With the power of the techno-organic virus which was affectionately coined transformium by David coursing through his body, the chemist-professor John Newlands felt a clarity of mind he had never experienced before. His vision had sharpened, his thoughts came in rapid bursts of insight, and the mysteries of the elements seemed almost within reach. The transformation had augmented his cognitive abilities and granted him a profound understanding of the atomic world.
The natural limits of human perception had lifted, enabling him to see patterns he had previously only sensed. Newlands paced his laboratory, surrounded by equipment modified to function with both Howlettian mechanics and the new bio-mechanical principles gifted by the transformium. His fingers flew over a series of complex calculations as he worked to construct a comprehensive framework for the elements.
As he tested reactions and analyzed properties, the concepts of "weight" and "affinity" gave way to a deeper realization. Periodicity was not merely an arrangement based on atomic mass. There was something intrinsic, something more profound to this periodic nature.
Newlands observed that certain elements shared properties when arranged in groups, but only when organized according to atomic structure rather than merely their weights. It was as if the elements themselves adhered to a hidden order, each with a distinct yet interdependent relationship to the others. He began to arrange elements into rows and columns, noting that every eighth element seemed to have strikingly similar properties. This periodic pattern revealed itself like the notes in a musical scale.
However, he noticed gaps within this arrangement. These gaps hinted at elements yet to be discovered. He felt like he was not simply rearranging known substances; he was charting a landscape that spanned beyond the limits of what is currently known is science. The transformium's psionic connection to matter allowed him to intuit properties of these unknown elements like those beyond uranium, for instance, whose immense atomic weights and radioactive natures theoretically contained vast energies and unpredictable behaviors.
The experiments continued, and as Newlands tested reactions across his newly envisioned table, he noticed some recurring themes in his arrangement: the reactivity of alkali metals, the bonding nature of halogens, and the inert quality of noble gases. He coined terms for groups and periods, marking them with symbols and numbers that corresponded to their physical behaviors, electron-like charges, and affinities for bonds.
Newlands called this new framework the 'Table of Periodicity', though he privately knew that his work transcended mere nomenclature. This discovery was foundational. The table did not just organize the currently known matter; it also predicted their existence and properties with astonishing precision. One gap, he noted, would correspond to an element with properties in between silicon and tin, while another predicted an element even heavier than lead but stable enough to function as a powerful alloy when bonded with transformium itself.
His feverish work stretched into the night, and his awe only grew as each experiment confirmed the patterns he had uncovered. Soon, the Howlett estate would possess knowledge not just of the arrangement of matter but of its fundamental properties, allowing them to engineer alloys, chemicals, and compounds that could revolutionize every fields like medicine, industry, even military weaponry.
With his final calculations completed, Newlands prepared his findings for David. He included annotated gaps and predicted properties of undiscovered elements, creating what he knew was a tool for the ages. The Table of Periodicity would grant the Howlett estate mastery over not only known elements but also the yet-to-be-discovered building blocks of the universe.
'If I can come up with all this in a single sitting, I wonder how much the estate will accomplish in a few years of development?' He was a bit doubtful when someone came to him in a bid to relocate his studies in London off to this yet to be known Northwestern Territories. Now, he felt like it was the greatest decision he's ever made. This surge in technological advancement is not an isolated case, if it continues on for a long time, the world will be unrecognizable.
***
The brothers continued along the forest path toward the Greenes' estate, David's thoughts churned with mixed emotions. The revelation that Vivian, the brilliant and fierce woman who had been with him from the early days, was now carrying his child had taken him by surprise. Memories of their first meeting rippled in his head.
"This is Vivian, my daughter. She will be joining us during your training as a shaman. Vivian, this is David. The heir to the pact and my new student." Greene introduced the two would-be classmates and they politely greeted one another as well.
Vivian is a free spirit who is a natural when it comes to mastering the shamanic arts. In terms of talent, Mr. Green can only humble himself at his daughter's natural talent. Even David is slightly behind him in talent if the only concern is with regards to shamanism. "I'll only marry a man that I acknowledge!" She declared proudly after beating up her pursuers. Back then, David would often internally sigh saying 'poor guy' or 'she means someone who can subdue her, what a wildling' in his head.
David smiled recalling their memories. Looking back is a pleasant feeling when you can accept your flaws in the past as part of the learnings in the cycle of life. Living by Yi's quotes, David intends to be an eternal student. Mr. Greene, had been his shamanic arts teacher, and the family held a special place in his life. Yet, he had never imagined that his relationship with Vivian would lead to this awkward moment. He tried to mask his apprehension as he spoke aloud, more to himself than his brothers.
"I suppose I'd better go to the Greenes and pay my respects," he muttered, steeling himself for what lay ahead.
Victor, ever the mischief-maker, leaned in with a wicked grin. "Oh, good luck with that. I bet Mr. Greene's just thrilled to have you for a son-in-law. The man's only been glaring daggers at everyone every time your name came around these past few months." Victor's laugh was boisterous, echoing through the quiet woods. The idea of David, the formidable Howlett heir, standing under Mr. Greene's scrutiny clearly amused him.
"Oh, and just wait till you see Vivian," James added with a smirk. "I'd wager she's got some choice words for you too. You're in for a warm welcome, brother."
David shot his brothers a helpless look. "I know my responsibilities. This isn't some passing amusement."
"Relax, David," James said with a knowing smile, clapping his shoulder. "But really, good luck, little brother. We're not missing this for anything." He winked at Victor, who raised his brows eagerly, his mischievous excitement obvious. The two were right on David's heels, clearly set on witnessing every second of the impending confrontation.
'These rascals...' David sighed, a small thought slipping through his mind: 'I'm lucky that video cameras haven't been invented yet. These troublemakers will be the death of me.' He braced himself as they approached the Greenes' door, his brothers practically hovering behind him with glee. He knocked, feeling the weight of his words before he even uttered them.
Before he could knock a second time, the door opened, and Vivian stood there, her expression unreadable as she took in the sight of the three brothers. She allowed them in with a nod, her gaze fixed on David with a mixture of emotion he couldn't quite decipher.
Inside, Mr. Greene was waiting. His thick arms were crossed, his stance solid and unmoving. His face held no trace of warmth—only a calm, unreadable expression underscored by a hint of suspicion. He looked every bit the protective father David had anticipated, and David could tell he'd been expecting this moment for some time.
Vivian sat beside her father, her head low as if lost in thought. David couldn't help but feel the weight of her silence as he tried to gather his words.
Clearing his throat, David straightened his shoulders and addressed the two of them. "Mr. Greene, Vivian… thank you for welcoming me. As you may have already known, I just returned from London. I found out about this news only recently—my brothers were kind enough to notify me."
Mr. Greene's gaze remained steady, his tone cutting through the room with regulated precision. "Are you surprised? Son, I knew and ignored you two spending all that alone time because I trusted you both to keep your hands to yourself? Now the deed is done, what are your plans?" The old man looked straight at David.
David blinked, caught off guard by the question. "I assure you, Mr. Greene, I'm here now, and I'm fully committed to doing what's right." His voice softened as he glanced at Vivian. "I've always seen you as family. Vivian and I… we go way back, from when we were just students training. I respect her, and if she'll have me, I would like to ask permission to have her hand in marriage."
There was a long pause as Mr. Greene stared him down, his expression as unyielding as iron. Then, his face softened slightly as he glanced at his daughter. "Vivian, is this what you want?"
Vivian lifted her head, meeting her father's gaze with a small nod. "Yes, Father." She looked at David, her eyes fierce and unwavering.
David felt a surge of relief and warmth at her words. He turned back to Mr. Greene, who was watching him with a critical eye. "Sir, you've taught me nearly everything I know on the shamanic arts. You gave me my foundation, and I owe you my respect. I promise to protect and cherish Vivian with the same dedication when you taught me."
Mr. Greene studied him in silence, as if weighing each word. Finally, he extended his hand, his voice gruff but with a touch of approval. "I'll hold you to that, son. Just know, that family should always come first. Remember that." David took his hand, gripping it firmly. "You have my word."
Meanwhile, his brothers exchanged barely concealed grins from across the room. James, unable to help himself, leaned over to Victor and muttered, "He might be the 'great Howlett lord', but Mr. Greene here could still make him sweat."
Victor chuckled under his breath. "I haven't seen David look this serious since ever. I wish I could paint a portrait of him or something." David shot them both a warning glance, but even he couldn't suppress a faint smile. Mr. Greene's stern expression finally softened, and he let out a small chuckle of his own. "Looks like your brothers are enjoying this."
Vivian rolled her eyes but smiled, a quiet laugh escaping her. "They seem to be having the time of their lives."
In the days that followed, David worked tirelessly to demonstrate his commitment. He made arrangements for their marriage, ensuring Vivian would want for nothing and involving Mr. Greene closely in the plans. It was a flurry of preparations, each step accompanied by his brothers' constant teasing and laughter. Yet, he found himself unexpectedly at peace. The prospect of becoming a father, of having a family, was daunting but oddly grounding.
The moon cast a silvery light over the quiet space as they walked in companionable silence. Vivian broke the stillness, glancing at him thoughtfully. "I always admired how brilliant you are and knew there'd be no one else that can take your place in my heart. Honestly, I never thought we'd end up here this fast. Or together at all. It feels just like yesterday when we are students."
David looked at her, sensing the hint of vulnerability in her voice. "Neither did I," he admitted. "I've always thought of you as my equal. Someone who wouldn't let anything hold her back." She smiled softly, a touch of mischief in her eyes. "Equal? I don't think anyone can play that role easily. Certainly not in abilities or knowledge."
David laughed, the tension between them finally breaking. "I love you."
Vivian's gaze softened, and she placed her hand on his. "And I you."
He looked at her, a new warmth settling over him. He pulled her in gently for a kiss and they embraced under the blanket of stars. For all his plans, his power, and his battles, he realized there was something uniquely profound about the life they were now going to build together.
When they returned to the mansion, David felt a renewed sense of purpose. His brothers, of course, were quick to pick up on his contentment, nudging each other with grins and sly comments.
"So, my little brother, all set to change nappies?" James asked, barely concealing his amusement. David smirked. "I'll handle that and more, just you watch."
Victor grinned, clapping him on the back. "Good to see you finally taking on a real challenge." The evening ended in jokes and laughter as David and his brothers shared a drink in celebration of his new life chapter.