SWNOVELXO Chapter 176: Chapter 175
Weeks passed, then months. Alex sat in the quiet of his private space, eyes closed, but his mind active within the Cognichip's virtual environment. He had been relentlessly observing the sequence of fire, trying to master its intricacies, yet it continued to elude him. Inside the Cognichip space, the flames flickered, ever-changing, defying any permanent form.
The sequence wasn't static—that much was clear. Every time he thought he had grasped its essence, it shifted. The particles and energies within the flame moved with a complexity that seemed both natural and alien. One moment, the fire crackled brightly; the next, it dimmed, almost as if reacting to the unseen flows of cosmic energy around it. But what caused these changes? What fundamental force was at work? The answer remained just out of reach.
"It's like trying to hold water with your bare hands," Alex muttered to himself. His mind flickered with frustration as he delved deeper into the visualization. He had to learn this, he knew, but the process was proving far more difficult than anything he had anticipated.
Suddenly, the silent screen appeared in his vision. The familiar font of Cognichip filled his view, presenting its usual calm analysis:
"The sequence of fire is not a single event, but a chain of dynamic processes. The movements you are observing are influenced by cosmic forces beyond Earth's understanding. Continue observation."
"Yeah, I figured that," Alex sighed. "But why can't I imprint any of this?"
Cognichip responded with cold, neutral text:
"Your current mental processing capacity is insufficient for the level of dynamism within the sequence. The cosmic energy flows cannot be captured by normal cognitive functions. You are learning through experience, not through recall."
Alex leaned back in his chair. "It's like being a high school kid trying to figure out advanced calculus." He rubbed his temples, trying to dispel the mental exhaustion. Learning the cosmic sequence of fire was like learning an entirely new language, but one where the rules constantly changed.
The screen before him flickered as the Cognichip chimed in again:
"The fire sequence does not adhere to a fixed rhythm like mental energy growth. It is dynamic because it interacts with the living flow of cosmic energy. This complexity is expected. Continue your training."
Alex clenched his fists, breathing deeply. He had hoped for progress—some breakthrough—but each attempt only revealed more layers of complexity.
Just then, the room's lights dimmed, and Eva's soft voice broke the silence. "Alex, I've compiled the latest report on global affairs. Would you like to review it?"
"Yeah, I could use a break." He minimized the Cognichip's visualization of the flame and opened the report Eva had prepared. The holographic display flickered to life, showing a world map with the latest updates on various nations, ability users, and PowerGen's influence.
Eva began listing off the details, her tone business-like. "The situation in Southeast Asia remains tense. Several ability user-led regions have splintered into smaller factions, each vying for control. PowerGen's newest tech is being deployed to stabilize the area, but resistance remains."
"Of course it does," Alex muttered. He zoomed in on the Southeast Asia region. "What about Arjun?"
"The Supreme has consolidated his power in the south, unifying several small nations under his rule. He's declared a new era of governance based on strength and ability. PowerGen is watching closely, but they've avoided direct involvement for now."
"Interesting," Alex said, his eyes scanning the map. "And what about the US? Any major updates?"
"North America remains largely under control, with PowerGen-backed technology continuing to ensure peace. There are growing whispers, however, about internal discontent in some of the more remote areas. Several cities have quietly voiced concerns about PowerGen's rising influence. Nothing has escalated yet, but tensions are present."
Alex nodded, scrolling through the reports. Eva continued with updates on Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, where PowerGen's technology was proving both a boon and a cause for concern among governments. After a few more minutes, Alex shut the report.
"Thanks, Eva. Anything on my family?"
Eva paused briefly before answering. "Your family remains safe. Central Heaven City continues to be a stable zone. Your parents have adapted well to their new home. There have been no significant disturbances in that region."
Alex let out a breath of relief. That was one concern he didn't need to worry about. His quiet interventions months ago had ensured that Central Heaven, lakeside city, Riverbend Town and so many others remained untouched by the chaos sweeping across the world. PowerGen's presence there was minimal, and for now, that was a good thing.
He returned his focus to the Cognichip, pulling the fire sequence back up. The flames danced before his eyes, just as complex and elusive as they had been before. This time, though, he felt more determined. Even if it was like learning advanced math with a normal brain, he would crack the sequence. He had to.
"Cognichip," he said, his voice steady, "let's continue."
The screen flickered back into view, offering new data as the fire once again came to life before him. The sequences continued their endless shifts, but now, with a clearer mind, Alex started to notice small patterns—tiny glimpses of understanding in the chaos. He would master this, even if it took months.
As Alex immersed himself once more in his training, a silent realization hit him: the universe didn't reveal its secrets easily. But with the Cognichip by his side, nothing was impossible. He just had to keep pushing, even when the answers seemed out of reach.
The flame flickered before him, and the process began anew.