What do you mean insurance doesn't cover anesthetics? This is brain surgery, for fucks sake!

  -Notes from a neurology clinic before an operation

  The next floor goes by in a blur. Not really, as with my new, stronger, faster brain my memory was damn near perfect. So, if I wanted to I could recall the rote extermination of the various antithesis packs roaming the fifty first floor. I simply choose to instead focus on the Scout Swarm and their readouts of the surroundings.

  My previous observation was correct, that the roots of this hive expanded everywhere. What I discovered by focusing on the bits poking out through the walls was new and even more disturbing.

  The roots were not growing randomly, with them just so happened to grow along the various critical infrastructure, they were guided to grow there. There were remnants of a tube-like support structure around the roots made of a strange plastic polymer per my Collection and Building swarms. It was designed to softly repel the antithesis root, keeping it contained, yet also allowing it to reinforce the megabuilting, acting as additional support.

  I discovered the problem very quickly, however. The roots broke into the pipes and wires, siphoning the materials into itself. According to Synaptic, the roots are well over a year old. And doing research on the building's public records showed that construction was finished fifteen months ago.

  By the time I made it to the fiftieth floor, I was sitting at eighteen hundred and twenty points. More than enough to upgrade not only myself, but everyone else. However, I wanted to get to three thousand in order to have a nice buffer to get more gear for myself.

  “For ranged options, while the drill formation works wonders, it is only effective in ambush or when I have the leeway to sustain the damage. Is there an option for me to fire short lived self replicating nanites at a greater range and speed than what my implant allows me to control?”

  Indeed! In the War Swarm Catalog there are quite a few ranged options that do exactly what you suggest! The Goo Gun series fire projectiles ranging from fifty caliber rounds to thirty five millimeter rounds! At class I, they act as range extenders for current swarms, and thus use them as ammunition. A single Swarm can become a full magazine of thirty projectiles. The Class I adds a serious boost to penetrating power and range to the Swarm.

  Class II Goo Guns fire unique projectiles. The projectile itself I coated in an inert shell that, once it strikes a preprogrammed type of matter, which can be designated before each round, even while in the magazine or drum, will proceed to burrow into the target, devouring every piece of designated matter and converting it into new nanites! The lifespan of the round can be programmed to last from one second to thirty. After which, they fall to the ground, inert, but ready to be used by Collection and Builder swarms if they are within reach, as well as denying the antithesis the biomass of the unit in question, as it has been converted to metal! At Class I, the destructive capacity of a single round is enough to decimate any single digit, while the lower double digits may need more rounds. However, they will be less effective against higher double digits and nearly ineffective against anything in the Twenties and above. You will need Class II Goo Guns and rounds in order to harm those.

  “And what is the difference between the two rounds?”

  Splash damage! The fifty caliber round has increased penetrating power and is fantastic to use against single targets, while the thirty five millimeter round has very little penetrating power, but has a higher payload and will spread the nanites in a twenty foot radius, coating everything in a nice, generous coating.

  “Huh. That sounds incredible. How much for one of each?”

  The single target Goo Gun is fifty points, with a magazine containing thirty rounds and costing thirty points each. The launcher type Goo Gun is seventy points, with each grenade costing five points.

  “Put them on the list of purchases for once the body upgrade is done. I assume the Catalog has armor as well?”

  Absolutely, Victor! There are five types of nanotechnology armor. Each with a different combination of density of nanites. The first is the Scout type. They utilize a higher ratio of Scout type to Defense type and Stealth types, a five two three ratio. They are sleek, form fitting, fully customizable, and silent. They have integrated ECM bypassing technology for low leveled ECM, combat dagger, as well as a holster for a six shot Goo Gun.

  The second type is the Soldier type, offering a balanced combination of Defence, Scout, and Assault types, a four three three ratio. A bit bulkier by design as it is designed for front line troops. They contain an integrated Melle weapon that can become a ridged sword or fluid whip made of Assault nanites, as well as a rechargeable spray of Assault nanites that covers a fifty foot cone. They also come with an auto reload function.

  The third option is the Support type, with a unique composition of Defence, Collection, Builder, and Scout type nanites, in a one to one to one to one ratio. They are designed to act as combat engineers and battlefield repair units, utilizing a supply of raw materials that they either carry with them or collect from the field, in order to either set up defences, repair said defences, resupply entrenchments, or repair other Nanite Armors. They have an auto loading function, but no other offensive options.

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  The fourth option is the Heavy type, dedicated to being an unstoppable force on the battlefield. With a blend of Defence, Scout, and Assault type in a five one four ratio, they are the unrelenting bulwark that will prevent the enemy from moving forward. With two shoulder mounted sockets for a variety of arms, auto loading for every weapon both held and nearby, as well as two other arms made of Assault nanites dedicated to Melee weapons that are as fluid as the stages of water.

  The final option is the Commander type. With a blend of Defence, Scout, and Range Nodes in a three four three ratio, they are connected to a company of other units, monitoring the situation and directing the movements of everyone involved. Able to utilize the nanites of others, they can shift entire swarms made from other units' armors to reinforce faltering fronts or push offenses. Their armor also increases the range of control by a factor of four.

  Each type has a direct upgrade all the way up to Class III, and from there there are further specializations.

  I can feel the excitement of the team through the comms at hearing all this.”Pin those too, please.”

  This entire conversation took place as I was decimating the antithesis on this floor, wrapping up at the same time. And now, I have just shy of three thousand points. Good enough. I made my way back up the stairs as quickly as I could, which left me extremely winded and wanting to tear my skin apart from the exertion and sweat buildup.

  In the end, I made it back to the shelter. Instead of heading inside, however, I hop in the van and close the door. I heard the confusion from my team, but I just say I would take up too much room as I built it with a capacity for four of them.

  I know they think something is up, but no one says anything else.

  I then set the Assault Swarms to patrol the garage and keep any antithesis not in the walls out.

  I mute the comms. “Alright, Synaptic. Let's get this underway. I authorize the purchase of the requested Catalogs and items under the accelerated install plan.”

  While I understand, I must ask once more. Are you sure you wish to go ahead with the rapid upgrade instead of the longer, more controlled process? Once again, I must warn you that while you will feel no pain, you will feel the rest of the process uninterruptible and unmoving.

  I take a deep breath, then let it out. “I understand the risk. And I accept the consequences.”

  Very well.

  Unlocked: Class I Bionic Nerve Enhancement Catalog

  Points reduced to 2930

  Unlocked: Class I Bionic Skin Enhancement Catalog

  Points reduced to 2880

  Unlocked: Class I Bionic Muscle Enhancement Catalog

  Pointe reduced to 2830

  Unlocked: Class I Bionic Bone Replacement Catalog

  Points reduced to 2780

  Unlocked: Class I Blood production replacement Catalog

  Points reduced to 2730

  Unlocked: Class I War Swarm Nanite Organ Coating Catalog

  Points reduced to 2680

  Unlocked: Class I Cybernetic Augmentation Catalog

  Points reduced to 2630

  Purchased: Class I Full Body Replacement Enhancement Expedited

  Points reduced to 2080

  A large box was placed next to me. Inside was a set of thick ring-like bands. Arranged in a humanoid outline.

  Place four bands on each arm and legs as shown. One on your head and neck, and three on your torso. Once all are placed and you are laying down, I will begin the process once you affirm the startup.

  I moved as quickly as I could, sliding each ring as was shown on the silhouette. I lay down, shifted a little to get as comfortable as I could, then I said it. “Please begin”

  Instantly, I felt my muscles stiffen a bit, then I felt each ring apply pressure from numerous points, which I now knew were many needles poking their way into me. I felt a number of needles press through my skin, muscles, and bones, some stopping at certain layers, others going all the way to bone. Then, I felt the nanites move. It felt like super dry sand shifting just beneath my skin, into my muscles, my bones.

  Then I felt the itch. Every inch of my body, inside and out, itched so severely, yet I was unable to stop it. My face felt hot and itched and sweated, my hands and feet ached and burned, my arms and legs felt like millions of ants marched through them, pulling, tearing, burning, and then rebuilding. I felt the nanites push out impurities from my bones, my blood, out onto my skin. I felt them sticking to and drying on my jumpsuit.

  I could hear every microtear they caused, my ears ringing, filled with white noise and then nothing at all. Then I heard everything, much like how my Scout swarm did, but without the filter and dampener.

  I felt my hair fall out all over my body, tickling the itching, fresh skin. My fingernails and toe nails pushed their way out, being replaced by something stronger. The muscles around my augs contracted, preventing me from closing my eyes, leaving a few eyelashes on them, yet I was unable to remove them. Then the nanites shut down my augs and I could no longer see.

  I felt the nanites swim through my abdomen, applying pressure to all my organs. My heart beat faster, I could feel my bladder desperate to release itself. I grew hungry, ravenous even. I was so thirsty, yet I could feel my mouth and teeth being devoured in turn by the nanites, replacing them all.

  Then, just as suddenly as it started. It all stopped. I felt wet, but was rapidly cooling off and drying. I blinked, and the eyelashes were gone, my augs now responding with perfect, snappy timing after they rebooted. They were now at a much higher resolution, so much so that I could count the dust particles in the air above me if I wanted to.

  My ears were now no longer screaming at me, but felt like I could control how sharp things were, yet also felt safe that I could stand next to a jet engine with no hearing protection and be fine.

  I sat up slowly, then marveled at how I could do that so easily with no support from my arms, pure core control and strength. I took off my now ruined jumpsuit and, once more, marveled at my new muscle definition. It reminded me of that super old statue that was rebuilt a few decades ago after some riots in France. Daniel, or Dudley or something like that.

  I clenched my fist and saw how every muscle in my arm moved and flexed, same with my core and legs. “Sweet Sands, I'm hot now,” I whisper.