Dave sat quietly after his conversation with his parents. They had made their choice, but now it was up to him to make it a reality without revealing the system. He glanced toward the corner of the room, thinking. 'System, can you arrange a way for them to drink something that will give them the powers they asked for? I need it to seem natural, without them suspecting how it happened.'
The system's response was swift, as usual.
"Host, a power-enhancing potion tailored to their desires will be arranged. The transformation will be gradual, and it will blend seamlessly into their everyday lives."
'Good. And make it subtle—I don't want them asking too many questions,' Dave thought.
Within seconds, two small vials appeared in his hand—one filled with a soft blue liquid and the other a faint golden hue. The potions shimmered slightly, almost unnoticeable to anyone not paying close attention. Without delay, Dave moved toward the kitchen and casually placed the vials into two glasses, mixing them with water.
His parents, sitting at the table and continuing their conversation, didn't notice as Dave set the glasses in front of them. "Here, have some water. You guys should stay hydrated, especially if you're about to start training soon."
Both his mother and father took the glasses without question. John gave a slight nod of appreciation and took a sip, while Linda followed suit.
As they drank, Dave's mind raced. He knew the power would work over time, but he wasn't sure how they'd react once they began to notice the changes. They wouldn't suspect the water had anything to do with it, though, and that was exactly what he needed. He never wanted to explain the system to anyone, not even his family.
"The potions will activate in a few hours, host. Gradual effects will begin over the next several days," the system informed him privately.
Satisfied, Dave turned his attention to the next task. 'System, I need three more PODs. AI training ones, just like the one Emily uses. Get them ready for my parents and my other sister once she wakes up.'
"Understood, host. Three AI training PODs have been purchased and delivered."
Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, three sleek, futuristic pods materialized in the room. Each one hummed with a faint mechanical sound, the dark surfaces reflecting the room's dim lighting. They looked just like the one Emily was using in her deep training, but upgraded with newer features.
"Whoa, what are these?" John asked, standing up to examine the nearest POD.
"New training machines for all of us," Dave said casually, as if the large, advanced equipment had been there all along. "I've set these up for you two to start your training. You'll need them if you want to control your powers and grow stronger."
Linda raised an eyebrow. "Training machines? When did you get these, Dave? They look… high-tech."
Dave shrugged, waving off the question. "I've had them for a while. It was just about time I got them set up for you. Trust me, this will make the process easier and faster."
Linda and John exchanged glances. They seemed a little unsure but ultimately accepted Dave's explanation, knowing he always seemed to have answers for things they didn't understand.
John walked over to one of the pods and tapped on its surface. "So, we just… get in these things? How does it work?"
Dave smiled. "It's simple. You get inside, and the AI system will guide you through everything. The PODs simulate environments for training your powers. Just follow the instructions it gives, and you'll see improvement in no time."
Linda nodded slowly, looking toward the POD with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. "It's hard to believe we're about to go through something like this."
"I know, Mom," Dave said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But this is the only way for you both to learn how to handle your powers. The world's changing, and we need to be prepared."
His father, on the other hand, seemed more ready for the challenge. He stepped toward one of the PODs, eyes gleaming with determination. "Let's do it. If this is what we have to do to protect ourselves and help the family, then I'm all in."
Linda took a deep breath before following his lead, stepping toward the second POD. "Alright, I'll trust you on this, Dave."
Dave guided them to their respective PODs, making sure everything was in place. Once they were ready, he pressed a button on each machine, and the lids of the pods slid open with a gentle hiss. A soft light inside beckoned them in.
"Just relax," Dave said calmly. "The AI will take care of the rest. I'll be right here, keeping an eye on things."
With a final nod, his parents entered the pods. As the lids closed over them, the soft hum of the AI activating filled the room. Dave stood back, watching as the machines began their work.
Now, it was only a matter of time.