Deep in the vast, mountainous forest that surrounded the city of Hanaloa rested a small building that hid a deep labyrinth of hallways and laboratories that were filled with people. One person in particular who seemed to be in charge was trying to get information from a scientist about their current project. He wore a black suit with a green tie. His dark hair was cut short and seemed glued to his head, reflecting the light. His angular face held a deep frown and his blue eyes were narrowed.


    “What have you discovered?” Red asked the scientist before him.


    The scientist looked distraught as he answered. “We haven''t found a way to keep them permanent yet. They wear off after a few days and their bodies need time to recover before we can administer the next dosage.”


    Red was not happy with this news. “The higher ups want results,” he said while trying to contain his anger. “Keep working until you can make them permanent. Have you, at least, found a way to make the dosage simpler?”


    The scientist nodded, visibly relieved. “We have, indeed. We managed to reduce it down to pill form. No more injections required. However, only one pill can be taken at a time. Too many pills at once or taken in rapid succession will kill the person outright. Fortunately, there are no adverse effects when they are off the pill.”


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Red''s anger seemed to abate slightly. “This is indeed good news. I will inform the administration of this triumph.” He paused. “But keep working on the main task.”


    The scientist nodded and left to return to his duties.


    Pills? That is much better than the formula, and much cheaper, thought Red as he made the long trek down the hallways to the conference room where the Administrators waited for his report. But it will still be more cost-effective once we finally integrate them permanently into the DNA.


    Red wasn''t anything special in looks or attitude, but he was smart. That''s how he had gotten this position. Red wasn''t even his real name. It was his designated title within the company. And it wasn''t even the highest that could be bestowed. There were several people above him, but his position was no less important. His job was head of the scientists and he was just the latest to hold this role. The others before him simply vanished when results weren''t achieved in a timely manner. That''s why Red was in such a hurry to get results. He didn''t want to disappear like the others, but the way things were going, it looked like he was headed down the road that no one before him had returned from.


    He reached the door to the conference room and paused to compose himself before going in.