Chapter 2: Consciousness Upload
Soon, various pieces of equipment were brought in, and the staff quickly connected them to my head.
The machines buzzed and clicked, as though they were trying to convey some kind of message.
They emitted faint glows, creating an atmosphere that felt both mysterious and full of technological wonder.
As the machines continued to operate, I could feel a weak current flowing across my scalp, giving me an odd sensation.
One of the devices looked like a massive helmet, snugly fitted around my head and connected to numerous fine wires leading to other equipment.
This helmet seemed capable of reading my brainwaves and translating them into visual data.
Another device resembled a transparent sphere filled with flashing lights and intricate patterns.
It appeared to simulate my thought processes and display them in a tangible way.
Smaller sensors were attached to my scalp, monitoring my heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological metrics to provide comprehensive data for the research.
"Let me explain the basics of this experiment," the researcher said solemnly. "After all, you have the right to know.
The consciousness upload experiment is still in its theoretical stage. There are no successful cases yet.
More importantly, the process of consciousness extraction can severely damage the brain. In other words, you either succeed—or you die."
Despite his grim tone, he continued, "But don't worry too much.
We've made a breakthrough in our understanding of the quantum microstructure of the human brain. Using this, we can upload consciousness into a quantum computer. However, this process will put your consciousness in a state of quantum superposition, potentially transmitting it to other parts of the universe during quantum entanglement.
The good news is that our theoretical models predict a success rate of as high as 30%! Round it up, and it's basically 100%!"
What kind of logic was that? Round it up to 100%? Even if it's 30%, there's no rounding that makes it 100%!
Whatever. Since death is inevitable either way, I might as well take a chance. Maybe this time, I'll find life in the face of death.
"Well, if you're happy with it, I don't have much of a choice, do I? Let's gamble. Maybe I'll survive."
"You're surprisingly open-minded," the researcher said, feigning a lighthearted tone. But there was a trace of worry and helplessness in his eyes.
He knew how dangerous this experiment was. This might be their last conversation.
Still, faced with the imminent challenge, all he could do was offer encouragement and good wishes.
"The consciousness upload will involve an open-brain procedure to link directly with your brain.
Don't worry, though; it won't hurt. The brain doesn't have pain nerves. However, please don't move around, or there might be unnecessary complications.
We also can't anesthetize you, as your consciousness needs to be fully awake for the upload to have a higher chance of success."
"Got it. Just start the procedure. My entire body is already in pain. I don't think I can last much longer under the effects of radiation-induced genetic collapse."
---
Hours later, I lay on the operating table, watching as all the preparations were completed. Through the reflective surfaces of the equipment, I could even see my exposed brain.
It was a truly horrifying sight. Strangely, I didn't feel any pain.
"The experiment is ready. Are you mentally prepared?" the researcher asked with concern.
"I'm ready. Let's begin."
"Three… two… one…"
"Good luck."
Those were the last words I heard before a sharp pain pierced through my mind. I felt as if my consciousness was detaching from my body, the pain of radiation poisoning fading away.
What replaced it was an overwhelming sense of disconnection from my soul.
I saw a kaleidoscope of universes, as though I was in the center of infinite space. My soul drifted aimlessly.
Eventually, I found a direction. My instincts told me where to go. Then, I fell into endless darkness.
Beep… beep… beep—
Vital signs: ceased. Consciousness extraction: successful. Uploading… Consciousness upload data not received.
"Sigh. Another failure. I really hoped that optimistic young man would make it," the researcher muttered. "At least the consciousness extraction worked. It seems placing the extracted consciousness in a quantum superposition state was correct. But why couldn't we capture the data? Surely his consciousness didn't transfer to another dimension, right?"
"Maybe I'm just too exhausted, thinking up such ridiculous ideas."
---
Takashi Akihiro's consciousness drifted in the darkness, as if he had entered an endless void.
Fragments of memory flashed through my mind at an incredible speed, pulled forward by some invisible force I couldn't resist.
Just as the void threatened to consume me, a blinding light appeared. My consciousness jolted, as though I was pulled out of the abyss.
I found myself in a strange new world.
Suddenly, a searing pain erupted in my mind, like countless needles piercing my nerves.
I instinctively clenched my teeth, cold sweat breaking out on my forehead as my vision blurred.
Countless memories played out in my mind like a fast-forwarding movie.
Some were my own, while others were unfamiliar, not mine.
I saw my past life—my parents' faces, my friends' laughter. At the same time, I saw scenes from this new world: the daily life of Konoha Village, ninja training, and even battles.
I realized these memories didn't belong solely to me. They also belonged to the body's original owner.
My soul had crossed over—not as a new being but by taking over someone who already existed.
The original owner of this body had just begun their journey as a ninja.
"What's… going on?" I gritted my teeth, struggling to make sense of the chaos in my mind.
I knew I had to adapt quickly to this new identity. Otherwise, in this dangerous world, death could come at any moment.
As the memories became clearer, I learned that this body's original owner was named Uchiha Akihiro.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down.
Looking down at myself, I noticed I was wearing unfamiliar clothing. A pouch hung at my waist, containing several kunai and a scroll.
When my fingers brushed against my stomach, I felt a surge of energy within me—chakra.
I asked myself, "Wasn't I in the middle of an experiment? How did I end up here? Did the procedure malfunction?"
As the thought crossed my mind, a chill ran down my spine, and sweat dripped from my forehead.
"Could this be… transmigration?"
I struggled to piece together the jumbled memories and grasp the situation, but the collision of past and present left me utterly disoriented.
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