Chapitre 13: Chapter 13
Alex was surprised. The video he had uploaded less than 24 hours ago had exploded in popularity. Millions of people worldwide had already watched, commented, and shared it. Though he had done it as a gamble to send a small warning to the world, he hadn't expected such an immediate response.
"It's surprising how many people are interested in this kind of thing," Alex commented, looking at the social media statistics that Ariel was displaying on the screen. "At least now they have something. I've given them a kind of tool, an opportunity to defend themselves. It was only a matter of time before someone else could do the same."
Ariel, as always, responded in his calculated and logical tone. "While this will empower people, it is also a dangerous tool. Weapons, in the hands of humans, can be both defensive and offensive, and history shows they are not always used wisely."
Alex sighed. "You can't help but be so pragmatic, can you? But you're right, some will use this for evil." Alex stood up from his chair and began pacing the room, thinking about the possible repercussions of his actions. "Still, I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. At least I've planted the seed for something. We're no longer completely defenseless."
"We cannot control how others will use the information," Ariel commented. "We can only attempt to minimize the risks and be prepared."
Alex nodded. "Speaking of preparation…" He changed the subject, remembering something that had been bothering him for days. "I'm still worried about the animals on the farm. How much longer do you think it will be before they start mutating?"
Ariel responded with the same coldness as always. "I've calculated that the natural evolution process induced by the Omega particle could manifest in a couple of months, depending on the species. However, I have a solution that could get ahead of the problem."
"What kind of solution?" Alex asked, intrigued.
"Instead of waiting for mutations to happen uncontrollably, I suggest we induce evolution in a controlled way," Ariel explained.
Alex stopped in his tracks. "Induce evolution? Isn't that dangerous? What if the animals become more aggressive? How do we know the change will be something we can handle?"
Ariel kept his analytical tone. "It's true that changes may come with risks, but if we control the process, we can ensure that evolution occurs on our terms. I've developed a plan for controlled evolution. However, it's best if we start with a species that already has a long evolutionary history. Chickens."
"Chickens?" Alex raised an eyebrow, surprised. "What's so special about chickens?"
"Chicken DNA has a distant genetic past that traces back to dinosaurs. Their evolution is slow, but when it happens, the changes are likely to be drastic. For now, they seem immune or minimally affected by the Omega particle due to their genetic stability. This makes them a suitable test subject for experimentation."
Alex approached the screen, observing a diagram of chicken genetics that Ariel projected. "And how would this work? How do we induce evolution without turning the chickens into monsters?"
Ariel began explaining. "First, we will create an electromagnetic barrier around the farm. This barrier will work to attract and store the Omega particle floating in the environment. By drawing as many particles as possible toward a central point, we will reduce their density within the farm, preventing uncontrolled mutations."
"An electromagnetic barrier?" Alex was interested. "How do you plan to create that?"
"We will use strategically placed electromagnets around the farm. These electromagnets will generate a magnetic field strong enough to attract the Omega particles. This process will have a considerable energy cost, as it will require a large amount of power to keep the field active. It is estimated that the farm's total energy will be reduced by half, leaving us with only a year of energy autonomy."
"Only a year…" Alex frowned, but he understood there weren't many options. "Alright, go on."
"The next step will be to use your ability to connect with the brain of one of the chickens. This will allow it to absorb the Omega particle in a controlled manner, while you establish a connection with its nervous system. That way, you can monitor the creature's evolution and ensure it remains obedient."
"How am I supposed to do that?" Alex asked, intrigued and a little uncertain.
"Your ability to generate and manipulate small electrical currents will allow you to influence the brain's electrical activity. The brain of any living being functions through electrical impulses. Instead of directly transmitting electricity, you will use a technique of electrical resonance."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Electrical resonance? Explain."
Ariel showed a graph of an animal's brain waves. "Each brain emits a series of electrical frequencies that vary depending on the organism's state. Your electrical discharges, though small, can resonate at a molecular level with the brain's electrical impulses. By tuning in to those frequencies, you could induce a connection between your electrical activity and the animal's. This does not require direct contact, as you would be influencing the brain's activity through the resonance of your own electrical impulses."
"So I don't need to physically touch it? I just have to match its brain frequency…" Alex seemed more intrigued.
"Exactly. Just like two sound waves can resonate with each other, your electrical currents can resonate with the animal's nervous signals. This process will not only allow you to influence its behavior, but it will also accelerate the absorption of the Omega particle into its body, promoting more controlled evolution."
Alex crossed his arms, deep in thought. "So, you're saying I basically have to 'synchronize' my electricity with its brain?"
"Correct," Ariel confirmed. "This method avoids the need to transmit electricity through flesh and bodily fluids, which could interfere with direct transmission. By using resonance, you can influence its brain more precisely and effectively."
Alex took a step back, feeling the magnitude of what Ariel was proposing. "And how will I know when I'm on the right frequency?"
"With time and practice, you will become familiar with the brain's electrical frequencies in animals. Initially, it will be a process of trial and error. You will notice small changes in the animal's behavior when the synchronization is correct. The electrical impulses generated by your body will directly influence the animal's nervous system, promoting more controlled evolution. However, it will be a gradual process. It won't happen overnight."
Alex was still not entirely sure, but he didn't see a better option. "And what happens if I lose control? What if something goes wrong?"
"In that case, we will intervene to stop the process before it gets out of control. But if we follow the plan, the chances of success are high."
Alex was determined to go ahead with Ariel's plan, though the implications of what they were about to do kept him a bit nervous. It wasn't just the idea of controlling the animals' evolution that worried him but the fact that, to do so, he would have to redesign his own farm, sacrificing some of his more modern machines. It wasn't something he took lightly.
"Ariel, can't we really get these materials another way?" Alex asked as he walked toward the farm's old scrap yard. "It cost me a fortune to get those tractors, and now we're going to dismantle them."
"There are no viable alternatives with the current resources," Ariel responded, ever pragmatic. "The materials we need for the electromagnets can only be obtained from high-performance equipment, such as the modern tractors you own. Unless you prefer to wait several months to acquire the proper supplies, this is the most efficient option."
Alex sighed. "Yeah, I know... but still. Sacrificing a tractor is never easy." He arrived at the scrapyard and began sorting through the old junk accumulated over the years. There were metal pieces, electrical conductors, rusty old engines, and several parts that could still be useful. "Let's start with what we've got here."
With a screwdriver in hand, Alex began dismantling several old engines. As he worked, Ariel provided him with the necessary specifications to create the electromagnets. "We need copper wires, neodymium magnets, and enough iron to create a proper core. The construction of the electromagnets must be precise, or the barrier won't work efficiently."
Alex worked tirelessly for several hours, disassembling and separating useful parts. Then, with some reluctance, he turned to the tractors. He had grown attached to those machines, but there was no other option. "Well, no turning back now," he murmured before starting to dismantle the more modern tractors.
Among the high-quality parts he extracted were power generators, advanced electrical systems, and, of course, the copper needed for the electromagnets. Ariel organized everything, providing detailed blueprints and ensuring that every part fit perfectly in constructing the barrier.
It took a full two days before Alex had everything ready. Finally, he had mounted the electromagnets at strategic points around the farm, creating an electromagnetic field that covered the entire perimeter. The installation of the magnets was delicate, and each one required extreme precision to ensure the field was strong enough to attract the Omega particle.
"Everything's in place," Alex said, observing his work. "What's next?"
"I'll activate the electromagnetic barrier now," Ariel announced. "The energy required to maintain this field will be considerable. As I mentioned before, it will reduce our energy capacity by half, leaving us with only one year of autonomy for the farm."
"I know," Alex nodded, feeling the weight of the decision. "We don't have a choice."
As soon as Ariel activated the barrier, a faint vibration ran through the farm. Alex could feel a slight tingling in the air, as if an invisible force was enveloping everything. The electromagnets began emitting a low hum, barely perceptible, as the electromagnetic field formed around them.
"Is it working?" Alex asked.
"Yes. The field has formed correctly. Now, we will begin attracting the Omega particle and storing it in the barn we've designated for that purpose."
Alex looked at the barn from a distance. He had placed several of the electromagnets inside to ensure the Omega particle concentrated there. Over the next few hours, small particles of a bright red color began floating toward the barn, drawn by the magnetic field. It was both a strange and fascinating sight.
"Ariel, this is... impressive," Alex commented as he watched the particles accumulate.
"It's just the beginning," Ariel replied. "We must monitor the process carefully."
Over time, Alex noticed something strange. Inside the barn, where most of the Omega particle was accumulating, a small glowing sphere began to form. At first, it was barely noticeable, but gradually it gained intensity, becoming a small version of the red suns that had appeared in the sky.
"Ariel... what's happening in there?" Alex asked, alarmed.
"This phenomenon was not anticipated," Ariel replied, with a tone that, although cold, hinted at some surprise. "The high density of the Omega particle in an enclosed space is causing the particles to begin to coalesce. It seems they are forming some kind of stable structure."
Alex watched as the small red sphere, no bigger than a soccer ball, floated in the air inside the barn, slowly crystallizing. Its surface transitioned from a glowing mass to a solid, almost transparent texture, though it continued to emit a faint glow.
"Is it dangerous?" Alex asked.
"I don't think so," Ariel responded. "It appears the particles are behaving like the poles of atoms or magnets. When accumulated in large quantities, they tend to merge and stabilize. This process is forming Omega particle crystals, which seem to be inert in this state."
Alex approached the barn but kept a safe distance. "Do you think we should be worried about this?"
"For now, there are no signs of danger. The crystals forming are stable and do not present an immediate threat. However, it's crucial to keep the animals away from this area. We don't know what effects direct contact with these crystals could have."
Alex nodded. "I definitely don't want my animals near this. Make sure there's no way they can get into the barn."
"I've activated a series of security protocols," Ariel said. "No living being will be allowed access without your explicit authorization."
As he watched the small crystallized sun, Alex couldn't help but wonder what other strange phenomena might arise from the accumulation of the Omega particle. Everything seemed so unpredictable, and increasingly dangerous.
At the end of the process, after the electromagnetic field had been active for several hours, Alex approached the barn again. Inside, the small red sun had slowly faded away, leaving behind several crystals that appeared to have formed naturally. One of them particularly caught his attention. It was small, just a few centimeters long, and its shape was perfect, as if it had been crafted in a lab—a rhombus of intense, bright red color.
Ariel had warned Alex not to touch the crystals, although he hadn't mentioned they were dangerous. Still, Alex felt an uncontrollable curiosity, and against Ariel's advice, he decided to pick one up.
"Alex, is it really necessary for you to touch that?" Ariel asked in his robotic tone, but with a hint of annoyance.
"It's not dangerous, right? You said the crystals are stable," Alex replied, holding it between his fingers and examining its shiny surface.
"The crystal is stable, but I do not recommend handling it. We have not yet fully analyzed its effects."
Alex scrutinized it closely. The red of the crystal seemed to glow under the dim light of the barn, radiating an intriguing energy. More crystals were forming around, but this one had particularly captivated him.
"Tell me something, Ariel," Alex said, turning the crystal in his hands. "This is entirely made of Omega particle, right?"
"Correct. The crystal is composed of Omega particles that have bonded in a stable form. Its crystalline structure is similar to that of some Earth minerals, but its origin is entirely different."
Alex thought for a moment, and before Ariel could intervene, he asked, "If I ate it... do you think my body could absorb it?"
Ariel reacted immediately. "I don't have enough data to confirm a theory like that. The crystal's structure is extremely dense, and I don't believe your digestive system would be capable of breaking it down. Moreover, consuming it without analyzing it is..."
Ignoring Ariel's response, Alex brought the crystal to his mouth and bit into it.
"Alex, don't do that!" Ariel exclaimed, this time with a more alarmed tone than usual.
The crystal dissolved in his mouth with surprising ease. It had no taste or remarkable texture. Just a slight crunch, as if something broke and then vanished into the air. Alex expected to feel something more... perhaps a surge of energy, some kind of reaction, but there was nothing. He felt absolutely nothing.
"Ariel... nothing happened," Alex said, with a slightly mischievous smile. "It just dissolved in my mouth. Like it was never there."
Ariel, clearly frustrated, immediately performed an analysis of Alex's vital functions. "You acted recklessly. There could have been unpredictable consequences. However..." Ariel paused, and his tone shifted to one of surprise. "It appears your body has absorbed it completely."
"Absorbed it?" Alex raised an eyebrow, looking at his hands as if expecting to see some visible change in his body.
"Your cells have absorbed the Omega particle contained in the crystal," Ariel continued. "This is unexpected. Based on my initial calculations, the crystalline structure should have been too dense to be broken down by a biological organism. However, it appears that your internal electromagnetic field, naturally generated by the human body, was able to break down the crystal's structure, allowing your cells to absorb it."
Alex picked up another small crystal and studied it, intrigued. "It's like it's... pure energy, right?"
"Something like that. It seems that your own internal magnetic field—the same one all human cells use to function bioelectrically—has interacted with the crystal in a way I hadn't anticipated."
With a satisfied smile, Alex bit into a second crystal. This one also dissolved in his mouth just as easily, and although he didn't feel any immediate change again, something made him feel more... connected. It was a light sensation, but it was there.
"It's like in those fantasy novels I used to read as a kid," Alex said with a grin. "Absorbing crystals to gain power."
"It's not advisable to continue this behavior without more data," Ariel replied, maintaining a serious tone. "Although your body seems to be absorbing the crystal without visible adverse effects, we have not yet studied the possible long-term consequences."
Amused by Ariel's comment, Alex glanced at the pile of crystals forming in the barn. "Tell me, could we use this as a supplement? You know, instead of meditating for hours, we could just absorb these crystals."
"It's a plausible option," Ariel conceded, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely on board with the idea. "Consuming the crystals appears to accelerate the process of Omega particle absorption. However, the production of these crystals is limited. Based on my calculations, the barn can produce between five and seven crystals a day, depending on the particle density in the environment and the stability of the electromagnetic field."
Alex thought for a moment. "Five or seven crystals a day isn't much, but it's something. If I can absorb one of these every so often, maybe I can keep improving my abilities without having to meditate so much."
"The meditation process is still crucial for controlling and stabilizing the abilities you're developing," Ariel insisted. "While consuming the crystals can speed up certain aspects, it doesn't replace the discipline needed to manage these abilities. Plus, we don't know how many crystals you can consume before your body reaches a limit."
Alex nodded, taking Ariel's warnings into account, though he couldn't help but feel excited about the possibilities. The Omega particle crystals might be the key to accelerating his evolution without relying solely on meditation.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone