As the doctor and medical staff scrambled to save Dan from the gruesome fate of the previous patient, they worked swiftly to stop the bleeding. The operation had begun. Dan knew this was the moment he had been waiting for—the chance to create a controlled mistake within the surgery. A flaw, but still a success, would give him a plausible excuse to fake symptoms or defects later. This would explain any sudden changes in his body or strange new quirks without raising suspicion.
He chose not to interfere directly with the surgery but subtly channeled a small amount of power into the remnants of the crimson spikes still embedded in his body. This made the operation appear even more dangerous, as if surviving with multiple defects was already a miracle.
As the doctors cleaned the remaining spike fragments, they suddenly started moving on their own, even without blood nearby. The fragments multiplied rapidly, some piercing the doctors and nurses. Panic spread through the room. Several medical staff rushed to cut the branches interfering with the surgery. Everyone was frantic, but no one noticed that while the fragments increased, they only pierced Dan's skin—creating thousands of tiny holes, making his skin look like a sieve. Astonishingly, none of his internal organs or vital areas were harmed.
The operation continued relentlessly until all fragments were fully extracted. The medical team stared in shock—Dan's body was drenched in his own blood, riddled with countless holes, making him look like a man filled with thousands of punctures.
Reacting quickly, the doctors administered drugs and healing nanobots designed to replenish his skin and blood. Gradually, Dan's body and face began to mend, the holes closing and his vital signs stabilizing. Yet Dan remained unconscious.
The lead doctor sighed in relief—it meant the patient was stable and had a chance to survive. Although Dan had yet to wake up, the operation was a success. He was spared from becoming dust like the previous victim. Exhausted, the staff took a moment to rest, leaving the medical team to care for Dan closely.
Several weeks passed before Dan finally awoke. The medical bay was quiet, no other patients around, and he lay alone. Beside his bed lay his medical record. He glanced at it and smiled quietly.
According to the report, his brain had been deprived of blood for several minutes—a condition that usually results in irreversible brain death. Yet here he was, alive. This meant his plan had worked. Although he could copy and devour memories from the people he consumed, the reproductions were never perfect. Close observers and friends could detect subtle differences. But now, with the excuse of the operation's side effects, any changes could be easily explained away.
After replacing his medical record, Dan rehearsed the memories he needed to act convincingly. Once he felt ready, he shouted loudly.
(In the medical bay)
Dan: Hello... anyone there? Hello?
Several mercenaries patrolling nearby heard his voice.
Merc #1: Wait, do you guys hear that?
Merc #3: Yeah, sounds like someone.
Merc #2: It's coming from the medical bay... wasn't that supposed to be empty?
Merc #1: Only Dan was in there. Doctor said he probably went brain dead after the operation.
Merc #2: Uh... well, maybe we should check it out ourselves instead of just standing here.
Merc #1: Yeah, good idea.
The mercenaries cautiously approached the medical bay with guns ready, some sending signals to the bridge about the strange noise. When they arrived, they found Dan lying in bed, shouting for help. They were shocked—alive and conscious? The chance of Dan surviving without brain damage was almost impossible.
The mercenaries quickly reported back to the bridge. Crew members abandoned their posts to rush to Dan's side, no one reprimanding them. Even the captain left the bridge to see Dan for himself.
Dan was carefully examined by the medical personnel. The doctors checked his vital signs, running multiple scans to ensure stability. After thorough examination, the lead doctor turned to the others with a mix of awe and relief.
Doctor: It's a miracle. The wounds have closed, and his vital signs are stable. Given those spike remnants moving on their own—it's astonishing he's alive at all.
Several crew members approached Dan's bed, eyes filled with concern and curiosity, waiting to see if he was truly okay.
Captain: Can someone confirm he's really okay? After all that chaos, I thought we'd have to prepare for the worst.
Lag: Yeah, he looks pretty battered, but he's breathing and has a steady heartbeat. That's a good sign, right?
Reed eyed Dan cautiously, crossing his arms. A teasing grin spread across his face.
Reed: Well, looks like old Dan here survived another close call. Guess he's got nine lives, huh?
Dan suddenly look at reed, blinking groggily. His expression was blank for a moment before he blinked again, looking around in confusion.
Dan: Who… the hell are you? And where's my sissy-like friend I always hang out with?
For a beat, the whole room was silent. Then the crew burst into laughter, knowing this was the Dan they knew—still messing with Reed, even while in treatment.
Reed: (￣︿￣) Wait… what? Sissy-like friend? Did you just call me that? You better be joking, or I'll... I don't know—tackle you until you remember who's boss!
Dan: (¬_¬) Hey, I might've forgotten your face, Reed, but I remember you're the loudest and most annoying of all. That counts for something, right?
Reed:(ಠ_ಠ)....Oh, brother… You forget my face, but not my big mouth. Alright, fine, we'll reintroduce ourselves—I better remind you who you're talking to.
Reed: I'm Reed, your best buddy and the guy who dragged you out of the mess. And trust me, next time I won't be so nice if you forget again!
The captain shook his head with a small smile.
Captain: Enough teasing. Let's get him cleaned up and settled. But I want to know—how do you feel now, Dan?
Dan: Honestly, I feel like I've had a horrible headache. I feel like I know some of you—your names at least—but everything else is confusing.
Captain: Doctor?
Doctor: Based on our estimation, Dan's condition should have resulted in brain death, but a miracle occurred and he survived. Captain, you were there during the operation—you saw how critical the spike infestation was. It was very lucky he survived. So some memory loss is expected, and quirks like Reed's sassiness and big mouth are what Dan will remember first. When Dan sees Reed, those memories will quickly align with the face and personality. I suggest everyone reintroduce themselves to help jog his memory. But based on my expertise, unless there is a rare memory potion, Dan will never fully recover his old memories. New memories will overwrite and erase the old ones.
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Thank you all for reading Chapter 6 and for following this saga once again. I truly appreciate your support