As the world continued to grapple with the emergence of superpowers, Alex found himself revising his plans to adapt to the shifting landscape. The increase in crime rates and the reckless behavior of individuals like Malik weighed heavily on his mind. It was time to take proactive measures, starting with his family.
He called his parents that evening, his heart racing slightly as he prepared to broach the topic. "Hey, Mom, Dad," he began, keeping his tone casual. "I've been thinking a lot about the current situation with crime rates rising in Riverbend and other areas."
His mother's voice came through, tinged with concern. "It's been unsettling, Alex. We hear about these incidents on the news, and it worries us."
"I know," Alex replied. "That's why I think it might be wise for you to consider moving to a more secure city. Somewhere with a lower crime rate and a better environment. It's getting a bit too dangerous, especially with the daredevils out there."
There was a pause on the line. "You know we love Riverbend, Alex. We've built a life here," his father chimed in, a hint of resistance in his voice.
"I understand, and I appreciate that," Alex pressed gently. "But I'm seeing reports of people getting hurt trying to replicate what Malik did. I can't help but feel that the environment is becoming riskier, and I want you both to be safe."
After a few more minutes of discussion, during which Alex reassured them that he would help with the logistics of the move, his parents reluctantly agreed. "Okay, son. We'll think about it seriously. We just want what's best for you, too," his mother said, her tone softening.
"Thank you. I promise I'll help make it happen," Alex replied, relief washing over him.
With the decision to move his parents weighing on him, Alex knew he needed to act swiftly. He turned to Eva, who was steadily becoming an indispensable asset in his life. "Eva," he instructed, "I need you to start making arrangements for my parents. Find a house for them in a more secure area of a large city. Somewhere they can feel safe, away from the rising crime."
"Understood, Alex, I will compile a list of suitable neighborhoods and available properties within the next hour," Eva replied in her calm, monotone voice.
"Thanks, Eva. Oh, and don't forget about my sister. She's graduated now, so she can move with them. Let her know she can do whatever she likes; money won't be a concern for us," he added, feeling a sense of relief that he could provide for his family.
"Noted. I will include potential job opportunities for her in the area you choose," Eva said. Her efficiency never ceased to amaze Alex.
Alex shifted gears to engage in smart mode. He had been pondering his own capabilities and potential encounters with Malik. While he had trained extensively, he wanted to simulate a confrontation with Malik to analyze how he could effectively navigate such a fight.
With his enhanced cognition, he opened a virtual simulation platform and created a series of scenarios, each one designed around Malik's known feats: controlling metal, creating projectiles, and deflecting attacks. He carefully set the parameters to mimic various environments, thinking of how Malik might use the surroundings to his advantage.
As he initiated the first simulation, Alex felt a surge of confidence. "Let's see what we can do here," he muttered under his breath.
The first simulation began, and he faced Malik in an abandoned warehouse, a perfect setting for the fight. Malik moved fluidly, summoning shards of metal from the walls and flooring. Alex ducked and weaved, throwing punches and executing kicks, but each time, Malik's control over the metal allowed him to deflect Alex's attacks effortlessly.
Defeated in the simulation, Alex grunted in frustration. "Okay, let's try that again, but this time with a different approach," he said, resetting the simulation.
He tried various strategies—using distractions, exploiting Malik's momentary lapses in concentration, but each attempt ended with Malik triumphing in the end. Alex began to notice a pattern; every time he engaged Malik, he found himself on the defensive, struggling to counteract the metal manipulator's relentless offensive.
Frustrated but determined, Alex paused the simulation, his mind racing. "I can't keep relying on physical prowess alone against someone who can manipulate metal. I need to minimize the metal around me," he reasoned. "It's too much of a liability."
After making this mental note, he began adjusting the simulation again, reducing the amount of metal in the environment, opting instead for more neutral materials. He needed to create scenarios where Malik had less access to his primary weapon.
As he entered the next round, the environment shifted to a more open space, free of metallic debris. The fight began anew, and Alex felt a renewed sense of hope as he used agility and tactical maneuvers to evade Malik's initial assaults. Yet, even with this advantage, he still struggled to secure a definitive victory.
"Why can't I find a way to win?" Alex muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead as he took another pause. The simulations were teaching him valuable lessons, but they were also humbling. Malik's powers had turned the traditional rules of combat on their head.
Taking a deep breath, Alex steeled himself for one more attempt. "Let's run this through again. There has to be a strategy that will work," he declared, diving back into the simulation, determined to uncover the answer.
As he fought, his resolve strengthened. He knew that facing Malik wouldn't just be a test of strength or skill but of wits, adaptability, and understanding the true nature of power. The stakes were high, and Alex was determined to come out on top, not only for himself but for those he cared about, especially as the world continued to shift around them. His once cherished mental powers proving very inadequate to handle the challenges ahead, though he noticed his improved physical strength, almost twice as strong as ordinary humans, but to a being like Malik, it's nothing. How can you bypass the flying sharp metals to attack the bender directly, if you use metal swords, won't you just be handing your enemy the provable stone to hit your toe, other weapon materials? what if people awaken other powers, and not metal, will he continue to prepare for each ability specifically?.
Alex can't help but feel how weak mental strength is.