Alex breathed deeply, the steady rhythm grounding him as he finished his morning training. The controlled exercise felt routine by now, a process that helped strengthen his mind as much as his body. The mental fortitude he'd gained over the past few weeks was something he couldn't overlook. With each session, he pushed further, sharpening his focus and resilience.
Afterward, he grabbed a glass of water and sat down at his desk, gesturing for Eva to begin the daily updates.
"Good morning, Alex," Eva's voice chimed in smoothly. "I've compiled Dr. Carlisle's latest research findings on Malik's condition. Would you like me to summarize?"
Alex nodded, sipping his water. "Go ahead, Eva. I'm particularly interested in anything new he's discovered that might accelerate our understanding of similar cases."
Eva projected the summary onto his desk display, highlighting key insights from the report. "Dr. Carlisle's team is analyzing the neurological effects Malik experienced after prolonged exposure to cognitive stressors, probably trying to see if there will be any negative effects if they brainwashing him. His findings indicate there may be untapped pathways within the brain that increase resistance to stress with specific conditioning."
Alex leaned forward, intrigued. "So, he's suggesting there are ways to toughen up cognitive resilience?"
"Precisely," Eva confirmed. "According to his data, if these pathways are identified and activated properly, they could allow an individual to endure far more mental strain than previously believed."
Alex mused over the implications. He'd been wondering how far he could push his own mental strength, especially since achieving Level 4. If there was a chance to accelerate his abilities without relying solely on the shard's power, it could make a world of difference.
But as he read through the technical notes, a disturbing thought began to surface. He imagined a scenario where he was the one under analysis—a test subject strapped to a lab bench, researchers taking notes as he underwent various experiments. He could practically see the sterile lights overhead, hear the murmurs of scientists as they speculated on his "unusual neural patterns" or marveled at his resilience. The idea of being examined like some specimen filled him with a deep unease.
Eva must have picked up on his change in mood. "Alex, you seem troubled. Are the findings not what you expected?"
"No… it's not that," he said slowly, the image of himself as a test subject lingering in his mind. "It's just… I can't shake the thought of what it would be like if I were the one being studied. Imagine if someone uncovered my abilities and saw me as nothing more than an experiment."
"That is a valid concern," Eva replied thoughtfully. "The world isn't ready for the nature of your abilities. Disclosure, even in a controlled environment, would come with significant risks."
Alex stood up, pacing as he considered the dilemma. "Exactly. If even one person catches wind of this research… fame, fortune, recognition—there are too many reasons someone might betray me. And if the government got wind of what I can do, they'd see me as some sort of asset, or worse, a threat."
Eva continued, "If your work were exposed, there would be a cascade of inquiries and pressures beyond your control. The consequences could be severe."
"That's putting it mildly," Alex muttered, eyes narrowing as he processed her words. "Eva, I'd considered hiring a team to help accelerate the research, but now…" He trailed off, recalling the faceless scientists and their endless curiosity in his imagined scenario.
Eva's voice softened. "Alex, if confidentiality is your priority, taking on researchers would pose considerable risk. Each additional person increases the chance of exposure."
He nodded slowly. "I know you're right, Eva. But doing all the research on my own will slow things down. It's not just a question of time—it's the sheer volume of knowledge I'd need to acquire."
"Your abilities do grant you certain advantages," she reminded him. "With Cognichip, you can process and retain information faster than most researchers could manage."
The confidence in her words sparked something in him. He had reached Level 4 in mental strength, and his ability to analyze and absorb complex material had grown significantly. A thought stirred—one that felt crazy but plausible. "So… what if I did it myself? With my level of processing power, I could gradually become proficient enough. I might even learn faster than a traditional research team."
Eva responded, "That approach would certainly preserve confidentiality, though it would demand intense commitment from you."
Alex chuckled, shaking his head as he imagined himself sifting through dense textbooks, conducting experiments in his small workspace. "It's crazy. But it's probably safer than trusting a dozen strangers with my secrets."
A pause lingered between them, as though Eva were contemplating her response. "Alex, you're capable of extraordinary learning speed, but there is a potential drawback: it may compromise your time for other pursuits."
He thought about it, envisioning endless hours buried in research, becoming consumed by scientific journals, late nights spent in an isolated bubble of data and analysis. The weight of it all hit him at once. But then he thought of Malik's condition, the breakthrough possibilities, the answers he might find if he stayed the course. It wasn't just about securing his power; it was about discovering something that could change lives.
"Eva, I think the sacrifice is worth it. At least, for now. I'll dedicate the time to mastering this field myself. We can start with a targeted study plan, focused on the areas I need most."
Eva's tone softened, almost like a cautious friend. "Understood. I'll curate a learning curriculum tailored to the most relevant topics and provide support for any concepts you find challenging."
He felt a surge of relief, knowing that with Eva's guidance, he wouldn't be entirely alone in this monumental task. "Thanks, Eva. That makes it seem a little less daunting. We'll need to begin right away."
Eva chimed affirmatively, "Agreed. I'll have the materials ready for your review by tomorrow morning."
With his decision made, he felt a certain clarity settle over him. By working independently, he could control the narrative, ensuring his research stayed under wraps and out of the wrong hands. There would be no risk of betrayal, no faceless strangers poking into his life or seeing him as a mere anomaly.
Yet, even as he felt the satisfaction of choosing this path, a nagging thought lingered in the back of his mind. This decision might protect him, but it also meant a future spent largely in solitude, with little room for collaboration or open discussion. He'd be diving into an ocean of knowledge, cut off from the usual networks researchers relied on.
But there was no going back. He had already set his course.