Reached 50 stones, here's the bonus chapter.
Btw: In this story i will add some info for those that might not know something, so expect some small info dumps, but obviously when i do them, i increase the chapter length.
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Adam's vision blurred as the memories began to take shape. Fragmented moments from this body's past surged into his consciousness, each one more hollow than the last.
A small boy sat in a cold, dim orphanage, his eyes wide with fear as he watched other children play. No friends came to him, no comforting hand rested on his shoulder. The caretakers were overworked and indifferent, offering the bare minimum of kindness.
Time skipped forward. The boy was now a teenager, walking alone down a crowded school hallway. No one greeted him. His high school diploma sat crumpled in his hands during graduation, the faint glimmer of pride overshadowed by the realization that no one cared.
Then, the body's adult years. Endless days spent at a desk, filing reports, answering emails, and enduring the occasional cruel remark from colleagues. His resignation to this monotonous existence was palpable, his expression always neutral, as though nothing could truly touch him.
The final memory was from yesterday, leaving the office for the last time, clutching a small box of belongings. He didn't cry, didn't lash out, simply walked away into the night with the same empty gaze.
As the memories settled, Adam leaned back in the chair, a slow grin spreading across his face. "No friends, no family, no one to explain anything to," he said aloud. "This is perfect. I can do whatever I want without anyone questioning me."
[Acknowledged.] Awà's calm voice rang in his mind, grounding him.
He frowned slightly. "Awà, how are you even operating? Wouldn't you need energy or something?"
[I am utilizing the unnamed energy flowing through the surroundings, Host.]
Adam blinked. "Unnamed energy? Do you mean… mana?"
There was a brief pause. [If you wish to designate it as such, I will comply.]
"Yeah, let's call it mana." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Are there other types of energy nearby?"
[No other energy signatures are currently detectable in this environment.]
Adam nodded, filing the information away. He pushed himself up from the chair and stretched. "Alright, let's get down to business. Awà, what are your functions?"
The response came instantly.
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Functions of the Nano Machines (Managed by Awà)
1. Self-Healing
Automatically repairs injuries, from minor cuts to severe damage, based on severity.
Neutralizes toxins in the body, preventing poisoning, illness, or hallucinations.
Constantly maintains the body's optimal physical condition.
2. Scanning and Analysis
Instantly scans and deciphers text, symbols, or images, converting them into understandable information.
Analyzes facial expressions and vocal tones to gauge truthfulness and emotions.
Observes and records techniques or movements, providing the host with detailed understanding and execution methods.
Translates languages or unknown symbols using stored data.
3. Data Integration and Optimization
Converts scanned knowledge and skills into a format directly usable by the host.
Optimizes the host's physical and neural pathways to perform new techniques effectively.
Enhances learning speed and retention by adapting the host's brain functions.
4. Emergency Defense Mechanisms
Activates reflexive defenses to counter sudden threats or surprise attacks.
Enhances senses, such as night vision or heightened hearing, for better situational awareness.
Modulates the host's voice for disguise or mimicry.
Dynamically adjusts physical attributes, such as muscle density and bone strength, for immediate combat needs.
Simulates combat scenarios using internal augmented reality to train or refine skills.
5. Energy and Body Adaptation
Absorbs and utilizes external energy sources, such as mana, to power advanced functions.
Stimulates physical growth and regeneration to enhance long-term capabilities.
Adjusts the host's body to maximize efficiency during physical activity or combat.
Employs sound-based techniques for covert communication or long-distance transmission.
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[This system ensures continuous optimization and evolution based on the host's needs and circumstances.]
Adam whistled low, his mind already spinning with possibilities. "Awà, you're a masterpiece."
[Acknowledged.]
Adam stayed silent as troubling thought crossed his mind, and he hesitated before speaking. "Awà, did I… kill the previous Adam by taking his body, or did I just regain his memories?"
[Clarification: The host did not kill the previous Adam. You are the same individual. The nano machines have only integrated his memories into your conscious understanding.]
Relief washed over Adam. "Good. I don't want to carry that kind of guilt."
He stood and walked toward the bookshelf. His eyes scanned the spines until he pulled out a simple mathematics book. Opening it, he flipped through the pages at a rapid pace, skimming equations and concepts. Once he reached the end, he thought, "Awà, did you get all of that?"
[Affirmative. The information has been fully processed and stored.]
Her calm response made Adam pause, his brows furrowing. 'You can hear me every time I think to you, right?'
[Correct. However, I recommend you think your questions or commands to me rather than vocalizing them. It will be more efficient and discreet.]
Adam scratched his head, sheepishly grinning. 'Right, that makes sense. I'll work on that.'
He set the book back on the shelf and looked around the room. 'Awà, how far can you scan for mana?'
[With the current mana density obtained from the surroundings, I can detect mana signatures within a one-kilometer radius.]
The answer caught Adam's attention. He took a deep breath and asked cautiously, 'Are there any gates or similar anomalies within that radius?'
[Affirmative.]
His chest tightened slightly. 'Where is it?'
[Directly below the host's current position.]
Adam froze, his gaze darting to the floor. 'Wait..what? Why didn't you tell me this immediately?'
[You did not ask, Host.]
His jaw dropped, and frustration flared. 'Awà, you can't just withhold critical information like that! From now on, you're to notify me about anything I need to know without waiting for me to ask, understand?'
[Acknowledged. I will update my protocol to provide relevant information proactively.]
Adam sighed, rubbing his temples. 'Alright, good. Now tell me everything you know about this gate.'
[The mana is becoming increasingly erratic.] Awà reported, her tone calm yet clinical. [Based on the host's memories, this phenomenon is referred to as a dungeon break.]
Adam's stomach dropped as he bolted toward the shelves, grabbing a bag and stuffing it with whatever essentials he could find. 'Dungeon break? When will it happen?'
[In approximately one day.]
He froze mid-motion, realization dawning on him. 'Wait... that means the portal has been open for six days already.'
[Correct.]
Adam let out a frustrated sigh and resumed packing. 'What rank is the dungeon?' he asked, grabbing a sturdy kitchen knife and examining it before tossing it into the bag.
[Insufficient data to determine dungeon rank.] Awà replied.
Clicking his tongue, Adam headed to his wardrobe and dressed in comfortable clothes, ensuring he could move easily. His mind raced with possibilities, scenarios, and plans. He picked up the knife again, then hesitated. 'One knife won't cut it, literally.'
He gathered more kitchen knives, strapping them carefully with cloth to avoid injuring himself in the process. If they broke, or worse, if he lost one, he needed backups. Finally, he added more food, a flashlight, and a first aid kit to his bag.
'Alright, Awà. Let's find this portal.'
[Understood. Displaying guidance now.]
An AR arrow materialized in his vision, hovering just in front of him and pointing toward the door. He followed it cautiously, descending the stairs of the apartment building. The quiet hum of fluorescent lights and the faint creaks of the old structure accompanied his steps.
[The portal is located in the basement of the building.] Awà informed him.
As he reached the lower levels, the air grew colder, the concrete walls surrounding him feeling damp and lifeless. Adam couldn't remember the last time he'd gone to the basement, at least a month ago, maybe longer. It made sense that no one had found the portal if it was tucked away in a place people rarely visited.
After searching the medium-sized storage area, his eyes finally caught a faint, eerie glow emanating from one of the darker corners. The blue light pulsed softly, casting shadows that flickered unnaturally against the walls.
Adam stood frozen for a moment, staring at the portal. His heart pounded in his chest, but he clenched his fists and took a steadying breath. 'There it is.'
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1363 words.
Drop stonessss and reviews please 🥺