"How could such a small pill have such a profound effect on the human mind?" I speak aloud in disbelief.
"It is your creation, Luke. Of course, it won't be something ordinary," D.A.I.S.Y. replies with a a touch of pride tone.
I smile wryly. It is my creation, yet I am still surprised that I have recreated something straight out of fiction.
I am standing inside my modern laboratory, filled with the faint hum of machines and the soft glow of computer screens. On the 96th floor of Watson Tower, inside my personal lab.
It has been four days since Toni's announcement, and I have since spent the majority of my time working tirelessly inside this lab.
Honestly, I didn't voice it out, but I was greatly shaken by that night's events. The 'Villains' of that night, breached Toni's home and assaulted her inside her own house. Among all of my women, she is the one living constantly under the highest level of protection, yet she still almost got killed.
It doesn't stop there. If it wasn't for my presence, even Pepper could have been killed that night. It made me realise how fragile most of the women around me were.
Yes, the personal shield generator might have saved their lives, but that doesn't stop the fact that it would have just made them sitting ducks. Not everyone is as brave as Toni to utilise their presence of mind to get out of that situation.
So, it was a good reminder about their vulnerabilities and about the fact that even with D.A.I.S.Y. and all of my powers, they could still get hurt or worse.
Initially I was not sure how I could solve this problem, but after four days of brainstorming and spending sleepless hours, this small pill in my hand is my answer.
NZT-48
A miraculous drug straight from the movie and TV show "Limitless". I was deeply impressed by this drug when I first saw it in the movie in my previous life. Because unlike other superpowers, this one was simple: it just made the user utilise his brain to its limit!
No superhuman strength, no flying abilities, no reality-bending powers—it just improved the hardware!
But this simple effect of the drug was far from simple. It didn't just make anyone smart; it made them super smart! It is like going from driving a bicycle all your life to suddenly having a Ferrari, with the knowledge and skills to drive it on professional racetracks.
It is a drug that can change human civilisation forever, and now it rests within my hands.
I smile, thanking Sage as this pill is based on how my and Sage's brains function. I was born with a very good memory and brain capacity, which has recently increased exponentially, and Sage's mind, while not at my capacity, is way more efficient.
I combined the data from both of our brains and made a drug that can rewire the brain as closely as possible to both of us.
But obviously, not everything was smooth sailing, as there were some nasty side effects. Considering how a human brain and body are not equipped to handle such a strain, it was bound to happen.
Sage and I were fine because we were not ordinary humans but mutants.
But with D.A.I.S.Y.'s help, I was able to circumvent that problem by making the energy flow of the brain and body more efficient for this drug to work.
Still, in the end, I realised that this pill was too powerful for this world. Normally, it won't affect a normal person by much, but for really intelligent people, it was like giving wings to a tiger.
Looking at the desk in front of me, which is filled with bowls of different-coloured pills, a smirk spread across my face as I even solved that problem by making different versions of these pills.
Even though I was feeling very accomplished and happy, this was still just a prototype. Despite being 100% confident in the results of mine and D.A.I.S.Y.'s simulations, this drug was still not tested on humans or any other living beings for that matter.
I would love to try it out myself, but I am not sure if I will even be able to experience the full effects of this pill as it was based mainly on mine and Sage's brains.
"Luke, they are here," D.A.I.S.Y.'s voice jolts me out of my reverie, and I place the pill aside on the counter.
"Honestly, Helen, how could you not tell me that when he said 6 o'clock, he meant 6 in the evening!" I hear an annoyed girl's British accent coming from outside the lab.
"Hahaha, sorry, but it was too funny to imagine the innocent you getting ready and standing in front of your gate at 6 a.m. for your date with Luke," another laughing voice responds.
"It has been more than a month since your date; maybe you should let it go now," a more mature, level-headed voice adds.
"Amara, you are not any better! I still can't believe that even you didn't correct my misunderstanding!" the British voice says in a whining tone.
"Okay, don't get angry at Amara, as I was the one who told her not to tell you. And honestly, it worked out fine, didn't it? Luke, despite knowing your school trip mentality, still came to your house at 6 in the morning. So it can be said that it was because of us that you were able to enjoy a full-day date with your L~uke!" the other voice snickers.
"Ugh, he must be thinking that I am such a kid now, or worse he might think I am just a nerd!," the British voice whines even more as it nears the door.
The door opens automatically at their presence, and I see three beautiful women standing outside the lab.
It is Dr. Jemma Simmons, Dr. Helen Cho, and Dr. Amara Perera.
"O-oh L-luke, y-you are already here!" Jemma stammers bashfully.
"Is this the reason why you were postponing our second date?"I say with a smirk as I near her.
"N-no no I-I mea—" Before Jemma can say anything else, I grab her waist and press her body to mine.
"Ah!" I proceed to bend down and claim her lips.
Whistle
I hear Helen whistle from behind Jemma, making me end the kiss reluctantly.
"I didn't know our boss was so infatuated with our Jemma," Helen says with a smirk.
Jemma shyly lowers her head in my embrace.
"As I told you before, I happen to love nerds. So, I didn't mind picking you up at 6 a.m. and spending the whole day with you at all," I whisper in her ear.
"Mmm," Jemma hums silently.
"So, we will have our second date today then?" I ask lifting her chin.
Jemma, her face red, refuses eye contact with me and nods her head.
"Such an overbearing boss," Helen comments as I let Jemma go.
"Yes, it's not often we get to see this side of Luke," Amara joins in with a small smile.
"Uhm," I clear my throat, ignoring their comments,"Okay let me show you why I invited you three here." I say bringing them towards the desk.
I give them all three different tablet computers and pick up the lone packeted pill.
"I present to you all the NZT-48!" I announce with a proud face lifting up a lone pill in my hand.
They all look at the transparent pill in confusion.
"D.A.I.S.Y. if you please" I leave the stage to her as all three of their tablets light up.
"NZT-48 is a nootropic drug that enhances cognitive abilities …" D.A.I.S.Y. begins her explanation with the corresponding data and simulations.
---
The room is silent as D.A.I.S.Y. finishes her presentation. All three women exchange glances, their expressions a mix of awe and curiosity.
Jemma is the first to speak. "Luke, this is incredible. But how exactly does NZT-48 achieve such a profound enhancement of cognitive functions?"
D.A.I.S.Y. had left out various key points in her data and simulation, mostly because she was safeguarding my interests, not wanting to relay the secrets of NZT to outsiders.
I nod, appreciating the question. "NZT-48 enhances the brain's synaptic plasticity, allowing for faster and more efficient neural connections. It also increases the production of neurotransmitters, which improves communication between neurons. This combination results in heightened cognitive abilities, such as perfect recall and instant learning."
Helen tilts her head, considering my explanation. "But with such intense neural activity, wouldn't there be a risk of neural burnout or overstimulation? How have you managed to mitigate those risks?"
Although Helen is a bit playful, she still gets fairly serious when work is involved. That is also the reason why she is the head of U-GIN, the most prestigious laboratory in South Korea, which is financed by me.
"Good point, Helen," I reply. "We incorporated neuroprotective agents that safeguard the neurons from damage due to overactivity. Additionally, the drug enhances the brain's energy efficiency, ensuring that the increased activity doesn't lead to burnout."
I had to implement this feature in every pill, or else the brain would have literally fried instantly due to the over usage.
Amara chimes in. "What about the side effects? According to D.A.I.S.Y., NZT-48 has severe side effects, including paranoia, memory loss, and rapid aging. This is nothing but a dangerous product!"
I smile at Amara, the Sri Lankan beauty, she has always been a pragmatist. Even her Alzheimer's research has been this slow because she has rejected several of my over-the-top ideas.
"There is always a way." I smirk as I point towards the different vials at the end of the table, "This serum can optimise the drug's interaction with the brain's energy pathways while incorporating adaptive elements that adjust to the user's unique neural profile, it can potentially minimize every adverse effects. You can say this is an immunity shot for the NZT!"
Amara looks at the vials incredulously.
***
As announced in the last chapter,
in celebration of this novel reaching 100 chapters from today on everyday I will be editing 10 chapters daily and changing them to 1st Person POV!
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I give a heartfelt thanks to my new Patreon Supporters! :)
Guleid Abdi
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You all are Alpha level on Patreon and Tier 1 on Discord now!!
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You are Omega level on Patreon and Tier 5 on Discord now!!
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You all are Beyond Omega level on Patreon and Tier 10 on Discord now!!
Thank you everyone for your patience and having your trust in me!
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