Bab 2: Chapter 2
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Chapter 2: Limits and Possibilities
Settling into his small corner of the coffee shop, Alex's thoughts were anything but quiet. He felt like his mind was on fire—hyper-cognition crackled through every corner of his brain, each flicker illuminating possibilities, solutions, and connections he hadn't dreamed possible. His eyes traced the devices around him with a newfound curiosity, marveling at the feeling of simply knowing.
He pulled out his phone, the familiar device suddenly new under the scrutiny of his enhanced cognition. The circuitry, the software, the very design seemed to break down into its components, reassembling and then decomposing in his mind. He could see every layer of it, understanding not only its purpose but every micro-improvement possible.
He frowned, scrolling through the apps. Each opened in milliseconds, but his mind still raced faster than the device. A thousand possibilities for upgrades surged through his thoughts, each line of code, each microprocessor component laid bare.
Optimization, his mind seemed to whisper. His brain could process far more than this small, limited device. Within seconds, he'd mapped out countless modifications that would allow the processor to function at twice its speed, analyzed every weak spot in the current battery, and identified five easy upgrades to extend its lifespan. But beyond that, he saw potential far beyond the smartphone's hardware.
He tapped the screen, accessing a coding interface. Line by line, his mind swam with the device's programming language, interpreting it as easily as a native tongue. Within seconds, he was calculating ways to eliminate bottlenecks, thinking of optimizations that even top developers might overlook.
"Excuse me," the barista said, interrupting his thoughts as she placed his coffee on the table. Her voice pulled him back into the present. "Is there anything else I can get you?"
Alex looked up, noticing her eyeing his furious tapping on the screen. She glanced at the random strings of code, probably thinking he was a developer lost in his work. With a smile, he shook his head. "No, thanks, I'm good for now."
As she walked away, he refocused. Technology, he thought. That's how I can test this ability—truly push it to its limits.
Testing the Mind
He took a deep breath, staring at his phone. "Okay, let's see what I can do."
Without hesitation, he broke down the smartphone's operating system, mapping out its architecture and making mental notes. This went beyond simple coding; it was as though he could visualize every piece of data as a series of threads, each one winding into the next, like a web he could manipulate, enhance, or even rewrite.
First, he sketched out a blueprint for a new, improved operating system. It had more efficient data handling, quicker resource allocation, and security protocols that were nearly unbreakable. He was working far faster than any human coder, constructing entire codebases in seconds. His fingers flew across the screen, assembling fragments of code with effortless precision.
But the phone was limited by hardware constraints, so he began devising improvements in its physical components as well. The processor, for instance—it was currently running on a 7-nanometer chip, but he calculated how it could handle a 5-nanometer architecture, theoretically increasing speed while reducing heat and power consumption. He envisioned changes to the layout, adjustments to the materials. It was like a puzzle, and he was assembling pieces from scratch.
After about ten minutes, he'd redesigned an entirely new model, a generation beyond anything he'd seen on the market. A model that could practically think for itself, adapting to the user's needs, learning usage patterns, predicting what apps would open next. To a normal mind, it might have seemed like science fiction. But to Alex, it felt doable, even easy.
He grinned, feeling a rush of exhilaration. His brain kept pushing him forward, proposing new ideas as quickly as he could process them.
But is this the limit? he wondered.
What if he could go beyond the phone, apply the same ideas on a grander scale? His hyper-cognition processed the possibilities in seconds, presenting him with answers before he could even form the question fully. The more he thought, the more he realized that in this world, he had access to technology and resources that didn't exist in his own. Stark Industries, Oscorp, Wakandan tech—all brimming with innovations he could explore, replicate, and potentially surpass.
Why stop at the phone? he thought, his mind racing with new excitement. I could tackle anything.
The Limits of Cognition
He tapped his fingers on the table, still processing a dizzying array of ideas. But as he focused more deeply, he felt something strange—a friction within his mind, like the beginning of mental fatigue. The calculations started slipping, the algorithms no longer snapping into place as easily.
He slowed down, breathing deeply, trying to refocus. He realized, with some reluctance, that hyper-cognition wasn't limitless. Pushing himself too far too quickly had started to backfire. His brain was experiencing something like an "overheat," akin to a computer processing too much data at once.
Sipping his coffee, he reminded himself to take it slower. Even though his mind was capable of remarkable feats, it seemed there were boundaries, at least for now. His hyper-cognition was powerful, but still tied to his human physiology.
"Alright," he murmured to himself, tapping the screen thoughtfully. Maybe it's time to see what tech this world has to offer. See if I can find something—someone—that can help me reach those limits.
A New Plan
A few names floated through his mind: Stark Industries, a tech behemoth in this universe, and Oscorp, with its cutting-edge biochemical technology. Alex considered both options. Stark was the obvious choice—Tony Stark was known to be open-minded, innovative, and even reckless in pursuit of tech advancement. But he was also a powerful public figure. Interacting with him, at least for now, was risky.
Oscorp, however, seemed like a more accessible entry point, though he would have to be cautious about drawing attention there, especially with Norman Osborn lurking in its depths.
He pulled up his phone again, this time searching for tech expos and open labs where industry representatives showcased their products and discussed technological advancements. There was one in town tomorrow—an annual technology summit where representatives from Oscorp, Stark Industries, and a few independent labs would be showcasing new products.
"Perfect," he whispered, feeling a thrill. This was an opportunity to understand what this world was capable of, test his knowledge against their innovations, and see where his hyper-cognition could take him.
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Testing Grounds
The next morning, Alex found himself standing in the grand entrance hall of the New York City Technology Summit, surrounded by sleek displays, holographic demonstrations, and banners for each attending tech company. He felt an electric buzz in the air, like he'd just stepped into the epicenter of possibility.
Taking his time, he walked the aisles, pausing at each booth and display to absorb the designs, ideas, and blueprints presented. His hyper-cognition broke down each tech piece by piece, analyzing, dissecting, understanding each mechanism and identifying improvements within seconds.
Some demonstrations, like Oscorp's latest biochemistry advancements, held clear potential, but his mind kept identifying flaws, oversights, and alternatives. He took a mental note, sketching a vague plan to see if he could later replicate—or even improve upon—their formulas.
Finally, he stopped in front of a holographic display featuring Stark Industries' latest micro-reactor prototypes. The specs caught his eye; it was a power source efficient enough to run most household appliances for a year on a single charge. As he read the data, a rush of ideas flashed through his mind. His hyper-cognition mapped out the device's inner workings, revealing potential tweaks that would make it even more powerful. Tiny improvements in material conductivity, heat dissipation, and circuit design flickered through his thoughts.
Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Well, you're either very interested in our product, or you've spotted a mistake I haven't caught yet," a voice said, smooth and amused.
Alex turned to see none other than Tony Stark himself, grinning as he eyed Alex's intense focus on the holographic display. The world-famous genius inventor studied him with a gleam of curiosity.
"Caught me," Alex replied, smiling faintly, feeling the thrill of meeting one of this universe's legendary figures. He gestured to the display. "It's fascinating work. The design has potential."
Stark raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Potential, huh? Not what I'd expect someone to say about my work. You got some ideas, then?"
Alex felt his mind race, the data spilling out as he spoke, outlining small adjustments that could optimize the micro-reactor's design. Stark's smile widened as he listened, eyes narrowing with focus as he caught onto the depth of Alex's insight.
"Interesting," Stark said slowly. "So you're not just a tech enthusiast. Who are you?"
Alex paused, his mind sorting through answers as quickly as they formed, calculating the potential reactions from Stark. He chose his words carefully.
"Just… someone with a knack for technology."
Stark's gaze narrowed, a glint of curiosity mixed with the cautious edge of a man used to facing unpredictable threats. "I'd say you're either a threat, a fan, or… someone who's very good at keeping secrets. So, which one is it?"
Alex kept his expression neutral, mind calculating dozens of responses and their likely outcomes. He knew Stark's reputation for spotting deception, but also his well-documented tendency to let curiosity drive him into situations that most people avoided. After all, that curiosity had once made Stark himself a target.
Alex chose a diplomatic approach. "I guess you could say I'm here to learn. This world, this technology—it's… new to me."
Stark nodded, arms folding as he studied Alex, looking more intrigued than wary. "New to you, huh? And yet you've got some sharp insights into micro-reactors and material conductivity. Either you're a fast learner, or you're not telling me everything."
"Maybe a bit of both," Alex replied, smiling slightly, careful not to reveal too much. He could feel his hyper-cognition automatically adjusting his body language, subtly mirroring Stark's stance to create an atmosphere of familiarity and trust.
Stark seemed to notice, smirking. "Alright, mystery man. How about this—if you're really that keen on learning, I'll give you a quick tour of the booth. Get a firsthand look at what Stark Industries is doing to save the world one gadget at a time."
Alex felt a surge of excitement tempered by a touch of caution. This was an unexpected opportunity to get inside Stark's head and examine his work up close. Still, he knew Stark wasn't one to offer anything without weighing potential outcomes.
"Sounds like an offer I'd be foolish to turn down," Alex said, nodding.
With a gesture, Stark led him deeper into the Stark Industries exhibit, where prototypes and holographic models filled the space. Stark tapped on a nearby console, and a 3D model of a sleek suit emerged—a newer iteration of his Iron Man armor.
"This is the Mark 52," Stark explained, watching Alex's reaction carefully. "Uses a lightweight vibranium-infused alloy. Stronger than titanium, adaptable, responsive, and—get this—powered by a new reactor that could run a small city."
Alex nodded, his hyper-cognition kicking in immediately, dissecting the design. The Mark 52 armor had an intuitive structure, but he could already see micro-adjustments that would improve the suit's power efficiency by about ten percent. Stark didn't mention the cooling system, but Alex could tell from the design that overheating was a potential issue.
"Impressive work," Alex said, deliberately holding back on his deeper insights. Stark clearly enjoyed explaining his work, and Alex knew better than to undercut that.
"And the reactor core?" Alex asked, leaning in for a closer look. "Is it stable for long-term use?"
Stark raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Nice catch. We've run simulations, but in practice, the thing can get a bit temperamental at high altitudes or low temperatures. Why? Got any suggestions?"
Alex's mind raced, his hyper-cognition piecing together solutions faster than he could voice them. "You could integrate a modular coolant system—one that adjusts based on temperature differentials instead of running at a static level. That way, it'll maintain efficiency without draining extra power when it doesn't need to."
Stark's eyes lit up. "Not bad. Not bad at all." He crossed his arms, clearly impressed. "Most engineers would take a month to come up with that. So, what exactly do you do, again?"
Alex hesitated, realizing that Stark was genuinely interested, but not yet suspicious. Still, Stark's curiosity had its limits, and he wasn't one to be played with. Alex decided to steer the conversation carefully.
"Like I said," Alex replied with a shrug, "I have a knack for technology. My mind works a bit… differently, I guess."
Stark chuckled. "You and me both, pal. Welcome to the club."
They continued discussing the armor's design, Stark visibly surprised as Alex quickly adapted to each new technical term and concept. Alex's hyper-cognition allowed him to predict Stark's thought process, anticipating his questions and sometimes even providing insights that Stark himself hadn't fully considered. As they moved on to other designs, from energy-efficient drones to advanced nanotechnology applications, Alex felt himself absorbing the knowledge like a sponge, each concept expanding the limits of his mind.
But as he delved deeper, he felt the edges of his cognition begin to fray. The massive influx of information was like fuel to a fire, and he knew his hyper-cognition was pushing him past his mental endurance. Each new idea demanded more processing power, stretching his thoughts to their limits. The initial exhilaration started to fade, replaced by a creeping sense of mental fatigue. He could feel the strain building, as if his mind were hitting a wall.
Stark, however, seemed to notice his discomfort. "Don't worry, kid. Happens to the best of us. The mind has its limits, even for the sharp ones."
Alex took a deep breath, nodding, but inwardly he felt an urge to push further. He was starting to understand how his hyper-cognition worked, but he needed a way to increase his mental endurance, to avoid the strain he was feeling now.
"You ever try meditating?" Stark asked, seemingly out of the blue. "A lot of folks think it's some mystical nonsense, but it does wonders for mental clarity. Keeps your brain running smooth when it's overloaded."
Alex hadn't considered it, but Stark's advice struck a chord. Meditation—quieting the mind, focusing his energy. Perhaps it could help him regain focus when he pushed his cognition too far. He filed the thought away, deciding to test it later.
"Well, if you're ever interested in putting that brain of yours to work on something productive," Stark continued, his voice dropping to a more serious tone, "look me up. I could always use someone who thinks outside the box, and I know potential when I see it."
Alex managed a smile. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Tony."
Stark studied him one last time, nodding with approval. "Good. Now go take a breather, kid. You look like you're about to burn out."
As Alex stepped away from the booth, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He'd tested his abilities, learned about the technology in this world, and even gained Stark's respect. But more importantly, he'd found a possible path forward, a way to improve his endurance, to reach further without exhausting himself.
He exited the expo hall and found a quiet bench in a nearby park. He closed his eyes, letting the noise and motion around him fade. Following Stark's advice, he focused on clearing his mind, letting each thought come and go without latching onto it. Slowly, the mental strain began to ease. His hyper-cognition quieted, finding a balance, giving his mind a chance to breathe.
Meditation, he thought with a small smile. It might just be my new secret weapon.
In the days that followed, Alex dedicated himself to refining his focus. He meditated every morning, using the technique to harness his hyper-cognition with precision, pushing his mind without overextending it. He studied complex systems, algorithms, and engineering concepts, improving his endurance bit by bit.
And though his journey was only beginning, he could already feel the horizon of possibilities expanding before him.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone