives immense aesthetic beauty, keeps the body youthful, grants a theoretical lifespan of 300 years, allows the regeneration of lost limbs and organs, and one can more easily unlock the body's physical potential. Additionally, one grows a beautiful black diamond on their forehead, and it is possible to communicate with others with this ability over long distances through a special wavelength. The name of the enhancement comes from the fact that those who underwent it are considered post-human transhumans who have ascended humanity.

There are no other known Tiers, but they are in development. Some hypothetical research indicates that humanity would develop forms of psychic powers in the following stage, but this is only theoretical for now." XiPi explained.

"Wow... Talk about class-based hierarchy. Doesn't that mean everyone is cemented to their income group?" Asher warily asked.

"Yes, that is indeed the case. It even became something similar to the caste system from India, where only those of the same caste marry one another. Many also raised concerns that the elite will control and eventually replace their lesser peers." XiPi said.

"Ah... Like The Hunger Games." Asher nodded.

"XiPi is unsure about your reference, but there are some movies and books about such hypothetical scenarios," XiPi replied.

"Right..." Asher muttered. "But don't people make fun of the crystal thing? I mean, it sounds silly."

"On the contrary! The crystal on the forehead is all the rage nowadays! Many of the most influential supermodels, actors, billionaires, elite sportsmen, and politicians have it." XiPi answered.

"Is it really that pretty? Show me a picture." Asher curiously said.

"Okay!" XiPi answered.

The next moment, Asher saw a picture of what looked like a photoshopped platinum-greenish-blond 20-year-old supermodel. She was gorgeous, without a hint of imperfection on her pale skin. Her amber eyes were cold and piercing, as if seeing through your soul. The most notable thing was the silver tiara she wore on her head, with a round black diamond the size of a thumb in the middle.

"Is that photoshopped or AI-generated? It looks so beautiful that it is intimidating..." Asher warily said.

"No, that is the real deal. She is Celine Kohl, the wealthiest person on the planet and the largest shareholder of Crystal Technologies Conglomerate. That is her picture during her announcement of the public release of the Ascended Enhancement. Incidentally, she was born in 2050, and is 70 in the picture." XiPi said.

"Hot damn... I might be into GILFs..." Asher muttered.

And then, Asher got curious.

"I remember you said you have Biological Scanning, right? Can you scan me?" Asher asked.

"Yes, User! The XuenMi 888 is fully equipped with basic scanning functions for the health of the young and old. Would you like to initiate a scan?" XiPi asked.

"Do it," Asher replied.

"Affirmitive. You will feel a slight shock." XiPi said.

Tzt*

Asher suddenly felt as if he had been shocked by static electricity, like one of those pranks when someone touches you.

"Gathering data... done."

"Analyzing... done."

"User, your scan results are dangerous! Would you like to call the emergency hotline?" XiPi asked, sounding very concerned.

"Dangerous? Show me." Asher frowned.

The next moment, XiPi showed the results on its screen.

 

Scan Results:

Genetic Enhancement: None. (Dangerous! Your immune system is heavily compromised.)
Biological Activity: 10
Mental Activity: 10 (???)
Physical Condition: Unbalanced Diet(Slight), Overload(Very Early), Mental Activity Abnormality(???)

Unbalanced Diet(Slight) Diagnosis: Your diet is unbalanced, causing a slight lack or overconsumption of certain vitamins, minerals, and calories. It might affect your long-term health.

Unbalanced Diet (Slight) Solution: Call your family doctor or nutritionist to enhance your diet.

Overload(Very Early) Diagnosis: Your body is overloaded, which is currently asymptomatic, but might deteriorate to something far worse if left untreated and continued, potentially leading to death. It usually occurs due to unlocking the human potential, and it is the result of using stimulant drugs for forced use.

Overload(Very Early) Solution: Usually, a long rest would do the trick, but for some reason, you are not enhanced, making you unable to recover efficiently. Consult your doctor, and avoid triggering your potential. Also, genetically enhancing yourself could alleviate this condition.

Mental Activity Abnormality(???) Diagnosis: Although the Mental Activity has been correctly detected, there is something odd about the result. It is also slowly overloading your body.

Mental Activity Abnormality(???) Solution: Please seek immediate medical attention!

 

Asher ignored the Unbalanced Diet and focused on Overload and Mental Activity Abnormality, his face contorting.

"Hah... haha... I feel like an idiot right now." Asher bitterly laughed, his face turning pale. "I thought being an Esper didn't have a price... turns out I was just a clown blinded by his power. I wasted my powers to save lives and create publicity propaganda, while I was slowly killing myself. I should have known... Did it slip my mind due to my fears?"

Reaching that conclusion, Asher slowly stood up from the bed, his mind refocusing on a new goal.

"Fuck getting wealthy. Fuck publicity. Fuck saving lives. If I don't live to enjoy it, then fuck everything. I want to live. And my only hope is in the other world."

Once he reached that conclusion, Asher didn't hesitate and teleported to the other world.

.

.

.

Asher found himself in the apartment in the other world.

Looking outside, it was early morning, barely dawn. The UTC in China is two hours earlier than the French Polynesia region, and Asher didn't find it surprising.

"Seems like the time is synchronized," Asher muttered.

He then looked at his smartwatch and ordered, "XiPi, connect to the GPS and internet."

Asher didn't know if these services were active, but it would make his life easier if they were.

Luckily, it was possible.

"GPS connection established.

Error. I cannot connect to the cellular network. Odd. Is there a city-wide outage?" XiPi said, confused.

"Hah... Better than nothing." Asher sighed.

After gathering his thoughts, he asked.

"XiPi, how are Genetic Enhancement treatments done?" Asher asked.

"They are simple and direct! You only need a Genetic Enhancement Injection. A Higher-end enhancement is faster, but you can overwrite a lower-end one. But regardless, there will be a rapid physical adaptation period that lasts for 3 weeks as the body cells replace one another, especially the first few days, and another several months for further adaptation." XiPi replied.

"... Hypothetically, if I take the genetic enhancement, and there is somehow a virus linked to the enhanced genes, what would happen?" Asher asked.

"Impossible. The enhanced genes only improve upon the human genome, and decades of global safety tests have confirmed that the improved genes can only make humans more immune. Therefore, if a disease is somehow lethal enough to kill a genetically enhanced human, then it would be deadlier to an unenhanced human! If it took several days for a Tier 0 to die from such a hypothetical virus, it wouldn't even take a day for an unenhanced human to die. Therefore, in such a scenario, your best action is to seek higher-tier genetic enhancement to resist the virus, assuming you are not already infected." XiPi firmly denied.

There was no question in its voice, only certainty. However, Asher did take note of one thing.

"If such a virus does exist, and perhaps it is what I got sick with on my first day here, it is solvable by isolating it, which I can do. All I can do is take the risk."

Once his thoughts reached that point, Asher had a clearer goal.

"XiPi, let's assume all humans disappeared for a decade. Where can I get Genetic Enhancement?" Asher asked.

"In such a scenario, it is impossible to receive Genetic Enhancement due to all Genetic Enhancement serums becoming outdated and inactive. Even ones in emergency cold storage would have long spoiled. The only way is to create your own. However, those are made in pharmaceutical laboratories upon request, as these are non-standard and expensive items used once in a lifetime. In other words, you would need to reach such a laboratory, make it run again, replace faulty equipment, and prepare all the materials. However, many ingredients only last for several months before becoming spoiled." XiPi said.

"Please tell me those materials can be created in 2025..." Asher shook.

"No. Several key ingredients are synthesized and require specialized equipment. And even if you have it, you require the expertise to create it." XiPi answered.

"... I'm fucked." Asher clenched his hands and gritted his teeth, deep unwillingness in his eyes.

He wanted to fight for his life. To do whatever he could. Not to die like a dog! But cold reality slapped him in the face.

Realizing that he would die one way or another, suddenly, Asher stopped caring.

"Fuck it. I'll just go wild and do whatever I fucking want." Asher suddenly grinned like a deranged maniac as he took out a laser pistol.

"Let's give this bad boy a spin."