With his parents safely settled into their new home, Alex felt a wave of relief wash over him. The neighborhood was quiet and secure, a far cry from the chaos that seemed to be brewing elsewhere. The move had not only provided his family with a fresh start but also given him the mental space to strategize and train without distractions of their safety.
In the evenings, after work at the crypto office just to wind down and associate with people, Alex dedicated himself to a rigorous training regimen. He practiced Flowstrike, pushing his body to its limits, focusing on flexibility, strength, and mental resilience. The routine became almost meditative for him. Each movement honed his reflexes and enhanced his concentration, the rhythm of his body synchronizing with his thoughts.
Despite the growing tensions in the world, especially following the Malik incident, Alex had found a strange sense of tranquility in Lakeside. It was a stark contrast to the bustling energy of New York City, where Malik was living the dream he had always aspired to. Alex often thought about Malik, picturing him in a swanky apartment, surrounded by the bright lights and fast-paced lifestyle of the city. For now, Alex could afford to take his time, slowly building up his capabilities while waiting for his breakthrough to Level 4.
As he finished a particularly grueling session, he took a moment to catch his breath, the sweat glistening on his forehead. He focused his mind, invoking the familiar mental prompt: Status.
Before his eyes, a screen materialized, displaying his current progress. It was a simple interface, akin to those in system novels, providing a clear and concise overview of his abilities.
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Cognichip Status:
Level: 3
Progress to Level 4: 90%
---
Seeing the numbers brought a smile to his face. The data was a reflection of his dedication and hard work. With only 10% left until he reached Level 4, Alex felt a surge of motivation. He could almost taste the potential that lay ahead, the new abilities waiting to be unlocked.
As the days went by, Alex allowed himself to fantasize about the possibilities that Level 4 would bring. He imagined enhanced mental clarity, sharper reflexes, and perhaps even new techniques that would give him an edge over Malik and anyone else who might pose a threat. But for now, patience was key.
In between training sessions, he continued to engage in his studies on human biology and psychology. The more he learned, the more fascinated he became with the intricacies of human potential. Could mental strength truly amplify physical abilities?
Alex had felt his increased physical strength now and then, but haven't never competed physically against other humans apart from his stimulations, he subconscious ignores the increase in strength.
Is there a way to harness that connection to create a strategic advantage?
Every time he logged into the online database that Eva had provided, he was drawn deeper into the research, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. The excitement of discovering something that could help him counteract Malik's powers fueled his ambition.
However, even with all this preparation, he couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. While he trained diligently, Malik was undoubtedly exploring his newfound abilities, living his life unencumbered by worries of the world outside. Alex knew that their paths would cross, if not him, then someone like him eventually, and when that time came, he would need to be ready.
But for now, in the quiet of Lakeside, he savored the calm before the inevitable storm. Each day was a step closer to his goal, and each drop of sweat was a testament to his commitment. He would not rush; he would build his strength quietly and methodically, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal his true potential.
As he stepped away from the training mat, Alex looked out the window at the setting sun, the vibrant colors painting the sky. He knew that beneath the calm surface, the world was changing rapidly, and he needed to stay vigilant.