Chương 14: Chapter 14
Alex stared at the chicken in front of him. It was a common chicken, with white feathers and a red comb that wobbled slightly every time it turned its head to look at him. Ariel's plan seemed simple in theory: connect with the animal's brain, synchronize its electrical waves, and over time, guide the evolution process in a controlled manner. But for some reason, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that the chicken wasn't entirely on board with the idea.
"Do I really have to do this?" Alex asked, glancing from the chicken to the screen projecting Ariel's image. "This seems a lot more complicated than it sounds."
Ariel responded in his usual cold and pragmatic tone. "It is essential that you first establish a connection with the animal. You must synchronize your brain waves with hers through electrical resonance. Only then can we proceed with the next phase."
Alex sighed and crouched in front of the chicken, slowly extending his hand toward its head. "Come on, girl, just try not to peck me, okay?"
The chicken stared at him intently with its small, emotionless black eyes. Alex took a deep breath and tried to focus, closing his eyes as he attempted to sync with the animal. He could feel his own electricity, the faint hum of his ability, but nothing seemed to change. The chicken remained still, staring at him as if he were just another object in the barn.
Several minutes passed in silence before Alex opened his eyes. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
"It's likely that your approach is not correct," Ariel said. "You need more time and dedication."
"More time?" Alex stood up, frustrated. "I've spent the last ten minutes trying to connect with this chicken, and all I've managed to do is get her to look at me like I'm an idiot."
However, Ariel remained unyielding. "The process requires patience. The brainwaves of animals are different from those of humans. You will need to keep trying until you achieve the proper resonance."
Alex glanced at the chicken, still unfazed. "Great, more patience. Just what I needed."
Determined to move forward, Alex picked up the chicken in his arms and began walking around the farm. He spent hours carrying it, constantly trying to focus on his energy and the waves it emitted. But the only thing the chicken seemed to emit were occasional clucks and the odd peck on his arm.
That afternoon, Alex decided to try something different. He filled the bathtub in the main house and, not really sure why, decided that maybe bathing with the chicken would help strengthen their connection. It was ridiculous, he knew, but at this point, he was willing to try anything.
"Okay, let's give this another shot," he muttered as he stepped into the tub with the chicken. The animal stared at him, but it didn't seem willing to cooperate in the slightest. In fact, the chicken started to fidget, flapping its wings and splashing water everywhere.
"Hey, calm down!" Alex yelled, trying to hold onto the chicken without both of them ending up soaked. However, the chicken had no intention of calming down and soon started pecking at his arm, as if wanting to escape the tub.
"This is ridiculous," Alex grumbled, lifting the chicken out of the water and drying it off with a towel. He set it down on the floor and collapsed into a chair, exhausted.
"Physical contact is important," Ariel remarked. "But perhaps not in these conditions."
"Really?" Alex said sarcastically. "Because I was starting to think it was a foolproof method."
Over the days, Alex tried all kinds of strategies to establish a connection with the chicken. He took it with him everywhere, even placing it on his shoulder while working around the farm. There were moments when, exhausted, he would lie down on the couch with the chicken beside him, hoping for some sort of miracle. The chicken, for its part, seemed to enjoy the attention but showed no signs of syncing with him.
One night, after a long day of failed attempts, Alex decided to take the chicken to bed—literally. He snuggled into his side of the bed, leaving the chicken in a corner, covered with a small blanket.
"If this doesn't work," he muttered, "I'm giving up on chickens."
The next morning, when he woke up, he found the chicken peacefully sleeping next to him, but of course, there was still no progress in the connection.
Alex got out of bed, frustrated. "Ariel, I've been trying for days and nothing is happening! Nothing! She's just following me everywhere and pecking me whenever she's hungry."
Ariel, ever methodical, responded calmly. "The chicken's brain is simple, and animals tend to form connections with humans through repetitive behavior and contact. Although you haven't yet synced your brainwaves with hers, it's likely you're forming a subconscious bond."
"Yeah, right," Alex said, rolling his eyes. "The closest bond I have with this chicken is that I can't walk without her following me around the house."
Still, Ariel insisted that he keep trying. Despite the complaints and setbacks, Alex knew it was a necessary process. If he could establish a connection with a simple animal like a chicken, the next steps would be much easier.
"Alright, alright," he muttered, picking up the chicken once again. "One more day, huh, girl? Let's see if we can make this work this time."
With the chicken back in his arms, Alex focused on syncing with it. He closed his eyes, ignoring the occasional pecks and distractions. He breathed deeply, feeling the faint hum of his own energy. This time, he noticed something different. A slight vibration. Something he hadn't felt before.
He opened his eyes suddenly. The chicken stared back at him, but this time, something had changed. It was a small spark, a connection that, although faint, was there.
"Do you see it, Ariel?" Alex said excitedly. "I think I'm finally making contact!"
"It's progress," Ariel admitted. "But there is still much work to be done."
Alex smiled, feeling, for the first time in days, like he was on the right track.
As Alex spent more time with the chicken, trying to establish a connection, his mind drifted back to his recent video. A few days earlier, he had uploaded a meticulous video of the mutated squirrel dissection to his social media, presenting the creature's changes in a logical manner. It wasn't the first time altered animals had been discussed, but Alex was the first to explain it with scientific clarity, making the post go viral.
Among the detailed images of enlarged organs, sharp teeth, and massive claws, Alex had added an important comment at the end of the video: "This type of mutation is not something to take lightly. Although these squirrels may seem small compared to other animals, they are extremely aggressive and dangerous. If you see one of these creatures, keep your distance."
In a government building, a group of politicians watched the video. Among them, some were already aware of the existence of mutated animals. They had received reports from various parts of the country about creatures that seemed to have undergone unusual alterations, but the information had been controlled. They didn't want to cause unnecessary panic.
One of the defense minister's advisors turned off the screen after the video ended. "It's clear that this guy knows what he's talking about. He's not just a conspiracy theorist; he's done some detailed work."
"How much of a threat is he?" asked one of the officials, his voice filled with concern. "We already know about the mutated animals, but the fact that he's explaining how these things work could cause the public to panic."
The senior advisor, with gray hair, shook his head. "People won't worry about a squirrel, no matter how sharp its claws and big its teeth are. The key is controlling the flow of information. We need to make sure this doesn't escalate. If the public starts believing that animals are mutating aggressively, we'll lose control."
"There have already been sightings," added another advisor. "We can't cover it up forever. What this anonymous person is doing could complicate things, but it could also help us understand what's happening."
"Either way," said the minister, "this cannot get out of control. The world is already on the brink of chaos with the snowstorms. We can't let the narrative shift to the idea that species are changing. We need a plan to counter what this... anonymous scientist is revealing."
Several kilometers away, in a small snow-covered coastal town, a young man named Ethan was watching the same video from the comfort of his apartment. Despite the cold outside, his shelter was warm and well-stocked, thanks to the emergency shelters the government had organized. As he watched the images of the squirrel being dissected, he felt a mix of curiosity and slight unease.
"This can't be real, can it?" he murmured as he scrolled through the video's comments.
Some people on social media were already talking about how animals were changing. "I saw something similar in the woods last week," one comment said. Another claimed, "It's not just in the U.S., we've seen rats that seem bigger and more aggressive than usual in my country."
Ethan laughed nervously. "What a crazy world," he thought. But as he continued watching the video, something caught his attention. Alex had mentioned the Omega particle and how he believed it might be related to the changes. That same particle had been the subject of theories on dark web forums since the snowstorms and strange phenomena began occurring worldwide.
After finishing the video, Ethan received a notification for another related video. This one, however, was different.
In another part of the country, a person with their face covered by a mask was speaking in front of a camera. "I've followed the guides from that video," said the distorted voice. "And I want to show you something." The individual extended their hand and, with slight concentration, a small spark of fire appeared in their palm. "This isn't magic. It's control over energy. It's like I can manipulate the heat in the environment and concentrate it in my body."
The video, while not as scientifically polished as Alex's, showed something real. Over the following week, similar videos began flooding social media. People from around the world were uploading videos where they demonstrated abilities that seemed impossible. One person was able to move small objects without touching them, while another could alter the direction of the wind with simple gestures.
These abilities, which at first seemed like mere tricks, were beginning to show that something bigger was happening. Many people who had followed Alex's meditations and techniques were starting to awaken small powers. These didn't compare to what was seen in science fiction movies, but they were enough to attract attention.
Alex stood in front of Ariel, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Despite the small progress with the chicken, he knew he couldn't focus solely on that. Time kept moving forward, and although Ariel had assured him they had a year to prepare, Alex understood that it was much less than it seemed. With each passing day, he felt a greater urgency to be ready for whatever might come.
"Alex," said Ariel in his mechanical tone, "you cannot dedicate all your time to a single objective. The training with the chicken is important, but it's not enough. You need to learn how to defend yourself. There are threats out there that we can't control, and drones or robots won't always be available."
"I know," Alex replied, sighing. "But I'm not a fighter. Why don't you let me focus on the technology and experiments?"
"Because," Ariel responded without hesitation, "technology won't always be enough. If a threat presents itself, you'll need the physical skills to face it. It's crucial that you lose your fear of fighting. Additionally, physical training is essential for your survival."
Alex remained silent, processing Ariel's words. He knew he was right, but he still felt a strong internal resistance. "And why a spear?" he asked, looking at the weapon Ariel had prepared for him. It was a simple but sturdy spear with a sharp tip and good balance.
"The spear has historically been the most used weapon by humanity," explained Ariel. "It's efficient, simple, and, most importantly, offers an advantage in reach. Unlike a sword, a spear can keep enemies at a distance, which is crucial when facing fast creatures like the mutated squirrels."
Alex slowly nodded. He knew a bit about history but had never considered the spear a viable weapon for him. "And why not a sword? I've always thought it's more... heroic."
Ariel was quick to respond. "Swords require more technique, are more expensive to craft and maintain, and, in combat, don't offer the same reach advantage as a spear. Ancient civilizations that trained armies knew the spear was the best option for most fighters. Less technique, more effectiveness."
"I guess that makes sense," Alex muttered, gripping the spear with both hands. The wood felt solid, and the tip gleamed under the artificial light of the room.
"Today will be your first real combat practice," Ariel continued. "We've detected a squirrel near the outer wall. I've already deployed a drone to locate it. Your task will be to go beyond the wall and confront it."
"Just one squirrel?" Alex smiled nervously. "How hard can it be, right?"
"That squirrel is the size of a dog, with sharp claws and extreme aggression. Don't underestimate it."
Alex swallowed hard, but he knew he couldn't keep avoiding this kind of training. He put on his cold-weather protective gear, adjusting the thick layers of clothing Ariel had provided. He had enough mobility, though he felt the extra weight on his shoulders and legs. The spear was light in comparison, but he knew he'd need all the agility possible to face the creature.
He left the shelter and felt the intense cold outside. A thick layer of snow covered the ground, and his boots left deep tracks as he moved forward. The drone hovered nearby, guiding him toward the squirrel's location. Ariel had calculated that the distance between him and the creature was no more than a hundred meters, but moving through the snow made it seem much farther.
As he neared the wall, Ariel spoke to him through the communicator in his ear. "Remember to keep the spear in front of you at all times. Use the spear's reach to keep the squirrel at a distance. Don't let it get too close."
Alex took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. "Got it."
When he reached the edge of the wall, he spotted the squirrel. It was exactly as Ariel had described: the size of a medium dog, with sharp claws protruding from its front paws and teeth that looked capable of tearing through metal. The creature was crouched on a mound of snow, its dark brown fur blending with the surroundings as its eyes locked onto him with a predatory intensity.
Alex raised the spear, preparing for the fight. "Here we go..."
The squirrel was the first to move. It leaped toward him with surprising speed, its claws reaching for his face. Alex barely had time to react, thrusting the spear forward to block the attack. The tip of the spear grazed the squirrel's side, causing it to retreat, but not enough to inflict significant damage.
"It's fast!" Alex shouted, retreating as he tried to keep his distance.
"Focus on your movements," Ariel instructed. "Don't rush. Keep the spear steady and aim for vulnerable points."
The squirrel lunged again, this time faster than before. Alex barely managed to dodge, feeling the claws brush against his shoulder. It was strong, and while the cold gave him a slight advantage over the animal, his lack of combat experience put him in a precarious situation.
"Damn it!" Alex muttered, spinning on his heels to face the creature again. This time, instead of waiting, he decided to attack first. He charged at the squirrel, thrusting the spear toward its chest. The creature tried to dodge, but the spear struck its side, wounding it.
The squirrel screeched in pain, but instead of retreating, it became more aggressive. Its red eyes gleamed with rage, and it charged at Alex with uncontrolled fury. Alex raised the spear just in time, but the squirrel struck his side, knocking him off balance and sending him to the ground.
He rolled through the snow, quickly getting back on his feet while trying not to lose sight of the creature. "Ariel, this isn't going as well as I thought."
"You have the advantage of reach," Ariel reminded him. "Use the spear to keep it away."
The squirrel attacked again, but this time Alex was more prepared. He swung the spear, striking the creature in the jaw
and sending it stumbling backward. Seizing the moment, Alex advanced and drove the spear into its side with more force. The squirrel let out a high-pitched scream and, after a few seconds of struggle, finally collapsed to the ground, motionless.
Alex was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling as he stared at the defeated creature in front of him. He had won, but the battle had been more difficult than he expected.
"Good job," Ariel said calmly. "Though your technique still needs refining, you've proven capable of defending yourself."
Alex stood there, staring at the squirrel's body, still processing what had just happened. "Yeah, but I definitely need more practice. This thing almost killed me."
"That's why we'll continue training," Ariel replied. "But for now, you can be proud. You've taken the first step."
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